Vote for the Best of 2014!

It's that time of year again! This will be my 4th year doing my "Best of....." poll.

• Do not over think this. This is just for fun, so don't take it too seriously. 

• If you do not have a favorite in category, just pick one anyways. Anything you're unfamiliar with just Google to see swatches. 

• I tried to pick the favorites in every category, in categories like indies, high end brands, and drugstore brands, I left an option of "Other" if you have another favorite. 

• The last question about your favorite polish of the year is left optional. Please try to pick one though as I will be posting the top 5 mentions in the results. 

• You have until Sun. Dec 14th to vote. You may only vote once. I will post the results on Wed. Dec 31st!

• Vote using the form below.

POLL CLOSED

Have fun!!!

ILNP Iconic

I'm sorry I've been MIA this week. I think the holiday made me get a little lazy about posting!

How was your Thanksgiving, those of you who celebrate? Mine was OK. It wasn't bad or anything. I thought this year I'd mix it up and try some new recipes for different side dishes. They weren't bad, but it I missed my traditional Thanksgiving food I eat every year. Oh well. Lesson learned.

Today, I have for you an all-star polish by ILNP. I have difficulty with nude polishes. I find they always are too yellow-toned for my skin, and make me look ill. I stay away from them. Once in a blue moon though, a nude polish comes along that makes all my nude polish wishes and dreams come true.

Iconic

 Iconic is a pale champagne gold linear holographic.

Color: I notice when going through swatches, that this looks different on everyone. Some people it looks more of a gold and some people it looks more of a rose-gold. This pulls really pink on me since I have a lot of pink in my skin. This reads to means as a nude holo on my skin, It is beautiful. This compliments my skin tone nicely. The color is subtle, but the holo is intense.

Formula: The formula on this is nice. I recommend 3 coats.

Price: This is $10 on the ILNP website.

Overall: Iconic is a complete package for me. It fills a void I've wanted filled for a long time in my stash. The color is beautiful and the holo is intense. If you're someone with similar skin tone as me, who has crap luck with nude holos, this one maybe what you've been looking for. This is a must have, and a contender in my Top 25 of 2014!

My Rating: 5  out of  5 *Golden* Paint Splatters

Happy Friday!

Orly Explosion of Fun

I think it's time I break out the holiday polishes because there isn't much time left! The end of the year is closing on us quickly. Today, I have one of the Orly Sparkle polishes to share with you.

Explosion of Fun over OPI Pamplona Purple

Explosion of Fun is a fuchsia glitter, holo glitter, and blue/purple shimmer in a clear base.

Color: This is a great nail polish color wise. I love the combination of glitter and the shimmer, but outside of color this really fails for me.

Formula: This formula is a mess. The bottle of this is stunning, but I was sorely disappointed on how this looks on the nail. This is sheer, it doesn't build up well at all. The formula was thick, and already starting to separate in the bottle.

Price: I found this at Ulta in the $7-$8 range.

Overall: This was a  huge disappointment for me. Explosion of Fun is so beautiful in the bottle. This really should of been an opaque glitter. The formula is a mess and leaves a lot to be desired. I feel like I was deceived by this beautiful bottle of polish. Yes, you can layer it, like I did, but it's not my favorite look.. I think you can pass on this one, don't be fooled by a pretty face!

My Rating: 2 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Tuesday!

HPB Presents: My Fall Faves!

It's time for another Hobby Polish Bloggers monthly link-up! This month's theme was fall favorites. This theme was very self-directed so we could focus on any type of fall favorites we may have. I decided to focus on my fall nail polish and fall cosmetic favorites! These are all products I've been loving this month and wearing frequently.

Fall Nail Polish Faves:

Pictured: China Glaze Bend Over Backwards, Cult Nails Lamestain, KBShimmer Up & Cunning, Zoya Remy, OPI Do You Have This Color in Stock-holm?, Zoya Yuna, OPI Every Month Is Oktoberfest, Wet n' Wild Blue Moon, and Sally Hansen Chili Flakes.

Fall Eye Faves:

Pictured: Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, Too Faced Boudoir Eye Palette, Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette, Coastal Scent Go Palette Beijing, Mary Kay Eye Color Cream- Apricot Twist, Maybelline Color Tattoo- Inked in Pink, and L'Oreal Butterfly Intenza Mascara. 

Fall Face Faves:

Pictured: NYX BB Cream- Natural, NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray, Milani Baked Blush- Rose D'oro, Milani Baked Blush- Red Vino, and City Cosmetics Be Matte Blush- Papaya. 

Fall Lip Faves:

Pictured: Revlon ColorBurst Blam Stain- Adore, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream- Monte Carlo, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream- Prague, Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter- Peach Parfait, Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter- Pink Truffle, NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream- Cannes, Jordana Twist & Shine Balm Stain- Terra Crave, Too Face Melted Lipstick- Fig, Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm- Shameless, and Jordana Twist & Shine Balm Stain- Cranberry Crush. 

What are some of your fall favorites?

Check out some other Hobby Polish Bloggers fall favorites below!

An InLinkz Link-up

China Glaze Ulta-Violet

A few weeks ago I got this email from Ulta saying that I had racked up around $6.00 in rewards points that were about to expire. I couldn't let that happen, right? I went to a few Ulta stores, and had a hard time finding something I wanted. I went online and discovered some China Glaze Ulta exclusives! A few of those called my name, and I have one of those to share with you today.

Ulta-Violet

 Ulta-Violet is a metallic lilac base mixed with a fuschia pink shimmer and rainbow glitter.

Color: On first inspection this polish I was immediately taken back to China Glaze's Prismatic collection. This is the exact same type of polish as those. I actually thought this would be a dupe to Full Spectrum, but it's not (comparison below). This is the type of polish that includes all my favorite things about nail polish--- the lilac color, that punchy shimmer, and rainbow glitter?!? It works well together and I love it.

Left: Ulta-Violet Right: Full Spectrum

Ulta-Violet has more red tones and packs a bigger punch than Full Spectrum.

Formula: This formula is sheer. On the Ulta website it classifies this as an "overlay". You could certainly wear this as a topper, but I prefer it on its own. I achieved opacity in 4 thin coats. The formula was very easy to work with and apply. This wasn't chunky or clumpy at all. I do wish it were a bit more opaque. I prefer doing 3 coats rather than 4.

Price: This is $7.50 at Ulta. This is an Ulta exclusive, so you can only find it there!

Overall: Awesome blingy and fun polish. I really love Ulta-Violet. I'm so glad this wasn't a dupe to another China Glaze. This color would be great for the holiday season. It's another one of those colors that doesn't scream Christmas, but definitely fits the festive season.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Friday!

Throwback Thursday: Orly Oui

The next few Throwback Thursdays I will be featuring some of my past favorite holiday polishes. This next Orly one was a definite stunner to me a few years back, and one I always seem to revisit this time of year.

Oui

 Orly Oui is a rich purple with an intense golden shimmer.

Collection: Holiday Soiree 2011

Color: This color came out when a ton of other brands were doing repetitive pink versions of this color Zoya Faye, OPI Really Rally Pink, Orly Ingenue, OPI It's My Year, and so on. Oui on the other

hand has a very clear purple base. It's a beautiful color, and the gold shimmer is very much in the forefront. This is a perfect holiday color without it screaming "I have Christmas on my nails!".

Formula: The formula on this is average-good. I find the formula a bit thinner than I'd like, and I needed 3 coats. Not a deal breaker by any means, but in 2014, a color like this should be more pigmented.

Price: If you do a Google search of this you'll find many options in the $6-$7 range for purchase.

Overall: I really love Oui. I love a purple and I love gold shimmer! This combines both for a really blingy and festive nail polish.

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Thursday!

Cult Nails Wanna Be

Do you ever buy a nail polish because the color reminds you of a good memory? That's exactly why I needed this Cult Nails polish.

My mom has never even worn the smallest amount of makeup since I've been alive. She never owned makeup. She's not a makeup person in the least bit. However, I remember when I was younger she had this one Revlon nail polish in the bathroom closet. Whenever we'd go out to nice dinners or something like that my mom would paint her nails and mine this Revlon color.

I cannot tell you for the life of me what the color was called. This was the early 90's and I would of recognized it if it were still around. My mom definitely no longer has it either. The first time I saw Cult Nails Wanna Be, my first that was "That's the color!". I had to have it.

Wanna Be

Wanna Be is a medium coppery pink base with intense copper and gold shimmer.

Color: This color is really hard to describe. The base is a kind of a mix of a red, copper, and pink. The color is very richly pigmented and it's infused with this amazing shimmer. I love this color. It's so unusual in comparison to other polishes out there now. This is a great color for fall, and I'd consider it a neutral. This color would go with plenty of colors you'd wear.

Formula: Excellent 2 coat formula.

Price: I do believe this will be available individually for purchase at some point? Currently it's available for $24 in the collection set with 2 other polishes.

Overall: This is a winner polish to me. This is exactly like the color my mom had back in the early 90's. It brings back a lot of memories for me, but it's also really a great color now. It's unique, it works for the season, and it can work with anything.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Wednesday!

OPI To Be Or Not To Beagle

I was really excited when I heard OPI was going to have a Peanuts collection. I love Snoopy. My room as a child was floor to ceiling Snoopy. I had Snoopy wallpaper, curtains, and the whole shebang.

I must say the polishes OPI put out were not really my thing, but the displays! How can I get one of the displays? Does anyone know? I did pick up the most Snoopy-themed polish of the bunch though which I have for you today.

To Be Or Not To Beagle over Cult Nails Wack Slacks

 To Be Or Not To Beagle is a mix of multicolored matte hex glitters, black mini bar, and black hex glitters in a clear base.

Color: This is a fun glitter mix. I love the brightly colored matte glitters paired with the black. I will say at first I didn't get how this was any way Snoopy related, but by the looks of it these look like all the colors used in Peanuts comic strips.

Formula: This was an easy to use and apply formula. I didn't have any trouble applying the glitters. I used 2 coats over a base.

Price: I bought this on Amazon for around $7. I don't know where you can buy these in stores, but there are tons of listings on Amazon, eBay, and other etailers.

Overall: This is a fun glitter. I of course, love the theme. The colors in this are great and the formula is good.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Tuesday!

Zoya Yuna

The more I swatch the fall 2014 polishes out this year, the more pleased I am with what was offered. I've haven't been so excited by fall polishes in a very long time! That being said, I have another beautiful polish from Zoya's Ignite line to share with you today.

Yuna

 Yuna is medium blue-toned gray witha  rich golden shimmer.

Color: This is 100% unique. This is unlike any other polish out there now, or any other that I've owned previously. The base color is rich and perfect for fall, but that golden shimmer makes this a massive home run. This is gorgeous.

Formula: Great and easy to use 2 coat formula.

Price: This is $9 on the Zoya website, but can be found at Ulta too.

Overall: Absolutely beautiful polish. This is a definite must have and contender for my Top 25 of 2014. You need Yuna in your lives!

My Rating: 5 out of 5 *Golden* Paint Splatters

*Note: I'm adding a new rating for reviews. The new rating is 5 Golden Paint Splatters. This rating will be given to polishes I think are extra special and must haves!

Happy Monday!

Sephora X Celestial

I have a gorgeous textured glitter to share with you today. This is one the Sephora X brand sold at Sephora. This Sephora X brand kills me. I swear they have some of the most beautiful polishes, but at price I can't afford to purchase frequently. That being said, I think this one is worth the splurge!

Celestial 

Celestial is a aquamarine textured glitter.

Color: This color is drop dead gorgeous. This is a bright aquamarine that shines and sparkles so brightly. I think this color would be flattering and most and easy to wear any time of year. This is shimmery for the holidays and bright and bold for spring and summer.

Formula: Excellent formula. I used 2 coats above. This applies so easily and smoothly.

Price: This is $12.50 at Sephora. A bit steep, but worth it.

Overall: Celestial is a really winner. The color is great. The formula is excellent. I absolutely love this polish!

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Friday!

Throwback Thursday: Wet n' Wild Blue Moon

Ever since I organized my nail polish stash last month, I've been redisocvering some beautiful older nail polishes. I completely forgot about this next Wet n' Wild one, but it's gorgeous. Best part? This polish is only $1!

Blue Moon

Blue Moon is a deep navy blue shimmer.

Collection: Wet n' Wild Wild Shine Core

Color: I love this richly pigmented navy blue shimmer. This is dark, but it still reads as navy on the nail. The color really chic and when light touches it, it glows!

Formula: Easy to use and shiny 2 coat formula.

Price: I purchased this for $1 years ago. This is part of the core line based on the WnW website, and should be available for purchase at drugstores and big box stores.

Overall: Gorgeous $1 polish. You really can't go wrong with Blue Moon!

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Thursday!

Way-Cool Mani Wednesday: Autumn Leaves

Before I jump into holiday mode, I need to do some fall manis! This is one did recently, and wore for Halloween. I think it worked for Halloween, but it is definitely suitable for fall too.

Polishes Used: OPI Vant To Bite My Neck? and Sindie Pop Jinkies

Happy Wednesday!

Zoya India

Today, I have one of the Zoya Ingite polishes to share with you from their recent fall collection. Zoya is offering a promo now with their fall collections and naturel collctions for BOGO free! This would be a good time to purchase if you're looking for any of the shades. I'll have more details below. 

India

India is a deep red with a golden metallic sparkle. 

Color: I know reds can get pretty redundant in nail polish, but this one is special. The richness of this color with that complex golden shimmer really makes India stand out. I love the pigmentation of this color. 

Formula: Excellent 2 coat formula. This is very easy to apply. 

Price: This is $9 on the Zoya website. Through tomorrow 11/12, all polishes from the Ignite, Entice, Naturel, and Naturel 2 collections are BOGO FREE using the code BFF. Hurry up and pick up your pretties!

Overall: Beautiful jewel-toned red metallic shade for fall. The formula is a great, and there is nothing better than a BOGO FREE promo!

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Tuesday! 

OPI My Voice is a Little Norse

So what happened to November? I think everything transitions from Halloween to Christmas pretty quickly. I'm trying to hold back putting up holiday polishes now. I don't have a problem with the jump personally, but it does make me want to rush into holiday everything when I've barely tapped into fall stuff!

Speaking of fall, I do have one of the OPI fall Nordic polishes to share with you today. I'm a bit on the fence with this one.

My Voice is a Little Norse

My Voice is a Little Norse is a gray-toned sheer base with silvery-gray holographic glitter.

Color: I really like this color of this. I like that isn't not a straight up silver, however, I really wish this was more of a full coverage glitter.

Formula: The formula on this is alright. I used 3 coats above. Like, I said above I really wish this was an opaque glitter. I have tons of silvery holo glitters, I can use as toppers, and this really doesn't look very different in comparison to those layered. This on it's own though is deeper and richer in color, but I don't get the coverage I'd like. I'd never use this has a full mani because of this. I'm very picky about seeing my nail underneath. I have used it as an accent though which I like.

Price: I bought this in the $8-$9 range at Sally's Beauty Supply.

Overall: I really like the concept of this. The steely gray color is really nice, but it doesn't provide the coverage for me that I'd like. It's pretty there is nothing wrong with it, really, other than it doesn't quite meet all my expectations.

My Rating: 3 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Monday!

Throwback Thursday: OPI I Have A Herring Problem

I have another OPI spring polish that I like to wear during fall. Is it me or does OPI sometimes release colors that seem better suited to the opposite season? The colors they release clearly can work for any season, but many off first glance look like they're in the wrong seasaonal collection. This one can definitely work for spring or fall, but I prefer wearing it in the fall. 

I Have A Herring Problem

 I Have a Herring Problem is a dusty medium gray-toned blue with a golden and silver shimmer.

Collection: OPI Holland Spring/Summer 2012

Color: What makes this more of a fall polish for me is the muted color and the golden shimmer. I love this shade of blue, and whether it's spring of fall it's a nice contrast from the spring baby blue pastels and the fall navys. I love how the shimmer gives this polish depth and complexity.

Formula: The formula is alright. It's not bad, not good either. I found it to be a tad bit thick, but nothing to overly complain about.

Price: This can easily be found multiple places online in the $6-$9 range.

Overall: I don't have a herring problem, but I really do love this polish. I love the name too! The color is beautiful and unique. The name is pretty awesome too!

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Paint Splatters

Happy Thursday!

Way-Cool Mani Wednesday: Opulence Squared

I didn't mean to go 2 days without posting! I really hate doing that. I just got preoccupied early this week. I did a mani I really liked this past weekend. I've been trying to revisit a lot of oldies in my stash lately since I reorganized. I doubled the opulence with this one!

Polishes Used: Sally Hansen Opulent Cloud and Hare Polish Own Your Opulence.

I love this combination, and I completely forgot about Opulent Cloud! This is such a unique golden gray shimmer!

Happy Wednesday!