NOTDs | Lipglossiping

Category: NOTDs

Monday, March 8th, 2010

Mavala Miami Nail Polish NOTD

The lovely liloo is in search of a potential nail polish delight. She’s looking for a wearable (ie. not too bright or shocking) blue-based pink. Think MAC Snob in a bottle.

I’ve been through my collection and can’t find anything suitable. This was the nearest.

I picked Mavala Miami up when I raided the Debenhams sale last summer, it is blue based… perhaps not strongly enough to fit in the ‘Snob’ category, but it’s getting there.

As for my polish requirements. I LOVE it. It’s pink and girly, but stops short of being sugary thanks to it’s definite brightness. I feel all summery wearing it and I may even have to reapply before moving on to another shade (high praise indeed!).

Application was tremendous. 3 easy, easy coats achieved a perfect finish, but as with a lot of Mavala’s, it doesn’t quite have the high-gloss finish I love, so I added a top-coat to get that glass-like sheen. Longevity is average, a bit of tip wear towards the end of the 2nd day, but it’s not too noticeable thanks to the forgiving shade.

I’m really pleased I picked this Mavala Miami shade up and I may have to start dragging myself into some more spring/summer-like shades!

Anyone have any nail polish “Snob” suggestions for Liloo?

Posted in Bargains, Mavala, NOTDs, Nail Polish | 10 Comments »

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

NOTD – Nails Inc. Battersea Park

I don’t own anything else like this shade. Nails Inc. Battersea Park is a true hybrid. It’s a cross between army greens and olive, and it really does apply differently on the nails to how it looks in the bottle (I prefer it applied).

1st coat is very nearly opaque, but if you hold your hand to the light, it looks a little uneven in patches… so for me, is a firm 2-coater. Application is smooth with no dragging at the cuticles. I do love these slightly murky creme finishes, they don’t feel very spring-like (I’m still craving some Barielle’s for that. HURRY UP BARIELLE!) but I’m loving them nonetheless.

What are your favourite greens? Forest? Olive? Shimmer? Pea Soup? Emerald? – Come on, spill… I need some more green in my life.

Posted in NOTDs, Nail Polish, Nails Inc. | 14 Comments »

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Diamond Cosmetics – Decadence NOTD

So, Diamond Cosmetics nail polishes have had rave reviews across the pond, and I thought it was high time I picked up a couple for myself!

The first one I’ve tried is Decadence. The picture below was taken with sunlight streaming through the window, so looks a bit warmer here than real life.

A neutral toned brown shimmer that goes nicely with a cool skintone. The shimmer is strong as you can see and I love it. I suppose it’s more of a cool bronze than a plain ol’ brown because of the sparkles. Note, this isn’t glitter – just shimmer.

I had no issues with application and applied 3 coats to achieve opacity (I apply fairly thin coats, so it may only take 2 coats for you). The finish is smooth and glossy. After 3 days (the photo was taken on the 1st full day) I have no chips, but tip wear is quite extensive on a couple of fingers. We’re talking 2mm easy.

Still, the polishes are priced at £3 each, so I was still pleasently surprised by the quality of the formula and finish.

Have you checked out Diamond Cosmetics polishes yet?

Posted in Bargains, Diamond Cosmetics, NOTDs, Nail Polish | 9 Comments »

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Models Own – Red Alert NOTD

Application was smooth enough on this 4-coater, but the formula was a little thinner than I’d have liked. It has an almost semi-jelly finish with a undoubtedly glossy sheen. Red Alert is an orange-based red that somehow manages to look ok on my skintone. It reminds me of a 1950s pin-up red and I’m a definite fan of the shade.

I have an issue with longevity, suffering a chip within 24hrs of application is not a way to win me over, but strangely enough tip wear was non-existent even after a full 48hrs. If you’re looking for a hot red with retro leanings for your tips or toes, definitely consider Red Alert by Models Own. But maybe employ a good top coat.

Available from the Models Own website, priced at £5

Posted in Bargains, Models Own, NOTDs, Nail Polish, Nails | 9 Comments »

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

China Glaze – Who’s Wearing What NOTD

Who’s Wearing What is a discontinued China Glaze shade that I picked up on eBay. I do like my greyed out purples and this fit the bill perfectly:

It reminds me of a more muted version of OPI’s ever popular Done out in Deco. I love my durgy colours and this one fits nicely into my ever-growing collection.

It’s a 3-coater to look it’s best and unfortunately it’s a slow-drier, definitely needing a coat of Seche Vite to finish off. The creme finish is gorgeous, very glossy and smooth. I’m pleased to have picked up this shade while it’s still available!

It’s stronger and less pastelly than Orly’s Bon Bon, so may suit you well if you’re darker toned too!

Posted in China Glaze, NOTDs, Nail Polish, Nails | 9 Comments »

Friday, February 12th, 2010

NARS Purple Rain NOTD

If you like your purples, get ready to put a padlock on your purse.

NARS Purple Rain is such a beautiful, beautiful colour. A warm-toned purple that has that ethereal ‘lit from within’ quality with it’s blackened edges and glowing centres. Packed full of grown up shimmer (I can see red and blue in there). 2 coats for full opacity with no formula issues at all. I’m deducting one point for the handle. I had to do some major q-tip clean up because I found that huge chunky square handle a nightmare to wield with any accuracy.

Longevity is great so far… 3 days with barely any tip wear and not a chip in sight. I guess I should be going for some lighter more spring-like shades now…. too bad I still have loads of dark polishes I haven’t played with yet!

Posted in NARS, NOTDs, Nail Polish | 24 Comments »