Showing posts with label COLOR: Green. Show all posts

Host of Holos: Layla Hologram Effects Swatches

It was about this same time last year that I first saw this brand, it was love at first sight. Layla Cosmetics Hologram Effect Nail Polishes...OMG!!! While I have been loving nail polishes for decades, it was really only in the last 3-4 years that I started collecting them. So I missed out on the earlier collections like China Glaze OMG, Nfu-Oh and OPI DS. The first full holo collection that I was able to acquire was the China Glaze Tronica collection.  While there have been other holo collections, not many have the strong holo effect of the earlier brands.  So when I encountered the Layla Hologram Effect, I knew I had to own at least some of them. During the Spring of 2012, Ulta and Ulta.com was the best place to purchase them and you can believe I did.  

I purchased 5 of the collection. They are the following:

Layla Coral Glam: not that I would ever consider my skin tone "coral", but for me, this is an excellent neutral with a little bling. I would definitely consider this "office safe".  I am only wearing 2 coats here, but I would absolutely go for 3-4 coats next time. 

Another shade I purchased was Layla Retro Pink. It's a mid-pink, but not too "in your face". Definitely one that needed to be in my collection.

Of course there would be a purple in my shopping bag. Layla Ultra Violet is a gorgeous mid-range purple. The linear holo effect was very evident. 

Layla Mermaid Spell is another must have. Truth be told all of the collection are "must haves". Anyway, Mermaid Spell is an absolutely gorgeous light blue-green. Of the five I own this is probably my number 2...can you guess #1? As with all of these polishes, I used 2 coats, but with future manicures I will go for 3-4 coats. Since this line is fast drying that won't be an issue.

That's right, my favorite of this Layla Holo haul is Layla Ocean Rush.  Look at this blue. What can I say? Photos don't even do it justice. There was no question that I would own this. A Blue Holo? Hello! This blue has a turquoise undertone but is definitely blue.

As with most holographic nail polishes, there is some sort of care that needs to be taken with their application-an aqua base coat  or a specialty buffer.  While I do own an aqua base coat and a holo specialty buffer, in these applications, I wanted to try them with just a normal fine grit buffer. I also allowed each coat to dry so that I would experience any dragging as is often the case with holo polishes.

Layla Cosmetics suggests the use of their 2-sided emery board. In addition, they provide these instructions for optimal application:

HOW HOLOGRAM EFFECTS WORKS:

1. On clean bare nails, take the Layla 2-sided emery board marked ‘side 1’ and rub all over the nail.
2. Immediately buff the nails with ‘side 2’ and a glossy base coat will appear.
3. Apply one full coat of Hologram Effect nail polish onto the nail. Wait a couple of seconds to add the second coat.  
4. Apply Top Coat.

Layla Cosmetics Hologram Effect’s fast drying, high coverage polish will last 1 week.  The revolutionary formula will not stain the nail and is free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and DBP. Choose from 8 intense colors to produce holographic nail art at your fingertips: Mercury Twilight, Coral Glam, Retro Pink, Ultra Violet, Jade Groove, Mermaid Spell, Ocean Rush and Flash Black.

While I purchased mine from Ulta.com, I recently checked and did not see the brand listed on their website. Layla is still available at Zappos.com and Aveyou.com.  So if you are a holo-aholic such as myself, you need to add some of these to your collection.  What are some of your favorite holographic brands?

BTW: I was sent a bottle of Layla Coral Glam to review, but since I had already purchased one for myself, I decided that I would eventually include the extra bottle as part of a giveaway, so keep your ears perked.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* FTC: These products were bought with my own money, unless otherwise noted. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

Orly Hope and Freedom Fest 2013 - Elation Generation & Coachella Dweller

The Orly Hope and Freedom Fest Collection came out earlier this year. It has 6 great Spring shades.  From this collection I purchased 2-Elation Generation and Coachella Dweller.
Orly Elation Generation was the first from the collection that I knew I had to own.  It is a sheer pretty pink jelly with holographic micro glitters.  Although, it has a jelly finish, I was able to get a fully opaque finish with just 2 coats. 

I really wish Orly would release more polishes like Elation Generation.  This and the recent Miss Conduct are two very pretty shades that I love to have in my collection.  I would love to see the same finish in some of the jewel tones, like sapphire navy, emerald green and amethyst purple.

The other polish I purchased from the Hope and Freedom Fest Collection is Coachella Dweller.  It is a pale foam green cream. 

It was a bit streaky with the first coat but after applying the 2nd coat it was smooth. As pictured, I am wearing 2 coats.  

These 2 shades along with the other 4 from the collection should still be available at your local retailers. I know I still want to get the yellow from this collection.  Have you purchased any from this collection yet, and if so, which ones?


Grace, Peace, & Blessings.

* FTC: These products were bought with my own money. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

Layla Cosmetics Velvet Effect...Fuzzy Wuzzy was a Bear...

My first experience with the Italian brand Layla Cosmetics was with their Hologram line of polishes. It was love at first sight. Since then, I have been mesmerized by several of their new collections: Mirror, Softouch, and Ceramic.  Today I want to share with you another of their newer collections. Texture is the latest trend and just about every brand had released a textured line. Today I received to review, one of the New Layla Cosmetics Velvet Effect. This texture is like no other I've seen so far...

The promo information that came along with the product reads as follows:

"Layla Velvet Effect is the new Velvet textured nail color that can be used with any of your favorite nail polishes and will turn your manicure from boring to beautiful in a matter of seconds!" 

Now, when I first opened the package, I found what I thought was a normal bottle of polish but I asked myself, what's with the blush brush? I opened the bottle and thought I had received a defective product. The cap didn't have a brush attached. When I actually read the information I understood how it worked.  Patience has never been one of my virtues...LOL!


If you have followed my blog for any period of time, you will notice that I don't have the patience for detailed nail art but this is probably the easiest I've come across to date.  I must admit, I am really surprised at just how much I like this effect. I'm normally like my nail polish to have a smooth and shiny finish.  I don't think I would wear this everyday to the office but I certainly would pull it out when I felt like having some fun. It would be great for Spring and Summer.

How to Use Layla Velvet Effect:
  1. Add two coats of your favorite nail polish. (As a compliment, I used Finger Paints Sexy Sundress)
  2. While the polish is wet sprinkle the New Layla Velvet Effect onto your nails. (I sprinkled leaning over a piece of paper, so that I could recycle the fallout and put it back in the bottle for future use.) 
  3. Wait a few minutes and brush off the excess Velvet Effect with the includes small brush.
  4. Let dry for a few minutes, no top coat is needed.

"What makes Layla Velvet Effect different?
Unlike any other texture nail art out there, Layla Velvet Effect can be used with any of your favorite nail polish colors and comes in 12 vibrant colors."

I can't go into detail about the wear of this polish as I just received it today and I normally change my polishes at least twice a week; but I never really have chipping or peeling issues with any of my polishes. As always, I would suggest, removing all traces of oil from your nail beds and apply a good adhesive base coat.

This wasn't my schedule blog post, but the minute I saw it, I knew I had to share the Layla Velvet Effect with you as soon as possible. What have been some of your favorite Layla polish lines?

Layla Velvet Effect is available at Aveyou.com, Zappos.com and at retail for $11.50 USD.


Grace, Peace, & Blessings.
* This product was sent to me for review consideration by either the manufacturer or the PR firm representing the manufacturer. These however are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by this company.

Top of the Morning To You: FingerPaints Guggen I'm Lime


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I have one more St. Patrick's Day manicure for you. I hate that it's no longer available but it is so pretty, I just had to share it with you.  One of my favorite brands that really doesn't get a lot of attention is Sally Beauty's FingerPaints.  Their color selection, price, formula and application all make for a really great nail polish.  

Today I am sharing with you FingerPaints Guggen I'm Lime with an accent of Sinful Colors Call You Later.

FingerPaints Guggen I'm Lime is a gorgeous bright lime green shimmer with a golden undertone.  I wanted to add a little accent, so I chose Sinful Colors Call You Later, a green glitter with several shades of green glitter. I just used my long nail art brush to add a little flare.



Well that's all for the St. Patrick's Day manicures, but I'm sure that's not the end of the green polishes. 2013 is the Panetone Year of Emerald. So you will see more greens throughout the year. But until then,



Grace, Peace, & Blessings.



* FTC: These products were bought with my own money. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

Top of the Morning To You: Sinful Colors Irish Green


Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone. What's going on in your area to celebration?  My town has a run and will be shooting off green fireworks tonight.  


Today's green manicure consists of probably one of the more sought after drug store green polishes.  Every year around St. Patrick's Day, I see several ladies seeking the Sinful Colors Irish Green.  I decided to pair it with a golden yellow to symbolize a pot of gold. With Sinful Colors Irish Green, I have Sinful Colors Let's Meet, and topped with China Glaze Sour Apple.


Sinful Colors Irish Green is a emerald green jelly. To achieve full opacity, you will definitely need to apply at least 4 coats or start with a white base coat.  Sinful Colors Let's Meet is a gorgeous warm yellow shimmer, ideal for a pot of gold.  Lastly, is China Glaze Sour Apple. It is a pretty green glitter with holographic glitter.  It was released as part of the 50 Specialty Collection China Glazed released a few years ago.
 

As I mentioned, you certainly need an undercoat if you don't want any visible nail lines.


Whatever your plans to celebrate, please be safe and responsible.  Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.



* FTC: These products were bought with my own money. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

Top of the Morning To You: Sinful Colors Show Me The Way


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Today's St. Patrick's Day Manicure reminds me of a favorite childhood  character.  When I first saw today's polish, I thought of my old friend, Kermit The Frog of Sesame Street fame. As a child, I spent many hours on Sesame Street. Kermit was always telling us that "It's Not Easy Being Green."  

Today I'm sharing with you Sinful Colors Show Me The Way. This is a gorgeous jewel-toned green shimmer with golden undertones.  It should still be available wherever Sinful Colors polishes are sold.




As you can see from the pictures, this polish needs several coats for full opacity.  In these pictures, I am wearing 3 coats and there is still visible nail lines. Next time I may try it with a creme undercoat.

   
Who was your favorite childhood character?

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.


* FTC: These products were bought with my own money. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.

Top of the Morning To You: China Glaze Running in Circles


top of the morning photo: Top Morning IrishTop.jpgToday's entry for my St. Patrick's Day Manicures is from a fairly recent China Glaze Collection.  Today I'm sharing China Glaze Running in Circles from the 2013 Cirque du Soleil Collection and Icing Frog Prince as an accent.  

When I first saw promotional pictures of the Cirque du Soleil Collection none of the shades really called to me, but when I saw Running in Circles in person, there was no doubt...I had to have it.  When I saw it, it reminded me of Zoya's Ivanka. They are similar, but Running in Circles is brighter.  Icing Frog Prince is a bright green glitter with both green and holographic glitter.



I love glass flakie finished nail polishes. They have a depth to them that most glitters and other textured polishes have.  I am still always amazed that I love green nail polishes, because green has never been a favorite color. But I have a drawer that is 3/4 full of green polishes that proves that I do love green  polish. 

Have you decided on your St. Patrick's Day manicure yet? What are your plans for celebrating St. Patrick's Day?

Grace, Peace, & Blessings.


* FTC: These products were bought with my own money. These are my honest opinions. I am not employed by nor was I paid by any of these companies. This is not a sponsored post.