Feather Nails

I've always loved the look of feather nails, but I just do not have the patience to freehand a feather, or, even moreso, use a real feather.  So, when I saw this design in my new SHANY plates, I knew I had to give it a try.  To complete this look, I...

1. Painted my nails a base color of Nails Inc Black Taxi.

2. Using China Glaze Adore, I stamped the plume design from SHANY plate SH24

3. Applied a coat of topcoat on my ring finger and applied 3 2mm light blue rhinestones to the design on my ring finger.

4. Sealed in the rhinestones and the stamped design on the rest of my fingers using Sally Hansen Insta-Dri.

I know I've said it a thousand times, but outside of the specific stamping polishes, the China Glaze Romantiques (like Adore) are absolutely perfect for stamping.  I don't think they are in China Glaze's regular line-up, but they still are available.  I got mine, years ago, from Victoria's Nail Supply, but you can find them all over the internet.  

Nails Inc Black Taxi was provided for review.  Other products within this post were purchased by me.  The included link is not an affiliate link.

China Glaze On Safari Review

Today, I have for you four polishes from China Glaze's new fall collection, On Safari.  I'm not feeling very wordy while writing this, so I'll just jump right in to the polishes (stop... I can hear you saying "Thank God" lol)...

Adventure Red-y - deep red creme.  This is the perfect shade of red for fall, and I especially loved it on my short nails.  There is a bit of brown in the base, but not so much that it looks like dried blood (like some deep reds I've seen).  The formula on this one was perfect.  It was practically a one-coater, but I ended up doing 2 coats.

Exotic Encounters - teal green creme.  Another perfect fall variation of a color.  This one was slightly dusty in the base, and also a little more teal that my picture portrays.  The formula on this one wasn't as thick as Adventure Red-y, but I was still able to reach opacity in 2 coats.

I Herd That - small multi-colored and gold glitter in a clear base.  The multi-colored glitter is a mix of red, green, and orange, along with the prominent gold glitter.  This is one of 2 glitters in this collection.  The other one being I'm Not Lion (which I don't have).  These 2 glitters remind me of the small glitters in China Glaze's special glitters collection from 2009.  The above picture is 3 coats, and while on macro, you can see thin spots, to the naked eye, it was full coverage.  

Kalahari Kiss - yellow-based khaki creme.  This one is a bit of an odd duck, much like Classic Camel from China Glaze's 2010 Vintage Vixen collection (though of course, that one is a shimmer) or Barielle's Angora Aura.  In the bottle, I didn't think this one would work with my skin-tone, but I really like it on the nail.  The formula was a bit streaky, and was prone to slide on the nail, so I applied a coat of CND Stickey before I swatched the above picture.  With the sticky base coat, I was able to reach opacity in 2 coats.  Be sure to wait a few minutes in-between coats with this one.

I really liked all of the 4 colors in this collection that I had the opportunity to review.  My hands-down favorite was Adventure Red-y, mainly because of formula and application (plus, the color is really pretty).  That said, there isn't one in the 4 that I wouldn't recommend.  

On Safari is on sale now and China Glaze polishes retail for $7 a bottle.  If you would like to see swatches of the entire collection, I recommend checking out The Polishaholic or Scrangie, as both of them have fabulous pictures of the entire collection.  

China Glaze on Safari was sent to me for review.  The above links link to other blogs (The Polishaholic and Scrangie) and are not affiliate links.

Green Zebra!

Because I can't leave well enough alone, I decided to add a stamped design to my Barielle Date Night mani.  As I had rediscovered my China Glaze Romantiques (again, lost in my previous polish mess.  LOL), I figured I'd use one of them.  But then came the "what design? question.  I stared at my stamping plates without getting any inspiration, and then I remembered this stamped design I did a few years ago, and decided to copy myself.  :P  

 I think I may like this one even more than the inspiration (which has been a favorite of mine since I did it).  This is 2 coats of Date Night topped with ChG Cherish and Konad Special Polish in white and Konad plate m57 for the design.  I love the contrast of the foily, light green against the deep emerald of Date Night. 

Also, I know I used to say it often in the past and then stopped because I stopped stamping, but the polishes in China Glaze Romantique collection are the best polishes for stamping outside of the Konad Special Polishes.  Lately, I've used only Konad Special Polishes, as I find that regular polish has a tendency to be too thin or doesn't adhere as well to the nail.  However, the polishes in the Romantique collection are perfect for stamping, even though I really don't like them to use for a manicure.  I still see the Romantiques on China Glazes website, so they still should be readily available if you are looking for some great polishes for stamping.

All polishes in this post were purchased by me.  The above links link back to posts within this blog and are not affiliate links.  

Press Release - China Glaze Summer Neons

Normally, I've gotten in to the practice of not posting press releases.  It's not that I don't want to share the releases I receive with my readers, it's just that by the time, I write the post and edit the pics, a million other blogs have done the same, and frankly, 100 people telling you the same thing at the same time, is a little ridiculous.  :P 

That said, I couldn't let this China Glaze press release hit my email in-box without sharing it with you.  Recently, I have become a little nuts over neons.  I'm dying for Essie's new Poppy-Razzi collection and Deborah Lippmann's Girls Run the World.  So when I received this release for China Glaze's new collection of twelve new neons, well... I had to share it...

Heat Up Your Summer with China Glaze® Summer Collection

Los Angeles, CA – (March 2012):  The sun has nothing on you this summer!  Rival its brightness and heat with China Glaze® Summer 2012 collection,Summer Neons.  Featuring 12 new sizzling shades perfect for surf, sand and nightlife, the all new hot hues in China Glaze® Summer Neons include:

·         Pink Plumeria: Light pink with gold shimmer

·         Under the Boardwalk: Fluorescent raspberry

·         Splish Splash: Bright sky blue shimmer

·         Love’s A Beach: Sizzling hot pink

·         Hang-Ten Toes: Bubblegum neon with iridescent purple shimmer

·         Beach Cruise-r: Glimmering fuchsia grape

·         Orange You Hot?: Bright orange with attention-grabbing gold glimmer

·         Surfin’ For Boys: Glistening bright coral

·         Flirty Tankini: Shimmery strawberry smoothie pink

·         Ride the Waves: Dark ocean blue

·         I’m With the Lifeguard: Glimmering lime green

·         Sun-Kissed: Hot highlighter yellow

Also available 8-piece box collection featuring Under The Boardwalk, Ride The Waves, I’m With The Lifeguard, Sun-Kissed, Orange You Hot?, Surfin’ For Boys, Flirty Tankini and Pink Plumeria.

(Megan talking here... lookit at the plumerias on the package.  So pretty)

China Glaze® Summer Neons will be available as open stock colors and 12-piece counter display.  Individual polishes retail for $7 MSRP and the 8-piece box set retails for $56.  China Glaze® Summer Neons will be available at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide in June 2012.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com.

Like CG on Facebook: www.facebook.com/chinaglazeofficial

Follow CG on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

Follow CG on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ChinaGlaze

Follow CG on Instagram: ChinaGlazeOfficial

All images provided by China Glaze's PR.  

30 Days of Blues for Autism Awareness - Nina Ultra Pro Out of the Blue

Hi all!  Today is Day 10 in my "30 Days of Blues".  I'm going to keep things short and sweet today (are you saying "thank goodness" LOL) because I have to run a thousand errands this afternoon.

Anyway, today's blue is Nina Ultra Pro Out of the Blue...

I originally purchased this one several years ago because I read it was a dupe to Chanel's Blue Satin.  I had fallen in love with Blue Satin, but I refused to purchase it at $23.  That was back in the day when spending more than $10 on a polish was a completely foreign concept to me.  So, I had read that there were a few dupes of Blue Satin floating around and Out of the Blue was one of them.  I must say, in pictures, it looks quite similar, but that's said without doing a direct comparison.

I had worn this one a few years ago, but today when I put it on, it was much darker and murkier than I remember.  Unless you are in bright light, the shimmer is completely lost in the deep navy base.  This is why I added the gold and silver chains (using ChG Passion and Misa Got to Be Real, respectively, with the chains stamp from Bundle Monster plate BM12) and the little rhinestones.  I was trying to do anything I could to liven this up.  It's still a pretty color, but if you are looking for a navy shimmer, and not just a dupe to Chanel Blue Satin, there are better ones to be found.

Nina Ultra Pro is a discontinued polish, but if you are looking for a Blue Satin dupe, I hear that Rimmel has one (Midnight Blue).

Hope you all are enjoying my "30 Days of Blues" posts.  I greatly appreciate you reading them, as this is an issue that is so near and dear to me.  I'll be back tomorrow with another blue polish.  I swear... after this, I'm going to have to detox with boring pinks.  :P

30 Days of Blues for Autism Awareness - China Glaze Sky High Top

Since yesterday's post was so late, I figured I'd do today's post early.  :)  Gotta keep 'em guessing.  LOL.

Today, I have for your China Glaze Sky High Top...

This is Sky High Top, a bright, azure blue shimmer, with nail decals from Cina.  This isn't the first time I've used this exact combination in a manicure.  Almost 3 years ago, I used Sky High Top and these daisy decals for this manicure.  Even though that was with my glue-ons and my camera was crap, I still love the look of that manicure.  So when I found a package of these decals tucked in my storage container, I figured I'd give it a re-do for Autism Awareness month (though this time I went a little hog-wild with the decals).

My bottle of Sky High Top must have thinned over the years, because I remember it being a little thicker, but it was pretty thin this go-around.  I had to use 3 coats to reach total opacity.  I then applied one coat of Nubar Diamont and then the decals.  Once they were in place, I then sealed with with 2 coats of Diamont.  Yes, a lot of coats, but it dried quickly.

If you love this one as much as I do (it's still one of my favorites), looks like it's still part of China Glaze's regular line and is readily available.  I got the Cina decals from Sally's, but I also wanted to mention that if you like using nail decals, you may want to check out www.cinapro.com.  They have fantastic prices on their products (you do have to register) and even with shipping (if you buy several), they are cheaper than Sally Beauty.

Thank you so much for reading my "30 Days of Blues" posts.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

So, as I was thinking of manicures to do for today, I went back and forth about what to do.  It seems like the big trend this year is water marbling.  Water marbling terrifies me.  I'm such a total spazz that I would end up covered in nail polish.  It would also be all over my table and my sink.  LOL.  

I thought about a konad, because I do have a shamrock stamp, but then I realized I don't have all the supplies to konad anymore and I didn't feel like going to Sally's to pick them up.  Then I saw a tutorial on Julep's FB page on how to create a shamrock.  I thought that would be easy-peasy and perfect for today.  Then I realized that painted-on shamrocks did not need to be green, and the perfect idea was born.

However, I greatly over-estimated my freehand shamrock-painting abilities because what started out as painting shamrocks all over my nails quickly evolved in to plan B.  That said, I really like plan B...

Okay, so it's not a conventional Saint Patrick's Day manicure, but think the pink and green work really well together, and I like my non-green, though slightly-wonky shamrock.  Here's what I used...

1. China Glaze Re-Fresh Mint (mint green) - on all nails except for ring fingers and thumbs - 3 coats

2. OPI Sparrow Me the Drama (light tea rose pink) - on ring fingers and thumbs - 3 coats

3. OPI Dim Sum Plum (bright purple/pink) - for freehand shamrock

4. OPI Divine Swine (red-based purple and silver glitter in a clear base) - over Sparrow Me the Drama

5. OPI Fresh Frog of Bel-Air (green and silver glitter in a clean base) - over Re-Fresh Mint

I feel like I practically forced this manicure in to existence, as I had to remove it once and then apply it again.  I almost gave up and applied a boring green creme and let that be that, but I was stubborn and wanted (most of) the idea in my head to end up on my nails, as that seems to be a bit of a problem lately.  LOL.

Tie-Dyed Nails

So, the concept of this manicure was to sponge rainbow colors on white nails using a makeup sponge.  It was a cool idea in my head.  Unfortunately, I didn't account for the colors becoming all muddled up.  So, it does look more "tie-dyed" than anything.  I used Zoya Sooki, OPI A Good Man-Darin is Hard to Find, ChG Happy Go Lucky, ChG Starboard, Zoya Robyn, and OPI Funky Dunkey over OPI Alpine Snow Matte.  I then topped it with 2 coats of Nubar Diamont. 

I think was a fail, but it's oddly fascinating, no?

Yesterday's Nails: Sunnyside Up!

I am trying to start a new post series called "Yesterday's Nails".  This will basically be my manicure from the day before.  It's so easy to get caught up in reviews, and I want to start posting more picture of my daily looks.  This also makes me keep polish on my nails.  

This look is 3 coats of China Glaze Happy Go Lucky, from their Spring 2010 collection, with 2 coats of Nubar Black Polka Dot.  I am in love with this yellow.  Can't say enough about it, and if you want to try yellow, I would 100% recommend this one.  No, it's not a pale yellow, but it's super fun and I find it to be very wearable.  Like a typical yellow polish, it does take 3 coats to reach full opacity, but the formula is good, so it's not a big issue.  And because I'm now obsessed with it, I added Black Polka Dot.  If I did this NOTD again, I would probably use white as an accent nail on my ring finger, but by the time I thought of that, I was almost done.  LOL.    

Also, I added one coat of Nubar Diamont, and I have to say that this is now my new favorite top coat.  It applies super easy and is dry in minutes.  It also makes your nails super shiny.  Dear Nubar, please don't change it again.  

China Glaze Colours from the Capitol Review

Up until my mid-20's, I used to be an avid reader.  I'd read anything you'd put in front of me, but my favorite genre has always been fantasy/science fiction.  Unfortunately, as I've gotten older, my love of books has all but disappeared.  I blame the internet and having twins.  :P  That said, I still love a good story, I simply choose to get that from movies rather than books, nowadays.

So, when the news hit last year that Jennifer Lawrence had snagged the lead of Katniss in "The Hunger Games" movies, my first thought was "what and who", but after a quick Wikipedia search, I was able to know all I needed to know to decide that I was 1. in love with the storyline and 2. couldn't wait until it came out.

Then, I got the press release that China Glaze was releasing a collection based on the movie and I immediately got giddy.  




















I liked all of the colors on the swatch sheet, but I had my favorites, Smoke and Ashes, Agro, Riveting, and Electrify. 

A couple of days ago, I got a small package from China Glaze containing 2 polishes from this collection, and as luck would have it, I received 2 of the colors I initially loved from this collection, Smoke and Ashes and Electrify.

Electrify - dense gold and  red glitter.  You all know how much I love my glitter-bombs, right?  And this baby is no exception.  I adore this one.  Maybe it's the Aries in me, but I can't get enough of the combination of fiery colors.  I love that the red glitter is larger than the gold glitter.  Application was good on this one.  I was able to reach opacity in 3 coats, though the picture above is 4 coats.  I know in the macro picture, you can see gaps, but to my eye, it looked like it completely covered my nail.  One thing I do want to mention, is that for my first 2 coats, I placed the polish on my nails, rather than using typical strokes.  It made for much less drag, and then I evened it out with the latter coats.  I really loved this polish.  I think this would look fabulous in the fall over a golden or red polish.  This one reminded me of the glitters from RBL, both in application and overall look of the polish on the nail.  So, if you love the RBL glitters or loved them and never got them, you may want to check this one out.  4 coats.

Smoke and Ashes - Black/green shimmer with blue and green glass fleck.  There are some gorgeous polishes in this collection, but this one stood out to me on the swatch sheet.  I like the cremes in this collection, but if there is one thing that China Glaze does exceptionally well, it's their glass-flecked shimmers.  This one is amazing.  The color on it is so dark and yet, it's obviously a green, and the shimmer is fantastic.  It reminds me of a greener version of the long-discontinued China Glaze Blk-Bila-Bong.  Formula and application were perfect.  2 coats.

The press release states that the collection will be released in early March, before the movie's March 23rd release.  However, I know that I have seen these for sale already on various websites and on eBay.

These were sent to me for review

Brokenhearted Nail Art

This is 3 coats of Zoya Lolly (review coming) with freehand hearts in ChG Black Mesh and Lightning Bolt.  It's pretty easy to freehand with the crackles, but you have to make sure you have just the right amount on your brush, as you really only have one shot (the black heart on ring finger is weird because I tried it twice).

Picture was flipped so you can see detail.  Also, I know my cuticles are a little rough.  I've been using acetone during swatching and it kills my cuticles.  I try to use my Kaylala cuticle creme between swatches, but sometimes it's not enough (as you can see on my middle finger).

Lolly was sent to me for review.  Lightning Bolt was sent to me for review.  Black Mesh was purchased by me.

Press Release: China Glaze Island Escape

I remember on Twitter yesterday, there was a bit of a buzz about when Island Escape will be available.  Well, I just saw this come through my email (though the release itself is dated 10/2010 - LOL).  There's no availability date, however.  I have asked Irene at China Glaze when these may hit the stores, so when I hear something back, I will edit the post.

These look so pretty and summery.  I love the pink, purple, and blue ones already.

ESCAPE THIS SUMMER WITH HIGH SHINE AND BRIGHT SHIMMER

China Glaze Introduces Six Sizzling Shimmers and Cremes

Los Angeles, CA – (October 2010): Take an exotic island escape with China Glaze this summer with a tropical, shimmering rainbow of brilliant bright colors! Mix and match these hot hues to add a candy-like pop to that summer manicure and pedicure. Colors in the collection include:

·        Papaya Punch: Crème based vivid orange. 

·        108 Degrees: Flirtatious berry pink with specks of micro glitter. 

·        Senorita Bonita: Passionate purple shimmer with pink micro glitter.

·        Blue Iguana: Bold and daring sparkly blue.

·        Cha Cha Cha: Vivacious shimmer green. 

·        Electric Pineapple: High intensity crème based lime green. 

Escape this summer to a far away place with China Glaze. Vacation in color!

The China Glaze Island Escape collection will be available as open stock colors, 6 piece box collection, 6 piece counter display, 12 piece counter display and 36 piece rack. 

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. 

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze 

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries

For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women.  Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks,  Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s,  and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com. 

Experimenting with Crackle

When I first got my China Glaze crackles, I'd heard that changing the direction of your strokes, will change the crackle effect.  This stands to reason, of course, but I tried it once and it was a big fat fail, so I gave up.  Then, I happened to receive a half of the collection from China Glaze to review about 2 weeks ago.  They were sitting on my desk and I was bored, so I figured I'd give it another chance.  I think this time, I was much more successful.  :)

This is China Glaze Cracked Concrete over Zoya Charisma.  I love this combo.  From L-R:

1. Middle finger - I created this look using horizontal stripes rather than vertical.  I think this is probably my favorite of the three.

2. Ring Finger - This was created by using half vertical strokes and half horizontal stripes.  The "dividing line" is diagonally down the nail.

3. Pinkie Finger - This started out being more of a cross-hatch pattern, but morphed into a truly random patter when I started filling in the gaps.

Basically, the sky is the limit when it comes to creating designs with these thicker crackles (i.e. OPI, ChG)  There's just a few ground rules you need to know...
- be quick
- have just the right amount of your brush.  Too much will glob and too little will pull.
- just one coat.  you can always apply another coat of crackle over the top of the one you are currently doing, for a cool layered effect, but don't try to do multiple coats of the same color at the same time.  It won't crack and it will just look really thick and glumpy.

UPDATE - I wanted to add this pic.  Per Kimberly's suggestion, I tried a swirl pattern.  Starting with a dot of color in the middle and working my way around it in half-circles.  Here's what I came up with...

Sorry for the quick and dirty pic, but I think this is the best one yet.  Thank you, Kimberly, for the idea.  :)


ChG Cracked Concrete as well as 2 others were sent to me for review.  I also purchased the entire set of crackles prior to receiving my review samples.  Charisma was purchased by me.

OPI DS Desire with ChG Crushed Candy and Lippmann Boom Boom Pow

Okay it is crazycakes how much I love this.  :D

I was inspired by this post on the MUA NB.  I don't have WNW Prancer, so I figured I'd do the gold one instead.  I had on OPI DS Desire and because I can't go 6 hrs without doing something to my fingers, I figured I'd add some crackle (me thinks crackle is the new konad.  LOL).  Then it still needed something so I added Boom Boom Pow.

I love it so much and I will be a little sad when it's gone.

"Take that, 36"... A GIVEAWAY!!!

QUICK UPDATE - If you entered before I changed the form to request a valid email address, please either resubmit your form, give your email in the comments, or email me.  I will adjust your entry.  My apologies.  I knew I forgot something.  :P

This month, I turn 36.  And, quite frankly, I'm not having an easy time of it, either.  Just the other day, I was visiting my mom and nana and I couldn't make my mouth form the word "six".  I got the "thirty" part out without much problem, but it was the second part that was tripping me up. :P  I suppose part of it is because I'm emotionally/mentally exhausted trying to figure out what's going on with Blake.  But another (bigger) part of it is my deep-seeded age issues.  I've always had a hard time with getting older.  At 24, I started freaking out about turning 30.   :| Part of the problem is that I feel like I should have done so much more, with each passing year.  I feel like at this point... my mid-thirties... I should have my shit together.  Of course, I told this to my 90-year-old nana and she said to let her know what that happens, because she's still waiting.  :P  Hahaha.  I love my nana.  <3

So anyway this year, to kind of thumb my nose up at my impending old age and essentially turn lemons into lemonade, I decided to turn the month of March into a celebration *throws confetti*.  At least on my blog, anyways.  :P  So, from today until the day of my birthday, March 24, I will be hosting a giveaway.  Well, technically... 2 giveaways.  Never one for moderation, I am going to have 2 prizes for this giveaway, and I think they are both pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.  :)  Giveaways always put me in a good mood!

Prize 1 -

China Glaze Anchors Away Sand & Sea

- Below Deck

- Knotty

- Pelican Grey

- Sea Spray

- Sunset Sail

- White Cap

Lippmann Glitter in the Air

Prize 2 -

China Glaze Knotty Nauticals:
- Ahoy!
- First Mate
- Hey Sailor
- Life Preserver
- Lighthouse
- Starboard
Lippmann Happy Birthday

As you can tell, I tried to pick the Lippmann glitter than coordinated with the China Glaze collection.  I definitely plan on doing a post with all these layered with the corresponding Lippmanns before the giveaway ends.  :)  FYI, the China Glazes in the pictures are brand new, but these are my personal Lippmanns.  The ones for the prizes are still en route.  If you a winner, yours will be NIB.  :)

Entries -

Each (correct) entrant receives 2 mandatory entries.  I'm also giving you the opportunity for extra entries.  For this giveaway, you have a total of 5 available entries.  As always, once you get to the extra entries, you can do none, one, some, or all.

1 and 2. You get one entry simply by filling out the form below and being a follower.  New followers are always welcome.  :)  You get a second entry by telling me if you are in the US or international (I have method to my madness - see below). 
You can get extra entries by doing the following...
3. Following me on Twitter
4. Tweeting about this giveaway
5. Blogging about this giveaway



As I mentioned in the form, this giveaway is open to US and international readers, alike.  In the name of fairness, if the first name pulled is an international reader, then the second winner will be a US reader, and vice versa (this is why I need to know if you are US or international).  Also, the first name drawn will get her choice of the prizes and the second winner will get the other prize.  The first winner will have 2 days to respond to my winning email before I pull another name.  The second name will be pulled after the first winner has been verified.  The second winner will also have 2 days before another name is drawn.  Giveaway ends at 11:59p EST on 3/24/11.

Also, be sure to fill out the "Blog Love!" section of the form if you'd like to be in my round up or if you'd like me to list your blog roll.  :)

If you have any questions regarding this giveaway, please ask it in the comments, shoot me an email, or tweet me.

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!!!

DISCLOSURE - Anchors Away collection was provided by China Glaze (I was sent a second review set and got permission to include it in a giveaway).  Deborah Lippmann polishes were purchased by me.

China Glaze Crackle Lightning Bolt over golden glitter

This was inspired by pics of the new OPI and Serena Williams collaborations, due out this May.  In the pictures, there is a new White Shatter that they layer over a champagne gold glitter, Spark de Triumphe (I'm assuming this is the French Open portion of the collection).  I loved the look so much, I had to recreate it right now.  So, I used 2 coats of OPI Glitzerland, with one coat of  Fingerpaints Winter Wishes.  I then topped the whole thing with China Glaze Crackle Glaze in White Lightning (which I'm quickly becoming addicted to) and 2 coats of Seche Vite.  I love this.

FYI... if you'd like to check out the pictures of the new Serena Williams collections and the new "Shatters", check out this post at Addicted to All Things Pretty.

China Glaze Anchors Away Collection - Knotty Nauticals (Part 2)

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, like most collections, China Glaze broke this collection into 2 groupings.  Yesterday, I showed you "Sand & Sea", and today I have the second part of the collection, "Knotty Nauticals". Whereas Sand & Sea had more pastels, lighter shades, and neutral shades... Knotty Nauticals is all about the bright shades.

Ahoy! - Jelly-ish finish, bright fuchsia-pink creme with tonal and golden shimmer.  This one is so unbelievably pretty.  It's a bright pink with shimmer, yes, but it's also so much more.  The finish is something really unique.  When I first applied it, I thought it was going the be a jelly, but nope.  It's a creme, with the same squishiness as a jelly.  Pic is 2 coats and the formula was perfect.

First Mate - Slightly-dusty, medium-dark blue creme.  This one almost reminds me of a denim blue.  Y'all know me and blues, so of course, I love it.  The color is very pigmented.  It was almost opaque at one coat, though, I did 2.

Hey Sailor - True red creme.  This one is a perfect 1940's pin-up red creme.  It doesn't lean blue, nor does it lean orange, so it's probably wearable on just about every skintone.  It's also definitely more of a summer red than a fall/winter/holiday red.  It is just a red creme, so it's not incredibly unique, but the name is fantastic.  2 coats.  

Life Preserver - Dusty red-orange creme.  As soon as I read the name on this one, I thought of those big, boxy lifesavers you have to wear when you rent a boat, even down to the slightly-dirty tinge to the orange.  Normally, oranges and I don't play nice, but I didn't dislike this on my skintone.  Formula was a tad on the thin side.  3 coats.

Lighthouse - Yellow jelly with golden shimmer.  Okay, now this is a unique polish.  It's a yellow jelly (yep... the word "jellow" kept running through my mind.  The shimmer in it is is really.  But best of all... it has a great formula.  It is a bit thin, which only allows the shimmer to get more depth, but other than that, there were no issues (like you normally get with yellows).  3 coats.  

Starboard - Shamrock green creme.  Like Life Preserver and First Mate, above, Starboard had dusty finish, and it's definitely more of a yellow-leaning green, than a blue-leaning green.  The color is very pretty and perfect for spring.  The formula was perfect.  2 coats.

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Now that I've swatched and reviewed the entire collection, I can definitely say that I absolutely love it.  The colors are pretty, with great pigmentation.  There's a variety of finishes, and IMO, not a wonky color in the bunch.  I know I've stated in the past how much I loved Up & Away, but I think Anchors Away just took away it's spot.

The collection is now available for pre-order at TransDesign, with a notation saying that it will be officially available in 1/12 (tomorrow!).

These were sent to me for review

China Glaze Anchors Away Collection - Sand & Sea (Part 1)

As China Glaze Up & Away is one of my favorite collections from 2010, I've eagerly been awaiting their Spring 2011 collection.  I know there been teasers out there since last summer, so it's great to finally see it in person.

Like all regular China Glaze collections, this one was separated into two groupings.  "Sand & Sea" is the more pastel/lighter shades in the collection.

Below Deck - Purple/grey/mauve hybrid creme.  This one is supposedly as close as China Glaze could get to the old, discontinued, and much-beloved neutral, Channelesque.  I've never owned Channelesque, so I can't tell you if it's a dupe or not (check The Swatchaholic for a great bottle comp pic), but I can tell you that I absolutely LOVE Below Deck.  It's one of those colors that I can't describe to save my life, hence the above purple/grey/mauve hybrid description, but it's also fabulous.  I don't have a lot of neutrals, so Below Deck is pretty unique in my collection.  This one is a true creme, without the hidden shimmer like some of the other cremes in the collection.  The formula is perfect, as well.  It was almost opaque at one coat, though I did 2 coats.  UPDATE - The Swatchaholic now has a on-the-nail comparison up.  They look very similar.  

Knotty - Golden beige shimmer base with silver and pastel (pink, green, blue) glass-fleck shimmer.  Judging the bottle, this is one of the two in this grouping that I thought I wouldn't really like.  However, once I put it on, I found myself really liking it.  The shimmer in it is unexpected and very pretty.  Pic is 3 coats.  Formula was a little thin, but nothing unworkable. 

Pelican Grey - Light grey creme with subtle pearlescent shimmer.  Beautiful lighter grey.  The best part in this polish is the "hidden" pearly shimmer.  Usually greys give me cadaver hands, but I loved this with my skin tone.  Formula was a tad on the watery side.  Pic is 3 coats. (UPDATED - I changed my picture of Pelican Grey so it doesn't look like a dupe to Sea Spray)

Sea Spray - Light grey-blue creme with pearlescent shimmer.  Like Pelican Grey above, Sea Spray has that fantastic pearly shimmer, though it's not hidden in this polish.  Of all the polishes in this part of the collection, this one may be my favorite.  I think the name on this one is perfect.  The formula was very similar to that of Below Deck.  Pic is 2 coats, though it was very close to being a one-coater.  

Sunset Sail - Peachy nude creme with pearlescent shimmer.  Yes.  Another one with a pearlescent finish, and that's a-okay with me.  I can't get enough of these polishes with the slight-pearlescence.  Like Knotty, I really didn't see myself liking this one at all.  However, once I had it on, I fell in love with it.  It's a pretty peachy-nude that doesn't look overly-orange against my pink skin (the redness around my fingers is due to the cold and not to this polish).  Pic is 3 coats, and aside from thinness, there were no issues.

White Cap - White jelly with tons of golden glass fleck shimmer.  This one is so pretty and very unique for a non-unique concept.  I know golden-whites or white with golden shimmer are relatively common, but this one stands alone.  Due to the jelly finish, the golden shimmer is able to be suspended in the base.  Plus, it's a little on the thin side which lets you build the color and the shimmer.  Pic is 3 coats.

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I know I sound like a broken record when it comes to China Glaze collections, but I absolutely love the first 6 in this collection.  And I didn't expect myself to say that.  I thought it would seem a little lacking when compared to last year's amazing Up & Away collection.  However, dare I say that I may like Anchors Away even better?  I love that there is variety in the finishes.  Up and Away was all cremes, and fall's offering, Vintage Vixen, was all shimmers, so I love that this collection mixes it up a bit.

This collection is now available for pre-order at TransDesign, but I know several people have reported seeing it in brick and mortar beauty supply stores.  I should have part 2, Knotty Nauticals, up very soon.

These were sent to me for review