Zoya Izzy and Zoya Kissy

Last year, Zoya introduced Gems and Jewels, a small collection of 6 polishes made up of 3 metallic shimmers and 3 corresponding bar glitter topcoats.  When I received them for review, it was during the time where I was unable to blog, so I never got around to swatching them and reviewing them.

However, as I am showing you untried pinks during this week, I figured I would show you the pink duo in this collection, Zoya Izzy and Zoya Kissy...

This is Zoya Izzy, a bright pink metallic shimmer, by herself.  

The 2 pictures above show 2 coats of Zoya Kissy, a dense glitter topcoat with fine pink bar glitter, pink microglitter, and holo bar glitter, in a clear base, over 2 coats of Zoya Izzy. 

I love this one.  The application on both of these was perfect.  I had no glitter drag with Kissy, which was a big plus.  I know these were released during holiday 2011, but I think Izzy, either with Kissy or alone, would be perfect for a summer pedicure.

Zoya Izzy and Zoya Kissy are still available on Zoya's website*.  Zoya polishes retail for $8 a bottle.  

Zoya Izzy and Zoya Kissy were sent to me for review.  *The above link to Zoya's website is an affiliate link, which is linked to my Zoya Share the Love account.  If you prefer not to use my affiliate link, please use the link below, which is not an affiliate link:

Zoya Gems and Jewels

OPI Excuse Moi!

Today, I have for you a polish from OPI's 2011 holiday Muppets collection, which unfortunately, I never got around to reviewing.  

This is OPI Excuse Moi!...

This is 3 coats of OPI Excuse Moi with 2 coats of Nubar Diamont topcoat.  

Excuse Moi! was one of the stand-outs of the Muppets collection, in my opinion.  It's a warm pink semi-sheer base packed with glitter in about 500 colors.  ;)  Actually, I am seeing pink, purple, silver, yellow, and green, and there may be a few I am missing (you can get a good idea of the colors of glitter from my pinky nail in the second picture).  The base is sheer, but buildable, and the coverage on the glitter on this was exceptional.  You didn't have to go fishing in the bottle, which was very nice.  

Because of the uniqueness of the glitter in the base, this one actually reminds me of one of the indie glitter polishes that are so popular, and impossible to get your hands on, nowadays.  It's super-pretty, very girly, and makes me think of cupcakes with sprinkles.  :)  

It does dry very textured, so you will need a thick coat of topcoat, probably two, to even things out. I used Diamont, but any of the thicker, quick-dry coats will work.  It also dries very quickly.  I had nails that were dry before I even applied the topcoat.  If you own OPI's glitters from the Absolutely Alice collection or from the fall 2010 holiday Burlesque collection, this one is very similar in formula.  It's probably even more wearable because it has a colored base, and you don't have to apply the glitter as thick in order to completely cover your nail.  

In case you are interested in picking this one up, I checked on OPI's website, and it looks like Excuse Moi! is still available.  OPIs retail for $8.50 a bottle.

Excuse Moi! was sent to me for review

Julep Carrie

This is two coats of Julep Carrie, a light pink creme.  

Now, normally, I rave about Julep's formula.  Unfortunately, I simply can't do that with this one.  I was able to strong-arm this polish into working for me, but for the most part, she was a bit unruly.  It was one of those formulas that was runny and yet thick all at the same time, so I really had to watch where I put my strokes.  I was able to make it work, but it wasn't one of those "mindless" applications, if you know what I mean.

That said, I adore the color.  It's just a beautiful shade of light pink.  It's definitely noticeable while not being bright pink, and it doesn't fade away like a baby pink. I really do love it.  I just wish the formula wasn't so temperamental.  

Julep Carrie is available on Julep's website.  Recently, Julep polishes have become available at Sephora.com, but I just checked and it looks like Carrie is not in Julep's line-up on Sephora.  

Julep polishes retail for $14, but if you are a Julep Maven, you save 20% and receive free shipping.

I received Julep Carrie in my January Julep Maven box