The Spooky Halloween Manicure

Happy Halloween! Today, I decided to venture into a tad bit of nail art to celebrate the holiday. I perused Pinterest for a bit looking for a cute nail art option that wouldn't require any tools that I didn't happen to have on hand. I stumbled across a skeleton rendition but decided to add a twist to it by reversing the colors and slapping on a matte sheen.

I created the ghoulish skeleton on my thumb nail after painting all of my nails with Sally Hansen's Xtreme Nail Wear in 370 Black Out and topped it off with my newly acquired Nails Inc. Matte Top Coat (more on that soon).

For the thumb nail, before I topped it off I dabbed a bead of my Formula X Nail Polish in White Matter onto a disposable plate so that I had a palette to work with. Using a toothpick, I gingerly dipped it into the paint to patiently create two bright eyes and a mouth with jagged teeth. I let it dry for an hour and then applied the matte top coat.

I'm extremely happy with the turnout on this one. It's super festive and not too difficult to achieve! Even better, this design plays into my Skeleton Princess costume very well. I'll come back today to share a photo of the whole look.

While we're on the subject, what will you be for Halloween this year? Let me know in the comments below!

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Update: The Skeleton Princess is here! The theme was Scary Candyland and I was Skeleton Princess Lolli!

True Autumn Nail Colors: Zoya Claire

Aside from leather jackets, knee high boots, and pumpkin flavored everything, deep and moody nail colors are my favorite way to get into the autumnal spirit. I've been on a quest to find new polishes to add to my fall nail color arsenal to collect beside old faithfuls like OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark.

My first acquisition is Zoya's Claire which is part of their Entice & Ignite Fall 2014 collection. As soon as I saw this polish in the store, I snatched it up and placed it in my shopping bag without hesitation. Claire is a true burgundy color that almost appears slightly brown.  I swear, I've never seen a color like it before because it's so pure and warm without a single hint of shimmer or sparkle. With this shade, what you see is what you get and I couldn't ask for more out of the polish. The finish is opaque, creamy and consistent. Application was super flawless, as I've come to expect from Zoya polishes, no streaks or blotchy pigments will be found here.

There were a couple of additional polishes in the new Entice & Ignite collection that caught my eye, but I only made one more purchase from the line, however, there will be more on that later. What do you think of Zoya's Claire?

Review: Sephora Formula X 'The System'

So, I hope you're in the mood for a rave review, because that's what I have for you today! My latest find and absolute obsession is Formula X "The System"which is sold at Sephora.

To simply explain this product, it is a system complete with a nail cleanser, base coat, polish color of your choice and top coat that insures your nail color will be long lasting, shiny and durable. I have to tell you that this completely lives up to it's claim.

The System is easy to use. If you know how to paint your nails, you already know how to use these products. You'll start with the Cleanse which preps your nails for your polish by eliminating contaminants like oil and other residues that contribute to premature chipping in your manicure. You'll follow this up with the Prime or base coat which has a sticky texture to it that will ensure your polish adheres to your nail. Next up is the polish color. Formula X polishes have great consistency and color payoff so you can't go wrong with the myriad of colors that are available in the line. Lastly, you'll finish off with Shine, your top coat, which provides a glossy and beautiful finish to the nails.

My favorite thing about The System is that all of these products work flawlessly together. It may seem like you're putting a load of polish on your nails after you complete all of the steps, but it feels no heavier on the nails than your run of the mill polishes AND they are fast drying! Moreover, I'm not the biggest fan of gel or shellac manicures because it's such a hassle removing it from your nails and there's a significant risk of damage to your nail beds. That's not a concern here because you get the long lasting wear as well as an easy peasy removal.

Just after initial application of Formula X 'The System'

For my first trial run with Formula X 'The System,' I tried the color Provocative.  Let me tell you, I've never received more compliments on a nail color. It was absolutely gorgeous! My manicure stayed fresh looking for 2 whole weeks before I started noticing small chips at the corners of my nails. I was floored! And trust me, I didn't take it easy on this polish. I cooked, I typed, I washed, dried and folded warm laundry (which you know is the kiss of death for many polishes). It just didn't budge.

Formula X 'The System' after 3 days of wear

One mention aside is that I did try The System with a different brand of polish and the wear was good, but not as great as with a Formula X brand polish. That manicure lasted 1 full week before chipping.

All in all, I'd say if you're like me and loathe chipped nails or spending every 3 days re-polishing your nails, you'll want to invest in Formula X 'The System' and some Formula X nail varnishes. You can find the set for $32 at Sephora.

Have you tried Formula X polishes? Let me know what are some of your favorite shades because I'll definitely be stocking up now that I'm equipped with The System.

Until next time! XOXO

Review: Lancome Vernis In Love 300M

This week, I had a bit of free time to peruse around Sephora. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, but then stumbled across Lancome's Vernis In Love line of nail polishes. I was immediately quite taken with the selection, it had a variety of colors to choose from and stunning simple packaging. Very sleek and compact, which is always a plus. 

Honestly, I'd never tried a nail varnish from Lancome before and thought that I might take the leap. I ended up with the color, 300M Rose Plumeti which is generally a soft baby pink. I chose this color mostly for experimentation. I'm usually partial to bright and bold colors on my nails, especially in the summer, but being that this brand was new for me, I wanted to see if the payoff on such a soft color would yield. My expectations were met and surpassed! 

The full brush is a champion that coats your nail easily in one swipe. It swiftly embraces the natural contouring shape of your digits for the ultimate ease of application. Staying true to the claim, in one coat, the true, rich rose color came through completely with a natural glossy finish. I dare say that those who are strapped for time and can't finish off with a top coat wouldn't be disappointed with taking the product on the nails, as is. Moreover, the polish dried impeccably fast! I was surely amazed and delighted.

Lastly, the durability. I took a photo of my nails 3 days after painting them and they still look to be in great condition. I'm really satisfied with the quality of this polish and will definitely return for some additional colors.

Lancome Vernis In Love (300M Rose Plumeri) - 3 Days After Application

All in all, this line of lacquers is a great buy and a virtual steal for a price of $15 each. You
can find the Lancome Vernis In Love Nail Polish line at any Lancome counter, online or at Sephora.

Have you tried Vernis In Love and what colors in the line are you currently smitten with?