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China Glaze Holiday 2012 – part 2 (the holos & glitters)

While the first half of China Glaze’s Holiday 2012 Collection consisted mainly of hues that would transcend all seasons (see part 1 here), the six shown here glimmer with all the festive spirit the season has to offer. The varying finishes make for endless possibilities – the 3 prismatic shades are excellent on their own, with their visible holographic gleam, while the glitters add that extra sparkle to whatever they’re layered over. And let’s face it; what better way to celebrate than with a bit of brilliance?

All swatches are with Seche Clear Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat.

China Glaze Holiday 2012 Collection – the holos & glitters

Glistening Snow – a clear base completely filled with prismatic ultra-fine glitter with silvery/grey undertones, in a very easy flowing formula. The natural finish is semi-matte and bears a delicate sand-like texture, rather opaque at 2 coats, surprising for a shade this pale. Quick drying, this hue brims with light with the addition of top coat. Coats applied: 3 (thin)

China Glaze – Glistening Snow (no top coat)

China Glaze – Glistening Snow

Angel Wings – the gold version of ‘Glistening Snow’ in an identical formula, but with a touch more shine at the finish, this prismatic shade also bears a slight oxidized green cast, lending it a unique depth. Coats applied: 3 (thin)

China Glaze – Angel Wings

Glitter All The Way – (layered over ‘Blue Bells Ring’) a clear base with purple, green, gold, and red micro-glitter that looks much denser in the bottle than applied. Definitely at its best when layered over a complimentary base shade, as worn alone you’ll need multiple coats to reach the same opacity. Coats applied: 3 (thin)

China Glaze – Glitter All The Way (over Blue Bells Ring)

Champagne Kisses – a clear base filled with pale golden and rose-gold micro glitter, there’s not only an excellent flow to this formula but the finish is also glossier than the previous two. A nude with a kick and looking every inch like bubbles in a glass of champagne, there’s a delicately airy feel to this hue – a perfect layering shade, yet still able to be worn on its own. Coats applied: 3 (thin)
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China Glaze – Champagne Kisses

Winter Holly – a clear base loaded with pine green, emerald, gold, and some scattered pink finely ground glitter. More suited for layering to avoid multiple coats, this shade bears a similar finish to ‘Glistening Snow’ and while I personally love its natural textured effect, top coat really brings this hue to life. Coats applied: 3 (thin)

China Glaze – Winter Holly (no top coat)

China Glaze – Winter Holly

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Pizzazz – is the show-stopper of this grouping; a clear base overflowing with silver, green, sky blue, red, purple, magenta, and some scattered gold multi-sized glitter, this shade is almost blinding in its brilliance. Decent opacity is easily built up by the second coat, although I suggest layering it over a silver base for ease & added depth. Coats applied: 3 (thin)

In the last swatch photo, I added 2 layers of a matte top coat – out of simple curiosity really, and fell in love! It looks softly filtered and diffused, as though seen slightly out of focus and bearing the same translucency of sea-glass. This look also reminded me of the stylized look of Impressionist-period art – my absolute favourite! Note that the photo is completely un-retouched.

China Glaze – Pizzazz

China Glaze – Pizzazz (with matte top coat)

Final thoughts: I never thought I’d hear myself saying that my favourite shade of any group would be a glitter, but something about ‘Pizzazz’, draws me in. With the matte coat added, I almost melted and didn’t want to ever remove it (which was a chore, but oh-so-worth-it). I was also surprised by how much I liked ‘Champagne Kisses’ – a shade pretty much out of my colour comfort zone. If you’re like me and not yet ready to let go of that holiday feeling, then China Glaze’s Holiday 2012 Collection is well worth looking into … before it disappears with the cold …
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*Disclosure: product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

China Glaze Holiday 2012 – part 1 (the reds & a blue)

January 4, 2013

As I’m still in a festive frame of mind, what better way to prolong the feeling than by indulging in some holiday themed shades? For Holiday 2012, China Glaze offers up 12 deliriously happy hues, although to be fair, I found that with few exceptions, these colours can definitely transcend the seasons. Part 1 consists of the reds … and 1 blue; mainly because it didn’t really fit in with anything else, and I couldn’t just single it out, now could I?

All swatches are with Seche Clear Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat.

With Love – a warm-leaning tomato red crème hue, but with blue undertones – something of a paradox, really. The medium thick formula had an odd elasticity to it, making the polish almost bounce back off the brush, although it applies in a totally self-levelling way and with an ultra glossy finish. Highly pigmented, this can definitely pass for a 1-coater but I caution you to not load up your brush, as it has a tendency to spread quickly. Note that there was minimal staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2

China Glaze – With Love

Red Satin – a cool-toned scarlet/cherry red colour, in a hybrid crème-jelly formula that bears similar properties to ‘With Love’, although this shade is much easier to apply, without being as densely pigmented. Completely self-levelling and with a brilliant shine at the finish, the intense colour saturation of this hue leaves no staining behind upon removal. Coats applied: 2

China Glaze – Red Satin

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Merry Berry – a deep raisin/berry hue in a superbly flowing formula that bears excellent pigmentation, an ultra high gloss shine, and falls in a self-levelling way. With a perfect mix of both blue & red tones in its base, this shade is universally flattering on all skin tones, wit the added bonus of it being completely non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2

China Glaze – Merry Berry

Cranberry Splash – an intensely vivid ruby shimmer, in a highly pigmented and easy-flowing formula that is literally a 1-coat wonder … it’s THAT colour-saturated. You do need a steady hand in application to avoid any potentially visible brush strokes, however. With that “lit-from-within” glow that I love, this shade is not as glossy as the previous hues, but literally glows with the addition of top coat. Coats applied: 2

China Glaze – Cranberry Splash

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Pure Joy – (applied over ‘Cranberry Splash’) a clear base filled with red & gold micro-glitter, as well as red glitter dust in an excellently flowing formula. Best when layered over a matching base, so that its brilliance can be clearly appreciated. This is probably the most festive shade of this entire collection, and literally screams “Christmas” to me! Removal, as with all glitter polishes, needs to be worked at. Coats applied: 2

China Glaze – Pure Joy

Blue Bells Ring – an icy ultra-blue metallic shimmery hue with silver undertones in its base. With an amazing density and flow to the formula, be aware that you need to work fast in your application, as it dries incredibly quick AND use a steady hand as there can be a tendency towards visible brush strokes. The high concentration of colour almost makes this a 1-coater as well, while top coat truly brings it to life. WARNING: I would double up on the base coat, as this shade stains. Coats applied: 2

China Glaze – Blue Bells Ring

Final thoughts: Apart from ‘Pure Joy’, I was surprised by how densely coloured these shades were, with formulas that felt slightly thicker than what I’m used to with this brand. The brushes seem altered as well, being a touch bushier & floppier at the ends, which made it a bit tricker to apply as there was a tendency for the bristles to splay. The shades themselves are nothing we haven’t seen before, but I’m definitely impressed with the brilliance of the crèmes and for red lovers, this collection offers a nice choice. ‘Blue Bells Ring’ is an incredible blue shade, but the staining it causes was a disappointment. My favourite here is hands down ‘Merry Berry’, a shade that oozes vampiness – my kind of festive!
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Stay tuned for part 2 – the hologrpahics & the glitters

Disclosure: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

China Glaze Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away Collection – the shimmers & glitters

December 13, 2012

If part 1 of China Glaze’s Cirque du Soleil: Worlds Away Collection (previously reviewed here) consisted of the “performers” aka the crèmes, then part 2 is definitely the “props & costumes” aka the glitters & shimmers. With sequins, outrageous costumes, and high-voltage colour making up the drama of the Cirque, so do the 6 shades featured here – with just as much impact!

Cirque du Soleil logo (source)

Whirled Away – looking more like an indie glitter type of polish than what you would normally expect a brand as large as China Glaze to produce, this shade bears a clear base loaded with black mid-sized hexagonal glitter along with black bar glitter, interspersed with larger white hexagonal glitter pieces. Best used over a base colour, I found that the best way to apply is to place a drop on the nail, then use a dabbing motion to disperse the glitter evenly. Some fishing of the larger white pieces is required, and be aware that the finish is somewhat satiny, so a top coat is necessary. Coats applied: 1 (all swatches)

My personal preference is to apply ‘Whirled Away’ over solid crème hues to better emphasize its unique combination of glitter.

Whirled Away over Escaping Reality

Whirled Away over Hanging in the Balance

Bend Over Backwards – a highly saturated burnt orange shimmer with obvious red undertones. This shade is certainly not unique, but its easy flowing formula certainly helps it to stand out. Application needs some care in order to avoid potential brush strokes, but becomes totally worth it for the self-levelling finish and nice gloss at the end – definitely enhanced by top coat, as added here. Bonus: quick drying and non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2
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Bend Over Backwards

Get Carried Away – oh, how I wanted to love this shade but it turned out to be such a delinquent. A clear base loaded up with black glitter dust, silver micro-glitter, black bar glitter, and black along with red mid-sized hexagonal pieces, there is just WAY too much going on in this bottle. While it becomes a challenge to get this shade to work, I can’t deny that there is a strange appeal to it just the same. The formula has some drag, probably due to the bar glitter, and I found that placing a drop on the nail and smooshing it (official technical term) around with your brush yields the best results. As it dries to a satin finish, don’t skip the top coat. Coats applied: 1 (all swatches)

Layered over ‘Def Defying’ morphed that almost-neon shade to a murky and somewhat swampy-looking hue – which I’m strangely drawn to, while layered over ‘Igniting Love’ turned this into a gothically inspired look … and I surprisingly liked it.

Get Carried Away over Def Defying

Get Carried Away over Def Defying

Get Carried Away over Igniting Love

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It’s a Trap-Eze! – from this entire collection, THIS is the shade I looked forward to the most and I’m happy to say that it did not disappoint. A milky base that is brimming with multi-coloured hexagonal glitter pieces of varying sizes, along with mid-sized gold & silver hexagonal glitter and capped off with gold and silver micro-glitter, it bears a medium-thick formula that needs no “glitter placement” for even dispersal across the nails. Quick drying and ending in a nice reflective finish, this unique beauty is totally enhanced by the addition of top coat to bring out all facets as well as to smooth any grittiness. Warning: removal is a hot glittery mess, but so worth it! Coats applied: 3 (thin, although 2 gives good coverage as well)

It’s a Trap-Eze!

Running in Circles – since we’ve all heard by now that Pantone has decreed emerald the colour of the year, this is the perfect representation of that gemstone. An emerald green glass-flecked shimmer that has a strong foil-like tone, the exceptionally easy-flowing formula applies semi-sheer with 2 coats giving good coverage, although longer nails may need a 3rd for a deeper opacity. Top coat only adds to its incredible brilliance with removal not too difficult, although the ultra fine shimmer can migrate. Coats applied: 3 (thin)

Running in Circles

Water You Waiting For? – a light blue base in a semi-sheer formula, filled with green, purple, and royal blue glitter of varying sizes – from crushed, fine, to medium. Very easy to apply and with a good flow, this does end in a satin finish and definitely benefits from added top coat to showcase its incredible depth. This shade is a great representation of a perfect colour grouping: it so totally works. Note that as it seems to drink in top coat, a second layer goes a long way in reducing any grittiness and bringing out all facets. Some elbow grease definitely needed for removal and don’t skip the base coat as it could be minimally staining. Coats applied: 3 (thin)
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Water You Waiting For?

Final thoughts: This is probably one of the happiest collections of nail lacquers I’ve seen in a long time, with definitely something for everyone. I’ve admitted many times that I’m not glitter’s biggest fan, but lately I’ve been loving all the unique combinations that are being released (could a conversion be in the making? Hmmm….) My favourites from this grouping are definitely ‘It’s a Trap-Eze!’ – for its totally original hue, ‘Running in Circles’ – for its gem-like brilliance, and ‘Water You Waiting For?’ – for its incredible aquatic beauty. After having immersed myself in the shades of this collection, I am dying to go see a live performance … I think I’m past due, right?

This collection is available wherever China Glaze products are sold.

*Disclaimer: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

China Glaze Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away Collection – the crèmes

December 11, 2012

Inspired by Paramount Pictures’ new 3D film “Cirque du Soleil™: Worlds Away”, China Glaze brings us a collection of 12 lacquers absolutely brimming with all the vibrant colour and sensory appeal of this fabulously entertaining acrobatic & aerial troupe.

Founded in Baie St. Paul, Québec, in 1984 by 2 street performers – Guy Laliberté and Gilles Ste-Croix – this eclectic and dramatic combination of “circus arts and street entertainment” is presently based in Montréal – my hometown. I’m ashamed to admit that I have yet to see a live performance, but not because I haven’t wanted to … so I’ll do the next best thing: show you these gorgeous nail polishes instead.

Part 1 consists of the 6 crème hues – all swatches are with Seche Clear Base Coat.

Cirque du Soleil tents – Vieux Port de Montréal (source)

Surreal Appeal – a warm toned hot salmon pink hue that almost borders on neon, in a medium thick formula that is highly pigmented, self-levelling and with an ultra high-gloss finish. There was an odd “spring-back” feel to this texture, but very workable. Coats applied: 2 – No top coat

Surreal Appeal

Escaping Reality – an intense hot pink hue with blue-violet undertones, with an easy flowing formula and excellent colour saturation, that comes to a satiny finish. Coats applied: 2 Plus top coat

Escaping Reality

Def Defying – a warm chartreuse-lime green hue bearing yellow undertones, in an amazing formula of perfect density and flow – self levelling and with a brilliant glass-like finish. Coats applied: 2 – No top coat

Def Defying

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Creative Fantasy – a vivid ultra-purple hue with grape/reddish undertones in a sheer-leaning formula that applies like a jelly, but winds down to a paradoxically semi-matte finish (very similar to that of the Illamasqua Rubber Brights). Coats applied: 3 (thin)

Creative Fantasy

A whole new level of colour is reached when top coat is added to Creative Fantasy , as seen in the swatches below:

Creative Fantasy – top coat added

Hanging in the Balance – an ultra-marine blue shade in a stellar formula with incredibly intense pigmentation. Self-levelling and with a super high-gloss finish at the end, be aware that this could stain without base coat underneath. Coats applied: 2

Hanging in the Balance

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Igniting Love – a vivid tomato/coral red hue with a formula that is utter perfection in application. A medium thick formula with a jelly-like consistency that applies with the smoothness of a crème. Highly pigmented, self-levelling and ending in a brilliant reflective finish. Coats applied: 2 – No top coat

Igniting Love

Final thoughts: This first half of the Cirque du Soleil™: Worlds Away Collection may not have any ground-breaking colours, but each and every shade brings an incredibly vivid and pigmented version of these primary hues, which are all perfectly suited to the theme. I continue to be impressed by the China Glaze formula and considering the price point, it makes it easy to indulge in as many shades as you like.
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Stay tuned for part 2 of this collection: the glitters & shimmers.

*Disclaimer: Product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

China Glaze ‘On Safari Collection’ part 2 – Tourist

November 25, 2012

Barring the 2 glitters, this second half of China Glaze’s ‘On Safari’ collection (see part 1 here) has colours that truly bring the African landscape to my mind – a sometimes arid landscape, tawny fur, star-strewn skies, glorious sunsets, and deep night-time shadows. I really don’t see “tourist” here, but that doesn’t stop me from loving each and every hue shown.

All swatches shown are with Seche Clear Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat

The ‘Tourist’ group

the only way I’ll ever camp on safari … (source)

Kalahari Kiss – a decadent banana cream/custard hue, bearing excellent viscosity and flow that applies smoothly even with the first coat. Completely self-levelling and finishing off with a superior glossy shine, this is the lightest shade of camel – almost desert sand-like and I absolutely LOVE it! Coats applied: 2

Kalahari Kiss

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CG Desert Sun – a creamy caramel hue that completely reminds me of butterscotch pudding (my favourite!), this unique shade applies in a hybrid crème-jelly format, bearing a slightly thinner formula that gives amazing coverage, as well as being self-levelling & super glossy. Coats applied: 2

CG Desert Sun

CG I’m Not Lion – densely packed silver and gold ultra-fine glitter in a clear, easy flowing base (not the usual suspension-like base). One coat offers a light & delicate look, while 2 coats gives surprisingly good coverage although far from opaque. The colours combine to give the nails a platinum tone, but note that the finish is satiny – top coat not only enhances all its facets, but brings out the glitter’s prismatic side.
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CG I’m Not Lion – 2 coats, no top coat

CG I’m Not Lion – 3 coats, no top coat

CG I’m Not Lion – 3 coats + top coat

I Herd That – (that name!) a complex mix of gold, bronze and copper micro glitter in a clear, free-flowing base that gives off a simultaneously rosy cast & an oxidized greenish-gold effect. Although this shade doesn’t seem to have the same density of ‘I’m Not Lion’, it appears to apply in the same manner, both at 2 and 3 coats. Note that the ultra-fine glitter has a tendency to spread out upon removal, but nothing excessive.

I Herd That – 2 coats, no top coat

I Herd That – 3 coats, no top coat

I Herd That – 3 coats + top coat

CG Adventure Red-y – a deep cerise hue with blue-based undertones, this bears a medium-thick formula that flows amazingly and provides an ultra-creamy appearance. Great pigmentation even with the first coat, it’s also totally self-levelling and finishes with a super high gloss. BONUS: no staining left behind upon removal. Coats applied: 2

*Even though blue-based reds are traditionally more suited to paler skin tones, something about this shade makes it universal.
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CG Adventure Red-y

CG Call of the Wild – a luxurious deep chestnut hue with russet undertones for added warmth, the formula here was perfection – flowing with a superb density, falling in a self-levelling way, and leaving behind a mirror-like finish. Very fall-like and totally vampy, this is the sexiest dark brown colour I’ve ever come across – LOVE! Coats applied: 2

CG Call of the Wild

Final thoughts: Wrapping up this collection, I am in awe once more of how China Glaze managed to take otherwise conventional colours and give them that certain “je ne sais quoi” which takes them all to a whole other level. It’s also nice to know that in this case, a lower price point doesn’t mean that the quality is compromised in any way – but is actually the reverse (high-end brands, take note). I did not expect to fall for a shade such as ‘Kalahari Kiss’, but something about it blew me away. ‘Call of the Wild’ was a natural draw for me as well (I love me a good vampy hue) and ‘Adventure Red-y’ is a total screamer. All I can say is that if you haven’t picked up any of these shades yet, then what are you waiting for?