Filed In: nail polish

Trust Fund Beauty – The Holographic Collection

Montréal-based newcomer to the field of bijoux nail polish, Trust Fund Beauty, wants you to celebrate your inner “rich bitch” and make a statement with your nail lacquer, no matter what your financial situation may be. When I was recently contacted by the brand to try out their products, my choices were made that much more difficult by the wide and varied array of colours and finishes, but it was their latest offering, The Holographic Collection, that totally drew me in. With ingredients sourced from Denmark and the US, it’s obvious that this is a brand that wants to spoil and pamper their clientele – which is exactly up my alley.

A few notes about the formula and application:

CAN $15.00 each 17 ml/0.57 fl.oz
5-Free (no toluene, formaldehyde, lead, nickel, or pthalates), vegan and cruelty-free (not tested on animals)
each shade ended with a suprisingly glossy finish
the application leans more on the thin side, but is also totally self-levelling. The advantage here, is that they can all be easily layered over a matching solid base shade for more depth, if desired
relatively quick-drying
4 of the 6 were semi-sheer and required 3 coats for full opacity (Don’t be Shady, Jail Bait, High Maintenance, and Filth & Glamour), but shorter nails can definitely get away with 2 coats – it depends more on your personal preferences
the brush wand is longer than I’m used to, but still easy to manipulate and the brush head while not overly thick, has a good balance of flexibility and density of bristles
avoid applying top coat, as it will only dull the prismatic effect – plus the glossy natural finish of each would make it redundant in any case

Trust Fund Beauty – The Holographic Collection

Don’t Be Shady – A pale silvery grey base colour bearing a diffused/scattered holographic effect. Coats applied: 3, thin

Trust Fund Beauty – Don’t Be Shady

Blue Blooded – A cool/icy blue base colour with a more pronounced linear holographic effect. Coats applied: 2

Trust Fund Beauty – Blue Blooded

Jail Bait – A chainmail/gunmetal charcoal grey base shade with a strong & visible scattered holographic effect. Coats applied: 3, thin

Trust Fund Beauty – Jail Bait

High Maintenance – An antiqued beige gold base colour with a strong scattered holographic effect. Coats applied: 3, thin

Trust Fund Beauty – High Maintenance (in sunlight)

Like Royalty – A burgundy/berry base colour with a strong scattered holographic effect and bearing a slight dusty quality – very unique tone. Coats applied: 2

Trust Fund Beauty – Like Royalty (in sunlight)

Filth & Glamour – A lime green base colour with a softly diffused/scattered holographic effect. There’s a fresh, yet complex tone to this shade that makes it unique in my collection. Coats applied: 3

Trust Fund Beauty – Filth & Glamour (in sunlight)

I love supporting local talent, but when that is also combined with quality and an aesthetic that I can stand behind, it makes my job even sweeter. The attention to detail is another factor I look for with new brands, and Trust Fund Beauty is definitely hitting it out of the park in that department as well, starting from how carefully the products are packaged for shipping (with fun & colourful zigzag paper confetti to cushion them) to their narrow rectangular-shaped bottles which are easy to store and lovely to look at, each housed in their own individual box. If you take a stroll through the website, I’m fairly certain you’ll be smiling at several of the names – all while drooling over the shade selection, no doubt.

Not sure which colour to go for? Then you can always opt for the Sample Trio Packs (CAN $10.00 each). Another way to indulge, is by joining their Monthly Exclusive Club, where you get to pick 1 shade out of the 2 to have delivered to your door. Find more information via:

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

Buy Vardenafil uk
Buy Amoxil uk
Buy Fluoxetine uk
Buy Lasix uk

Coca-Cola by OPI (Limited Edition)

May 29, 2014

Launching nationwide next month, Coca-Cola by OPI is a collection of limited edition shades, inspired by 9 of the best selling drinks from the iconic soda giant, and like most people, I confess to being rather puzzled with how the two would mesh. Beautifully, as it turns out and that I’m happy to report – and all in formulas that fall nothing short of superb. Or Amazing. Or Perfection. And fun….totally & exuberantly FUN.

For the record, I personally do not like soft drinks/soda, but this collection makes a strong case for a sugar-rush addiction. The best part? Your nails will look AH-MA-ZING, and with zero calories too!

The iconic Coca-Cola logo, recognizable the world over

The Lady in Red ad from Brazil, 1950 (source) – and check out her nails!

Coca-Cola by OPI

Coca Cola Red – (Inspired by Coca-Cola) No one does red like OPI, and this shade perfectly captures the iconic hue of the Coca-Cola brand. With a formula that’s nothing short of perfection in flow, opacity, pigmentation and glossiness, I suggest you do not skip applying base coat, to avoid any potential light staining. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ Coca-Cola Red

Green on the Runway – (Inspired by Sprite) An emerald green shimmery hue, with duo chrome brown flashes seen in some lights (but it actually reminds me more of the classic brown colour of Coke, as seen through the original green glass bottles). Flowing easily along the nails with minimal visible brush strokes, the brown flashes are much more visible in direct sunlight, while a more intense green is seen in other light – absolutely GORGEOUS! Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ Green on the Runway

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ Green on the Runway (in sunlight)

You’re So Vain-illa – (Inspired by Vanilla Coke) A super creamy café au lait tinted white hue that almost applies itself – totally self-levelling, non-streaky and bearing excellent coverage and pigmentation (and so perfect for my white/off white nail colour addiction) Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ You’re So Vain-illa

Get Cherried Away – (Inspired by Cherry Coke) A lush berry crème hue with blue undertones in the base, with yet another superb formula (pigmentation, flow, opacity, self-levelling & super glossy at the finish). Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ Get Cherried Away

Today I Accomplished Zero – (Inspired by Coke Zero) A mid-sheer charcoal base filled with red fine and ultra fine glitter pieces that seem suspended at the surface level of the nails. There’s a ‘banked embers’ look to this shade and totally stare-worthy; pictures do not do this justice – you really need to see it in person. Applying a matte top coat ups the uniqueness factor even more, by making each glitter piece stand out in high relief. An absolute MUST-HAVE from the collection. Coats applied: 2, with both top coat and matte top coat (second swatch only)

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ Today I Accomplished Zero

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ Today I Accomplished Zero, matte

My Signature is “DC” – (Inspired by Diet Coke) This is as close to silver foil perfection, as you’ll find. Relatively brush stroke-free in application (this lacquer seems to level out and gleam even more as it sets), you do need to work fast, as it is quick drying. Coats applied: 2, NO top coat (totally unnecessary)

TIP: start by applying a matte top coat to bare nails & letting that dry, then go in with a regular top coat before applying the actual polish – this way, any imperfections in the nails are minimized and filled in, making the final look incredibly smooth and as even as possible.

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ My Signature is “DC”

Sorry I’m Fizzy Today – (Inspired by Vanilla Coke) Ok, I admit that I don’t get the inspiration for this shade shrugs. A sweet, carnation pink shade that seems to lean more warm than cool (possible peachy undertones?), in the same easy formula as the other crèmes of this collection – über glossy at the finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ Sorry I’m Fizzy Today

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ Sorry I’m Fizzy Today with My Signature is “DC” polka dots

A Grape Affair – (Inspired by Fanta Grape) A deeply intense and true purple crème hue in a ridiculously easy formula to apply (self-levelling, colour-saturated, high gloss finish) that seems to straddle the line between cool & warm leaning, making it universally flattering for all skin tones. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ A Grape Affair

Orange You Fantastic! – (Inspired by Fanta Orange) A sheer yellow base filled with gold, red and orange hexagonal glitter pieces in fine, small & medium sizes. There is plenty of glitter to be had per brush-stroke and while 2 coats would probably be enough for short nails, longer nails can use an extra coat for more complete coverage. Don’t be fooled by any greenish tints seen in the photos (an oxidized reflection from the gold glitter); this glitter bomb shade is a spot-on representation of Fanta Orange – like wearing a bubbly drink along your nails! Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

TIP: apply a peel-off base coat (such as OPI’s Glitter Off) to make removal a breeze. As the natural finish of this shade is highly reflective and brilliant, top coat is almost superfluous, so be warned that you’ll need between 2-3 coats of a thick top coat for a smooth glassy finish.

Coca-Cola by OPI ♦ Orange You Fantastic!

I am in love with every single one of these shades of the Coca-Cola by OPI collection – something I so totally did not expect. While the majority of the crème hues shown here are nothing we haven’t all see before (with You’re so Vain-illa being a standout nonetheless), the difference is in the formula/application and that’s enough to make them unique for me. Glitter and I do not always see eye to eye, but I’ll make an exception for the total fun-factor of Orange You Fantastic! (especially now that there’s OPI’s amazing Glitter Off Base Coat to make for a painless removal). Green on the Runway has shimmer, duo chrome, and iridescence all wrapped in one, while the mysteriously seductive look of Today I Accomplished Zero is almost hypnotic (I dare you to look away). Finally, there’s the mirror-like brilliance of My Signature is “DC” – in a word: unbelievable. So, yeah … to reiterate my opening line: I am in love with every single one of these shades.

The Coca-Cola by OPI shades (CAN $10.95 each) will be available beginning June 2014 (in GelColor formula as well, through select salons). Find more information via:

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

Buy Lexapro uk
Buy Lipitor uk
Buy Neurontin uk
Buy Nexium uk

L’Oréal – Collection Les Blancs (limited edition)

May 23, 2014

Cosmetics giant L’Oréal has recently launched ‘Les Blancs‘, a limited edition collection of lacquers that revolve around the pure & clean lines of the [non]colour, white. I first heard of this collection when nail king Tom Bachik flashed some photos on Instagram, and just like that, it was instant love. The four crème hues of this grouping each hold a whisper of tint, while the other two shades build on that theme, with some texture thrown in for visual appeal.

All I can say, is that my intense fascination with white lacquer, has just been elevated a few more notches.

L’Oréal – Collection Les Blancs

#155 Peach Negligé – A warm white with the barest hint of blush, in a formula that applies super easily: non-streaky, self-levelling and leaving behind a high-gloss finish. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

#154 À La Méringue – An opaque & creamy white hue that still manages to look diffused upon the nails and never stark. The formula here is of a medium-thick flow, but still applies effortlessly – shorter nails can definitely get away with 2 quick layers. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

#153 Sweet Lilac – A cool white with a soft lilac tint. Similar in application and flow to that of #155 Peach Negligé but just a touch more opaque, falling smoothly and über-glossy at the finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

#152 Mint Glacée – A cool-leaning, icy mint white hue. Once again, the formula was incredibly easy to work with and I absolutely love the sophisticated yet mod vibe of this shade (looks amazing against lightly tanned skin). Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

#151 Spot Me – A dusty light ice-blue base in a mid sheer formula, filled with black hexagonal glitter ‘debris’ in a variety of sizes. Each brush stroke yields plenty of glitter pieces, although you may need to nudge a few into place if they fall outside the nail edges. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

#150 Le Pastille – A dusty lavender base in a mid-sheer formula and filled with the same glitter shapes as #151 Spot Me. Definitely warm-leaning, there’s a beautiful translucency that I really love when seen at 2 coats, with 3 giving a deeper opacity, if desired. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

I’ll just come right out and say it: I love every single one of these shades. You might think that creating an entire collection around ‘white’ would be somewhat, well … limiting; but one look at this grouping will quickly change your mind. The mani options are interesting as well: each shade can be worn individually, mixed & matched for a subtle ombré rainbow, or one can always wear one of the glitter hues as an accent. All in all, elegant, modern, urban, pristine and anything BUT boring. The only downside? This is a limited edition collection and not exactly easy to find … but so well worth the quest.

Available now through mass-market retailers and wherever L’Oréal products are sold. For more information:

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

Buy Plavix uk
Buy Prednisone uk
Buy Premarin uk

Neons (2014) by OPI

May 15, 2014

Released for the first time in full-sized bottles, OPI brings us as new eye-searing collection: Neons by OPI (CAN $10.95/each), six über-bright hues along with Put A Coat On! Natural Nail Base Coat, to help these babies really “pop” (sold separately). I confess that up until now, I never really understood neons’ appeal, but try wearing just one of these shades and NOT feeling happy – impossible, I tell you.

A good way to bring out the most of these neon shades, is with a reliable white base coat (which effectively replaces your usual base coat). The new Put A Coat On! from OPI applies beautifully: fairly opaque and relatively non-streaky, even at just 1 coat. The trick to achieving the most flawless finish with this collection, is to first apply the white base, and then let it thoroughly dry before going in with your chosen hue. The reason for this, is to ensure the white base does not bleed into the polish, which may then cause grooves in the finish or require multiple coats for an even surface.

The formula is a unique animal as well; medium thick and with the smoothness of a crème, but the springy feel of a jelly. As these Neons by OPI all wind down to a natural satiny finish, I suggest capping them off with a nice glossy top coat to really help them stand out. The following swatches were done with: 1 layer of Put A Coat On! Natural Nail Base Coat, 2 layers of each individual shade, and top coat.

Neons (2014) by OPI

Life Gave me Lemons – A true highlighter yellow with hints of chartreuse to keep it interesting. My biggest surprise, was in how much I absolutely LOVE this shade and am already planning on giving it some serious pedi time this Summer.

Neons by OPI – Life Gave Me Lemons

You Are So Outta Lime! – A super vivid lime colour, but with touches of mint to sweeten it up. I love how it’s green, but not – very wearable and will not give the dreaded “lobster” hue to skin (many green shades can give a ruddy tint to surrounding skin).

Neons by OPI – You Are So Outta Lime!

Juice Bar Hopping – A true citrus explosion, no? Makes me think of candied orange slices, or orange-flavoured Popsicles. This shade is such a great alternative to wearing red – and probably even more eye-catching (and totally non-staining, as an added bonus).

Neons by OPI – Juice Bar Hopping

Hotter Thank You Pink – A hot fuchsia pink with a blue pearly gleam. Rather like mixing textures, the addition of that inner shimmer (which is very visible, by the way) gives a 3-D feel to this shade and elevates it to something more than just another pink neon.

Neons by OPI – Hotter Than You Pink

Down To The Core-al – A scorching coral that definitely leans pink, filled with an ultra-fine pearly pink shimmer for added depth. Very hard to accurately photograph the true nature of this colour, this shade seems to merge the best of orange, red, coral and pink – creating a stunning Summer must-have. LOVE!

Neons by OPI – Down The The Core-al

Push & Pur-pull – An intense purple hue (think: Crayola bright) that somehow manages to be both vivid and dark. It’s that eye-popping purple kind of colour that lands it amongst the other neons here, but this can easily be worn year-round as well.

Neons by OPI – Push & Pur-pull

While my personal preferences tend to run to more conventional colours and finishes, I confess to having fallen hard for these Neons by OPI. Surprisingly easy to work with, each shade bears a rich, vibrant, and lush intensity, managing to infuse your mani/pedi with a much needed injection of colour, while still somehow staying far from appearing juvenile. Now that the warmer weather is finally (FINALLY) here, what better way to usher in the season than with some sizzle?

You can find this collection now through select retailers, professional salons & spas – the Neons by OPI collection is also available in GelColor through select salons (professional service only). For more information, visit:

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

Buy Levothroid uk
Buy Pepcid uk
Buy Valtrex uk

Butter London – Boho Rock Collection Nail Lacquer

April 14, 2014

The Boho Rock Collection from Butter London, is a collection of 6 neutrals infused with sensuality, some texture and a whole of lot possibilities. With nude shades trending hot this season, I love that these aren’t the same old – same old, but a fresh & modern spin on classic hues: wearable, yet still funky enough to suit your inner Bohemian princess.

All swatches were done using Butter London’s new Patent-Gel Base and Top Coats (except where top coat was omitted, as stated) – and after playing with this duo for some time now, I’m ready to include in my list of Holy Grail favourites.

Butter London – Boho Rock Collection

Keen – a warm leaning doll-skin pink (Band-Aid pink?) hue in a formula that’s a touch patchy with the first coat, but then levels off nicely by the second. Super glossy at the finish, I was take by complete surprise in finding myself strangely drawn to this shade – so not my usual colour, but there you have it. Coats applied: 3 (thin, which gives the best coverage), plus top coat

Butter London – Keen

Trallop – a camel-nude shade given warmth by the yellow undertones in its base, in a formula that can best be summed up as SPECTACULAR: amazing opacity even by the 1st coat, self-levelling, easy flow & application and a high gloss finish. The perfect nude? Possibly. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Butter London – Trallop

Butter London – Lushington over Trallop

Goss – a stunning rose-gold foil (metallic) hue in a quick drying formula and which applies in a very opaque way even by the 1st coat. TIP: I suggest loading up your brush with polish, as this type of formula is not tolerant of touch-ups (going back in with your brush to correct anything). Some brush strokes may be evident upon initial application (much less visible in person, believe me), but within a few seconds it begins to level off and give a wonderfully smooth, foil-like finish. Those with less than even nails might want to apply a ridge-filling base coat first. I also found that this shade definitely looks best as is – a top coat somehow takes away from the finish and can make it look dated. Bonus: ridiculously easy removal. Coats applied: 2 (no top coat)

Butter London – Goss

Trifle – what looks like a chocolatey/bronze hue is actually so much more complex than that; this bears a plum/raisin base colour that’s filled with an oxidized bronze metallic shimmer. At times it can look like wood-grain, at others I catch a slight flash of gold – very rich, unique and rather Rococo-looking, no? Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Butter London – Trifle

Lucy in the Sky – the Beatles version of this song gets stuck in my head every time I say this name This shade is INSANE. A blush/taupe base that’s loaded with small prismatic glitter in a slightly thicker flowing formula than the rest, but nonetheless super easy to work with. I have seriously NEVER seen anything like this – reminds me of haute couture nude gowns with artfully applied sequins, or even mermaid skin – gorgeous and I absolutely LOVE it! The finish is lightly textured – think suede, not grit and unless you first apply a peel-off base coat (like OPI’s amazing new Glitter Off), then be prepared for some effort to remove it (so worth it, though!). The final sparkle is nothing short of brilliant (not glossy like a crème). Coats applied: 2 (surprisingly opaque at 2)

Butter London – Lucy in the Sky

Butter London – Lucy in the Sky (with top coat)

Lushington – a cloudy ivory base with tons of ultra-fine gold glitter. Easily layered over any other colour, this shade seems to work well with both dark & light hues. Worn alone, you’ll definitely need at least 3 coats to make it almost opaque and again, I strongly recommend a peel-off base coat under to avoid removal issues later on. I love how the tiny size of the glitter and the cooler tone of the gold gives this a more modern & sophisticated vibe. Coats applied: 3 (thin, plus top coat)

Butter London – Lushington

Butter London – Lushington (with top coat)

If asked upon first receiving this collection, I would have probably said that 2 out of the 6 would most likely turn out to be favourites, but I’ve never been happier to say how wrong I would have been (and I hate admitting that I’m wrong). I found something to love about the entire Boho Rock Collection, and with Butter London’s amazing formula backing each shade, you seriously can’t go wrong with any. Then there’s Lucy in the Sky – have you EVER?! (and there goes that earworm again …)

Available now through The Bay (Canada) – find more information via: