Filed In: nail polish

Urban Outfitters ‘Silver Holo’ (and comparisons)

Nothing gives me a bigger rush, than finding something unique when I least expect it – unless that said item also happens to come at a ridiculously discounted price, as was the case while doing some [more] Christmas shopping at Urban Outfitters this past weekend and how I happened to spot the much talked-about ‘Silver Holo’. I swear that I wasn’t even looking for nail polish, but there it was … one lonely bottle (along with ‘Scorcher’, a sliver with multi-coloured glitter that was also the last of its kind, but that’s for another post). I may, or may not have broken out into a spontaneous happy dance …

Urban Outfitters Silver Holo – (CAD ~~$12.00~~ discounted to $7.00 15 ml/0.5 fl. oz) a vivid and pristine silver prismatic/holographic lacquer in a formula with absolutely perfect density – flowing neither too thick nor thin – able to provide amazing coverage by even the first coat, and displaying a strong linear pattern with the silvery-blue tones dominating. Applying in a self levelling way and leaving behind a glossy finish, I was surprised by how quickly it dried as well. Bonus: one of the best brushes I’ve come across – totally unexpected. Coats applied: 2 – no top coat.

Urban Outfitters – Silver Holo

Naturally, I needed to know how UO ‘Silver Holo’ compared to the other 2 similar polishes in my collection, GOSH ‘#549 Holographic Hero’ previously reviewed here, and Glitter Gal ‘Silver 3D/Holo’ previously reviewed here):

index finger: GOSH ‘Holographic Hero’ – thinner formula, holographic effect more scattered looking at 1st coat, greyer based, the dullest natural finish of the three, initial clouding of shade when top coat applied (clears up quickly, however)
middle & ring fingers: Urban Outfitters ‘Silver Holo’
pinkie: Glitter Gal ‘Silver 3D/Holo’ – the sheerest formula, but the glossiest natural finish of the three, holographic particles seem less dense than the others with the pink/orange tones dominating, unaffected by the addition of top coat

Urban Outfitters – Silver Holo & comparisons, no top coat

Urban Outfitters – Silver Holo & Comparisons with top coat

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Final thoughts: For those of you who know me, you’re aware that I have a rather extensive CHANEL lacquer collection and that I have been collecting them for over 25 years now, but there are 2 shades that slipped through my radar; one is ‘Jade’, and the other is ‘Holographic’. While I’m not that crushed about the former (ok, I am but that’s how it goes sometimes …), I believe I may have fulfilled the longing for the latter with Urban Outfitter’s ‘Silver Holo’. It’s THAT impressive. This varnish is everything I wanted a holographic shade to be – and then some, and considering the price, makes it the deal of 2012 for me. If you have access to an UO store, then this is so worth hunting down … trust me!
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*Disclaimer: some product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration
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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

Essie 2012 Repstyle Collection – ‘Repstyle’ & ‘Snake it up’

December 6, 2012

Maybe a little late coming to the party, but Essie has jumped onto one of the latest nail polish trends: magnetic lacquer. First launched during Toronto’s Fashion Week this past October, Essie has released their ‘2012 Repstyle Collection’ – 6 shimmering jewel toned magnetic shades. Today, I’m reviewing 2 of the more wearable hues, the namesake colour ‘Repstyle’ – a glimmering dusty taupe, and ‘Snake it up’ – a deep midnight beauty.

Now for the hard part … as a beauty blogger, my responsibility is to present as accurate a picture as I can of the products I review, and while anyone can put down an item, it takes a little extra work to find something positive, as I had to do with these 2 polishes. What made this so difficult, was that I truly admire this brand and have never been let down before, but as the saying goes “I cannot tell a lie” … read on to find out more.

Al swatches are with Essie’s All In One Base Coat and No Chips Aheaad Top Coat

Essie ‘Repstyle’ & ‘Snake it up’

A quick note on applying magnetic lacquers: after base coat, begin by applying one layer of polish to all nails – let dry a couple of minutes, then working one nail at a time, apply a second thin layer and immediately position the magnet over the nail for a few seconds to create the pattern. Finish with a layer of top coat, if desired.

I found that thin layers delivered the best results and showed up the pattern more distinctly, although the magnet was tricky to work with since it doesn’t come with a guide (tab) to help in the proper placement or in keeping it at an even distance from the nail surface – you have to try and hold it steady while ensuring it doesn’t touch the freshly applied polish. The pattern seems to take longer to develop than other magnetic lacquers I’ve tried, needing a minimum of 30-45 seconds before anything appeared.

removable outer cap bearing the magnet

Repstyle – is an odd mix of taupe, some silver and touches of copper, in a rather paradoxically semi-sheer formula that also happens to lean somewhat thick-ish, with a frosty finish (already off to a bad start …) You need to pay attention to your application, as this finish is quite prone to visible brush strokes, but I was totally surprised by the glossy finish at the end. The reptile pattern that emerges here, is a platinum silver against the taupe/bronze base. Coats applied: 2

Essie ‘Repstyle’

Snake it up – with a better flowing formula and application than that of ‘Repstyle’, this is a gorgeous mix of midnight navy and tungsten steel; in fact, I absolutely loved how this looked without the pattern/magnetic effect. Self-levelling and requiring less effort in application re: brush strokes, once again I was amazed by the super glossy natural finish at the end – top coat is almost redundant here, although I wouldn’t skip base coat as you could experience some light staining. The reptile pattern that emerges is of a blackened navy against a steely blue base. Coats applied: 2

Essie ‘Snake it up’

Since I was less than impressed with the magnets that came with these 2 shades, I wondered if changing the magnet would yield better results; after having experienced great results with the OPI magnets from the Skyfall Magnetic Lacquers Collection (previously reviewed here) I was disappointed to see that they were ineffective here. Moral of the story: these Essie polishes were definitely created to be used with their included magnets, so any issues are obviously a mix of the formula + the magnets themselves.

How cute are these Essie stickers? I don’t want to use/waste them!

Final thoughts: It pains me to say this, but Essie, these lacquers – for the most part – are a fail for me. ‘Repstyle’ is a shade that needed a touch more bronze perhaps to make it modern – not this old biddy frosty taupe. The fact that the magnets produce less than stellar results, makes me wonder why I would want to bother, although a case can be made for anyone who wants to experience a more subdued version of the reptile pattern (I’m looking for something positive here, ok?). ‘Snake it up’ is an absolutely gorgeous shade and had the magnet worked more effectively, I’d say it would be a total hit. As it is, I think that the brand needs to go back to the drawing board on these … but I have faith that if anyone can do it, Essie’s R&D team can. Best I can say, folks …

Kindly provided by Essie for my unbiased consideration

GOSH – Holographic Hero (swatches, Comparison & review)

December 4, 2012

I never really understood what it was exactly about holographic lacquers that appeared to incite such a frenzied reaction amongst nail polish aficionados – until I held that first prismatic bottle in my hands (seen here). Then, I stared. And stared some more. Bearing an almost 3-dimensional look, these lacquers are the stuff that myths are created out of – with sightings of them equally legendary.

When I learned that GOSH would be reissuing their highly praised version (and equally condemned – but more on that later on), I was thrilled to come across this unicorn while running errands at my local Pharmaprix (Shopper’s Drug Mart for the rest of Canada), which trip also saw me picking up GOSH’s ‘Galaxy’ (previously reviewed here). Cradling this precious bottle as though it were a newborn, I rushed home with my prize … and prayed to the nail varnish Gods that I wouldn’t be let down, pumped up by so much hype. Read on, my beauties …

#549 Holographic Hero (CAD $7.99 8 ml/0.3 fl.oz) – is basically a silver micro-shimmer base with white leanings, overlain by prismatic particles for that linear holographic effect. The formula is unbelievable; a self-levelling very easy flow with a good balance of being thick enough to cover well by the first coat – no streaking or bald patches, and thin enough to spread out easily without turning runny. While 2 coats will give good coverage, it’s at 3 coats where this baby really comes to life. As it winds down to a satin finish, top coat is essential to bring out its brilliance. Coats applied: 3 (thin) over base coat & finished with top coat.
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The base colour is a strong platinum hue with some pale grey undertones and the holographic effect is one that’s known as “linear”, as opposed to the more scattered type seen in other similar lacquers. Starting with a regular base coat, I then applied 3 thin coats of ‘Holographic Hero’, waiting at least 2 minutes between layers to avoid any potential brush strokes and dragging issues. Even through the satin finish, I was stunned to see its prismatic flashes; when I applied the top coat, the nail surface seemed initially clouded over, but that soon cleared up to enhance every facet of this beauty. Removal was effortless, leaving no residue behind.

*I’ve heard that this shade has basically a wear life span of 1-day, but I haven’t put that to the test – YET. Will update when I do.

GOSH ‘Holographic Hero’

The only other similar varnish I own to ‘Holographic Hero’ is Glitter Gal’s ‘Silver’, and here’s how they compared:

index and pinkie fingers – Glitter Gal ‘Silver’:

a much thinner formula that gives decent coverage by the 3rd coat, but would only have the same density of tone if layered over a solid base first
more pronounced silvery undertone
wider linear bands
prismatic particles seem slightly larger & a touch more vivid
colour rings seem reversed
natural glossy finish

middle & ring fingers – GOSH ‘Holographic Hero’

GOSH ‘Holographic Hero’ vs Glitter Gal ‘Silver’

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Final thoughts: Not much to add that isn’t obvious from the photos; all the talk about this polish is well deserved. That being said, the story was that when GOSH originally launched this shade, it was snapped up & sold out in a blink, but then people began complaining of its less than stellar wear – which in turn led to it being pulled from production. At that point, those who missed out on it, then began clamouring for a bottle and it seems that GOSH decided to comply – albeit with a new & improved formula (which I can’t vouch for, sadly, as I don’t have the original). Seen in person, I can guarantee that the effect is even more impressive, as your eyes try to process all the shifting colours: surreal. I also believe that this type of lacquer has a more sophisticated appeal, able to be easily worn by all age groups – unlike glitter varnishes that can appear too “young”, while its ease of application & removal, make it a total winner for me. With a price point that seems ridiculously low, you have no excuse not to pick up ‘Holographic Hero’ … unless it’s already disappeared, that is.
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*Disclaimer: Some product samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

New! a-england ‘Heavenly Quotes’ – And the Moonbeams… & She Walks in Beauty

November 28, 2012

If you have already experienced the a-england brand of lacquers, then you understand how it has reached the level of cult status so quickly … for those yet to indulge, allow me to explain this phenomenon: basically, it is because each and every single bottle of varnish comes from the heart and with a story – first created in the intuitive mind of its founder, Adina Bodana, then lovingly brought to life for the rest of us to enjoy. Attention to detail is crucial to a-england’s success, with a synergy that ties all the components together: concept, imagery, shades, and formula. Truly, works of art in liquid form.

Joining ‘Beauty Never Fails’ (previously reviewed here) from the Heavenly Quotes series, I present you with the latest additions, ‘And the Moonbeams…’ – a shimmering golden hue, along with ‘She Walks in Beauty’ – an intricate gold & pink glitter confection, both shades inspired by 2 well-known works of poetry. Easily worn on their own, or layered over a base shade for a unique & new colour combination, you are only limited by your own imagination — and your nail polish collection, in how you wear these two beauties.

All swatches are with a-england’s ‘The Knight’ Base Coat and ‘The Shield’ Top Coat

Love’s Philosophy

The fountains mingle with the river

And the rivers with the ocean,

The winds of heaven mix for ever

With a sweet emotion;

Nothing in the world is single;

All things by a law divine

In one spirit meet and mingle.

Why not I with thine?—

See the mountains kiss high heaven

And the waves clasp one another;

No sister-flower would be forgiven

If it disdained its brother;

And the sunlight clasps the earth

And the moonbeams kiss the sea:

What is all this sweet work worth

If thou kiss not me?

– Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822)

And the Moonbeams… – Have you ever seen dust motes swirling and suspended in a ray of sunlight? That’s the image this shade reminded me of! A pale gold ultra finely ground shimmer base filled with tiny irregular golden glass flecks, and interspersed with slightly larger gold glitter pieces – all in a formula that defines perfection: excellent density, flow, and dispersal of the shimmer. The reflective lemony hue also seems to have an oxidized side, which gives it a greenish glow in some lights. One coat provides good coverage, although a second layer gives a gorgeous translucent effect, leaving behind a brilliant shine and feeling smooth to the touch. Rather quick-drying as well, I was surprised by how painless removal was – although the finer glitter may migrate to the surrounding skin. Coats applied: 3 thin
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And the Moonbeams…

I knew without a doubt that I wanted to layer ‘And the Moonbeams…’ over ‘Elaine’ (previously reviewed here), a deep byzantium purple crème shade from a-england’s first collection ‘The Mythicals’. Something about purple and gold together just says “royalty” to me, but what I didn’t expect was how I couldn’t take my eyes off this combination – I am totally loving this opulent “baroque” look.
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The following swatches are 1 coat of ‘And the Moonbeams’ layered over 2 coats of ‘Elaine’.

And the Moonbeams… layered over Elaine

She Walks in Beauty

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow’d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

– George Gordon, Lord Byron (1788-1824)

She Walks in Beauty – a highly complex shade, made up of a similar golden base to that of ‘And the Moonbeams’, but with the addition of both small and large rose-coloured hexagonal glitter pieces. The formula here is a mystery to me; seemingly thick upon initial application, it somehow manages to not only stay exactly where it’s placed, but with hardly any effort at all. There was absolutely no issue with glitter dispersal either (no fishing for the larger pieces, or placing them manually) with the final look appearing in turn golden, olive-gold, silver, or pewter depending on the angle and light. Rather quick drying and with a brilliant natural finish, the surface can be a little gritty – nothing that a thicker layer of top coat (or 2) couldn’t solve. Removal, as with all glitter lacquers, requires some elbow grease; that being said, I will soon be posting a fabulous new method that can help with glitter removal. Coats applied: 3 (as thin as possible)
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She walks in Beauty

She Walks in Beauty

The logical thing to do would have been to layer ‘She Walks in Beauty’ over ‘Camelot’ (previously reviewed here), a-england’s rich ebony hue, but I something steered me towards ‘Bridal Veil’ (from ‘The Legend’ Collection – previously reviewed here) instead; I felt that the subtle prismatic particles of this base shade would be the perfect compliment, along with providing a unique depth of tone to the finished look. I absolutely love how it turned out!

All swatches are with 1 coat of ‘She Walks in Beauty’ layered over 2 coats of ‘Bridal Veil’.

She Walks in Beauty layered over Bridal Veil

She walks in Beauty layered over Bridal Veil

She Walks in Beauty layered over Bridal Veil

Final thoughts: After taking a few minutes to reacquaint myself with the poems that inspired these two lacquers, I couldn’t help but feel that once again, Adina managed to capture the essence of the words with these shades. The cool lemony-gold of ‘And the Moonbeams…’ feels right, as though that’s exactly what a moonbeam would look like in liquid form. The shimmering glitter of ‘She Walks in Beauty’ made me think of roses and femininity, yet there was strength there as well. I love how versatile these 2 shades are, giving you the choice of either wearing them solo or layered — it’s like doubling up your collection. And now, I’m already looking forward to the next chapter of this continuing story … but not before I try a few more combinations with these beauties!

To order, you can email Adina: hello@a-england.co.uk or feel free to follow her via twitter/facebook for all the latest a-england updates.