China Glaze ‘Let It Snow’ Collection Holiday 2011 – part 1 (swatches & review)

For Holiday 2011, China Glaze brings a winter wonderland to life with their new collection, aptly titled ‘Let It Snow’. Comprised of twelve gorgeously festive shades, including ultra fine shimmers, jewel-rich crèmes, as well as twinkling glitters, there is something in this collection to suit every taste and to have your tips ready to meet every holiday event. To make things easier, I have broken this collection down into two segments, so that you can fully enjoy each varnish’s stunning glow! All swatches are with Deborah Lippmann’s 2-Second Nail Primer as well as On A Clear Day Top Coat, and Seche Clear Base Coat.

‘Snow Globe’ is nothing short of magical! Bringing me back to my childhood and my endless fascination watching the glittering particles swirling throughout these shaken orbs, this replicates that look so completely! A clear base filled with iridescent and prismatic mid-sized glitter, the formula was a touch on the thick/suspension side, but still very workable. While I love the “fairy lights” look of this on its own, it would make a truly unique layering polish as well. The following swatches are with three coats of lacquer, and I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth to the touch it felt with simply one layer of top coat. Bonus: very easy removal.

Sunlight lends ‘Snow Globe’ a delicate rainbow-like spotted effect, with each sequin giving off its own delicate glow.

Indirect light casts a cooler look overall, and seems to not only spotlight each particle of glitter, but adds a subtle blueish tinge.

I love how shaded light makes ‘Snow Globe’s’ glitter almost dance in the light, while adding a much warmer tone throughout.

A final view taken with flash sends the light bouncing off each colourful sequin, yet still manages to look subtle and never gaudy.

‘Champagne Bubbles’ is a gentle lemon-gold hue, filled with ultra fine golden shimmer and small sparse gilded glitter. The formula itself was amazing with very good gloss at the finish, but as this is a touch on the frosty side, you need to apply your coats carefully to avoid any visible brush strokes being left behind. Interestingly enough, I noticed green and pink flashes simmering in the base colour, however the pictures failed to capture these nuances. While I personally prefer the more delicate look of this shade at two coats, I applied three here for fuller opacity.

Sunlight serves to emphasize the more yellow tones found in this shade, and pushes the gold glitter particles deeper into the background.

Indirect light lends ‘Champagne Bubbles’ an icier semblance and turns the glitter into silvery shards of light interspersed throughout the base hue.

Shaded light not only gives this shade a sunnier disposition, but clearly emphasizes its delicate golden glitter.

A final view taken with flash reflects brilliantly off the golden finish of this hue, and displays how elegant it shines, despite its intensity.

‘Twinkle Lights’ is like Christmas in a bottle of lacquer! A medium thick, rather suspension-like formula, it is simply filled to the brim with gold, green and red micro-glitter, all in a clear base. Perfectly enchanting with two coats, as I applied here, I don’t know if you’d even want to add a third layer, as the coverage seemed more than enough like this. Gleaming jewel-like, it can almost take on the look of foil in some lights, and I would advise waiting at least 2 minutes between coats, in order to avoid any potential clumping.

When seen in sunlight, the more foil-like nature of this lacquer comes forth, and merges all the colours into one glimmering tapestry.

Indirect light gives makes it seem as though multi-hued icicles were scattered across the nails.

Shaded light definitely brings out the more golden side of this lacquer, yet the green and red glitter serve as perfect companions.

A final view taken with flash is almost diamond-like in its brilliance! How pretty (and festive!) is this?!

‘Velvet Bow’ is in a word: SPECTACULAR. Seriously, the formula was beyond amazing and practically applied itself. Intensely glossy, completely self-levelling and gliding on like silk, two coats were all that were needed to reach complete opacity, and while you certainly don’t need to add a top coat for any shine, I wouldn’t advise skipping that step – if only to protect and prolong this awesome shade. Bonus: absolutely no staining left behind upon removal.

Sunlight reflects almost blindingly off this shade, emphasizing its deep maroon leanings.

Indirect light deepens the overall tone of ‘Velvet Bow’ and calls forth hints of brown lurking in its base.

Shaded light gives this shade a hint of berry, however the tone remains urban and very sophisticated.

A final view taken with flash emphasizes the luscious nature of this shade and shows how creamy it truly appears.

‘Glittering Garland’ is that perfect Christmas tree green, but is made so much more unique by all that it has going on. A fabulous formula, this is a deep almost pine green shade, loaded with brighter, viridian green shimmery flecks that lend it that “lit-from-within” glow (which I totally adore!). A wonderfully self-levelling application, the glass-flecked finish had a decent shine at the end, but greatly benefits from the addition of top coat to really make it stand out. A total STUNNER!!

Sunlight, and it looks like the light shining off the sparkling dew tipped leaves of a pine forest, a classical colour yet given an urban edge.

Indirect light appears to add some drama and mystery to ‘Glittering Garland’, while deepening the base hue to a more hunter green shade.

Shaded light does amazing things to the glass-flecked intensity of this shade, giving it the look of a green fire simmering under the surface.

A final view taken with flash makes this look, well….like a glittering garland! I love how the intensity of the shimmery flecks just seem to pop!

‘Winter Berry’ reminds me of those little red berries that the holly bush produces…and just as juicy looking! A stellar self-levelling application, this is a blue based brilliant scarlet hue, yet its more jelly-like formula gives it a wonderfully cushiony appearance. An insanely ultra-glossy finish, two coats were all that were needed for this pigment-saturated hue to provide full coverage. A true berry shade, it was simply perfection in every way and the best part? NO staining left behind!

Sunlight brings out a more cerise side to this shade, giving it the look of glossy maraschino cherries…and just as luscious!

Indirect light takes ‘Winter Berry’s’ vividness down a few notches, yet note how its brilliance still lingers.

Shaded light brings out any deep pink undertones found in this shade’s base hue, giving it a fresh and fun vibe.

A final view taken with flash, adds a dripping wet element to the finish, ending ultra glossy and pillowy soft in appearance.

Final thoughts: I have yet to be disappointed with anything China Glaze produces, and these first six lacquers of the ‘Let It Snow’ Collection are no exception. While these shades lend themselves so perfectly to the holiday season, they are nonetheless colours that will transcend the festivities and work well in the upcoming months as well. The formula on all was a joy to apply, and China Glaze’s modest price point makes it sweeter still. The collection has already begun trickling into stores now, but I encourage you to visit the company’s website for more information. The weather outside may be frightful (not yet!), so “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow” (I couldn’t resist) – as long as it melts on command! Stay tuned for my upcoming review on the second half of this collection.