China Glaze Take a Trek - Swatches and Review

Today I have Take a Trek (with a Strap on Your Moonboots accent) from the China Glaze Hologlams collection to show you. When I read China Glaze were doing another holographic collection, obviously my mind thought of the amazing (and htf) OMG collection from years ago. But OMG holos these are not, so I will say straight up I was a bit disappointed. Especially when compared to the incredible Color Club Halo Hues polishes.

This was taken in direct sunlight and is the strongest effect I was able to get out of them. The actual shades of blue however, are gorgeous. If these were advertised a mere metallic/mild foils, I would be loving them.

As you can see the colours are rich and intense. I swatched these are a day of wear and already there is tipwear coming through - they started chipping on day two.

I have read they might be improved with a top coat, so I'll try that next time.

What do you think of the Hologlam collection? Do the shades win you over, or does the lack of strong holo kill it for you?

Black and White Toothpick Nails

You may recall from the Halloween Challenge last October that I had a few nail fails. Now some were too bad to even photograph, but this one made it through the net.

Basically this is what happens when I paint one half of the nail black (Lippmann Edge of Glory) and one half of the nail white (China Glaze Snow).

Then I thought it would be a great idea to drag a toothpick through the middle in a zig zag fashion to create a sort of daft swoosh effect. Why didn't someone stop me?

One nail worked out okay, but the rest were a bit of a mess. Not even a hot mess. It looked okay from 19m away, but close up, it rendered a bit of a sneer/cringe.

Have you ever tried toothpick-dragging-zig-zaggy-effect nails? Surely they were better than mine?

Arbonne Cosmetics Lipstick Review - Jam

I have another product from Arbonne to review today, a lipstick that answers to the name of Jam.

Now I'm not a huge wearer of lipstick, usually sticking to my beloved gloss, but upon seeing Jam, I knew it would be a fantastic staple in my collection. The colour is a lovely autumnal blue based light burgundy, which I think would be flattering on all skin tones.

The packaging was nice and due to the narrow tube, it was very easy to use and apply. The formula has Vitamins A, C and E plus pomegranate extract which gave the lipstick a soft texture that wasn't too thick - it's a lipstick that feels like a balm.

Wear time was good, and my lips didn't feel dry and flaky at all. See how it isn't as dark on the lip as in the tube? Excellent.

The lipstick retails for $36 which you can buy online. I would personally buy more colours in the range based on Jam as I thought the formula and colour were delightful - plus it's not as expensive as Dior, Chanel etc, but I feel the products are similar.

Arbonne Cosmetics Review - Sheer Finish Tinted Moisturiser and Natural Radiance Mineral Powder

Today I have two beauty products from Arbonne to review. Sheer Finish Tinted Moisturiser and Natural Radiance Mineral Powder Foundation. On Thursday I'll post my review of an Arbonne Lipstick.

'Arbonne Cosmetics is a premium range of products with botanical ingredients in a host of colours and free from sodium lauryl sulphate, talc, gluten, parabens and phthalates. Additionally they are Vegan friendly and are not tested on animals. They also have an exclusive Optilight Technology which diffuses light to create a soft-focus effect and blurs imperfections so that skin looks flawless from virtually every angle.'

So free of the nasties and not tested on animals. That's a tick in my book.

When reading the review keep in mind my skin is pink based and pale - always the lightest foundation colour (I once met Casper the Ghost and he told me to go on holiday to Ibiza as I was looking unwell), and it leans dry with minimum sensitivity.

First up for review is the Sheer Finish Tinted Moisturiser SPF15+ in Fair. 

The packaging pleases me greatly, as it's plastic (no worries about dropping it) and in a hygienic squeeze tube which makes for easy application.

I applied the product with my fingers and it gave a sheer-light finish. Enough to even out the skin, but not enough to cover blemishes or redness (to which I'm prone, thus rendering me the look of a mildly embarrassed ghost at all times). It was light and blendable.

Once on the skin it sunk in nicely, but retained a tiny bit of tackiness - such is the price of an SPF - and gave a very dewy finish. If your skin is oily, I'd recommend adding a light powder over the top. I personally had no problem. Nor did I have any problems with sensitivity. Colour wise, it leans yellow, but once on the face it didn't look obviously yellow. It was also light enough for me which is refreshing.

It retails for $50 for 50ml which is on the higher end of the spectrum. It comes in 6 colours which is a nice change from the usual light, medium, dark that I find with other brands.

Secondly we have the Natural Radiance Mineral Powder Foundation SPF15+ in Porcelain.

It is in chunky packaging as a loose powder whereby you have to shake it out with the lid on, then pick it up with a brush. Not my favourite packaging method, but it does the job.

This certainly needs brush application to pick up the powder, plus a brush diffuses it well. It is advertised as sheer coverage, however I think it's more light-medium. Very buildable as well. It didn't sit in the pores and was very lightweight.

Arbonne advertise soft focus 'Optilight Technology' at play here and I think the powder has a genuine airbrush finish. It gives a matte finish, but is counteracted with pearlescent, mica-ish shimmer shine. Again, it was yellow leaning which bordered on slightly too yellow for me, but I think I can get away with it. I tried this without a primer or anything and it didn't highlight dry patches which was excellent.

This powder is $52 for 8.5g - again, a premium price range. Overall I liked the product, but the sparkle bordered on too much for me. Oddly, it was more obvious inside, than out.

So, what do you think of these products? Would you purchase them?

These products were sent to me for review. The opinions are my own and are in no way influenced by the company. 

Color Club Angel Kiss - Swatches and Review

I am obsessed with holographics as of late. I recently bought some China Glaze Hologlams, and some Colour Club and Layla holos. Today the holo comes from Color Club, holographic 2012 collection.

The holo on the Color Clubs is some of the best I've seen. The polishes are intensely pigmented and have strong holo effect. Only 2 thin coats required.

I don't really know what's going on with my fingers here, but this pic shows how Angel Kiss is an aqua that flits from blue to green.

I even love the colour indoors with no direct holo effect. Very flattering against pale paws.

I found wear time to be better than other holos, about 2 days before a small chip.

I'd snap this one up if you haven't already. The holos from Color Club far surpass anything else available from mainstream brands at the moment.

Now, how many more times can I say holo....

China Glaze Water You Waiting For - Swatches and Review

Today I have a blue polish to represent World Autism Awareness Day - I think you'll find a lot of other nail blogs getting behind the cause, some extending it through the whole of April, so keep an eye out. 

China Glaze Water You Waiting For comes from the Cirque du Soleil collection (which was a fantastic one - just wish I'd picked up It's A Trap-eze when it was easily available) and it an amaaaazzing glittery blue.

 The photographs really don't do it justice, it is incredible on the nail. There is a whole heap of blue and green glitter suspended in a blue jelly base. The above is three coats.

While the zoom is a little blurry, it shows off the green very well. The green isn't immediately noticeable on the nail though, it all melds together to create a nice glitter effect.

Essie Leading Lady - Swatches and Review

Today my sparkle-tastic cherry red nails come from the brand known as Essie.

Leading Lady is from the Winter 2012 collection and looks like a distant cousin of the much coveted Ruby Slippers.

It consists of silver glitters swimming about in a ruby/cherry sheer base. It was very buildable and the above is three coats. It didn't look as 'thin' as it does in the pics.

Here is Ruby Slippers (Arggggh old swatchy pic.. I think I've improved, just) It is redder with more gold in it.

Looks like a delicious red velvet cake or icecream... or the coating of a BabyBel with glitter. You can pick this up at all good e-tailers.

I've also jumped on the BlogLovin' band wagon (I'm jaztee, surprise, surprise) - Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Soles Boot This - Bronze

Today I'm finally living up to the shoe component of my header and showing you my latest boot purchase - the Boot This ankle boot by Soles in Bronze.

These are a lovely mix between gold and bronze. With a bit of copper thrown in. They are also a little reflective and if you look close enough, you can see your reflection in them.

They are extremely easy to pull on and off, though I wish the ankle gap/top of boot space was a little narrower for when I wear with skinny jeans. I haven't been as in love with boots since my electric blue Boot This boots. I am slowly becoming a Soles devotee.

I bought mine from Styletread, but you can also find Soles at The Iconic.

butter London Posh Bird - Swatches and Review

Happy Monday everyone! My polish today is from one of my favourite brands (they're in my top 5), butter London. It goes by the name of Posh Bird.

Posh Bird is a taupey purple shimmer, which is difficult to pinpoint. It switches depending on which light you're in. The above is taken outside in indirect sunlight.

 And here it is in the sunlight. The purple really comes through. The formula was good, requiring too coats, not too runny and it didn't chip for a while.

In the zoom you can see it is packed with shimmer. I'm treating this one as a new work appropriate neutral - I love wearing it!

What do you think? Is Posh Bird worth the price jump from regular salon brands?

Orly Cotton Candy - Swatches and Review

It doesn't happen often, but sometimes I just feel like having pink nails. A change from my staple nail wardrobe of blues and vampys.

Orly Cotton Candy is one I always reach for due to the formula (two coats) and the pretty, soft, carnation pink finish. I loved the Sweet collection when it came out, full of nice pastels.

The shady picture is more colour accurate, though it still has slightly salmon tendencies. Chipping time is pretty average.

Also, apologies for dropping back to weekly blogging, but I am just too busy at the moment with uni (break over New Year, what break over New Year??) and work. When things calm down, hopefully more frequent bloggerating shall ensue!