not so sure

So I finally got a hold of some O.P.I shattered, crackle polish. Thanks to my mom of course. But I'm not so sure how I feel about it. First I tried the Cobalt Blue Shatter over a hot pink. It seemed to throw a purple cast and absorb some of the pink hue. I don't know, I wasn't thrilled with it. I feel it would be really hard to make this color look good over anything but a stark bright white lacquer. Plus it's a shimmery crackle polish, which means it won't pair well with another shimmery polish. In my opinion the two would cancel each other out. So you'd have to go for an opaque, flat color underneath. 

That same evening I decided I couldn't handle the blue shatter so I swapped it for this look : Black (opaque) crackle polish over Essie's smooth Lapis of Luxury, a dreamy ocean blue. On site, I did enjoy this combination better. Once finished with a juicy topcoat, it had a very vinyl appeal. And I can't wait to wear Lapis on its own. 

All in all, O.P.I's Shattered line is a fantastic, quality product. It go's on very smooth, the crackle effect is neat to watch and it dries very fast. I found the more you layer it, the less of a crackle effect you'll end up with. So the challenge is to get one even brush stroke over the entire nail or two ---without layering the product. In my humble opinion, I don't think this product should be available in shimmery colors. Shimmery colors reflect light and generally require at least two coats to build the color, otherwise you end up with a thin veil of color which can be drowned out or absorbed by other hues. So far the navy and black shatter polishes are my favs. 

* O.P.I Shattered Polish can be found at any beauty supply store and costs between $7 and $8 bucks

*Essie Polish can be found at CVS and any beauty supply store and retails for about $8 bucks

"with fingernails that shine like justice!" ---cake

Usually I avoid wearing red nail polish. It's always seemed very common place, trite and overused to me---boring. Until now! Maybe it was my mom, or the opening credits to Showtime's, The Big C, but I've been very inspired to wear a lot of red this summer. So during a late night run to CVS, I picked up a bottle of Essie's Forever Yummy. And indeed it is so very yummy, scrumptious and looks like trouble!

Until recently, Essie Nail Polish was only available at select beauty supply stores. Now you can find a decent selection of their basic collection and new summer launch at CVS! Each bottle retails for $8.00 bucks! Its not as good O.P.I but its a great over-the-counter nail lacquer. Quick Tip : One thing to avoid is applying a base coat to your nails before applying the color. I've found the Essie formula is just not thick enough to handle a 3 coat application : base, color, top coat. I had chipping the very next day---which is unacceptable. But if you just apply the color and a top coat, the product will be able to grab on to the surface of your nails and hold. I redid my manicure following this formula and one week later the product is going strong and chip free!

One last lament on red fingernails <3 My grandmother recently gave me a faux Eisenberg bracelet that she picked up at an estate sale. You know that borderline tacky rhinestone jewelry that was made very popular in the 50's and 60's? A time when broaches and clip on earrings were considered chic <3 I've taken to wearing the bracelet everyday----no matter the outfit. And I've found that the extra sparkle is not only fun but makes me very happy. Not to mention anything that sparkles looks fabulous next to a bright creamy shade of red. So sparkle and wear red ladies.....daaahling you won't regret it!