LA Colors - Live + plus possibly the most amazing dupe ever

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Be still little heart

LA Colors' Live is $2 (yes just $2) and is utterly blinging.  This is a genuine one-coater too, although I did two just because of my obsession with symmetry.  The formula is easy to work BUT it dries to a rough finish so you will need some Seche Vite or Poshe.

Now, I know what you're all thinking.  Is this a dupe for Orly's Shine?  Well ladies, prepare to be stunned after the jump.

Ulta3 - Razzle

Just between you and me, I think YGN is quietly turning into some den of p0rno.

First we had Blue Bang earlier in the week. And now, I present Ulta3's Razzle.  For the uninitiated, Razzle is a an English magazine that is (or at least was)..... somewhat cheeky.  On one of our first dates, my lovely husband joyfully regaled me with stories about his extensive collection of Razzles.  I suspect he thought he was impressing rather than horrifying me.

Thankfully, this Razzle is completely work and family safe and utterly gorgeous.

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What a sparkly little gem.  It took three coats to get to opaque and is a little streaky but it's fab overall.  I feel like an intergalactic hottie when I wear this.

OPI - Sweet Pink - **Japanese Exclusive**

Apologies for the banner picture being in Japanese but this is a Japanese collection, after all!  If any of my Japanese readers are able to translate, please paste the English in the comments.

Thanks to lovely YGN reader, Emma Joy, I was able to get my hands on OPI's Sweet Pink Collection which, from what I understand, is a Japanese exclusive. How exotic!

I had high hopes for this collection.  In the bottle, each one of these looks amazing.  Good enough to eat.

In reality, this collection is a mix of the good and not so good for me.  One lacquer just does not fulfill its potential (you'll see why after the jump).  One goes on completely differently to how it looks in the bottle.  And then there are two that are adorably squee.  All are sheer-ish and need around 3-4 coats.

Check them out after the jump!  All photos are taken in diffused light.

BYS - Blue Bang + Nailene Rhinestone

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Errrr, ladies, I present to you... Blue Bang. 

Blue Bang is a gorgeous blue jelly.  Glides on wonderfully smoothly, is opaque in three coats (although you can see some VNL in these swatches which are not visible in person), and dries to a gorgeous, high shine finish.

It's also quite unique in my collection.  It's a good middle ground lacquer between the pastels and brights, and some of the darker, cobalt blues.

But wait! There's more!  The lovely Eileeen, from Nailene, recently sent me some false nails to try out (review coming next month along with a giveaway).  She also popped into the package some Bedazzled Nail Art kits so I decided to bling up this manicure a little.

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How super cute is this?  These rhinestone decals are really easy to use - just peel and stick (I used tweezers to place them) - so even a nail art dunce like me can make it work. I kept it subtle, mostly because this looked great on its own but I'm definitely going to branch out and try some different combinations.

So what do you guys think?  Of Blue Bang and the rhinestones? 





The nail art in this post was provided courtesy of the Ever Excellent Eileen of Nailene. For more information on the YGN Disclosure Policy, click here.

LA Girl - Paparazzi

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 Flash

 
After last week's Soviet Summer Camp, I decided to brighten up this week with some pinky sparkle.I apologise for the crappiness of this swatch - the gap is way too large and my hands look like they've been playing in olive oil.  Sorry!

Paparazzi is from LA Girl's Rockstar Collection and is one of those lovely cheap lacquers that, whilst not entirely changing the universe for the better, easily changes your mood from sad to rad.

This can be used as either a layering lacquer or on its own - although it doesn't entirely succeed as either.  The pink base will alter the base colour you're wearing so you need to be aware of that when using it for layering.  At the same time the pink base is so sheer that it never quite gets opaque.  This is four coats and there is still a very clear nail line.

So whilst I love the pinky goodness of this, I'm not entirely sure how or where I would wear this?  What do you guys think?

Naily News #27

Thanks for all the amazing entries so far in the April Giveaway.  There is still a week to enter the competition so, click here, and find out how you can win three Glitter Gal lacquers of your choice.

Totally nail unrelated but way too cute not to include in the Naily News is Balki.

One of the nicest people around, and a massive supporter of nail blogs, Jackie S has finally started up her own blog.  Please check it out and give this lovely lady some love.

Nixxy has an Australis nail disaster.  And has the nuts to tell us about it.

I can't help but love everything Diana does with her nails.  Here is a pink and silver glitter masterpiece.

In honour of Essie being sold to L'oreal, here is a fab little manicure from Naive Nails.

Just to save you precious seconds, set your mouth to open awe before clicking to see this stunning manicure from Nihrida.

Who likes short pants?  It doesn't quite sound as catchy as Who likes Short Shorts, but click to check out this Essie lovely.

Michelyne rocks some flakie love.

Want to see some Mexican lacquers.  Why click right this way....

If you have a nail related post, paste a link in the comments.

And click on the jump to see why I need Kava.  Now.

kit - Blue Surf

kit's Blue Surf is part of the Dulux Collection.

Yes, kit partnered with a paint company to come up with some pretty vibrant colours.  Forget about matching your handbag and shoes.  Clearly, this season is all about matching nails and walls!

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This is a lovely blue.  Although it appears quite light here, the colour in real life is more dusty, like distressed denim.

And it has the best formula of all the kit lacquers I've tried so far.  Big call but kit totally nailed the formula with this one.  Creamy without being thick.  Glides on easily and you only need two coats to get the above result.

I heart this like I heart blue cheese!  PS. That's alot.

Eyeko - Vintage, Nude & Lilac Polish

Eyeko is such a super little brand.

I swear by their Big Eye Mascara and it doesn't matter how much I've drunk the night before, their 3-in-1 Cream gives me the skin of a newborn.  And it comes in the most humongous container.  I've had it over a year now and it's still only a third of the way used.

So I was thrilled when Larissa from Eyeko contacted me and asked if I wanted to trial some of their new polish range.  Uh, is the Pope Catholic?

Check out the little lovelies after the jump....

China Glaze - Let's Groove

Ever since NARS' Purple Rain was released, I've been harassing - and I mean HARASSING - the poor girls at Mecca Cosmetica as to when they were going to get it.  I'm surprised they haven't done the rational thing and taken out a restraining order against me because, realistically, I've been a bunny boiler about this lacquer.

I think it was Kaz who mentioned that China Glaze's Let's Groove was a dupe for Purple Rain.  So I bought it in the hope that a lemming could be satisfied AND I could go back into Mecca without a police escort.

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Ooooh missus!  This is classic China Glaze sweetness.  Two coats, creamy formula and flows intuitively onto the nail.

But wait! There's more! Check out this lacquer when the light hits it.

Flash

I bet at least 20% of you have fainted, right?  How utterly exquisite is this?  It's like fireworks!

But back to my original reason for buying this. Is it a very cheap dupe for Purple Rain?  I don't want to impinge on anyone's copyright, so check out Scrangie's swatch of Purple Rain and let me know what you think.  I think it's pretty darn close.

Orly - Foil FX

Today, it's all about the Orly Foil FX Collection. I've had this collection for ages but just haven't gotten around to swatching it.  Little Miss Lazy Pants!

There's been alot of talk as to whether this Collection acts a Minx Manicure substitute.  As someone who has had the Minx Manicure (click here for that special goodness), I can safely say this is not a Minx substitute.  Minx is totally smooth whilst these lacquers have a grainy finish.

Not that that negates the fabulousness of this collection.  Each lacquer is stunning.  It's like having molten liquid on your nails.  Two coats to opaque, a coat of Seche Vite for shine and you're good to go.

Click on the jump for picture spamalooza!  All photos have been taken in diffused light.

Color Club - Wild at Heart

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I always worry when I have a fierce lemming as to whether reality will ever quite measure up.  I have wanted  Color Club's Wild at Heart  for so long but, because they're not readily available in Australia, just never got my hands on it.  Would it fulfill my dreams?

Can I get a HELL YEAH! Why oh why did I wait so long for this?!  Like Milani's Totally Cool, this is a stunning homage to Aurora Borealis.  It's a purple base but with the most amazing shimmer throughout.  It's a genuine one-coater and, with a coat of Seche Vite, it dries to a high shine.

With Flash

Isn't that one of the loveliest lacquers you've ever seen?  I love the way it looks almost industrial in diffused light but then just bursts with colour when the light hits it.

And how good is the Color Club formula?  It is such a pity that these are hard to find in Australia.  :-(

Do you have any Color Club favourites I should try?  My brother has finally got his layabout act into gear and is going to send me some lacquers from the US so let me know your favourites in the comments.

April Giveaway - Glitter Gal Rocks My World!

Want to win three Glitter Gal lacquers of your choice?  Well do read on.....

Kerry and Anna, of Glitter Gal are kindly offering one lucky YGN reader the opportunity to win three lacquers of their choice from their amazing range.  Choose from the (now infamous for their brilliance) 3D Holographic Collection, Salon Nail Polish or the limited edition Bling Range.  The choice is yours!

To enter is easy:

1. Visit the Glitter Gal website.

2. Choose 3 (three) lacquers that you would love to own.

3. Using the entry form (scroll down to the end of the post): a) list the three lacquers you would like to win; AND b) tell Kerry and Anna why Glitter Gal rocks your world.

For illustrative purples only! Scroll down for the entry form.

4. Submit your entry and do a happy dance because you got your entry in.

Unlike previous giveaways, a winner will not be drawn randomly.  Kerry and Anna will review all entries and declare a winner that best exemplifies the Glitter Gal brand.

Enter as many times as you like.  Be as creative as you like. This is a giveaway where your own imagination is the limit!  Stand out from the crowd and make sure Kerry and Anna know who you are and why Glitter Gal rocks your world!

This giveaway will remain open until 5pm, Australian Eastern Time, Sunday May 2nd 2010 and is open to everyone - including those of you who are international.

Good luck everyone!

Illamasqua - Phallic Take II

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In honour of Illamasqua coming to Australia, and as part of my 'Jacie did a crap swatch and we all sat around and laughed at it' series, I decided to dig out my favourite Illamasqua lacquer, Phallic, and re-do the swatch.

This is a super Illamasqua colour.  Two coats. High shine.  Deep midnight blue with shimmer throughout.  I never fail to be complimented when wearing this colour.  Even though it is a blue lacquer, which is outside the norm for the average person, it has a sexy sophistication going on.  I love it.

Stay tuned because, in a couple of hours, I'll launch the April Giveaway involving Glitter Gal.  Too exciting!

Great Aussie Swatch Watch - TBN - We Have A Winner!

Thanks to everyone who entered the TBN Great Aussie Swatch Watch.

The most popular lacquer, according to the votes was..... Aubergine.

Aubergine is a gorgeous colour, so it's not surprising at all that this ended up the favourite.

And the winner?  I'm pleased to announce the winner of this months' swatch watch is.....

AMBERSKI75

Amberski voted for Aubergine and wins that lacquer and another TBN lacquer of her choice.

Congratulations Amberski!   I'll be sending you an email today to get your address details.

Stay tuned guys because the April Giveaway kicks off tomorrow.  You won't want to miss this one.

Naily News #26

Nicole rocks OPI's DS Reflection.  Oh, and she rocks it what good.

All You Desire has the new Illamasqua Collection in her hot little hands.  It is amazing.

Ladies, when Siobhan meets Chanel, you know it's going to be good.

Nixxy has yet another Nubar that is perfection. Or maybe it's Nixxy that is perfection.

More Nail Polish is the ultimate in good frankening.  Here, she creates a camo green to die for.

Yay! The Shrek Collection is here.  Check out Andrea's glorious swatches.

My Lucid Bubble trials an Nfu.Oh.  Oh, how I must get my hands on some of these.

Megan test runs a Scrangie dupe.

Kaz lines up the Evil Twins - Emerald Sparkle.  Can you tell the difference?

If you have a nail post you'd like to share, past a link in the comments.  Share the link love!

And click on the jump to see photographic evidence of the best lunch in Melbourne. You will be hongray afterwards.

Elianto Shimmer Violet + Ulta3 Spring Shower - Ke$ha Inspired Manicure Part II

We all remember the Ke$ha inspired manicure, right?

Jeannie, from My Latest Obsession, made a comment about using glitter as a French Manicure base.  I thought the idea sounded interesting so I decided to try my hand at another glitter base / solid tip colour except that, this time, it would be in pink.

 Step 1: The Base

I used Elianto's Shimmer Violet for the base.  Two coats and there is visible nail line.  I liked having the nail line still visible because it give me a guide as to where to paint the tip. I applied a coat of Seche Vite over the top, just to give me a smooth canvas to work with for the tips.

Step 2: The Tips

For the tips, I used Ulta3's Hot Spring.  In this photo the tips look a little on the thick side (that's what happens when I use my short nail bed lines as a guide!) but if you keep on scrolling, it looks fine.

Step 3: Party Time!

One more coat of Seche and voila!  Finished product!

Excusing poor execution, I think this is a another great colour combination.  I'm getting into the glitter base French Manicure and am going to try out a few more in the coming weeks (poor you guys having to sit through this, hey?).

YGN Stop Press! Illamasqua in Australia!

I just got the most amazing news from Alex of Illamasqua.

ILLAMASQUA ARE COMING TO AUSTRALIA!

Didn't hear me the first time?

ILLAMASQUA ARE COMING TO AUSTRALIA!

Here is the press release:

Cult British make-up brand Illamasqua follows it’s phenomenal success in the UK, US and Dubai by launching exclusively with Myer Australia in June.

Since igniting the world of cosmetics at the opening of its first counter in Selfridges London, November 2008, Illamasqua has become the UK’s fastest growing privately owned make-up brand.  With a current strong presence across the UK and Ireland, USA and the Middle East, its Australian addition is a significant move for the brand and will be a key focus for 2010 and 2011.  

“We have been speaking for over 12 months now and are hugely excited to be forming an exclusive partnership with Illamasqua’, says Rob Gregory, Business Director for Cosmetics. “The success they have achieved in such a short time is incredible in a sector dominated by a few key companies. They offer a unique point of difference in the market and it is one that will work well with the Myer customer’. 

Illamasqua will initially launch in Sydney and will then roll out progressively to Myer stores internationally. 

“Myer will be a great partner for Illamasqua’ says Carl Atkinson, Managing Director at Illamasqua “They have already shown that they understand the brand as well as we do - there is great synergy between our businesses so we know the fit will be strong. We have exciting plans together that will see us quickly become a strong player in the Australian market’.

I seriously can't breathe.  You guys all know my love for Illamasqua knows no bounds.  To be able to actually see and touch these products in person?  I'm not an overly religious person but I'm pretty sure Jesus is high-fiving everyone in heaven right about now.

Aussie ladies - start happy dancing..... now!

Barry M - Turquoise

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BarryM really need to come up with better names for their lacquers.

Sure, the names are accurate but they are also hella boring.

I mean, Turquoise?  Really?  I'm going to rename this Frilly French Knickers.

Turqoise FFK is a lovely lacquer that glides on easily and is opaque in two coats.  Barry M have really nailed their creme formula so I find I can never go wrong with these.  The finish is always gorgeous and I find I rarely have to do a clean up.

My lovely mother in law has offered to get me some more Barry M lacquers.  So, here's a request to the English gals.... what's your favourite Barry M's?  Which ones would you recommend?

Ulta3 - Sizzling Red

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When it comes to lacquers, I can never go past red.  It is far and away my favourite colour.

So Ulta3's Sizzling Red already has a head start in the 'win Jacie's heart' stakes.  The fact that it's a blue-red, glides on like butter, dries to a high shine and is just old-school Hollywood glamour red?  Top of the class for this one.

The fun doesn't stop there though.  After the jump is this lacquer with an Inglot flakie.  I blame Toxin for my love of Inglot flakies - she started it all with this post!

April Giveaway Sneak Peak

I don't normally do this but I wanted to give you guys a quick sneak peak relating to the upcoming April Giveaway. I'm just too excited to wait!

Yes.....*deep breath Jacie* it involves Glitter Gal.  And, come Monday, you could win an awesome prize courtesy of Glitter Gal's owners, the beautiful, talented and ever generous, Anna and Kerry.

In the meantime, there's still time to enter the Great Aussie Swatch Watch - TBN.  If you haven't voted as yet, make sure you get your vote in soon!