Ulta3 - Purple Pumps

Man, if I could have purple pumps like Ulta3's Purple Pumps, I'd be 36% happier.  No really.

This is gorgeous.  My only quibble, and I'll throw this out to the Aussies because you may have had a different experience, is that this dries to a hybrid gloss/semi-matte.  That is, without a topcoat,  it dried unevenly with some parts matte and others glossy.  The only way to resolve it was to apply Seche Vite which glossed it up immediately.

But otherwise.... yep, I want shoes in this colour.

butter LONDON - All Hail McQueen

Not since Scrangie have I fallen so in love with one lacquer.

butter LONDON's All Hail McQueen is exquisite.  A brown base with swathes of gold and pink through it.  Unfortunately, on my swatch it looks like a beige glitter so you're going to have to trust me on it's stunning nature (I will try to get a better photo of this in natural light).

I am wearing this lacquer almost constantly.  It actually works beautifully for work because the shimmer is subtle.  It's sexy.  It's elegant.  It's sophisticated.  And it's a lacquer that I am so terrified of it becoming discontinued that I have three backups.  That's a crazy love.

BYS - Bermuda Nights

Sometimes, bad lacquers happen to good people.  Sometimes, bad people ruin good lacquers.

Unfortunately BYS' Bermuda Nights looks fabulous and stunning in the bottle, but caca pants on me.  So much so that I've hidden this most hideous nail disaster after the jump because, quite frankly, I couldn't tolerate it dragging down my front page.

But this is not the lacquer's fault.  After I did my swatch, and promptly threw up a little in my mouth, a Kenyan friend of mine swatched it on her hands.  Bliss.  She is going to let me photograph her hand with this colour on soon (she couldn't bear the thought of her untamed cuticles being exposed to the world) and you'll see just how good this colour looks.

In the meantime, gird your loins and hold onto your lunch.

OPI - Russian Navy Suede

Firstly, I need to apologise to you guys for the upcoming week.  As some of you know, my aunt was hit by a car on Friday and is in hospital with a fractured skull and amnesia.  As a result, my already jam packed schedule of full time work, two children and two blogsites,  has now had daily visits to hospital and, as my aunt's power of attorney, dealing with all her paperwork added into the mix.

So please accept my apologies if I don't respond to comments quickly.  I will still post everyday and, if I get a moment, might throw in a little smack talk. I'm sure I will catch up eventually but, at the moment, something has to give and the comments seem the most logical.  I will still approve all comments quickly, but I won't be able to respond for a few days.

Here is the glorious OPI Russian Navy Suede.  Just, just, just, phenomenal.  One coat, dries in seconds, looks amazing.  It will highlight any nail imperfections you might have.  I have a scratch on my pinky and the lacquer shows it off to perfection!

  And, for those of you who always want more, I have the gloss version after the jump.

Naily News #48

Since both Kaz and Nixxy have left the country, I'm now in charge of Aussie nail blogging. And things are going to change around here. I might invade Poland.  If something should happen to me, Boo's in charge.  He will be a benevolent dictator.

There is still time to enter my Anniversary Giveaway. Entries close in a few days so make sure your entry is in to win!

Far out Megan does a great manicure.

Did you know that Kellie Gonzo used to think that Illamasqua was too good for her.  No really. This is glorious.  

Another Megan. Another amazing manicure.

New Zulu. Old Zulu. Scrangie just makes me want Zulu.

I will get down on my knees and sob the day I get my hands on Viridian.

Not nail related but, goddamn, Ange does a good rant. She ought to be a speechwriter.

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

Otherwise, I've been tagged by my girl, Jade, and, for once, I'm actually going to do it!  Jump to see some rather pedestrian smack talk.

Ulta3 - Confetti

Today's lacquer is from Aussie brand, Ulta3.  Confetti really does remind me of confetti.  I kinda want to throw it over a bride but I'm been told by a soon to be married friend that most brides don't want to smell of lacquer.  Brides are so precious.  I'm going to buy my friend the cheapest thing on her registry.  Just jokes.  I'm going to re-gift.

This is a layering lacquer, with multi-coloured glitter on a clear base.  Since it will never get opaque on its own, I've layered it over three lacquers for you to see.

First off is over Jessica's Shock Me Red, which I swatched earlier this week.

Pretty cool, huh?

I've also lacquered this over butter LONDON's Pink Ribbon and Fash Pack.  Check it after the jump.  It gets better.

Marks & Spencers - Rainbow

My lovely mother in law, Kath, sent me some more lacquers.  I saw this, thought 'oh yeah, it's a grey, cool' and didn't think anymore about it.

Until I came to swatch it and I realised..... HOLO!  Being the holo ho that I am, I immediately got my lucite heels on and did a happy dance around the pole.

This is a very subtle holo.  It's definitely not a China Glaze blinging holo but, given how hard those holos are to come by these days, this is a great substitute.

From a formula perspective, this is a solid two coater.  Those more madly skilled could probably get away with one.

Just delightful. Kath is amazing.

BYS - Midnight Blue + Nail Junkie Mash Up

I'm not going to beat around the bush here (what goes that phrase really mean, anyway? If you know, post your explanation in the comments).  BYS can't do anything wrong in my eyes and Midnight Blue proves my point.

I absolutely haven't done this lacquer justice here.  It's not just a blue shimmer.  There's a swathe of pink shimmer that also runs through it. I would sell Boo to have a lifetime supply of this.  Perhaps.

But wait! There's more!

In my swatch of Nail Junkie, a number of you suggested that it worked beautifully when layered over a dark colour.  Well, peep Nail Junkie layered over Midnight Blue after the jump.  Shock and awe does not begin to describe it.

OPI - You Don't Know Jacques Suede

I know I am way behind on the whole OPI Suede thing but I live in Australia.  I'm not sure of the correlation but just accept that argument on face value.  Let's move on!

 

You Don't Know Jacques Suede is stunning. The colour (pretty unique in my collection) and finish (grainy and industrial-esque) is just.... *homer drool*.

My only qualm, and this is not a new revelation, is the wear.  Within a day, it's chipping like a woodchuck.  I can't find any way of extending it so it's definitely a lacquer where you wear it for a day or two maximum and then start all over again.

For this colour, that drama is worth it. Perhaps.

butter LONDON - Pink Ribbon & Fash Pack

If you're an Aussie, October's Harper Bazaar Magazine has a special gift for you.  Yep, it's Gisele Bundchen talking smack about breast feeding!  Oh yeah, and there's a free butter LONDON lacquer included in the $9.95 purchase price.  You can pick from two colours: Pink Ribbon and Fash Pack.

Being the ridiculously addicted to lacquer individual that I am, I naturally bought two copies of said magazine just to get the two colours, which I've swatched here.  Excuse the smudge marks on the bottles.  These lacquers make me grabby.

The first, Pink Ribbon, is a sheer pink.  And when I say sheer, this was five coats.  This has its place as the perfect accompaniment to a French Manicure but I wouldn't wear it on its own. 

It's Fash Pack that's the clear winner and the one I would recommend if you are thinking of buying.  Peep it after the jump.

Jessica - Shock Me Red

You guys know I'm a total sucker for reds.  Preferably blue reds but I'm like an alcoholic in that any red is better than no red.  Or something like that.

This is an orange based red but, man, this so works for me.  It's just... so..... sexy.  I feel full on Hollywood siren in this.  I can feel myself channelling Joan Crawford, Bette David and, my personal favourite, Rita Hayworth.

And the formula is a dream to work with.  I haven't come across a bad Jessica yet and I hope I never will.  This is two coats, creamy like butter and dries to a high shine.

LOVE does not begin to describe....

Naily News #47

If you haven't as yet, make sure your entries are in for the September Giveaway!

Lisa has a fabulous manicure featuring China Glaze Atlantis as a french nail tip.

Helen is making me want long island tea.  Oh and the drink too.

Oooooh I love this monster nail art!

Mummy needs this lacquer STAT.

If you can pick the differences between these two lacquers, you clearly have better eyesight.

I've been saying this for a year, and it still stands, Ginger is the Queen of Purple.

Landa loves neons.

Nubar Reclaim just shot to the top of my lemming list.

Ange feels the Illamasqua love.

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

Otherwise, YGN has been live for one year today!  Read on to find out some pointless statistics and gunk.

Oh, and for those of you who wanted to know what little Aussies sound like, enjoy the video above.  I personally like Boo telling me at the end 'Stop it mummy. I don't like it'.  Bossman! 

Sinful Colors - Name this lacquer!!

Edited to add: Wow, you guys are amazing.  The common consensus is that this is Nail Junkie.  I have another swatch of this layered coming up during the week, so you'll get a second look at it.

I have no idea what this Sinful Colors is called.  The sticker is missing from the bottom of the lacquer.  Ooooooh, mystery lacquer.  If you know the name, could you please enlighten me in the comments?

 

If you're someone who hates a visible nail line, this is not for you.  The above is four coats and it's not even close.  But I don't mind, because this lacquer has one heck of a spunky personality.  I feel like a beautiful mermaid, with a somewhat sheer tail, wearing this!

Le Beauty - #200

After yesterday's caca swatch, Le Beauty's #200 is soothing to my soul.  It also makes me want to dance to David Silver's Switch It Up.  Look, I promise to do away with the 90210 references next week.  I'm just enjoying reliving 1994 way too much right now.

 

I want to take this to Barbados and marry it in a ceremony on the beach.  It's creamy, sexy, easy to work with and heavenly to look at.  Le Beauty lacquers are fast becoming one of my all time favourites.

The lacquer featured in this review was provided by Le Beauty.  For more information on YGN's Disclosure Policy, please click here.

Ulta3 - Jazzle

Ok, girls, time for this week's caca swatch! Gird your loins for Ulta3's Jazzle.

 

The concept of this lacquer, a gold / peachy base with flashes of green shimmer, is inspired.  The execution?  Not so much.

It's a little too sheer.  On close inspection, it looks like my nails have freckles (which they most certainly do not).  And the flash is too few and far between.

I love you Ulta3 but this could be a deal breaker, like when Kelly did Dylan while Brenda was pretending to be French to land Dean Cain in Paris. 

Ok, having re-read that last paragraph, I think I need to step away from the 90210 reruns.  It's becoming a problem that I can describe every one of my feelings using 90210 analogies.

Eyeko - Punk & Chi Chi + Rosie Lee Comparison

I think I must be the 432nd blogger to post these so... I don't know... just pretend to be surprised and in awe.

Punk and Chi Chi are two limited edition lacquers that continue Eyeko's legacy of developing on trend lacquers.  Punk is a glorious bubble gum pink that is creamy and delicious.  Chi Chi is a pink glitter in a milky base.

I must say, the formula on Eyeko lacquers just keep on getting better and better.  When I compare Punk and Chi Chi to the original lacquers released last year, you could really be talking about two different brands.

Peep Punk and Chi Chi after the jump. Also, I've lined up Chi Chi and butter LONDON's Rosie Lee, since many have thought that Chi Chi might be a cheap dupe.

TBN - Glitter

TBN, you called this lacquer Glitter. Really? I've farted more interesting things than that name. Trust me.

Terrible name aside, this is a lovely layering lacquer.  It would never get to opaque on its own as the base is clear and the glitter too sparse.  But for layering, it's perfection.

Layered over Miss D Catch Up for Coffee

Layered over Le Beauty #200 (review coming up)

Layered over Christian Dior #987

I think it works best over darker colours, where the glitter is able to create a contrast.  I think this would look stunning over a dark blue or black.

And can someone think of a better name for this? Leave your suggestions in the comments.

Miss D - Catch Up For Coffee

Miss D is an Australian brand attached to accessories store, Diva.

I bought these with low expectations.  As Diva is an accessories store predominantly, I figured these would be pretty terrible.  Kind of like an afterthought rather than a product they would invest time in perfecting.  I know, faulty assumption to make but, hey, I'm old and I'm allowed to be cynical.

But, oh, how I've had to eat my words with this brand (along with some Creme Eggs).  Check out Catch Up For Coffee, an amazing greige.

Gorgeous.  A genuine one-coater.  Glides on a like a dream.

I am utterly impressed.  So much so that, each of the prize packs for this month's giveaway has a Miss D lacquer up for grabs.  Yes, I'm prepared to stake my reputation on these.  They are a wonderful surprise package.

Am totally going back for more of these.  Let's just hope no-one else figures out how good they are and beats me to the counter!

Naily News #46

Don't forget about the September Giveaway.  Click here to enter!

Goddamn, I need some Lippmanns.

 Cashmere Cardigan, I would be happy to take care of you while Miss Nixxy if you're nasty is on holidays.

Lisa has a great layering experiment to share. She's a not so mad scientist.

I don't normally swear on YGN but F*CK ME THIS IS GORGEOUS.

Sheesh, Nihrida has beautiful nails. This is breathtaking.

Orly Holiday 2010........ sorry I'm just wheezing with excitement at these.

Jess' franken has to be seen to be believed.

Spunky. Just spunky.

Man, this is hot.

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

Otherwise, check out the Tea Party goodness above. Guaranteed laughs and nose picking and eating!

Sinful Colors - Frenzy

This is my very first time with a Sinful Color.  I'm glad you're all here to witness the lacquer world equivalent of Brenda does it with Dylan during the prom moment.  For those of you who don't understand that reference, you're young enough to be my kids.

Best first time ever. Easy to apply. Never got opaque but that doesn't worry me so much.  Looks like a foil party on my fingers.

Beam me up, Scotty, I've gone into glitter overload.

China Glaze - BFF

Another super quickie from me today. I'm kinda behind on... well.... EVERYTHING....  Plus my Director is overseas next week so I'm trying to get a whole lot done before he heads off tomorrow night.

Not that I need to sell the following.

Whoever came up with the idea for this collection..... well I just hope they got the world's biggest performance bonus ever.  Off the chain.

Wet n' Wild - Shield

I'm not entirely sure if I like Wet n' Wild's Shield. I guess I was hoping for a subtle, sexy pewter-like colour and what I got was a blinging shimmer that can be seen from space.

What I do like about this lacquer is the way it resembles Orly Foil FX in its finish.  It's like the long lost colour of that collection and could easily slot in.

Am a little hectic at work at the moment so this is a short post. My Director leaves for Beijing tomorrow so I'm busy trying to get things done for him before he goes.  Be good and I'll see y'all tomorrow.