Sunday Sneak Peak

I thought I'd put together a little formula of what makes me happy (click on the image to see life-size version).

It's pretty simple really.

Pork buns, my family, Alexander Skarsgard to a factor of 1,000,000 and nail polish.

Public transport does not make me happy, particularly the man who, a few months ago, strode the length of the train carriage, stood in front of me and asked 'Do you like my pants?'  Hmmm, is there an answer I can give that WON'T result in you removing those pants?

This week, I have some lacquers that are making me smile whenever I wear them, including a lacquer that is, like Scandal's Amoled Glam, an absolute find. Plus I have a manicure that is, seriously, out of this world. You will be double, triple squee-ing when you see it, I promise.

In non-nail related news, a few of you have emailed asking how my new job is going.  It's going great!  I've found it challenging, stepping up from a front-line management role into a senior management role, but the work itself is everything I had hoped it would be.  Thank you all for your well wishes. 

Have a lovely week everyone!

February Giveaway!

Ladies, we have something a little special for February's Giveaway.

When the lovely Alex of Illamasqua decided to send me some lacquers, one of them was Obsess.  However, thanks to my lovely mum, I already had a bottle of Obsess.  So what's a girl to do?

Well, she gives it away to her lovely readers!   This month, the February Giveaway is a brand new, unopened bottle of Illamasqua's Obsess.  Excuse the finger marks.  I get grabby when it comes to Illamasqua.

But wait!

There's more!

Scroll down and click 'Read More' for the second half of this month's giveaway, and for the rules of entry.

Naily News #19

Stay tuned later today when I announce the details of the February Giveaway!

*****
 For some reason, Nixxy's manicure makes me want a martini.  And chips.

Naive Nails has my heart all a-flutter.

Skye has a beautiful Valentine's Day manicure.  It's like Barbie Girl meets glitzy glam.

Brooke, by virtue of her exquisite konad-icure, make me realise how much I suck at konad.

Mary's manicure takes me back to warm nights in Fiji.

Kaz joins the Illamasqua Tragics Club.

Diana just needs to stop.  Just when I think I might be mastering nail art, she blows me out of the water.  This time it's peacocks.  Damn awesomely painted peacocks.

If you want a pink with a difference, check out the Nail Nerd.

Illamasqua Skittles?  Rebecca has gone there.

If you really needed proof that Ginger is the Queen of Purple, here it is!

Scandal - Amoled Glam

Oh my, I can hear the squeeeeeee-ing from here.

Is this just not the most amazing glitter?! It reminds me of pink champagne were it to be suspended in a disco concoction of glitter.

Serious.  Glitter.  Coma.  You better believe I'm wearing this for Valentine's Day.  The boy doesn't stand a chance.

And now for the mystery.  I have no idea the brand of this lacquer although the top of the bottle says 'Scandal' and the label at the bottom of the bottle says Amoled Glam.  So that's what I'm going with. 

I tried to get some information about the brand from the shop assistant, but the poor thing wilted under the barrage of 'What is this brand', 'Where does it come from', 'Who makes it', 'Now, tell me where the pork buns are'.  I think she needed a nap by the time I left the shop.

Mystery Solved!  Gum Leaf Mafi-ette, Kaz, has found out about the manufacturer and where these can be purchased online.  Seriously, the colour range on these is phenomenal.  I'm buying more.  Forget the ban I imposed on myself five minutes ago.  All bets are off!

Quality-wise, I can't fault this.  This swatch is two coats, which I always find impressive in a glitter.  And it dries to a super shiny finish.  No Seche Vite needed here!  Although, if you're in a hurry, you'll still need to use a fast dry top coat.  This took around 30 minutes to dry.

Another thing I wanted to mention was the bottle.  I'll hide this part under a cut because I know some of you read YGN at work and, whilst the bottle isn't quite p0rnographic, it's still a little risque (Scroll down and click 'Read More').

Illamasqua - Phallic

If you're all pinked out from Valentine's Day, then here is the antidote!

Illamasqua's Phallic* is a gorgeous blue shimmer.  The blue is wonderfully dark and romantic, whilst the shimmer (which is a light blue, how inspired) sits almost suspended in the lacquer.  Definitely click for a larger version.

Formula wise, this is even better than the other Illamasquas I've tried.  I literally couldn't bugger up the application with this.  It just flows onto the nail and sits perfectly.

As for the name, well I don't really want to think about the thought process behind this.  But it oddly fits. And it's oh so Illamasqua to have a controversial name. 

I can't imagine calling this anything else.  And I can't imagine I would be able to tell my boss - who is fascinated with my love of lacquer - the real name of this, lest I be accused of harassment.

So, what do you think?  Is this a lacquer you might consider for Valentine's?

*This product was provided to me for review by the fabulous Alex of Illamasqua.  Click for more information on YGN's Disclosure Policy.