Revlon in African Tea Rose

Brand: Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel

Shade: African Tea Rose
(hot pink color, glossy finish)

Cost: $$

The Scoop:
So Revlon's got a mashup here of perfume and nail polish, right down to the shape of the bottle.  And like many perfumes, I don't like the scent (I might even say I prefer straight nail polish stink to nail polish stink plus rose). But I do like the shade. Good thing the scent, like a cheap perfume, fades.

Julep in Becky

Brand: Julep Nail Color, Silk Finish

Shade: Becky
(graphite color, metallic matte finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:
I'm wearing this shade because the streets are covered in snow and I'm wishing we could see the pavement again. Also, I didn't love the "silk" finish here (aka: matte), so I added a topcoat.  Like black ice.

Revlon in Pink Pineapple

Brand: Revlon Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel

Shade: Pink Pineapple
(pale baby pink color, sheer finish)

Color: $$

The Scoop:
This shade is a bit too sheer for me.  It looks streaky, and makes my nails look ridgy. I will say, though, it kind of smelled like pineapples, so gold star for that!

Claire's in Snowball

Brand: Claire's Cosmetics Nail Polish

Shade: Snowball
(creamy white color, glossy finish)

Cost: $

The Scoop:
I know white polish is a trend these days, but I can't get on board. So I added these heart stickers to the middle of my nails and liked it a bit more. They're from Claire's too.

Next Shade: ELLE in Pink About It & Bright Young Thing

Julep in Emerson

Brand: Julep Nail Color

Shade: Emerson
(baby blue color, black speckled glossy finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:
This came in one my Julep Mystery Boxes.  I was skeptical at first, but I liked it once I saw the different speckled layers on my nails. Like a fancy Easter egg.

Next Shade: Claire's in Snowball

Sally Hansen in Booty Camp

Brand: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips

Shade: Booty Camp
(pink & white camouflage pattern, matte finish)

Cost: $$

The Scoop:
These polish strips are fun and pretty easy to apply.  I don't know if I can deal with this particular pattern on every finger, but maybe an accent nail or two would be cute.

Next Shade: Julep in Emerson

Maybelline in Mod Moss

Brand: Maybelline Color Show Limited Edition Vintage Leather

Shade: Mod Moss
(moss green color with iridescent flecks, matte finish)

Cost: $

The Scoop:
This is an edgy shade with a nice finish.  Somehow, it really does look like old leather. Maybelline is fast becoming one of my favorite drugstore brands, though my first love still is (and will always be) Sally Hansen.

Next Shade: Sally Hansen in Brattlesnake

Sally Hansen in Lightening & Tweedy

Brand: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri & Fuzzy Coat Textured Nail Color

Shades: Lightening & Tweedy

(sunny yellow color with glossy finish & black and white color with textured finish)

Cost: $ & $$

The Scoop:

I was inspired by spring again here, but let's face it, this is really ugly. I thought it would look like a bumble bee. This is my second time trying the fuzzy/feather technique and I think it's safe to say this is a fad that should fade away.

Next Shade: Butter London in British Racing Green

Sally Hansen in Lick-O-Rich

Brand:  Sally Hansen Sugar Coat Textured Nail Color

Shade: Lick-O-Rich

(jet black color, textured matte finish)

Cost: $$

The Scoop:

I love Sally, so I can't resist trying a new line from her. Sugar Coat comes in mostly pastel colors, but I went black because I thought the texture would look cooler that way. The bottle is weird and cheap-looking (c'mon, Sally!), but the polish was actually pretty nice. An interesting technique.

Next Shade: Revlon in Posh

Nail Rock Caviar Manicure in Venus

Brand: Nail Rock Nail 3D Caviar Manicure

Shade: Venus

(gold color with metallic finish & multicolor caviar pearls)

Cost: $$

The Scoop:

Here's the good news: Nail Rock is making knock-offs of Ciate's caviar and velvet manicure techniques for half the price. Here's the bad news: these beads still fall right off your fingernails.

Next Shade: Sally Hansen in Lick-O-Rich

Claire's in Blackhole & Heart Pink

Brand: Claire's Cosmetics Nail Polish

Shades: Blackhole & Heart Pink

(jet black color with glossy finish & multicolor pink hearts with glitter finish)

Cost: $

The Scoop:
This is a different VDay look -- sure there are hearts, but on black it has an edgier vibe. Or at least that's what I tell myself! Plus, you've got to love Claire's -- you could buy the whole store and still afford to treat yourself to a Cinnabon on the way out of the mall.

Next Shade: Orly in Tiara & Berry Blast

Nailtini in Pink Russian & Multichrome Sugar Glitter

Brand: Nailtini Sugar Rim Manicure Kit

Shades: Pink Russian & Multichrome Nail Sugar

(pale pink color with shimmer finish & gold color with glitter finish)

Cost: $$$$

The Scoop:
Isn't this fancy looking? Like fairy nails. Only thing is, you need to be magic to keep the glitter on. It flakes off if you touch anything. Or move. Or breathe. The set also came with a silver shade -- cute idea but not worth the price.

Next Shade: Seche in Smitten

Nails Inc. in Trafalgar Square

Brand: Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish

 

Shade: Trafalgar Square

(graphite gray color, glossy finish)

 

Cost: $$$

 

The Scoop:
Nails Inc is always good for innovative techniques.  I liked this one because of the wavy design the magnet makes when you hold it over your wet nail.  They also have stars, fishnets, and other patterns to try -- it's a super easy way to create your own nail art! 

 

Next Shade: Essie in The Girls Are Out

New Year's Eve Nail Looks

(Note: This is a sponsored post for SheKnows Experts Among Us, the opinions -- and nails -- are all my own.)

To celebrate the launch of the new beauty counters at Kohl's in almost 300 stores, I tried 3 sparkly manicures -- perfect to celebrate New Year's Eve. 

Brand: Essie Nail Lacquer & Luxe Effects

Shades: Smokin' Hot & Set in Stones

(deep purple gray color with glossy finish, clear color with silver glitter finish)

Cost: $$

The Scoop:
This ombre glitter look is easy to do at home. Start with 2 coats of a glossy (or matte)  polish.  Then paint a coat of glitter, stopping halfway down your nail.  Finish up with a 2nd coat of glitter just at the tip.  Essie Luxe Effects gives an extra-special touch with glitter pieces at all different sizes.  I got lots of compliments on this look -- you will too!

Brand: Candie's Nail Polish

Shades: My Kinda Teal & Over the Rainbow

(teal green clear color with glossy finish, clear color with green, bronze & silver glitter finish)

Cost: $$

The Scoop:

Bright green was such a popular color in 2013.  Give it a fond sendoff with this manicure, then add an accent nail coated in glitter so you are sure to twinkle well past midnight.

Brand: ELLE Nail Lacquer & Sugar Nail Frosting

Shades: Fuchsia Fusion & Confetti

(hot pink color with glossy finish, clear color with pink, blue, and silver glitter finish)

Cost: $$

The Scoop:
Doesn't this one just look like a party?  Try this retro look and pretend it's 1999, when the hair was big and the nails were bright.  Happy New Year!

Revlon in Iconic & Evening Garnet

Brand: Revlon Nail Enamel & Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliques

Shades: Iconic & Evening Garnet

(charcoal gray color with glossy finish, stones in shades of pink and black with textured finish)

Cost: $$ & $$$

The Scoop:

Back in the day (like 20 years ago), I only wore Revlon nail polish.  Now, I skip that section when I'm in CVS.  That is, until these nail polish strips by Marchesa caught my eye.  This is a really clever collaboration, and the nail polish strips stayed on and looked good for about 5 days. Welcome back!

Next: New Year's Eve Nail Looks

Ciate Caviar Manicure in Fit for a Queen & Stop the Press

Brand: Ciate Paint Pot & Caviar Pearls

Shade: Fit for a Queen & Stop the Press

(light silver color with metallic finish, gray/silver/raspberry caviar pearls with textured finish)

Cost: $$$$

The Scoop:

The effect of a caviar manicure (which these super creative gals invented) is stunning.  Much like beauty, though, this too is fleeting.  Why?  The pearls pop off.  As in, I think I accidentally ate a few when I had a cookie.  Still, a very festive holiday look.

Next Shade: Chanel in Cinema

Nail Polish Stocking Stuffers

(Note: This is a sponsored post for SheKnows Experts Among Us, the opinions -- and nails -- are all my own.)

To celebrate the launch of the new beauty counters at Kohl's in over 250 stores, I've tried 5 nail polish sets -- perfect to stuff in a stocking.  Plus, I earned Kohl's Cash too!

Brand: Essie's Best 5-Piece Nail Lacquer Set

Shade: Forever Yummy 

(cherry red color with glossy finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:

Essie's most popular colors are here, including the one that started the nail polish craze: Ballet Slippers.  Red is a holiday classic but for a twist, try Turquoise & Caicos, Chinchilly, or Wicked if you're on the naughty list...

Brand: Jelly Belly 5-Piece Nail Polish Set

Shades: Green, Red & Pink

(lime green, bright red, and pale pink colors all with glossy finish)

Cost: $$

The Scoop:

Who doesn't love getting the Jelly Belly 40-flavor gift box?  Let your nails in on the fun with this cute set, which also includes mini bottles of Orange and Blue and a toe separator.

Brand: Candie's Nail Polish Duo Ornament

Shades: Champagne Frenzy & Dinner Party

(clear color with gold glitter finish, wine red color with glossy finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:

How cute is this?  This box has a gold loop on the top so you could actually hang it on a tree.  These shades are perfect for entertaining, and a gold accent nail gives a festive touch.

  

Brand: Academy of Colour 3D Manicure Set

Shades: White & Pearl Beads

(metallic white color with satin finish, iridescent color with textured finish)

Cost: $$

The Scoop:

Let it snow! It's a winter wonderland on your fingertips. Caviar manicures are great for special occasions.  For best results, don't add the beads until the night of your party.

Brand: Simple Pleasures Scented 6-Piece Nail Polish Set

Shades: Cherry & Coconut

(cherry red color with glossy finish, clear color with iridescent glitter finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:

When this is dry, it has a faintly fruity scent.  A great gift for a tween, or anyone who wishes they were 10 again.  It also includes Strawberry, Mint, Vanilla, and Raspberry-scented polishes. 

Holiday Nail Looks & Video How-To's

(Note: This is a sponsored post for SheKnows Experts Among Us, the nails are all my own.)

To celebrate the launch of the new beauty counters at Kohl's in almost 300 stores, I've created 3 video manicure tutorials -- perfect for the holidays. 

 

Brand: Amanda Knight Colour Couture Get the Look Nail Art Set

Shades: Coral & Gold Glitter

(coral orange color with glossy finish, gold with glitter finish)

Cost: $$$

Check out this video how-to:
 

 

Brand: Amanda Knight Colour Couture Get the Look Nail Art Set

Shades: Purple & Multicolor Beads

(electric purple color with metallic finish, pastel caviar pearls with textured finish)

 

Cost: $$$

Check out this video how to:
 

 

Brand: Amanda Knight Colour Couture Get the Look Nail Art Set

Shades: Silver & Blue Glitter

(silver color with metallic finish, royal blue loose glitter)

Cost: $$$

Check out this video how-to:
 

 

Winter Nail Polish Trends: Metallics & Gemtones

(Note: This is a sponsored post for SheKnows Experts Among Us, the nails are all my own.)

To celebrate the launch of the new beauty counters at Kohl's in almost 300 stores, I've created 4 manicures in metallic and gemtone shades -- totally on-trend for winter. 

Brand: ELLE Cosmetics Nail Lacquer

Shades: Dancing Queen & Chain Mail

(silver color with iridescent metallic finish & charcoal gray color with metallic finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:

What better brand to choose for a trend post than ELLE?  Not only are their shades super fashionable, they are also available exclusively at Kohl's.  Here, I started with 2 coats of the dark gray on my whole nail and let that dry overnight. Then, I used painter's tape to mark the diagonal stripe and finished with 2 coats of the silver color. 

 

 

Brand: ELLE Cosmetics Nail Lacquer

Shade: Amp It Up Amethyst
(violet purple color, metallic finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:

If you're trying to find a way to brighten up a gloomy winter day, look no further than your nails.  This rich purple shade is bright in sunlight, and takes on a cool edge at night.  For an extra pop, don't match it to your outfit. 

 

 

 

 

 

Brand: ELLE Cosmetics Nail Lacquer

Shades: Gold N' Glitz & Shock It To Me
(gold color with metallic finish & magenta purple color with glossy finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:

Nails are quickly becoming the star of the runway at Fashion Week, so here's a scene-stealing look: Jazz up a manicure with an accent nail.  It's the easiest nail art you can do.  Here, the gold and magenta colors are perfectly festive for the holidays. 

 

Brand: ELLE Cosmetics Nail Lacquer

Shade: Sapphire Sophisticate
(cobalt blue color, metallic finish)

Cost: $$$

The Scoop:

I wear blue all year round, but I especially love it in the winter.  And I think it looks best on shorter nails.  This shade is a slightly darker, metallic version of Pantone's 2014 color of the year, Dazzling Blue.  It's the perfect cold weather hue!