tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77002724401841532792024-03-14T14:49:10.614+08:00My Guilty Pleasurekadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-49428570041942775022010-03-31T18:33:00.000+08:002010-03-31T18:33:22.113+08:00Long time no post!I'm back, as in I'll-be-bugging-you-with-boring-posts-everyday's back!<br />
<br />
The project I've been working very hard on has been launched, hopefully I can resume my "normal" working hours real soon. And most importantly, we will have a very long weekend of 5 days after tomorrow, yay!!!! That means I can catch up on my blogging finally.<br />
<br />
During last 2 weeks, I was only able to post a couple of manis here. I want to give all my wonderful readers a huge hug - thank you for reading and leaving me comments even when there was not much going on here. Thank you for letting me know I was not talking to myself!<br />
<br />
I read each and every comments - thanks to the amazing <a href="http://intensedebate.com/">intensedebate</a>, it makes life a lot more easier. If you are still using the blogger built-in comment system, I suggest you giving it a try, it works so much better! I promise I will reply all the comments and questions as soon as I can.<br />
<br />
At the same time, I started working on new blog feature and here's a sneak peek:<br />
<img height="601" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/ebd02f6c35c947e888ed853b6f2a5e35" width="354" /><br />
<br />
See you tomorrow!kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-19190205739110226412010-03-27T10:16:00.000+08:002010-03-27T10:16:48.768+08:00My mom's wearing a knock off polka dot dress!<a href="http://emeraldsparkled.blogspot.com/">Emerald Sparkled</a> is having a <a href="http://emeraldsparkled.blogspot.com/2010/03/200-giveaway.html">200+ Giveaway</a> and one of the rule (optional) is to remake a manicure on her blog.<br />
<br />
<img height="563" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/17379ffec0314479a0cddd48df04908e" width="550" /><br />
Here it is, a replica Mom's Polka Dot Dress. Obviously a poor quality one, see how I smudged the dots? It's very weird, I can't paint polish with my left hand but I stamp better with it! <br />
<br />
The prize of the giveaway includes 12 polishes, 2 Konad plates and some very thoughtful tools. It ends today, act fast if you still haven't entered yet.<br />
<br />
Check out the details <a href="http://emeraldsparkled.blogspot.com/2010/03/200-giveaway.html">HERE</a>.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-17895211661698374732010-03-25T14:26:00.000+08:002010-03-25T14:26:29.473+08:00I'm not really a mood polishIf you expect to see some Claire's mood polishes, I'm afraid I will have to disappoint you, as always, I can't get my hands on any polish that everybody raves about.<br />
<br />
Instead, you are going to see a polish that you have seen a lot in past few months, Essie Van D'Go.<br />
<br />
<img height="572" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/9ede81623c914a2ab56f3ba8ef410019" width="549" /><br />
Van D'Go is a soft pink creme with the tiniest hint of peach. I've seen a lot of swatches that are a lot peachier, but in person it is pink no matter where I looked at it. It is beautiful, but unfortunately it doesn't look good on me. This is yet again another pink that makes my hands look dirty!<br />
<br />
Color-wise, it is my absolute favourite among all the spring collections. But I don't think I can say the same for the formula. It is a pastel afterall, it is bound to be gloopy and streaky, which is also pretty standard for an Essie.<br />
<br />
And then something weird happened after I applied a coat of Seche Vite.<br />
<img height="571" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/b3a06d98e48d42649ed2ca07bbafca8b" width="550" /><br />
It changed to a peach! My bottle of SV got a bit thick and I forgot to add some thinner, so I didn't apply evenly. See how the ugly mixed of pink and peach on the index and near the cuticles?<br />
<br />
It was middle of the night when I did this mani. I had 2 choices - wiped it off and had my nails naked on the following day, or left it, had a good night sleep and went out with this ugly thing. You know how lazy I am, so I chose option 2 without surprise. And even more amazing, I kept this for 2 days!<br />
<br />
<img height="592" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/f0c5fd52817846659e2150ffd988dcd2" width="550" /><br />
I was curious whether the change in color was bought by my bottle of SV or it was simply the polish. I ran a little test using 3 different top coats on it, only to confirm the problem was on Van D'Go. All 3 top coats changed its color to various degree of peach.<br />
<br />
Do you have Essie Van D'Go? Do you have the same problem?kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-6223343369218118842010-03-23T23:39:00.000+08:002010-03-23T23:39:35.567+08:00OPI Chop-sticking to My Story - a copycat konadicureIt's been days, how's everyone?<br />
I just sneak back here for a quick post. I have been so sleep-deprived that I may pass out anytime when I am typing this up.<br />
<br />
So I told you that I borrowed <a href="http://muiguiltypleasure.blogspot.com/2010/03/flashforward-or-flashback.html">OPI Chop-sticking to My Story</a>, and this is the reason why.<br />
<img height="619" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/e3ab304b412c419aa93ae7cc11f92d97" width="550" /><br />
Step 1: Base OPI Chop-sticking to My Story 2 coats<br />
Step 2: Konad M73 in OPI You Don't Know Jacques!<br />
Step 3: Sasatinnie FCRAS005<br />
Step 4: China Glaze 2030 on the tips<br />
Step 5: Konad M57 in Color Club Where's the Soiree?<br />
<br />
I saw this super sophisticated <a href="http://glammed-up-ainos2.blogspot.com/2010/02/opi-chop-sticking-to-my-story-bollywood.html">Bollywood konadicure in Glammed-up</a> I liked it so much that I decided to copy it. At first I wanted to copy every details but then I found that it was impossible for 2 reasons. For one, I didn't have everything Lisa used to create the look. And my nails were not as long, I couldn't have the flowers stamped without covering up the whole nail bed.<br />
<br />
So I settled with a "simplified" version, after re-doing it for a couple of times. <br />
<img height="665" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/7b4c59791d624a909883ed6ec3e45684" width="550" /><br />
This was what triggered the first redo. I wanted the background floral patterns to be very subtle, so I used a less vibrant color, China Glaze Heirloom Organza. As you can see here, the patterns are barely visible and once I put a shimmer over it, it simply disappeared completely. And then I have to started allover again from the base coat up.<br />
<br />
This konadicure took me a whole morning to complete, it was fun and frustrating at the same time. I hate to admit it but layering is so out of my league. The matching of colors and patterns are so complicated that is not something I can handle. I guess I should just stick to my less-is-more rule until I can really master the whole konad techniques (sounds very likely!). If you spot me with some sophisticated designs, rest assured that they are copied from somewhere!kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-84940091751447914612010-03-20T01:08:00.001+08:002010-03-20T01:08:00.527+08:00Surprise from GermanyYesterday I got a mysterious package - no return address, no card, all I could tell it was from Germany. I guess it was the swap with Pia from <a href="http://rocknnails.blogspot.com/">Rock 'n' Nails</a>. Pia, if you are reading this, please let me know!<br />
<br />
Pia is visiting some friends in Germany, she agreed to get some polishes there to swap with her readers. I didn't have any specific in mind, so I told her my favourite colors, purple and taupe, and she picked something to surprise me. And I was indeed surprised!<br />
<br />
This girl is amazing, she got me 3 polishes of different brands and I love them all!<br />
<img height="519" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/6e1734d6808248f5a01f0599194a58d8" width="550" /><br />
(Left to right) p2 Color Victim in gracious, essence creamylicious in Chocolate Shake, Manhattan Lotus Effect 65W<br />
<br />
<img height="502" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/38d6284d85c8441aa1326cbdb71cc585" width="550" /><br />
A cream and H&M lip gloss.<br />
<br />
<img height="299" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/c447a304f1254f568eefeb4d44ff5b62" width="232" /><br />
Guess it is an unwritten rule that candies are must-have for any swap! Teddy Bear candy was my childhood favourite.<br />
<br />
Ready for some swatches?<br />
<br />
<img height="623" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/603ac8d2258648178c0ba228b4f6dde4" width="550" /><br />
Chocolate Shake is a milk chocolate brown with reddish shimmer. The shimmer is only visible under bright light. It is thick and gloopy, almost impossible for thin coats. I don't know it was the polish or I shook it too hard, there were bubbles on every nail. Despite the formula, the color is absolutely yummy - I was tempted to grab a shake right away, but as I was having a bad PMS, I'd better stay away from cold drinks!<br />
<br />
<img height="613" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/a63aafd0a7b84d1f8866ac9ace0c7b9a" width="550" /><br />
65W is a dark rich plum jelly. Do I have to say anything about it? I don't think so, even with my lousy photography, the polish still looks stunning in the photo. Super glossy, great formula, easiest to apply among the three.<br />
<br />
<img height="372" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/4c50b7735c384104badcb345a0cbc66e" width="550" /><br />
I like the cap and the brush - the cap is flat with slanted top which gives you a firm grip. The brush is tiny bit shorter than average which I think is easier to control.<br />
<br />
<img height="640" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/8bfc111fdf8e4032aa6a30dfbc545679" width="550" /><br />
gracious is a dusty mauve with extremely subtle blue and purple shimmer. The shimmer is barely visible even under very bright light. It is also on the thick side but still manageable.<br />
<br />
<img height="482" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/75499a43694e4b5388bc6b70bfe6f0b6" width="550" /><br />
Usually dusty purple makes me feel chic but somehow this one shouts "feminine", maybe it's the shimmer. I stamped it with some roses and butterfly in subtle colors, didn't want them to steal the spotlight.<br />
<br />
These brands are all not available in where I live and I'm so excited to be able to get some! Thank you so much Pia!kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-11580931999502235452010-03-19T01:05:00.001+08:002010-03-19T01:05:00.036+08:00FlashForward or flashback?Any FlashForward fans there? I didn't pay it much attention until I met with some friends past weekend and they told me I should watch it. I am not a big sci-fi fan but I am a loyal Lostie, so why not?<br />
<br />
I watched all 10 episodes in a few days. It is good but not as addictive as Lost. The reason that keep me watching is Joseph Fiennes. He can literally kill me with his eyes!<br />
<br />
So it returns tonight, do you guys still remember what happened before the mid-season break? Mike and Demetri went to Hong Kong to found the woman. Yes, Hong Kong, my city. I was so excited until they arrived at this shabby airport. No, that was not Hong Kong. Of course, those scenes were not something that was worth moving the whole crew across the Pacific. But sailing ship? Seriously? I doubt my grandparents ever seen one sailing on the harbour! And a street full of people riding on bikes? You will have better luck spotting that amount of Ferrari than bikes.<br />
<br />
The same goes for OPI Hong Kong Collection. Boring colors, boring names. I didn't get any of those, but I borrowed this from a friend for some reason.<br />
<img height="618" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/cc403b4ec59444d6a2c5b38736ec5590" width="550" /><br />
Chop-sticking to My Story is a warm dusty orange/brown creme. Good formula without any application issue, good to go in 2 coats.<br />
<br />
I don't do orange, I just don't like this color. I'll show you tomorrow what I needed it for.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-52884615597021454702010-03-18T09:30:00.000+08:002010-03-18T09:30:50.196+08:00Orly Mint MojitoHappy St. Patrick's Day!<br />
<br />
<img height="529" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/1e07f54470af4e7c80d969ecd47f7141" width="550" /><br />
Orly Mint Mojito is a bright yellowish green creme, the color is even more vibrant in person. On the thick side, no major application issue though.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-48372104645536629222010-03-15T12:54:00.000+08:002010-03-15T12:54:27.081+08:00Who needs Nfu-oh? Not me!You know it is sour grape, do you? For the record, I want it, I NEED it, especially the legendary #51. If you are one of those lucky people who can get Nfu-oh off the internet stores and you are kind enough to help me out, please contact me. I am serious!<br />
<br />
Some of you European girls may suggest the trusty Affiniti who ships internationally. But their definition of "international" does not include Hong Kong, so this option is out. There indeed is a local beauty store who carry a limited selection on Nfu-oh. The selection is so limited that I haven't seen any of the color on any of the nail blogs. A couple of boring reds and pinks, frosty blue and green, I couldn't find any reason to justify paying $10 for them.<br />
<br />
And then one day, Lucy from Lucy's stash talked about <a href="http://lucysstash.blogspot.com/2010/02/nfu-oh-opal-vs-golden-rose-scale-effect.html">some replacements of Nfu-oh flakies</a>. The replacement polishes looked strangely familiar. They are Golden Rose, which happens to be available in the very same beauty store that sells boring Nfu-oh.<br />
<br />
I rushed there, found them, covered in dust, hidden in the unorganized pile of polishes. Some were missing chunk off the bottle, some covered in dried up leakage, some were not full. But what can I complain? They are $0.8 after all.<br />
<br />
How do I like it? I'll let the photos do the talking<br />
<img height="619" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/efa3ae000e594d0a8d0b4cdba1edcfa4" width="550" /><br />
It takes my breath away. Look at those blue and green flakies, how gorgeous they are!<br />
<br />
I used 2 tricks that I learned from The Manicured Manatee - <a href="http://themanicuredmanatee.blogspot.com/2010/02/lessons-from-looney-bin-lesson-three.html">nude base coat</a> and <a href="http://themanicuredmanatee.blogspot.com/2010/03/lessons-from-looney-bin-lesson-five.html">partner polishes</a> here.<br />
<br />
Partner polishes - I guess flakies are supposed to be used for layering, so they are extremely sheer and no matter how many coats you put on, you are never going to build it up to the bottle color. The genius Manicured Manatee came up with the solution by layering them over polishes that match the base color of the flakies. (I used Zoya Kotori here for its blackened blue)<br />
<br />
Nude base coat - Zoya Kotori is quite sheer itself, I wanted it to be opaque in 1 coat as it was just a base coat here. What should I do? I gave it a base coat! Yes, yet another base coat. But this time, it was a nude polish. I used Models Own Nude Beige which matches with my complexion. With the nude polish, it covers the nail bed so the following polishes can build up coverage in less coats.<br />
<br />
I'm quite happy with the result, it looks exactly like what it looks like in the bottle.<br />
<br />
<img height="629" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/fdb22a04fa90433683fbfb70775533bd" width="550" /><br />
To give you a better look on its color, I layered it over a black creme and a white creme.<br />
<br />
<img height="677" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/25f291922283400c886024e621c6b9aa" width="550" /><br />
Over white - it gets very interesting here, the colors changed! Pink, which did not appear over dark polish, became the dominant color. <br />
<br />
The flakes are packed densely in the bottle, so I had no problem in getting them on the nail. It did not dry to a bumpy surface, so you don't have to put a lot of top coat to make it smooth. As for drying time, I think it's average. <br />
<br />
If you are interested in this cheap replacement of Nfu-oh flakies, stay turn. I have more to show you!kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-76029355825795049102010-03-13T09:31:00.000+08:002010-03-13T09:31:50.621+08:00Polish Blogger Network: Lacquer Link Love 3/12/10<div style="text-align: center;"><img class="inline center" src="http://media.onsugar.com/files/ons4/2010/01/01/682/6820627/08098caeb0a129ee_linklovelogo2.xlarge.jpg" /></div>Brooke <a href="http://caracita.blogspot.com/2010/03/opi-hong-kong-collection-spring-2010.html"><span style="color: blue;">took a tour of Hong Kong</span></a> and has the polish swatches to prove it! Check out all the colors from OPI's newest collection and see which ones she loves the most at Babbling Brooke.<br />
<br />
Tuli opened up a <a href="http://tulinail.blogspot.com/p/polish-market.html"><span style="color: blue;">virtual polish market</span></a> to facilitate polish swaps at Tuli's Nails! Check it out and sign up - someone may just be trading that polish you've been looking everywhere for.<br />
<br />
Landa went totally holographic at <a href="http://brightlightsbigcolor.blogspot.com/2010/03/new-love.html"><span style="color: blue;">Bright Lights, Big Color</span></a> - and it only cost her $2!<br />
<br />
Rija of Polishing the Nails has some Pistachio ice cream nails. Who would have thought a <a href="http://rijah.dk/2010/03/bb-couture-laguna-lagoon.html"><span style="color: blue;">Laguna Lagoon</span></a> would be so beautifully minty?<br />
<br />
Check out how OPI's hottest new shade, <a href="http://primandpolished.blogspot.com/2010/03/opi-jade-is-new-black.html"><span style="color: blue;">Jade is the New Black</span></a>, stacks up against a few other greens at Prim and Polished!<br />
<br />
The Dutch Nail Blog swatched some scandalous polishes from <a href="http://thedutchnailblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/cheeky-monkey-cosmetics.html"><span style="color: blue;">Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics</span></a>. Check out her great Konad and see just why these polishes are called 'Cheeky'!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://naive-nails.blogspot.com/2010/03/kotd-purple-tone-on-tone.html"><span style="color: blue;">Purple looks great with purple</span></a>, especially on GildedAngel's nails! Pop over to Naive Nails to see her lovely Konad.<br />
<br />
A taupe is a taupe is a taupe, right? Not so fast! Look at how a <a href="http://the-swatchaholic.com/?p=1964"><span style="color: blue;">variety of taupes</span></a> stack up against each other at The Swatchaholic. Which one is your favorite?<br />
<br />
Are you loving Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland? Check out Therese's great <a href="http://nail-design.se/tutorials/tutorial-alice-in-wonderland"><span style="color: blue;">Alice in Wonderland mani</span></a> at Nail Design, and learn how to do it yourself with her tutorial!<br />
<br />
Nail'd and Polish'd has some gorgeous <a href="http://naildpolishd.blogspot.com/2010/03/ulta-salon-formula-nail-lacquer.html"><span style="color: blue;">pops of spring color</span></a> from Ulta's polish collection. What's your favorite shade?<br />
<br />
Get a taste of <a href="http://www.manicuremommas.com/2010/03/opi-hong-kong-collection-review-1-of-2.html"><span style="color: blue;">OPI's delicious Hong Kong</span></a> collection at Manicure Mommas, and check out how gorgeous they look matte!<br />
<br />
Take a walk down <a href="http://www.just-nice-things.co.uk/?p=5255"><span style="color: blue;">glittery Canal Street</span></a> with Helen at Just Nice Things.<br />
<br />
Did you love the Oscars? Relive the <a href="http://polishondigitalpaper.blogspot.com/2010/03/oscar-caliber-nails-did.html"><span style="color: blue;">glamour and excitement</span></a> with Niki's awesome manicure, representing each movie on one nail. Wow!<br />
<br />
How does <a href="http://muiguiltypleasure.blogspot.com/2010/03/treachery-of-cheapskate-nars-purple.html"><span style="color: blue;">Nars Purple Rain stack up against China Glaze Let's Groove</span></a>? Check out My Guilty Pleasure's comparison, and decide if the $21 price tag is worth it for the Nars!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And now.....Giveaways!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Check out...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Rija is giving away <a href="http://rijah.dk/2010/03/birthday-giveaway.html"><span style="color: blue;">6 gorgeous glittery polishes</span></a> in celebration of her birthday. Check it out before March 21!<br />
<br />
Win two polishes from the <a href="http://www.manicuremommas.com/2010/03/300th-post-giveaway.html"><span style="color: blue;">OPI Hong Kong collection</span></a> at Manicure Mommas! Enter before March 22!<br />
<br />
European readers, enter to win some <a href="http://thedutchnailblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/celebrate-spring-giveaway.html"><span style="color: blue;">Konad and China Glaze</span></a> to get you polishing this spring at The Dutch Nail Blog! Enter before March 21.<br />
<br />
Enter to win a boatload of goodies, including <a href="http://brightlightsbigcolor.blogspot.com/2010/03/favorite-things-giveaway.html"><span style="color: blue;">OPI polishes from the Hong Kong collection</span></a> at Bright Lights, Big Color! Enter before March 19!<br />
<br />
Babbling Brooke has teamed up with Designer Blogs to give away a <a href="http://caracita.blogspot.com/2010/02/win-blog-makeover-from-designer-blogs_19.html"><span style="color: blue;">blog makeover</span></a>. Enter to win before March 27!kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-1694052677532081042010-03-12T10:36:00.000+08:002010-03-12T10:36:31.382+08:00I need some help!<img src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/6c3bd9ff4fb84cc1873012e53a43a072" width="320" /><br />
Remember this mani I shown you the other day?<br />
<br />
It is actually my entry to the Nail Off context host by The Nail Blog Network. You probably have some idea by now that I enjoy nail art a lot. The decision to take part in this was a no-brainer - I didn't want to miss the fun and mostly importantly, I wanna get some goodies.<br />
<br />
The prizes are very attractive, 10 China Glaze and 10 Seche products of your choices. But if I win, I am not going to keep these to myself, I can share with you! Because the winner gets to hold a contest on her own blog with the same prizes sponsored by China Glaze and Seche. Isn't it wonderful?<br />
<br />
I am not a big fan of pimping but I am way behind now, I would be really happy if you could help me out by go to<a href="http://nailblognetwork.onsugar.com/Nail-Blog-Network-Nail-Off-Let-games-begin-7685721"> this voting page</a>, click on the little round button next to "Kada / My Guilty Pleasure", scroll down a bit and then click "vote". Then you can sit back and wait to win the same prizes from the context in my blog. Apparently, I am dreaming already, so I should hit the hay and let the dream continues.<br />
<br />
Vote for me Please!<br />
<a href="http://nailblognetwork.onsugar.com/Nail-Blog-Network-Nail-Off-Let-games-begin-7685721">http://nailblognetwork.onsugar.com/Nail-Blog-Network-Nail-Off-Let-games-begin-7685721</a>kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-89759072507657430692010-03-11T13:49:00.000+08:002010-03-11T13:49:45.268+08:00Color Club Pucci-licious and tone on tone konadPurple lovers, watch out for this super cute killer!<br />
<br />
<img height="610" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/553da5e8b1124d5b9b26aa9741b77c6c" width="550" /><br />
Pucci-licious is a bright creamy purple. It went on like butter, perfect in 2 coats without single streak or unevenness. But when it dried, its glossiness reduced and turned into this satiny finishes (not matte though).<br />
<br />
This photo is pretty color-accurate, thanks to my light box. Can you see how cute it is? It is so bright, so vibrant, just perfect for Spring. I'm so glad I added it to my shopping cart in the last minute!<br />
<br />
<img height="569" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/e3587c77431e498780fac6b9bfce5761" width="550" /><br />
I wanted to stamp something on it but I had no idea which color would go well with it. So I decided to play safe - go for the same color family. I stamp this flower/heart-shaped design from Konad M63 with China Glaze Grape Pop. I love this design, does it look like a pop art?<br />
<br />
<img height="479" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/31ee879628114503a620f9cdc86fa3d0" width="550" /><br />
And then I added some butterflies, I wish I hadn't! They ruined the design completely!<br />
<br />
Do you like it? I do! I can see myself wearing it a lot.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-7332192863542086762010-03-10T15:26:00.000+08:002010-03-10T15:26:36.517+08:00RIP Sheer NaturalThis is a nightmare comes true.<br />
<br />
When I work on a post, there are always a dozen of polishes on my perpetually chaotic desk. You can imagine the numerous near-fatal incidents in this accident-prone set up. I was lucky, maybe just too lucky, until today. I wanted to drink some water so I reached for my mug somewhere in the midland, and then it knocked on the dozen polishes. And I was able to save them!! Amazing, wasn't it? If it was, this post would not have appeared at all.<br />
<br />
I tried to put them back up, and one of them didn't want to stand up straight, instead it slipped from my fingers and dropped on the floor and shattered. Wow, an $18 polish dropped dead in front of me, definitely an once in a life time experience! Oh, did I mention I haven't use it yet, not even swatched?<br />
<br />
In the middle of the little pool of polish, there was a glass splinter holding some polish, not much, just enough for a swatch. Thank you, at least I get to have a swatch!<br />
<br />
It is a mess, but be nice! I just suffered a loss and I was not in the mood for perfect pictures (like I had taken perfect pictures!)<br />
<br />
<img height="588" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/912e2af631534d27ba5a91b02aed87f8" width="500" /><br />
It is a yellowish nude creme. Application was good, not streaky at all but it was too sheer. I used 4 coats here but still not able to cover completely.<br />
<br />
To be honest, it is not a flattering color, like you have some badly stained nails. Quite disgusting. But I think it can make a good mannequin color when layered with some taupes or nudes, to match with the yellow undertone of Asian skin. I'm not able to test it out though.<br />
<br />
I am a little bit depressed right now (and I have to clean up the crime scene), so that's all for today.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-43582815219847265992010-03-10T01:17:00.000+08:002010-03-10T01:17:52.984+08:00Meet my new BFFMy dear readers, I want you to meet my new BFF:<br />
<img height="512" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/9f6b39435358493293b93461991b0b6b" width="550" /><br />
Mr Light Box<br />
<br />
This is the answer to yesterday's guessing game, in case anyone had noticed.<br />
<br />
I've wanting to get myself a light box forever! But I still couldn't believe I really put it into action even when this awesome little white box is sitting gracefully on my desk. <br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/85c67d4af6244fbeaf0f8e44a9524f3d" width="550" /><br />
There is a hole at the top and the "door" thing on the side, so you can shoot from different angles.<br />
<br />
<img height="410" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/26c1615b78b84a38acc3d4d7344ffd81" width="550" /><br />
It is really compact, perfect for storage. I had been hesitated in getting the light box mostly because of the space it was going to take up. 2 lamps and a huge white box? I have to throw away my bed for them to fit in my teeny tiny apartment.<br />
<br />
I had no idea there's such an ingenious design out there.<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/ed47e56dba2e4c5bbe0136d79dd9e49d" width="550" /><br />
There are built-in lights, you don't have to set up those clumsy lamps anymore. They said the lights are the same as those used in computer monitor or LCD TV. I know nothing about this, all I can tell is that they are bright enough.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/d920e9665bb946dda763d174b6fdda30" width="550" /><br />
There are 2 hooks at the back for fixing the felt background. How thoughtful!<br />
<br />
<img height="550" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/b776ec3e4f62489a95c62eccea45d92e" width="549" /><br />
They have 6 different colors and I couldn't decide which one is better, so I got all 6.<br />
<br />
<img height="825" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/090d972297704f3d968a596e6617aef2" width="550" /><br />
When I went for a little shopping trip today, I found this baby blue floral-print felt. It is so cute, isn't it?<br />
<br />
<img height="516" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/711744a78c5449f28431748bb32d491e" width="550" /><br />
I also bought 2 super reflective acrylic board, but I can't get it right with this white one.<br />
<br />
<img height="541" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/f4d30e6074364487b570a3c905cfffd5" width="550" /><br />
I had better luck with the black one, see how clear the reflection is, like a mirror!<br />
<br />
You didn't think I would just let this yummy Color Club posed as a model only, did you?<br />
<img height="537" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/b920fc6502e4413a85d5868dc0f4406d" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="375" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/f530da18111b47db8019cbe844d34da1" width="525" /><br />
The famous Revvvolution is a dark charcoal holo with dreamy application. I didn't have the slightest problem.<br />
<br />
I am still experimenting with this new toy but I think I am already in love with him. He just makes life a lot easier for me - I can do swatch at night, and I don't have to spend as much time editing the photos because they are more color-accurate now.<br />
<br />
That's it for now, I'm off to preparing the stuff I am going to show you tomorrow. See you in a bit.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-52615154246989988452010-03-09T01:00:00.004+08:002010-03-11T13:08:50.368+08:00Treachery of the cheapskate - Nars Purple RainI am a cheapskate. If there was a Kingdom of Cheapskate, I would be the ruler.<br />
<br />
In my kingdom, it is a crime buying $20, high-end fashion label polishes with just a pretty face. And I would be the first and the last who are hanged for breaking the law.<br />
<br />
Here's the evidence, Nars Purple Rain, $21.<br />
<img height="610" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/05d31de908e04a4e8d411f97fe903553" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="588" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/e69ecaa12ad54b86a6a50a50d486b642" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="596" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/cef9e76c4d8645109f30aa588d69bb57" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="366" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/124d5d1ddaa74dd88c5f84ccdeb46f74" width="549" /><br />
Purple Rain is a deep reddish purple / eggplant with red and blue shimmer. You see the blue shimmer pretty clearly here, right? In real life, the blue shimmer is barely visible when you stare intensely at it. The effects were exaggerated by the camera.<br />
<br />
It was very pigmented, perfect in 2 coats. Excellent application, went on like butter.<br />
<br />
It is very gorgeous. But wait a sec, I've seen it somewhere.<br />
<img height="610" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/77697bb8f77b4c7bb015888f3362dffa" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/afae24c04513489fbb3a8716ffb4ea1d" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="678" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/6a65070b0c9d40b9a96cdb8d4b1620b7" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="618" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/600402d990ee4e7a8d5cfcc69fd6f452" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="561" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/a41174770eaf4343b6bb72c9c0b23f6d" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="368" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/ce6bb3e737bf4efc8f032fd59f1fac22" width="550" /><br />
<br />
I swear, it was just the camera, in real life, the difference is not noticeable. The base color of both are very similar, except there are more blue shimmer in Let's Groove, as you see in the pictures.<br />
<br />
If you have Let's Groove, congratulations! You have a dead on dupe to a $20 polish.<br />
<br />
I won't tell you I regret buying Purple Rain simply because 1) it is Nars 2) it is purple 3) it is gorgeous 4) I paid $21 for it, non-refundable. No, I won't!kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-72497319742631215182010-03-08T22:10:00.000+08:002010-03-08T22:10:31.083+08:00Can you guess what it is?<img height="536" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/70bc736f5ddb4d3eac218c18df198147" width="550" />kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-1930922411212663622010-03-08T11:15:00.001+08:002010-03-08T12:00:56.793+08:00Another green, first konad success ... well, sort ofDesperate times call for desperate measures.<br />
<br />
I've lost count on my failed konad attempts, actually, I tried hard not to remember. To save my sanity, I really need a little success. A fool proof design is all I needed, I don't care whether it is boring. Here you go, a textbook design - a green and gold combo.<br />
<br />
<img height="593" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/cf2d6afb5ef8408da94bb993fd1e3f35" width="550" /><br />
What do you think? Can I call this a success?<br />
<br />
I was pleased with this, at least I had the design stamped quite clearly on the nails, it wasn't distorted much (except for the pointer), I am comfortable going out with it.<br />
<br />
<img height="609" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/f121d61175b048e191d7373ba57e0807" width="550" /><br />
The base color I used here was Color Club Rule Breaker. It is an amazing deep green/teal metallic shimmer, a little bit frosty though. Application was like a dream, it went on smoothly and it was so pigmented that 1 coat would do. Can't wait to try it as a stamping polish.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-79032449178078463882010-03-08T01:00:00.000+08:002010-03-08T01:00:02.302+08:00China Glaze Watermelon RindToday I'm going to show you a polish that I like very much recently. It's green, by the way. Sure you have seen a lot of green lately in celebration of St Patrick's Day, would it be a little more interesting if it is a non-green lover's pick?<br />
<br />
May I present you with China Glaze Watermelon Rind<br />
<img height="608" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/c2f1a80e00384edeaedaae1a7035b812" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="366" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/b675328047544f75b90c4356fe5de61e" width="550" /><br />
<br />
Watermelon Rind is a green/blue jelly with silver glass flecks. It is quite sheer, as you can expected in jellies, good in 2 coats but I went for 3 here for richer color.<br />
<br />
Can you see how super glossy it is? I didn't even use a top coat! The glass-fleck glitters are so sparkling and gives a lot of depth to the polish, absolutely stunning. <br />
<br />
It is a standard China Glaze formula - went on smoothly, dried quickly. I'm so in love with this polish that I just didn't want to take it off, so I did something on it.<br />
<br />
<img height="621" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/efa000dcd4864fd0961d26758283cfa5" width="549" /><br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/97ef4138da044b1d8e3b0550409d93f3" width="550" /><br />
With the matte top coat, its color was toned down a hue lighter. It gave a satiny finish which was similar to OPI Suede.<br />
<br />
<img height="435" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/bf20e83a8de144cdaede61985ec1d8c7" width="549" /><br />
I also tried to turn it into a darker color. I used China Glaze Awaken (a metallic charcoal) and Color Club Where's the Soiree? (a black creme), one coat of each, as the base. And then I added one coat of Watermelon Rind on top.<br />
<br />
The result was nothing as I expected - the color was not darkened significantly to my disappointment. However, the glass flecks showed up better with the dark base. As you can see on the index and ring fingers, they are more vibrant than before. Plus, it only took 2 coats with this method, save a lot of time!<br />
<br />
To make it look more like watermelon rind, I tried to stamp some black designs on it. Guess what? They were drown in the sea of green. Yet another konad-related tragedy.<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend everybody, I'm off to lick my wounds now.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-20866878124782371932010-03-07T01:13:00.001+08:002010-03-07T01:15:50.979+08:00Put a smile on your ... NailSo I am grumpy because of the weather, what should I do? Self-help 101 - I did a mani that made me smile.<br />
<br />
<img height="527" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/6c3bd9ff4fb84cc1873012e53a43a072" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="255" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/acfd28a5865147518e1ed31cd55f9b7a" width="550" /><br />
Here's what I used (from the left):<br />
Glitters<br />
Seche Vite<br />
China Glaze Vintage Crepe<br />
China Glaze Strawberry Fields<br />
China Glaze Happy Go Lucky<br />
China Glaze Awaken<br />
China Glaze Millennium<br />
and some black rhinestone & fimo<br />
<br />
I wanted to take some step-by-step pictures, and I did for the first couple steps. Then I realized it was way too dangerous - I am probably the most clumsiest person in the world, it was impossible to take all pictures without some smudge incidents. I gave up. Not like you need the pictures though, it was a very simple design.<br />
<br />
Have a great weekend!kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-29571615237557188732010-03-06T08:42:00.000+08:002010-03-06T08:42:14.235+08:00Package Freak<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/9f5e736b8c544897aa2f1591ec0bfbef" width="550" /><br />
<br />
9 turquoise boxes. They are all you going to see today because I am a package freak.<br />
<br />
I keep all boxes cosmetics come in with. Moisturizers, serum, foundations, eye shadows, all of them. They sit gracefully inside their boxes until one day I get too annoyed taking them out and putting back in, and then I throw the innocent boxes away.<br />
<br />
I will have my moment staring at these adorable boxes, swatching can wait.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-44297980966162841412010-03-05T09:34:00.000+08:002010-03-05T09:34:49.299+08:00SCREW YOU, Sephora!Sephora is closing down their business in Hong Kong - If you told me before last weekend, I would have groaned at it for sure. But now? I think they are not leaving fast enough!<br />
<br />
Here's the story. Last week they were having a VIP shopping party in which you can redeem ANY products with your reward points. I went there in eager anticipation, picked out a few Sephora brand products and checked out happily. The girl at counter told me those stuff were on sale so they were not eligible for redemption. I wanted to get something else in order to use up the points but I was already running late for a movie. I figured I have to come back again the following day.<br />
<br />
Here are what I got:<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/6d157aca966a46a6b8c393cc5d40e969" width="550" /><br />
2 polishes (the red one is Flamenco, a birthday gift from them. The blue glitter is Blue Sapphire), they are better than I thought. An acetone free polish remover, a nail balm, my favourite nail care recently and an eyeliner. They were all for around $18.<br />
<br />
Later that night, I found that event announcement email and discovered there would be another VIP day in March. Great, I could go there next month then.<br />
<br />
2 days later, I received another email from Sephora with subject line "Clearance Sale". I opened it excitedly but when I read on, I was shocked. They are leaving? And no VIP day? Reward points can only redeem "selected items"? You have a good idea on how the story goes.<br />
<br />
I went there, studied the "selected items" - basically some unwanted products from some unknown brands which were already on 40% sale - for half an hour, started to get impatient, randomly picked a hand soap in beautiful glass bottle. Discounts do not apply when you buy with reward points, so I paid for the regular price less my reward points.<br />
<br />
I got home and finally got my sense back, I realized I would be better off if I bought it without using reward points! The price after deducting the reward points is higher than the discounted price! Damn it! I couldn't believe I was stupid enough to fall in a trap as obvious as that.<br />
<br />
Sephora, pack your bags and don't ever come back!<br />
<br />
Please bear with me even if you find this accusation totally unjust. I am pissed and I have to get it all out of my system. I feel better already, thank you.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-28519060054218908702010-03-04T13:01:00.001+08:002010-03-04T13:32:50.245+08:00Models Own Part 3 - The SparklesI'm a huge fan of creme, having 3 glitters in one single order is outrageous in my standard.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against glitters - they are stunning. Apart from being hideous to apply, a pain in the ass to remove and the risk of looking like a 5-year-old, I can't imagine what's not to like.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/40a81a5f638a489ab7a4308109c2fa3e" width="550" /><br />
From the left: Blue Sparkle, Magenta Devine, Champagne, Mixed Up<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/1fb63eb3683e4141bf85e07519988fe6" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/1659a1d3b1e24e89ad6946f27e408d3a" width="550" /><br />
<br />
Models Own Champagne - Do I have to say anything else? A pure champagne gold shimmer, no other color undertone. Shiny shiny shiny.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/e6b185031c7545eda8b38f2bd4b79a02" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/0ad2c67df94e4e548fdf83b9c3b1820f" width="550" /><br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/50fa41bcc5f54300aaf80d3cd686b8d6" width="550" /><br />
<br />
Magenta Devine is a clear base with tiny deep magenta glitters. I used 4 coats here attempting to build up the color, the result was acceptable. Pinkie was not that well covered as I used thin coats there, while I put very thick coats on the rest.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/89d5e3ee496b47eca3f03d704d0743d5" width="550" /><br />
Blue Sparkle is a clear base with large blue hexagon glitters. Very vibrant color, too vibrant actually, it gave me a hard time capturing its beauty. In real life, it is a hue or 2 more brighter than the pictures.<br />
<br />
<img height="366" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/9176e36726b34e33833136e8e27e8b84" width="550" /><br />
I was not polishing here, I was essentially piling the glitters onto my nails, that's why it was a three "coats". These glitters are too large, you just can't pick sufficient amount to cover the nails.<br />
<br />
<img height="366" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/892e63e25ab84a31956776aabc4a59e4" width="550" /><br />
Gorgeous hexagon glitters densely suspense in the bottle.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/46d05e7cd8494a0597ae6f301a8886f9" width="550" /><br />
Mixed Up is a clear base with microglitters, majority are black, some are holo. It is an interesting color, but too bad its glossiness diminish when it dries.<br />
<br />
<img height="366" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/842cc117ef6e4994a13ae52c2355c54b" width="550" /><br />
It was very sheer, so I used the same piling technique here. Can I call this a technique? It's skill-less, just take a big drop and spread it in very directions.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/982072944c6d41f3a1731653752206d7" width="550" /><br />
I thought it is a black base with holo glitters. You can imagine how much black glitters are in there.<br />
<br />
How can a glitter review goes without some blurry pictures?<br />
<img height="366" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/fc680695a793417a8bae486ce57e8b99" width="549" /><br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/4fb6402928d8403c8bcadbcfc928bf74" width="550" /><br />
Gorgeous, isn't it?<br />
<br />
Please beware when you decide to wear any of these polishes, especially when you are driving. They are so shiny sparkling that you just can't stop staring at your nails. Very distractive!<br />
<br />
It's way too easy to pick my favourite out of this lot, Champagne without much debate.<br />
<br />
I mean glitters and I can be friend who hang out from time to time, but I don't think we can take it to the next level. Sorry, glitter pals!<br />
<br />
This is the last part of my Models Own review, a little conclusion may be helpful<br />
<br />
<b>Yay</b><br />
1. Great color variety, with some very unique ones<br />
2. Highly Pigmented<br />
3. Good staying power<br />
4. Formulas vary, easy application in general.<br />
5. They ship internationally<br />
<br />
<b>Nay</b><br />
1. Not Big 3 free, it contains Toluene (no DBP and Formaldehyde). Though it is not a big deal for me, everybody else seems doing just fine without these 3 monsters, why couldn't they?<br />
2. Crappy bottle cap. The top cap detached from the brush! It is not an isolated incident, it happened on several different polishes.<br />
<br />
Will I buy from them again? Definitely! I love their color selection, looking forward to some new colors coming out.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-75451786028546696752010-03-03T12:16:00.001+08:002010-03-03T12:18:42.605+08:00Models Own Part 2 - The ChicsI've got 5 stunning polishes to show you today. So no mumbling and get straight down to business.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/7e563710a5bb4b14a3ea688fedac1b89" width="550" /><br />
From the left: Slate Green, Moody Grey, Purple Grey, Nude Beige, Utopia<br />
<br />
Except for Utopia, their names are straightforward, aren't they? But we all know name and even bottle color can be very deceiving, let's have closer inspection.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/c07997f017354b80b79146b992de3661" width="550" /><br />
Cause you're not a man<br />
you're just a mannequin<br />
I wish you could that my love is real<br />
but you're not a man<br />
(Sorry, I just can't help it. Every time when I think of the word "mannequin", I hear Katy Perry sings it out loud. )<br />
<br />
So Nude Beige does make a good mannequin color. It is a dusty, light taupe creme with the slightest hint of pink. A neutral appropriate for conservative working environment or on days when you wanna lay low.<br />
<br />
As with <a href="http://muiguiltypleasure.blogspot.com/2010/02/models-own-part-1-pastels.html">the pastels I shown you the other day</a>, formula on this is thick but nothing unmanageable - I could get away with 2 coats with barely visible brush stroke. It will be prefect with a layer of top coat.<br />
<br />
We've seen a lot of dusty neutrals since last year, I was wondering if I had yet again wasted my money on a dupe. I dug into my stash and 3 suspects were found:<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/0d2defb4eead42638afb578624a66639" width="550" /><br />
<br />
Lucky me, there are no dupes! At first I thought Country Club Khaki is the closest because of the lack of pinkness in both. As you can see here, Country Club Khaki is way too brown and darker than Nude Beige.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/cdbeae8af03f40919cf74e2c90034b97" width="550" /><br />
Utopia was one of the first few Models Own swatches I saw, it went straight to my must-have list.<br />
<br />
The color varies depending on skin tone. It is off-white on some, and on me, it is a very pale grey with a touch of pinkish lavender. A lousy description again. In short, it is a mixture of white, grey, pink and lavender. I'm in love with this - it is not loud but it is sophisticated.<br />
<br />
Application was like a dream (Utopia!), went on smoothly, sheer on the first coat, perfect in 2.<br />
<br />
I would love to see it compared to Color Club Who Are You Wearing? but it is still in the mail.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/075ae9bc2ee345c68f6397c5d9d2a7a7" width="550" /><br />
Slate Green - a dusty light teal creme.<br />
<br />
This is love at first sight. I'm not a green person, my green collection is miserable but Slate Green got my attention right away. I guess it is the dusty thing.<br />
<br />
When I was a kid, my mother wore a jade bracelet all the time. This is the same color as the bracelet. It is what "Jade is the New Black" should have been.<br />
<br />
The formula on this is different from the rest, it is a bit jelly like. On the sheer side and runny, it took 3 coats to be opaque.<br />
<br />
It looks familiar, huh? I know what you are thinking, so there it is:<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/9c80c0d83b4049e89649289bc5285e7a" width="550" /><br />
No dupes again. Dirty, Sexy, Money is darker and dustier while Slate Green is like his younger cousin, more vibrant and less moody.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/ae52abb5c5014258a1f562a9f3affec5" width="550" /><br />
I wanted to say Moody Grey is greenish grey as suggested by its name, but the green is actually more prominent than grey, so I will stick to a medium greyed out green creme. In Cantonese, it is definitely a "鴨屎綠" to me, which means "duck poo green"<br />
<br />
Green again? It was quite a challenge for someone who had like 5 greens in her over 100 collection. I didn't know it would be this green, most of the swatches I found were charcoal. Even though it is not the same as I expected, I like its uniqueness.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Great application, it was so pigmented that I could have get away with 1 coat if I have been paying attention.</div><br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/c2be8cf15ab7457ca8a3f6301eecd84a" width="550" /><br />
Purple Grey is a dark greyed out purple creme. To say it's dusty is an understatement - it is muddy.<br />
<br />
This is what I wanted my first franken to be - mysterious, very dark eggplant. I kind of made it but I was stupid enough to put in some plastic balls (I thought those were metal!), so I'm not able to share with you here (lucky you).<br />
<br />
It is totally unique, as much as I love purple, I don't have anything like this, not even in the most remotest sense. I would imagine it to be the son of OPI You Don't Know Jacques! and Parlez--vous OPI (both are my favourites). You'll be the first to know when the baby is due!<br />
<br />
Models Own is a new brand to me so I decided to do a wear test to see how long could it last. I wore for Purple Grey for 5 days as planned - yes, I DID wear it for 5 painful long days. I believe you of all people could perfectly understand how much did I suffer. But I made it, I'm so proud of myself!<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/cd52348fb18e43f8bf70c615d87cdb62" width="550" /><br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/6d22397c659644628df3017645ec728e" width="550" /><br />
I was wearing this with one coat of CND Stickey base and Air Dry. I used another camera with better macro, but its white balance sucks and I was too lazy to edit them. ** These 2 pictures are not color-accurate, please refer to the above swatch picture **<br />
<br />
No chipping, just minor tip wear. I assure you it is no-one-but-yourself-could-spot-it kind of minor. It is impressive, especially for someone as rough as me. <br />
<br />
It's impossible to pick a favourite out of this bunch - I just love them all. These are the edgy colors that I can't live without.<br />
<br />
I'll be back with the last part of Models Own review before you know it.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-20181782959019422422010-03-01T15:00:00.000+08:002010-02-28T15:52:25.366+08:00Models Own Part 1 - The PastelsSpring is my least favourite season. Alright, I lied. I hate spring.<br />
<br />
The humidity is killing me. Water is dripping from ceiling of the lift lobby, floor is slippery, the laundry and my hair takes forever to dry, my skin goes all crazy with breakouts. My air con has been on for several 20°C days. It is insane! Is it summer yet?<br />
<br />
The only one good thing that comes along with spring is pastel color.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/a11c5d491f9a406183d2987bd9c07687" width="550" /><br />
From the left: Lemon Meringue, Pastel Pink, Lilac Dream<br />
<br />
This is the pastel set I got from Models Own. I didn't plan to buy this set, I was only interested in Lilac Dream. But hey it's on sale, why not?<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/cf295a1af0d749a7b01b0034e42c3629" width="550" /><br />
Lilac Dream is a pale purple creme. Guess it is one of the most popular colors, it appeared on most of the reviews I read, people raves about it.<br />
<br />
Not a unique color though, it looks just like another pastel purple. The milkiness is nice, makes it look soft and tender, I like it.<br />
<br />
There's not many lavenders in my stash, I used to avoid them, pink as well actually, as much as I can because they can darken my hand too easily. I tried to find some good comparisons, Misa Jasmine was the closest thing I can get.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/ed98240d76b24b19906da1c42a6b8eed" width="550" /><br />
They look pretty similar in the bottle, amazingly they are completely different on nails.<br />
<br />
Jasmine is a lot darker, dustier than Lilac Dream. The application of Jasmine is so much better.<br />
I forgot to compare it with China Glaze Light As Air, from my impression, Lilac Dream should be much darker than Light As Air.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/242f24eca4704be3980d735e1afa386b" width="550" /><br />
Pastel Pink is kind of barbie pink in my definition. It is a warm medium pink creme.<br />
<br />
I like how they look in the picture, it is cute. In person, they are not as flattering. They made my hands look so dirty - like I've been playing in a dumpster all day, yuck!<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/39153e3600f24fd0b0dc72d4b141fb2a" width="550" /><br />
Lemon Meringue is a very pale lemon yellow creme. Surprisingly, my favourite of this lot.<br />
<br />
I rarely bake, so lemon meringue is too remote to me. Lemon sorbet is what in my mind. A real refresh color, prefect for gloomy days like what we are having now. I can see myself wearing a lot.<br />
<br />
It reminds me immediately of another member in the lemon family, China Glaze Lemon Fizz.<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/a6239c56100d4979811200e44f57c154" width="550" /><br />
I thought there would not be a big difference, I was wrong. As you can see, Lemon Fizz is brighter, warmer maybe, and less milky. Application is better as well.<br />
<br />
The formula of all these is consistent - highly pigmented, opaque in 2 coats. They are all quite thick which make them not easy to work with (making a mind note to thin them down a bit next time). They can't be completely evened out with the third coat. I would not walk out of my apartment without a good thick topcoat on it.<br />
<br />
There are more Models Own wanna to show you, coming up next are The Chics.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-10110675097555633552010-02-28T14:02:00.000+08:002010-02-28T14:02:04.554+08:00Please vote for me!Ladies, I need your help. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://lambchopmobile.blogspot.com/">Lambchop Mobile</a> is hosting the best contest ever - she asked for suggestions on a name and matching manicure for her bike. I am so not going to miss out the fun. I played around with several ideas and started working on the nails. Things were a bit out of hand - I ended up with not one but two designs! <br />
<br />
Mighty Lampchop seems to like them - she picked both out! I was so lucky!<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/e0a7f8261d0b4cab842ac182e41d4f38" width="550" /><br />
The girly manicure<br />
<br />
This was inspired by the streamers on handle bars of trikes that little girls ride. I went for a colorful and childish look - so you can see a lot of different colors and tons of decals. Believe me, I know it is a busy look, I apologize if it make you feel dizzy!<br />
<br />
On thumb: Misa Jasmine for base, Misa Dirty, Sexy, Money for the dots<br />
<br />
Index: BB Couture Zuma Wave Rider with silver metallic decals in star shape<br />
<br />
Middle: Models Own Pastel Pink for the base, CND Hyde in the Dark for the stripes, OPI Time-less is More for the dots and some gold metallic star-shaped decals<br />
<br />
Ring: Misa Green with Envy and black rhinestones<br />
<br />
Pinkie: Orly Cashmere Cardigan with decals in various shape<br />
<br />
<img height="367" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/3f4886db46ef44388fdbcb98a69bbf83" width="550" /><br />
The grown-up manicure<br />
<br />
It was intended to be a matching look with the bike. Metallics and shimmers were chosen naturally, purple is my favourite color so it got a place.<br />
<br />
I did the half moon freehand, so it is cranky. I think I did the best with the middle finger.<br />
<br />
Ring: Color Club Sex Symbol<br />
Others: Models Own Champaign for the half moon, OPI Lincoln Park After Dark for the tips with silver and black rhinestones.<br />
<br />
These are 2 of the 5 manis competing in the contest. If you like any of these, please go to <a href="http://lambchopmobile.blogspot.com/2010/02/its-time.html">Lambchop Mobile</a> to vote for me. But if you don't, please go to vote against me - there are 3 even more awesome manis. No hard feeling, I will just stalk you and send you as many spam mail as I can - just kidding!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://lambchopmobile.blogspot.com/2010/02/its-time.html">Voting</a> runs through March 9. Get moving!kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7700272440184153279.post-75409575525564872652010-02-27T23:16:00.001+08:002010-02-28T00:06:44.362+08:00Take Me Home - Models OwnOK, this is another Twitter evil spawn.<br />
<br />
I had never heard about Models Own until one day all people were tweeting and re-tweeting about their 50% sale. My curiosity got the best of me and I saw all these swatches - grey, dusty purple and nude. Oh, I saw my name on them!<br />
<br />
There you go babies, welcome to the family.<br />
<img height="397" src="http://api.photoshop.com/home_748903cd38c84c7188ab8256b64d081a/adobe-px-assets/49fc4f54e3e046859868dca28408ac65" width="550" /><br />
They came in this cute little black box with purple tissue paper, classy!<br />
<br />
I paid £31 for all these (shipping included), it was definitely a bargain. The only complain was that there should be a free buffer for first time order, but it was missing here.<br />
<br />
Swatch coming soon.kadahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04521979862540777456noreply@blogger.com0