Holiday Mani - Christmas Party Nails

I know it isn't yet thanksgiving even, but I'm really feeling the xmas spirit coming on. So today I went with a bit of a naughty and nice wintry look. I have a big xmas party coming up, so this may be my go to look for that occasion.

This is Essie Forever Yummy (2 coats) and images from the m57 and m60 konad plates, topped with Essie Good to Go. (Which I will review as I get closer to finishing the bottle. I love seche vite, but the goopyness at the 1/2 - 3/4 gone mark is frustrating.)

And of course, I'm regrowing my nails out still so pardon *hangs under construction sign*.

Essie: Brazilliant

Very opaque formula for an essie! It was almost a 1 coater. There is a very obvious pink shimmer to this polish, unfortunately it didn't really come up in the photos.Very bright, fun color.

   

*I obtained this polish from the essie summer contest. I am not affiliated with essie and was chosen at random.

Just a quick post

Picked up one of my wishlist items the other day, Essie mochachino. I'm in love with it, and have been on the prowl for this color for some time. :)

I also received my dotting tools in the mail yesterday and had to try them out over my current mani of mochachino. ($2 off ebay, including shipping. Not a bad deal.) The dots are using OPI who the Shrek are you.

China Glaze: Crackle; Cracked Concrete

This has to be my favorite of the crackles. It's not as stark as the black, subtle enough to wear regularly in any season, and doesn't make me feel like my polish is just terribly chipped and awful looking. The formula was smooth enough that I didn't have to rush to apply more for a decent crackle affect, just make sure you shake it well first. This is over Essie Turquoise & Caicos, with top coat (the crackles dry matte).

Essie Bottle Comparison

Apologies for the cat hair!

They look very similar, however you may be able to notice that the older bottle looks a little "bloated" compared to the new. Suppose they made it more streamline? New bottle - Lapiz of Luxury, 13.5ml
Old Bottle - Limo-scene, 15ml 

   What do you think? 

Essie: Turquoise and Caicos

While grocery shopping with my fiancee we stopped and looked at the Essie display. He picked this out, because he loves old Volkswagen cars and this looks just like the paint job of one. He jokes that if I ever get one I can use this to touch up the paint. This is three coats.

And a bonus kitty picture.

Brush Comparison

Everybody likes different brushes, so I took the time to put together a comparison from what I have in my collection.

1. China Glaze
2. ELF
3. Essie
4. MAC
5. NYC Long Wearing
6. OPI
7. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure
8. ORLY
9. Rimmel
10. Sinful Colors
11. Sally Hansen HD
12. Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear
13. Sonia Kashuk
14. Zoya

Essie: Forever Yummy

I have been on such a red kick this past week. Sadly, I hardly own any. So yesterday I went out and used my little $2 rite aid coupon and picked up this beauty. I feel so daring when I wear it, like I belong in a james bond movie. :3

Essie: Lapiz of Luxury

A lavender leaning blue. Very soft and smooth looking. Thick formula compared to some other Essies I've come across (I tried like linen before and that was WATER). This is two coats.