Friday, August 29, 2014

NoTD: OPI Watermarble & Gradient

Hi everyone! Are you ready for a long weekend? I sure do, even though we might just be staying in and watching netflix, I'm good with that. 
I'm on a nail art block lately, but didn't feel like rocking a plain nails. So I turn to a simple water marble nails, I haven't done one in a while and I don't have to think much other than finding a colour combo, perfect. I randomly picked 3 OPI cremes, a mix of summer and fall shades, and they spread wonderfully! 

The OPI shades I used are Miss Youniverse, You are So Outta Lime, Sorry I'm Fizzy Today. I did water marble on two nails and gradient of the same colours on my pinkie and index. 




XO
Novi

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Swatches & NoTD: piCture pOlish Unicorn

Hi guys! Today I'm wearing one of the new collaboration shade created by piCture pOlish and Allie from Brit Nails.This is now one of my favourite shades created by bloggers! The name alone already makes it hard to resist for me (who doesn't love unicorns, really?). The base colour and combination of glitters and shimmer in it is just perfect for the name Unicorn. Find out what inspired Allie in creating this shade in this blog post.

piCture pOlish Unicorn
Unicorn is a turquoise crelly base with pink shimmer that's impossible for me to capture, and a mixed of pink and silver glitter. Depending on your monitor setting, you might see this leaning more blue, but in person it leans more green to me. Formula and application was ok, but not great. The formula is a bit on the thick side but still easy to work with. I used two coats, thin coat at first and I used a thicker one for the second coat. Due to the amount of glitter packed in it, it dries gritty, so top coat is definitely needed. I used 2 coats of HK Girl top coat here.
piCture pOlish Unicorn

piCture pOlish Unicorn

piCture pOlish Unicorn
Are you team unicorn? Well, I'm into all magical things so I need this just by the name, although overall it did not disappoint! Will you be getting this one? I purchased mine from Nail Polish Canada. You can also buy this direct from piCture pOlish, or through their network here

XO
Novi

Monday, August 25, 2014

piCture pOlish Blog/Insta Fest 2014 featuring Eyre, Bonkers, and Beige


Yess!! It's the time I've been waiting for since last year. piCture pOlish blog/insta Fest 2014! This will be my first year participating in this event, where piCture pOlish collaborating with numbers of bloggers and ig-ers to challenge our creativity in creating a nail art look with the shades picked and provided by piCture pOlish. 
This year is a little different, as you can see in the header, this year's blog/insta fest  is featuring Nail Vinyls. I will have all the deets after the teaser pic below ;). It's a long post!

Saturday, August 23, 2014

NOTD: Head Over Heels-To Die For-Seven Nation Army

Hi everyone! A quick post today with my NOTD look. Well, I actually have this on since yesterday, and possibly will be taking it off later today. But I'm sharing the sparkles anyway! 
The base is from my untried stash, Emily de Molly Head over Heels. Layered with 2 of my favourite glitter topper, Enchanted Polish To DIe For and Seven Nation Army. This combo is crazy sparkly, way more than what I can capture in pics. Between the holo from SNA base and the super sparkly glitter in To Die For, it can be quite distracting. I think this might look even more amazing over a dark base. I used 1 coat of each glitter over 3 thin coats of Head over Heels, plus 1 coat of HK Girl top coat.


EdM Head over Heels+EP To Die For+EP Seven Nation Army

EdM Head over Heels+EP To Die For+EP Seven Nation Army

EdM Head over Heels+EP To Die For+EP Seven Nation Army

Emily de Molly Head over Heels
Have a wonderful weekend!!

XO
Novi

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

piCture pOlish Violet Femme & Hot Lips Gradient

Happy hump day! Today I'm sharing you a mani that I have been wearing since Monday night. It's just a simple gradient with floral stamping accent nails, but I absolutely love these colours together in a gradient! I keep wondering why it took me so long to pair up these two. I had some trouble taking accurate pics of this mani cause it's so bright and my camera kept making the pink looked soft, nowhere near what I see in person. So I tried my iPhone, and surprisingly it did a better job in capturing the brightness. 

I sponged piCture pOlish Hot Lips and Violet Femme over Butter London Cotton Bud. The daisies print is from MoYou Pro plate 15 stamped with Mundo de Unas white.





Have a lovely day!

XO
Novi

Monday, August 18, 2014

Swatches: Formula X Beacon & Magma

Hi guys! Today I have more Formula X polishes to show you. These are treats from the awesome bf when we went to the mall on the weekend. Always say yes when you're asked if you want to go into Sephora, right? ;)
I always get overwhelmed when looking at Formula X nail bar, so many to choose from, and I'm not that familiar with their collections to know which are the most desirable ones.  I'm usually drawn to the sparkly/shimmery side. Both my picks are from The Liquid Crystals collection. From the names you would think this has some sort of glitters in it, but it's actually more like fine flecks that make the finish is so shimmery and look like foil-ish finish.

Beacon, a royal blue base jelly packed with blue flecks and violet shimmer that you can see in the bottle, on the nails it shows up in low lighting. I have to note one thing about the formula on both, they are not the same as when I tried the sample bottle in store. Most likely because it has been opened and used way too often, the formula is thicker and opaque in 2 coats. But when I use my new bottle, the formula is thin and sheer on the first coat, but you can build it to opacity. What you see here is 3 coats + top coat.

Formula X Beacon

Formula X Beacon

Formula X Beacon
Magma, such a perfect name, a vibrant orange with orange/gold flecks and shimmer. Same formula as Beacon, also used 3 coats + top coat. This was picked by the bf.
Formula X Magma

Formula X Magma

Formula X Magma
Again, I'm not disappointed with these polishes. A bit high on price point at C$16 each, but it's ok for a once in a while treat ;) 
What's your favourite Formula X shade? 

XO
Novi

Friday, August 15, 2014

Press Release: Girly Bits Vegas Inspired Collection, Two Vegas LE Exclusives, Two Blogger Collaborations

Girly Bits Cosmetics Announces The Release Of A Vegas Inspired Collection, Two Vegas Limited Edition Exclusives And Two Blogger Collaborations

Product Release date: Thursday, August 21st at 12noon EDT
Individual Product Price: $12.00 each
What Really Happened In Vegas Collection Price: $48.00 (set of 4) ~ SHOP EARLY AND SAVE 
~ only $44.00 (set of 4) until Sunday August 31st at 3pm EDT
What Really Happened in Vegas is a collection of 4 polishes inspired by memorable things that happened while we were in Vegas this year for the Cosmoprof North America trade show. We had the pleasure of meeting many amazing bloggers and brands, and had the best time laughing, chatting about the ‘biz’ and forming amazing friendships. Of course when you gather a group of women, and add a glass or two of wine… well let’s just say there was a lot of silliness, some of which inspired the names for these 4 polishes.
Too Hot For Pants
Too Hot For Pants is a glowy fuchsia-red jelly, loaded with red and fuchsia shimmer and holo micro glitter. Lit from within! Just like us while in Vegas.
I am Canadian. I am used to hot, humid, sticky summer weather. Vegas is a dry heat. But it is still HEAT. And it was definitely too hot for pants. Thank goodness for maxi dresses!


Selfie Bomb
Selfie Bomb is a sparkly gold holo micro glitter shimmer combination accented with pink and lavender microglitter.
Selfie Bomb was inspired by a moment at the Sparkle & Wine event, when Linda from Nail Vinyls was attempting to take a picture of me and Missi from Different Dimension using her phone. Missi and I put on our best glam faces for Linda, as she raised her phone for the perfect shot. What she didn’t realise, is that she had flipped the camera app to take a selfie and basically selfie bombed our picture.

Protect Your Girly Bits
Protect Your Girly Bits is a purple scattered holographic polish, accented with flashes of red micro glitter.
Since we were co-hosting an event at Mandalay Bay, we had a fair amount of polish there with us, and between shopping and receiving samples we somehow end up leaving with more than we came with. I did bring a fair amount of packing materials with me but I ran out, so I had to do some creative packing to be able to ship everything home. I just happened to have some… umm…left over feminine hygiene products with me that I no longer needed, and no room in my suitcase to bring home any way. Thank you Always®, for being the perfect size to wrap around a bottle of polish and protect my Girly Bits!!

Accidental PPV
Accidental Pay Per View is a silver holographic polish, accented with glowy blue shimmer and a subtle turquoise flash.
Three polish makers, who shall remain unnamed to protect the innocent, were sharing a room while in Vegas and one evening among wine and pedicures on tired feet, they were channel surfing for something fun to watch. Somehow, they accidentally clicked on a pay per view channel and next thing you know they had subscribed to watch a movie. Not so bad, except the type of movie they accidentally ordered is not exactly the type of movie you want showing up on your hotel bill. Ooops! XXX

What Happens In Vegas...Ends Up On Instagram
What Happens in Vegas….Ends up on Instagram is a bright raspberry-fuchsia scattered holographic polish, with flashes of glowy purple micro glitter, and bright pink micro glitter. Very flashy and blingy, just like Vegas.
WHIVEUOIG was created exclusively for Sparkle & Wine - a blogger/brand/stockist event co-hosted by Girly Bits and KBShimmer at Mandalay Bay while we were attending Cosmoprof North America in Las Vegas this year. It will be available for a limited time ONLY (Aug 21-31)
We are also re-launching last year’s exclusive Cosmoprof NA polish for a limited time. (Aug21-31)

What Happens In Vegas...Ends Up On Facebook (Relaunch)
What Happens in Vegas…Ends up on Facebook is a medium plummy holographic polish, with flashes of glowy purple microglitter.
WHIVEUOFB was created exclusively for bloggers we met while attending Cosmoprof North America in 2013. It was released in limited quantity, and quickly sold out. We are bringing it back for a limited time ONLY (Aug 21-31)

Seriously Sassy
Seriously Sassy is a collaboration polish with Sassy Shelly, for her 2 year blog anniversary.
It is a royal purple jelly, with blue to purple colour shifting glitter.

Mint-al Precision
Mint-al Precision is a collaboration polish with Polished To Precision for her 1 year blog anniversary.
It is an aqua-mint shimmer, loaded with green and blue shifting flakes.

DON'T FORGET TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR AUGUST 21ST! SOME OF THESE RELEASES ARE TIME SENSITIVE 
  
Girly Bits Cosmetics is a Canadian company that has been handcrafting quality nail polish since 2011 in a dazzling array of colours and finishes. As a brand dedicated to providing cruelty free, on-trend and unique products, Girly Bits Cosmetics is well known for outstanding customer service, charitable donations and custom nail polishes dedicated to lost loved ones. Available at 9 on-line retailers around the globe, and a growing number of brick and mortar stores, you can be sure to easily find the season’s hottest new shades, as well as timeless customer favourites.
For more information visit www.girlybitscosmetics.com or contact them directly at info@girlybitspolish.com.
Be sure to follow Girly Bits on their social media! 
                             Facebook-Twitter-Instagram-Pinterest-Blogger-Bloglovin-Google+

This must be the most entertaining press release I've read! Hilarious polish names and backround story, not to mention gorgeous shades too! I can't wait to get my paws on these babies! How about you? Which one(s) will you be ordering? 

XO
Novi

Field of Flowers

First off, let me say this again.. I suck at painting flowers. They are really a hit and miss, mostly missed :p. Late last night I had the urge to do another floral mani and I went for it. Well.. Let's just say the only thing I love about it is the colour palette. 
I did the base gradient with China Glaze Metro Pollen-tin and Sun Upon My Skin. For the rest, I kinda grabbed them randomly from my drawer and forgot to list what they are (oops). 





Sorry about the mess, I guess I didn't get them all during clean up. Only noticed it when I edit the pics! Hope you enjoyed it more than I did, these didn't stay long on my nails.

XO
Novi

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Glam Polish: You're Never Too Old to be Young Collection ~ Swatches & Review

Hi guys! Today I have 3 gorgeous shades from Glam Polish new Disney inspired collection, called You're Never Too Old to be Young. The collection consists of 6 holographic, 3 multichromes holo, 2 crelly glitter, and 1 glitter topper. They will be available to pre-order starting today, August 13th 2014, and should be available from international stockist soon. 

3 of the new shades I'm happy to show you today are Pictures in My Head, Topsy Turvy, and Friend Like Me. What these three have in common is an excellent formula! One is slightly thinner than the rest, but overall the it was easy to control the formula which makes application a breeze. I used KBShimmer Clearly on top for all the swatches here, and pics were taken in a light box with direct light.

I'm gonna start with Pictures in my Head, 3 thin coats. If you're a bit heavy handed, 2 coats would be enough. This one has the least holo from all three, but still a really nice green shade, the gold flakies sparkles beautifully under the sun.
Lime Green holo with tiny golden flakies and shimmer. (Inspired by the song from The Muppets, 2011)
Glam Polish Pictures in My Head

Glam Polish Pictures in My Head

Glam Polish Pictures in My Head

Next is Topsy Turvy, 2 coats. This is my favorite! The blue flakes in it really give this an extra depth , not just your regular straight up holos.
Orchid holo with tiny purple/blue flakes. (Inspired by the song from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1996)
Glam Polish Topsy Turvy

Glam Polish Topsy Turvy

Glam Polish Topsy Turvy

Friend Like Me, 3 coats. I find this one has a thin formula compared to the other two, so I definitely need 3 coats, the third coat completely self leveled and even out everything. I'm seeing purple flashes, that for the life of me I cannot capture in pics, whenever I moved my hand, so pretty!
Periwinkle holo with tiny blue/purple flakies. (Inspired by the sing from Aladdin, 1992)
Glam Polish Friend Like Me

Glam Polish Friend Like Me

Glam Polish Friend Like Me
Glam Polish new collection "You're Never Too Old to be Young" is available to pre-order starting today for USA & Australia directly from Glam Polish. The rest of the world, well we have to wait a little bit longer, and these will be available from the following distributors:
Canada - Harlow&Co.
Singapore - MeiMei's Signatures

Follow Glam Polish on their social media:  Facebook - instagram - Pinterest

**products were provided for my honest review


XO
Novi

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Zigzag Gradient

Today's mani is just a simple used of striping tape, makeup sponge and several bright shades. I'll keep the post short. The shades I used here are OPI Sorry I'm a Fizzy today (very fitting for me today), OPI Where Did Suzi Man-Go?, OPI You are So Outta Lime, OPI Can't Find My Czechbook. Butter London Cotton Bud for the white base, and China Glaze Glistening Snow for the sparkly lines. 







What type of polish or colour do you usually reach to when you want something to brighten the mood?

XO
Grumpy Asian


Sunday, August 10, 2014

Formula X Radioactive & Bionic

I haven't been able to decide what to wear the past few days, hence there weren't any post for almost a week. Today I broke out two more from my untried stash, these are also my first time trying the brands, Formula X. A friend helped me obtain a small handful of them during a sale. First experience leave me wanting to get more! That's a good thing and a bad thing, like I need MORE brand to obsessed with..haha.
Formula X Radioactive & Bionic

Formula X Radioactive & Bionic
Radioactive is a bright forest green, dries to a rubbery finish so top coat is needed. The formula is quite great considering most polishes with this type of finish can be streaky and a pain to apply. I used 3 thin coats, but they self leveled really nice on the third coat. 
The glitter topper is Bionic, a mixed of black and pastel green hexes in various sizes suspended in a clear base. I didn't have any problem getting the glitter out, which is great. I totally love this glitter combo.

Then I stamped over it with the image from MoYou Pro plate 11 and Mundo de Unas black. I wasn't sure at first if I liked it, but I think it's growing on me now :)


Formula X Radioactive & Bionic

Formula X Radioactive & Bionic
Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend! <3

XO
Novi