Sinful Colors: "Dream On"

I purchased this bottle of Sinful Colors "Dream On" from Rite Aid for $1.99. I thought that was a great deal. This is my first bottle of Sinful colors since the 90s so I'd consider my experience with the brand a new one. I have to say this is a really pretty color and it behaved pretty interestingly. Continue reading below to see what I think...





"Dream On" by Sinful Colors is a gorgeous Neon/Creme purple/magenta color. It's richly pigmented and behaves like a typical neon in that the initial application is somewhat streaky and matte. I found the streaky application to be tolerable becuase it was easily fixed with the addition of a clear top coat. I got mine to be opaque in just two coats, though if you're really picky and not lazy like I am I'd go for a third.

Note: the photos were taken outdoors in sunlight, this particular color is coming off a teeny bit more pink than it really is, it leans more purple in real life.

Here is a photo showing the matte like nature of the color without a top coat. I have found many neons perform in a similar manner: (Click to enlarge)



So I'd suggest using a shiny topcoat with this one for sure. As you can see from the photos the topcoat changes the nature of the polish and fixes any streaks that might occur.






At $1.99 at drugstores like Rite Aid and Walgreens I don't think you can go wrong trying something for this line. This one was really nice. I plan to try a few more from this line, Walgreens has a huge collection of colors and many unique and exciting ones.

Any Sinful Colors fans out there?

Pin It Now!

Read More

Nail Life "Speed Demon" Top Coat: Review

Nail Life's "Speed Demon" polish dryer top coat is available at Sally Beauty Supply stores and online at Sally Beauty. It retails for $6.99 or $5.99 with a Sally Beauty Club Card.

Upon becoming frustrated with my beloved Seche Vite I decided to try something new. I use the Nail Life Gripper Base Coat (stay tuned for a review) and I love the size of the bottle so I decided to give this top coat a try. Why was I frustrated with the Seche Vite you ask? I absolutely hate the fact that once you're down to the bottom 1/3 or so of the bottle the formula becomes a thick, goopy, impossible to work with mess. So like I said, I picked this up to give it a try.

Value/Size
Now $6.99 or $5.99 might seem steep but this top coat is 1 fl. oz which is double the size of most regular polishes. So I think that's a good value and something to keep in mind when debating on what to purchase.

Formula/Application
The top coat is thicker than normal polish but not as thick as Seche Vite, if that makes sense. It goes on well and is never goopy. Sometimes, if I don't get enough on the brush, I do end up with streaks and apply a second coat, but I have a feeling that's more my fault than the product's.

Shine Factor
The top coat is high shine and leaves my nails looking great for days. I'd say the shine factor is pretty much the same as Seche Vite's.

Drying Time
This top coat dries very quickly, going from application to dent free finish in about 5 minutes (I suppose I should have done a more accurate timing because I am not entirely sure, but fast). 5 minutes to DENT FREE, less than 1 minute to dry and dentable. I think Seche Vite does have a bit of an edge with the drying time because I do feel that it dries very quickly to a dent free finish. It is comparable though.

Overall, I'd recommend this product. I love the large bottle and the product performs as promised. I think if Seche Vite didn't thicken so terribly at the end I'd choose it over this one but since it becomes virtually unusable without the help of a thinner I'd have to give Nail Life's "Speed Demon" a slight edge but it's really such a narrow margain that I can't even decide. I love both products. I wish Seche Vite was usable at the end because that quicker drying really makes me love it.

Have you tried Nail Life's "Speed Demon"? What did you think of it? What other top coats do you suggest checking out?

Pin It Now!

Read More

Adventures in Konad-ing: The Initial Purchase

So I decided that it's time to take the leap into more impressive nail art and try my hand at Konad stamping. If you're not familiar with the process it's simply stamping designs on to the nail using their special polish (which is thicker in consistency than standard nail polish) or any other polish (though there seems to be some debate on how successful the design is with normal polish). Now I am no expert but I have watched some youtube videos on it (check out Sayanythingbr00ke) and I think I can do it.

I purchased a few items to get started from Wow So Cool. I won't receive them until the new year (they will ship on the 31st because of a holiday break) but I thought I'd show you what I am getting and what you can look forward to in the new year.

I purchased the Double Sided Stamper and Scraper Set for $6.99:


Two bottles of their Special Polish, one in Black and one in White (basic for now)both $6.99 each.




Two Image Plates, one in M51 and one in M63:





I used the coupon code "nailphile" for 30% off my order so all of that came to just $24.46 and orders over $20.00 ship free so I think that was a major score!!!

Now I am sure at first I will not be good at this so bare with me, but I cannot wait to get these and try them out. Wow So Cool has a page showing the designs you can make with the plates, here are the examples of the advanced designs I might someday be able to make with the two plates I ordered:





Wow so cool indeed! I hope that this can be a fun series for the blog and I hope you join me on my adventures in Konad-ing!

Have you tried Konad products? Please share any thoughts you might have with me!Pin It Now!

Read More

OPI: You Don't Know Jacques!

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and that everyone is gearing up for a fun but SAFE New Year. Now, let's talk polish!

OPI's "You Don't Know Jacques!" debuted in 2008 with the France Collection and is described as a Taupe. This color was very popular last fall and has really reached cult status boasting a huge following among lacquer heads.

To me, it's on the darker side of what I'd consider taupe, it's quite a dark smoky gray color. It's a creme formula but you can also purchase it in matte and suede formula. I am not into mattes but the suede looks beautiful and I think I might pick it up soon!

The application was simple compared to some other polishes; opaque in two coats with minimal streaking. I hate the wide OPI brushes but that's just a personal thing, it is growing on me though.

Overall I do love this polish but it is not my favorite taupe. As I mentioned before I adore Orly's Country Club Khaki when I am going taupe.

See below for a side by side photo of this polish and Sephora by OPI's Metro Chic.

Comparison of Sephora by OPI "Metro Chic" and OPI "You Don't Know Jacques!"

Now, to me, these polishes are so similar I'd say do not even bother getting both. I really though, with the swatches I'd seen, that Sephora's Metro Chic was going to be much purpler but no dice for me.



Do you have this color? Do you like it? Let me know!!!!

Have a great day!


Pin It Now!

Read More

Sale Alert!

I hope everyone is ready to have a rockin' holiday. In the meantime I thought you might enjoy some sales I have come across.

Nonpareil Boutique: 20% off with code DS20 and as always free shipping on orders $40 or more. Expires Christmas Day at 10pm PST.

So what would I get? Can't go wrong with anything by NYX.

Cherry Culture: 20% off with code CS20 and as always free shipping on orders $40 or more. Expires December 27th at 11:59pm CST.

So what would I get? Can't go wrong with anything by NYX.

Paula's Choice
free shipping on all orders and 5 free samples. No minimum order. No known expiration date.

So what would I get?
The Skin Balancing Moisture Gel, this stuff ROCKS! It has a fantastic texture, probably due to the Dimethicone, and the Exfoliating 8% Alpha Hydroxy Acid Gel.

Sephora: 20% more off of sale items with code EXTRA,ends December 31.

So what would I get?
The Philosophy Winter Escape Kit, the Urban Decay Hi-Fi 24/7 Set, The Urban Decay Get Backed Eye Kit (which was already super discounted), and the On10 Disney Smack! Cherry Kiss balm because I love all things Disney.

Happy holidays and happy shopping everyone!!!! Pin It Now!

Read More

China Glaze: Shower Together

So after I took off my hideous Emerald Sparkle Manicure (I am still now sure how I managed to make it look so bad) I grabbed my bottle of China Glaze's Shower Together which debuted with their Eco Collection, hence the cheeky name.

Shower Together is a glossy aqua creme. I've said before, cremes are by FAR my favorite formula. The formula of this one is as close to perfect as I have tried. Not too thin, not too thick, goes on without streaking and is opaque in 2 coats. Photos are 2 coats on a base coat with a top coat taken outdoors with natural light and no flash.

I know it's winter and this isn't the color one would typically think to wear in the snow but I actually really like how it looks this time of year! I love this color.


Pin It Now!

Read More

China Glaze: Emerald Sparkle

With Christmas fast approaching I thought it only appropriate to feature China Glaze's Emerald Sparkle. This is the perfect holiday color with a green jelly base and tons of fine green glitter. The brother of the famous Ruby Pumps this color is a must have, in my opinion for the holiday season.

Now I have to say, I am disappointed with the way this manicure came out and as soon as I type this I am removing this polish and going for something else. Glitters frustrate me, they're often difficult to work with. Be it known that I prefer creme formulas but this glitter is perfect for the season and while I will remove it today I will repaint my nails with it for the actual holiday.

Glitters are usually a nightmare to remove, however I do not feel that Emerald Sparkle is hard to remove at all. Sure, more difficult than the average creme but nothing to get frustrated about.

I love this color. I just hate how it came out this time. So please ignore the horrible application in these pics.





Pin It Now!

Read More

Sephora by OPI: "Metro Chic"

Sephora by OPI's Metro Chic has become a bit of a recent cult classic. Everyone has been looking for the perfect mushroommy/taupy/grayed out shade for their nails and Metro Chic has been a favorite among nail enthusiasts.

Metro Chic retails for $9 at Sephora stores and at Sephora.com. The application is great. The formula is not too thin, not too thick and I didn't get any irritating streaks. I used a base coat, two coats of the polish and a top coat for shine.

Now Metro Chic is a taupy/mushroom/smoky purple color... or so I thought. I thought, from swatches I'd seen on the web, that this was going to lean a bit purple and be one of those nice chameleon shades that always confuse onlookers. Unfortunately on me this leans much more gray and it's MUCH darker IMO than any of the swatches I have seen on the internet, which was a bit of a dissappointment. I feel that my swatches are accurate and while they do in fact look much different from other swatches on the web I see exactly what I see on screen when I look at my nails. I am not sure if my topcoat darkened the polish or what but in the bottle it's that wonderful smoky purple and on my nails it's a blackened gray without much uniqueness. Humph!

Swatches done outside against a fresh snow background LOL:





This is an in bottle comparison of "Metro Chic" and "You Don't Know Jacques!"


And here is a comparison of the grays/taupes in my collection: (sorry for the glare)



Now, the Pure Ice color is a true gray, and as you can see "Metro Chic" is pretty close in color. The Orly color is my "Holy Grail" Taupe/Mushroom. That color is fantastic! It does what I wanted "Metro Chic" to do, it confuses the eye, looks purple/mauve one second then tan the next, it's wonderful.

Does "Metro Chic" live up to the hype? Not really. You certainly don't need both "Metro Chic" and "You Don't Know Jacques!". The formula is nice though, the price is okay, and overall it's a nice polish.

Have you tried "Metro Chic"? What do you think!?Pin It Now!

Read More

China Glaze: Up & Away Collection Spring 2010

I cannot wait for these gorgeous pastels to make their way into my collection. China Glaze is one of my favorite brands and this collection looks extremely promising. These colors are PERFECT for spring and I hear the formula is wonderful!






The bigger polish bloggers like Scrangie got their hands on these already so checkout her site for swatches.Pin It Now!

Read More

Disclosure

This policy is valid from 16 December 2009

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact primandpolished@gmail.com.


The owner of this blog is not compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog owners. If we claim or appear to be experts on a certain topic or product or service area, we will only endorse products or services that we believe, based on our expertise, are worthy of such endorsement. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.


To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org

Brand Affiliation:
I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned on my blog. I am not paid for my reviews. If a paid relationship were to exist, I would disclose that.

Product Samples:
Occasionally a company will send press samples for my consideration. I make no promises to the companies who chose to provide me with samples and my acceptance does not guarantee the company a favorable review, or any review at all. I choose what products to review and what to say about them. I provide my readers with my honest opinion on a product regardless of where that product came from. I accept only products relevant to the content of my blog.





Pin It Now!

Read More

Misa: Runway Diva

So I was all ready to get into the Christmas spirit with a nice fresh manicure of China Glaze's Emerald Sparkle when I got a call from an employment agency to come down and register with a recruiter. I figured if they were going to help me find employment as an attorney I better show up sans glitter and looking a touch more professional, eh? So I got out a mauve-y pink color in the form on Misa's Runway Diva.

I fiddled with the camera settings and took these photos outside in the sun with no flash. I think these are much better quality than my last swatch photo so from now on I think it's outdoors in the sun for me.

So what do I think of Misa Runway Diva? I hate it. I may have received a bad polish from Trans Design because when I received it it had a bit of polish on the outside of the bottle and the inside looked a hot mess. So keep that in mind if you've had a better experience with Misa.

This was my first Misa polish and a nightmare to apply. I am considering tossing the bottle. The formula was thick and hard to work with. The color is okay but I expected more. I saw some gorgeous swatches of this and I think it didn't live up to those images at all. The color is similar to China Glaze's Fifth Avenue, which is much easier to work with. I think the color is work appropriate. Nothing extraordinary.

These swatches are two coats over a base coat and finished a topcoat, FYI.


Pin It Now!

Read More

OPI Parlez-Vous Opi?

So this is my first post here at Prim and Polished. Let me start by saying finding the proper camera settings is going to be a challenge. If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them. Not sure my camera is good enough or if it's just my not having a clue how to use it. The photo below was taken in front of a window and it's the clearest I could get. To my eye it is an accurate swatch of the color, perhaps a touch lighter but you get the point.

Parlez-Vous Opi? is a smoked out violet creme shade launched back in 2008. Purples are my favorite. I love China Glaze's Spontaneous and OPI's Do you Lilac It. This one is right up there with those shades. It's subdued and chic, the gray tames the purple making it more wearable and less in your face. ( I will do a purple comparison in the future with "Do You Lilac it?", "Spontaneous", "Parlez-Vous Opi?", "Cashmere Cardigan" and "Metro Chic" (none are real dupes).



As for the product itself, honestly, I prefer other brands like Essie and China Glaze to OPI. I hate OPI's professional wide brush, it sucks for application IMO. Their polish, for the price, doesn't last as long as I'd like it to without chipping. I don't hate OPI, in fact they have some of the most fun & unique shades on the market, I just don't prefer it.

I purchased my bottle at Trans Design, they seem to have the best pricing on the web for all of the top brands. You need to order quite a few bottles to offset shipping but when you're in the mood to haul a bunch of polishes it's a great option. Shipping is reasonably quick.Pin It Now!

Read More