Essie: Cute as a button Swatch and Review

More Essie! I don't think that Essie has the same range of colors that OPI or China Glaze has but the colors that they do have seem very unique to me. I always end up in the Essie section of Target determining my next purchase. This time, it's Essie's Cute as A Button. This is evidently from a 2009 summer collection, but I'm just discovering it. Corals are going to be huge this year - nails, lips, etc... So I figured this is the perfect coral shade for me to start the season with. I found no problems with application or otherwise. It did take me three coats to get the color you see below but that's nothing abnormal as lighter colors usually take me about three. I used a fast dry topcoat after application which gave it more shine. ^^The bottle itself

^^Label and color name

^^ Picture taken without flash, indoors.

^^ Picture taken with flash indoors.

Essie: Sand Tropez Swatch and Review

Essie!!! It used to be that Essie could only be bought at places such as Ulta. However, recently, Essie has made its debut in CVS, Rite Aid, and Target (probably walgreens too, but I haven't checked). Which means..........you can use extra care bucks and up rewards from CVS and Rite aid to buy Essie polish. So, that's exactly what I did.
I have always been a big fan of bright or dark nail polishes but I have been wanting to try the nude polish trend and Essie had the perfect color: Sand Tropez. I thought I'd like the color but I didn't realize how much. I love this color. It almost blanks out my nails against the pale color of my skin. It's pretty neat; I welcome the change from my traditional polish selections. the picture below if of the bottle.


As far as the polish application and the polish itself, Essie holds up to OPI in quality. The polish applied smoothly and evenly. I always top it off with a fast dry top coat, so I can't say a whole lot for the drying time. Also, I noticed that in my second day of wear, it chips less than a brand like China Glaze. So, overall, Essie is a winner in my book. CVS and Target have a good selection of shades to try out and I think I will definately purchase again.


The label for the color. Sand Tropez.

This picture was taken with some daylight streaming in. I think it does the best job of showing the color.

This was taken in the indoor light with no flash.

OPI Swatches and Review: Shrek Collection

First and foremost, forgive the lowlight in the pictures. I decided to take pics when the nail polish was fresh; and, I apply new polish at night (since the polish hardens while I sleep, leading to fewer flaws). I always have a hard time deciding what color to repaint and this time, I picked a never before worn shade I've had stashed away for a little while. The color is 'who the shrek are you' from OPI's Shrek collection. I don't think you can find this collection anymore except maybe on ebay. They did have some neat colors and I must say this isn't my favorite but I'll still rock it for a few days.


The above is the color with my nails. You really need to do at least 3 coats with this color or else your nails will just look dingy. As with all OPI polishes, it applies well and dries without bubbling or otherwise. I do love OPI but at around 8 dollars each (depending on where you buy them), I now only buy the colors I can't get anywhere else. My favorite thing about the OPI line is the brush. It's nice and wide, making it easy to apply the polish well.


The above is the bottom of the bottle. For those unfamiliar with OPI, they put out new collections frequently and colors stay while others are limited editions. The current new line is the Katy Perry line (which I'm dying to get my hands on) and in Feb., the Texas line will go on shelves. The texas line looks pretty awesome too. Another great thing about OPI -> they put out samplers for most all of their collections. The samplers usually consist of 4 small polishes from each line. I love these because it allows you to try out a couple without paying the hefty price. If I like a color in the sampler, I'll go and buy the full size of said color.

I tried to take a nice picture of the actual nail color. As you can see, it does look Shrek colored green. Not exactly my cup of tea but I also tend to gravitate towards anything that is 'different' from the typical. This color definately fits the bill for different. My favorite color from the shrek collection is 'what's with the cattitude' -> this shade is a light pastel blue.

Wet N Wild Craze Nail Polish Swatch and Review

I have recently discovered the amazing quality of the Wet N Wild products. It's pretty amazing and cool that a makeup so budget friendly comes up with consistent, high quality cosmetics. Oh a recent trip to Rite Aid, I picked up one of the Wet N Wild Craze colors in one that struck my eye, Morbid. It's a dark green that appears black in low light. The nail polish went on easily, stayed as well as OPI, and and looked awesome on my nails. I totally reccomend this line.


The packaging and back of the label with color and ingredients. The packaging is totally cute, may I add.

Front of the bottle. The bottle is a little on the small size at 0.34 ounces, but it only costs 1.99. Plus, it takes forever to go through a bottle of OPI, so this is probably just about the right size.

Swatched on my nails. This is one of my new favorite colors.