2012 Wrap Up

Hey all! Happy New Year's Eve! Hope everyone had a fantastic year and got lots of polish. I know I did! This is my first end of year post, and I'm kinda excited! I really got in to polish collecting & completely obsessed with nail care and (since August) my little blog! I have had a lot of fun getting to know other bloggers and drooling over lots and lots of gorgeous swatches! I can't wait to do it all again next year!

For my Wrap Up, I picked my top 10 polishes released this year, as well as,  best collection, favorite brand, biggest disappointment, and honorable mentions; all from my own stash.

My Top 10 polishes (in no particular order, cause it's too hard to pick a favorite!)

 

Zoya Aurora, Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Lava, Nails Inc. Baker St., A England Holy Grail, Takko Lacquer We're All Mad Here

 

 

 Pomegranate Lacquer Blue Screen of Death, Rescue Beauty Lounge Ghost, Layla Hologram Effect Coral Glam, Takko Lacquer Kiss the Sky, Zoya Fei Fei

 

 

Favorite Brand: Takko Lacquer

 

Favorite Collection: Pretty Serious They Came From Beyond Space

 

Biggest Disappointment: Sephora + Pantone Parachute Purple

 

Honorable Mentions: Pomegranate Lacquer Midnight Satellite, KBShimmer No Whine Left, I Love Nail Polish Up To Snow Good

Favorite Mani/Nail of the Day: Starfish & Snowflakes

Readers Choice: Sally Hansen Lustre Shine Lava
 

 

 

I am already looking forward to 2013 collections (hello China Glaze Hologlam!) and a lot more fun (a.k.a. spending $) collecting polish!

 

 

Layla Holographic Effect Coral Glam & Misty Blush

Hello lacquered lovelies! I am steadily getting through all the polish I have stockpiled that needs swatching. Today, I have two more Layla Holos I ordered from Haute Look a few weeks ago.

 

 

 

Layla Holographic Effect - 02 Coral Glam

 

Coral Glam is a blush color linear holo. As much as I love the silver holo, I love this one so much more. It suits my skin tone much better, and I feel like it's a bit more chic. The holo is just as strong, as well. Since I have increased my holo stash and plan on continuing to do so, I invested in an Aqua base. Specifically, the Nfu Oh aqua base (review to come soon). It completely changes the way holos apply. This is 2 easy coats over the aqua base!

 

 

 

Layla Holographic Effect - 15 Misty Blush

 

Misty Blush is a maroon colored linear holo. I had such high hopes for this one. The color is so unique, but the holo is slightly less dramatic than the other two I have. Still pretty, just not as "WOW" as I had hoped. 2 coats over the Nfu Oh aqua base again.

 

 

 

The Layla holos are so great, but I have a feeling that the China Glaze holos are gonna blow them away. Sadly, they look to be the same color palette though. Can't wait to see!

Layla Holographic Effect - 01 Mercury Twilight

A couple of months ago, Layla ( a cosmetics company based in Italy) released a line of gorgeous holographic polishes. I ogled over them, but could never talk myself in to paying the hefty price tag that went with them. When they went on special through Haute Look, I snatched up one immediately!

 



 

 

Layla - 01 Mercury Twilight

 

Mercury Twilight is a silver linear holographic polish with chunkier particles. The holographic line comes in a variety of colors, but I chose the silver since I was a holo virgin! I chose the Layla to be my first, because I didn't need a special base coat to apply it with. The Haute Look order came with a two sided buffer file to use before application. After buffing, I applied 4 very thin and feather light coats. I quickly found that it is essential to be as gentle as possible with each brish stroke to avoid dragging and streaking. Even though application is tricky, the pay off is A-freaking-MAZING! Omgahhh, rainbows!

 

 

Natural sunlight

(Sorry for the weird lighting, the sun was playing hide & seek when I took the outside picture!)

 

I am thoroughly smitten with holos!

Layla Ceramic Effect #52 (Butterfly Effect)

Layla Butterfly Effect has been one of my lemmings for a while now. It always seemed to be out of reach and out of stock! But I finally was able to snag a bottle from Ninja Polish.

 

 

 

 

Layla Ceramic Effect #52 (Butterfly Effect)

 

Butterfly Effect is a deep royal purple jelly with red/green flakies and coppery pink micro glitter. I am completely astounded by this polish. It is possibly the most beautiful thing I have ever put on my nails! The formula is great as well. 2 coats for full coverage, good dry time, and smooth application. The glowy color shift of the flakie/micro glitter combo is amazing!

 

 

Layla Ceramic effect is available on line at Ninja Polish