2016 Untrieds Challenge: Frenzy Polish

Hey everyone! It has been a busy couple of weeks but I was able to squeeze in some swatching for my untrieds challenge!

Today is Frenzy Polish! I can tell you one thing I need more than the 3 I have to show you today!

First is: Purple Calla

You seriously cannot go wrong with any shade of purple holo. Smooth application, 3 thin coats and a lovely shade of purple! 

Next is: Pandora

                                      

How lovely is this glitter bomb! Full coverage in 3 coats, micro silver, red and fuchsia glitters in a semi pink jelly base. Stunning! 

Last is: Nature Walk 

                                      

Stunning army / olive green with holo and gold micro glitter. 2 coats, and such a pretty fall color. I really enjoyed this color. 

What is your favorite Frenzy Polish? 

I need more!! 

Their shop is currently closed while they catch up on orders and looks like they are getting new bottle caps. Follow them on FB and IG for all their updates, links below.

More Information about Frenzy Polish:

Shop: http://www.frenzypolish.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Frenzy-Polish-280921152031610/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenzypolish/

2016 Untrieds Challenge: Sweet Heart Polish

Happy Hump Day! I am so happy about today's post. I was part of a group buy on Facebook and Sweet Heart Polish was the featured maker one month so I went a little crazy and bought 8 colors including a group custom. I have had them in my stash for a couple of months and now I am sharing them with you today!

I have 4 pastel cremes and 4 holos!

First swatch is: "Te Amo"

So pretty right? This is 3 thin coats. The first coat is really patchy but this color builds up nice and comes out looking smooth and silky. It is my idea of a perfect pink

Next is: "Huckleberry Cheesecake"

Purple is my favorite color ever, and I love this shade! It is so bright and totally cheered right up. Application is similar to Te Amo, started patchy but came out looking great after 3 thin coats. 

Next is: "Pillow Mints"

This right here was my lemming from this brand. I love the baby sky blue, the name everything. I died over this. Again 3 thin coats, but my last coat was a little thicker to even everything out, Self leveled with top coat and is absolutely gorgeous! 

Next is: "Key Lime Pie" 

I think I am just a sucker for pastel cremes. This is also amazing. This however was the hardest to build up and not look patchy. I can still notice some on my pointer finger. Regardless still a great color and I can't wait to take all 4 of these cremes and do some crazy cool nail art. 

Next is: "Smurf Poop"

This was the group custom! I love the name! This teal holo is amazing. I think the color is spot on, the holo is just right and the application is flawless. 3 thin coats and you are good to go. 

Next is: "Sultan Abu"

Not gonna hold back, this is my favorite color I own from this brand. I don't think I have ever seen a shade of purple holo like this before. There is a little duochrome action in there too, if you notice my middle finger around the light reflection there is this lighter pink / purple shade running though there. Freaking stunning. 2 coats and its good.

Next up: "Dahlia"

This deeper holo has some glitter floating it as well. Smooth application, and a wonderful royal purple tone.  Great holo and of course in my fave color. This is 2 smooth coats. 

Last is "Believe"

A lovely black holo in 2 coats. You can't go wrong. This has a slight jelly consistency which would be fun as a base to a pond mani maybe? I want to stamp over this in a bright color and I think it would make an excellent contrast. 

I love Sweet Heart Polish! I have been lusting after this brand for some time and the group buy was a perfect opportunity for me to grab some. I am so glad I did and I can't wait for more! 

More Information about Sweet Heart Polish:

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SweetHeartPolish?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetHeartPolish

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweet_heart_polish/

2016 Untrieds Challenge: Virago Varnish

Happy Tuesday! Hope everyone has had a great start to your week. Today I have 4 beautiful Virago Varnish polishes to show you! I had 3 without labels so I messaged the maker and she let me know they are all oops or uh oh batches. So I have 4 prototypes to share. If her core line is anything like these 4 I cannot wait to get my hands on more of this polish!

Lets dive in!

One word! STUNNING! This sky blue holo with the slight gold reflection is amazing! I love this color so much! 2 easy coats and applied like velvet! 

This pink holo is also amazing, the same finish as the sky blue with a slight gold reflection. Applied like a dream as well. So pretty! 

Another stunner. This wine colored holo appears a tad darker than what the photo shows. I love it! 2 easy coats. 

This deep purple is amazing! It has some shift to it as well towards grey / dark blue. A little brush stroke but top coat levels it out nicely. 

I am really loving this brand! The polish is amazing, I am so happy I have these. I want more! But I have to get through my untrieds first :) 

Information about Virago Varnish:

Shop: http://www.viragovarnish.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viragovarnish/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viragovarnish/

2016 Untrieds Challenge: Grim and Glamorous

Hey everyone! Well I just celebrated my 3rd anniversary of my 29th birthday this weekend and it was a great birthday! Filled with lots of love, family and friends. I was able to get to some swatching yesterday evening for my 2016 untried challenge which helped round out the weekend. I have 5 colors to show off today! All these colors come from the lines Discotek Collection and there are a few left in stock as well in mini sizes. Shop information will be linked at the end of the post.

First is: "Disco Inferno"

This is my favorite of the bunch, which actually surprised me. I totally love this nude / tan scattered holo. It has wonderful coverage and went on so smooth! This is 2 thin coats but you could totally get away with 1 thicker coat. Retails at 6.00 for mini

Next is: "Lets Start The Dance"

This is a light pink scattered holo again, with great formula and coverage. I was a tad worried when I picked up the bottle because of the separation I saw. You can still see some in the photo as well. But after some good shaking it didn't seem to effect the polish at all. Such a pretty color for Spring I think too. Retails at 6.00 for mini.

Next is: "Night Fever" 

Night Fever is a really nice grey / black scattered holo as well. I had some issues with pooling around the cuticles so you have to be careful to have a steady hand, and also use thinner coats. These polishes are really great at coverage and could totally be a 1 coater. 

Next is: "Fly Robin Fly"

A sky blue scattered holo that also applied super smooth. I really like this shade too! It leans a little grey in the photo but it is a more sky blue in person. 

Next is: "Funky Town" 

 

This is a very different shade of lavender, one I have never really seen. Again the photo leans grey but it is a very pretty soft lavender, this is the only one that definitely needed 2 coats. 

Overall Grim and Glamorous is a fun newer indie line that I found. I look forward to seeing what else comes out of this brand. The one negative I had which I contacted the maker about was the bottle caps were on way tight. I had to struggle to open the bottles. I know you don't want to have spilling in transit etc so it is great she is aware of that, but they were on too tight and I was getting frustrated. After I got them open and used the polish I was glad I didn't give up :) they are great colors! 

The shop also offers body products too, and I will be going back and getting some to try. 

Information about Grim and Glamorous:

Shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GrimAndGlamorous

Facebook: None

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grimandglamorous/

2016 Untrieds Challenge: Glam Polish

Today I have all my Glam Polish pretties to show off. I have 2 more in my collection but I have used them before in previous manis. I didn't realize I had quite a few of these polishes. I have 9 to show you and of those 9, 8 are fantastic but 1 I had major trouble with.

I will start with the trouble maker: :"Frozen Heart"

I was really disappointed with this one. The color is pretty spot on but the silver flakies were folding over as I was applying, wouldn't lay right and I had quite a bit of pooling happening. Just a big nope for this. I really tried too, took it off a few nails and started over, but it didn't matter what I did. I may add a couple of drops of thinner and try again, but not right now. 

Next is "Banished":

                                    

I love this so much! A burgandy, wine color with holo and fire red hex glitters. This was 2 easy coats, felt a little textured but top coat evened everything out. I really like this color tone. 

Next is "Red Handed"

This pretty red holo is not as rich in color like "Banished" but it still gorgeous nonetheless! This was 3 thin coats to reach opacity. It is a little pink in undertones, but it is so warm and lovely. 

Next is "Peace Of Mind"

My personal favorite of the bunch! This periwinkle holo is so stunning. I just stared at my nails forever. 3 easy coats and so gorgeous!! 

Next is "Pictures In My Head"

This is a close 2nd for my favorite! The gold tone to the minty color is amazing. Almost a 1 coater, really opaque. It was so smooth regarding application. I love this color as well. 

Next is "Sleeping Beauty"

This holo is also a stunner. A lovely deep blue to purple ducochrome with just the right amount of holo showing through. 2 easy coats.

Next is "Selfless, Brave & True"

Another duochrome holo that is amazing! This is my favorite out of the 4 I have. It is still a blue to purple shift but it is brighter than "Sleeping Beauty" Applied in 2 easy coats as well. 

Next is "Hat Trick"

Hat Trick is another duochrome holo and is burgandy to gold with a little touch of green. It is a lovely color and I think it again has the perfect amount of holo. Applied so great just like the others in 2 easy coats. 

Lastly is: "Hakuna Matata"

Swoon! I am a sucker for green. It really pops against my pale skin I think. The duchrome has green to dark blue with a tad bit of purple at some angles. Again, 2 easy coats and a lovely color. 

Glam Polish is an amazing brand. Besides my one mishap I am still a happy camper, and will most definitely get more. It is a really popular brand and it should be, it is gorgeous and creative. I searched their store and none of the ones in this post are still for sale, although most of the polishes retail for $11.00-12.00 each. 

Information about Glam Polish:

Shop: http://www.glampolish.com.au/products 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlamPolish

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/glampolish_/?hl=en

With Class and Colorful Nails, 

Jenn 

2016 Untrieds Challenge: Glitter Daze

Hey! Back at it and going strong with this! I am still starting small still and I can't wait to tackle some bigger collections I have. This is so much fun and I think I really will continue to love this.

I have Glitter Daze today! I love their bottles, and labels. The brand seems so posh and they put out a super good vibe.

Starting off is "Chemical Limeade"

Again with my lime greens! I love them and have to have them. This is more subdued and kind of a mix between pastel and neon. 3 easy coats on this one. The holo is gorgeous too. Retails for $12.00

Next is "Icing On the cake LE"

                                     

Such a pretty pale magenta leaning a little pink. Strong linear holo in this baby. 3 easy coats for this as well. Retails for $12.50

Next is "Waterfalling For You"

How pretty is this? A pale dusty blue with gold reflecks and flakies! I really enjoyed this more than I thought I would. This is 2 coats. Retails for $7.00

Next is "Funky Fresh"

                                     

This duochrome is really pretty. I was a little upset about the opaqueness with it though. It took three coats, and is still pretty brush strokey. Strokey? Chuckles...anyways I still like this color but I had some trouble building it up. Retails for $12.50

Last is "Boo You Whore"

                                    

This has to be my favorite! Maybe because there is a Mean Girls reference but either way it is gorgeous. 2 easy coats, some gorgeous magenta flecks in there and a nice pearl finish. This retails for $11.00

I really like this brand and I can't wait to get more! I totally recommend them and enjoy the polish.

Information about Glitter Daze:
Shop: http://shopglitterdaze.com/index.php?route=common/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlitterDaze
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glitterdaze/?ref=badge

2016 Untrieds Challenge: Bear Pawlish

Happy New Year! 2016 is officially here and I am back with my 2nd installment of my 2016 challenge featuring Bear Pawlish! I only have THREE!! I needs more!!

First I have to show you "Maholo"

Let this beauty sink in for a moment. Ok, you good? Totally drool worthy. 3 easy, thin coats does this polish good. It has micro bright pink glitters in there with this gorgeous hot pink holo. 

Next up is "Peek A Boo!"

This is a gorgeous Barbie pink holo! Formula was a little on the thick side but I used a couple of drops of thinner and it fixed it. 2 medium coats. This is such a great polish. 

Lastly is "Crossroad Blues"

                                    

A gorgeous deep teal blue. 2 easy coats. I really like this one a lot! There is a bit of duochrome properties in there as well. I think this may be my favorite of all 3 of what I own. 

Bear Pawlish's site is on break at their shop at the moment so I will need to make an edit and let you know what is still in stock and how much. 

Information about Bear Pawlish:

Shop: http://bearpawlish.bigcartel.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearPawlish/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearpawlish/

With Class and Colorful Nails,

Jenn

2016 Untrieds Challenge: Lollipop Posse Lacquer

I have decided that in 2016 (ok I am getting like a 2 day head start, but I need it!) I will be swatching all my untrieds! Go ahead, chuckle along with me, because this also includes me going on a no buy until I finish it. I had a great 2015 with building my indie collection to well over 500 polishes, and now I need to wear them! They are sitting on their racks in my office yelling at me, and I feel bad *wink*

I decided to start somewhat small. I have 4 Lollipop Posse Lacquers, 1 I got in an indie swap and the other 3 I purchased. 2 of the 4 I have are still available in Karen's shop. I will start with those.

First up, is the one I got in a swap. It is "But I Haven't Met You Yet"

This one really surprised me, for some reason I did not think this would be a favorite, don't ask why, maybe I was sleepy or something. This is such an awesome red jelly with iridescent blue glitters throughout. It took 2 smooth coats and I think that is what surprised me, the opaqueness of this color. It is super shiny and totally gorgeous. In the macro below you can really see those awesome glitters poking through and I love it! "But I Haven't Met You Yet" is on sale now for only $6.00

Next up is "Backwards and Inside Out"

This is a smokey blue holo that has some duochrome properties to it depending on how you look at it. This is 3 smooth coats. I love the tone to this color and the holo is fantastic. You can see in the macro below it looks darker and more greenish grey then smokey blue in the swatch pic above. I also got a hint of teal when I was moving my hand around in the light. It is really a great color. This is available for $11.00

The last 2 polishes are not available anymore but still awesome nonetheless, and again this blog series is about my collection of untrieds so some may not be available in stores anymore.

The next color is "Space Cake High"

I love a good neon green! I buy a ton of neon green for my Seahawks gameday manis, and I hadn't gotten around to using this one this one season. I am in love with this though! 3 thin coats, and it includes a little bit of holo in there, along with teeny tiny sky blue matte glitters. I love it! 

Lastly is "Labor Day 2015"

If I am not mistaken, this was a free polish for the Labor Day sale and I had purchased Space Cake High, and Backwards and Inside Out along with it. This is such a beautiful lavender holo. There is nothing bad about this polish and it went on in 3 easy coats. This is one of my favorite shades of purple so I was delighted to see this in my package! Look at how pretty that macro is! 

Information about Lollipop Posse Lacquer: 

Shop: http://lollipopposselacquer.bigcartel.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lollipop-Posse-Lacquer-720218501425617/?fref=ts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lollipopposselacquer/ 

Let me know what you think! Do you like this series / challenge? What about the colors? I really like this brand and can't wait to get more!!

With Class and Colorful Nails,
Jenn


All photos were taken under an Ottlite, and with a Samsung Note 5.

Mentality Nail Polish - Thoughts and Update on my Refund Request

Hi friends,

As I am sure you know Mentality has had a rough few weeks, and the whole thing is unfortunate, but they are not handling it in the best of ways which is even more unfortunate. I actually sent them an email because I finally got around to double checking my recent orders from them and they were purchased during the effected time. I opened a couple of bottles and the smell was absolutely horrific. I sent an email yesterday requesting a full refund, then I come to find out that morning they made a statement that no more refunds would be processed. So what? I am out $60 bucks because of your mistake? If I don't hear anything, or I get some boilerplate response a PayPal claim will be filed. The best analogy I can use is - this isn't some shirt I bought, took the tags off and it was too small and then lost the receipt so the store isn't letting me return it. This is a medical concern and more than a concern for some who have endured extreme pain and medical issues with their nails. I have a 7 year old daughter who has asked to use those bright, eye catching polishes to paint her nails and I told her no. I took them off my rack and then she found them (she is a ninja I swear) and luckily I caught her before she tried to sneak them in her room and use them. I would have lost my marbles if she used them and had a reaction. She has extremely sensitive skin as it is. I will keep updating this post as responses / PayPal claims etc are forthcoming and ongoing.

Below are some great blog posts and information as well from others if you want to get more of the story etc. I didn't feel the need to completely rehash everything

Amanda Loves Polish posted this on FB - https://www.facebook.com/amandalovespolish/posts/482471681927069

Roselynn of Manicured and Marvelous wrote this article -- http://www.manicuredandmarvelous.com/2015/08/mentality-polish-and-my-thoughts.html?m=1

Kirby of Mercurial Magpie wrote this article - and has many great updates
http://www.themercurialmagpie.com/2015/08/mentality-polish-mistakes-happen-but-this-response-is-unacceptable.html

Anne of Betty's Beauty Bombs wrote this article -
http://www.bettysbeautybombs.com/2015/08/20/whats-going-on-with-mentality/

EDIT 1 - I have decided to just file a claim and go from there. I have a feeling if I let this sit and wait for a response I wont get one.
Here is my claim:

EDIT 2 - 48 hours have passed since my first initial email asking for a refund and no response. 24 hours have passed since my initial PayPal claim with no response. I have filed a full PayPal Claim and is under review. 

EDIT 3 - It looks like my claim has been somewhat accepted by PayPal and is now a waiting game since they are waiting for a seller response. If nothing happens by September 4 does PayPal refund me?

EDIT 4 - I got a response from Mentality yesterday (9/1/2015) asking I send the polish back and when they receive it I will get a refund. I immediately called PayPal directly and spoke to a really nice woman  named Paula. I explained the situation about how they are asking for the polish back but because no one really know what is in it that I did not feel safe sending it back via USPS ORM-D and she agreed. She also refunded both my claims while I was on the phone. Also, she mentioned she will be sending their information to the fraud department because these refunds were coming from PP and not MNP. She also mentioned I was her second call of the day regarding this issue.
I suggest you call and keep calling until someone responds in the correct manner at PP. It is well with it.

Review - Nail Nation 3000

Hey friends! I have been slowly gathering some Nail Nation 3000 polishes over the past couple of months so I figured it is about to swatch and review them. I have in total 7. Two were gifted to me by my dear friend Dvisha (@naiildazzlee on IG - follow her!) and I will be starting with those.

First up is a pretty and subtle red toned holo. It is called "Scooterific" it went on really well, and I did 3 thin coats for full coverage. The read leans towards magenta, and of course the holo is spectacular.

Next I have "Abby's Holo" Dvisha gave this to me because my daughters name is Abby! This is darker pink tone with lots of holo and little pink micro glitters throughout. This covered in two even coats. So pretty!

The next 5 I have are ones that I have purchased.
First up is "Pretty Guardian" an extremely delicate gold toned holo. It is such a pretty color, and when I put it on the first thing I thought was it would be perfect for a bride on her wedding day. Three thin to medium coats for full coverage

Next is "Too Many Colors Not Enough Time" which is appropriately named! It is a steel grey base with some purple and gold shifting / duo chrome properties with holo and lots of different colored micro glitters. So stunning!

I also bought "Dvisha" the custom color my dear friend collaborated on. It is a mulberry holo and goes on in 2 medium coats or if you apply less it would probably be done in 3 thin coats. I love this color!

I have "Vincenzo 2015" a pretty royal blue holo. The holos are not dissapointing! This went on in 2 medium coats as well and has a purple undertone. It is a great transition into fall colors.

Lastly, I have "Walk Of Fame Holo Top Coat" and I tried this on its own and over a creme purple. I think this is pigmented enough that it looks great on its own which you can see on my index and pinky fingers which is 3 thin coats, and then one coat over the creme purple. It almost washes out the under color a little too much. I think if it was a tad less pigmented you could see your under color come through more but still stunning and lovely on its own

All photos were taken outside in direct sunlight, with an iPhone6 no filter or altering have been done.