Nail Art: (OPI) Fifty Shades of Grey

The movie Fifty Shades of Grey is now showing here in my part of the world and I am quite sure that a lot of people have been anticipating its release. OPI came out with a nail polish collection for the movie comprising of 6 shades, 5 of which are greys and a red one to represent passion. Of course, there's a mini polishes box set as well that includes all the colors from the collection.

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Deborah Lippmann Fantastical Collection (2014)

Before anything else ... HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone!

I'll be starting the new year with a swatch and review post of Deborah Lippmann Fantastical Collection 2014. I wanted to publish this before the end of 2014, but I wasn't able to. But if you can remember, I used the collection for a nail art feature which I actually wore during my short vacation. I called it Fantastical New Year 2015.

There are 6 shades in this 2014 Holiday collection and most of them are really sheer. Some are fantastic for layering! Are you ready?

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CND Modern Folklore Collection + Nail Art

For about a year, I was almost exclusively just using one brand of nail polish. But I guess it is impossible for most (me included) to be loyal to one. Polishing your nails should be fun and there are a lot of amazing brands that offer variety of nail lacquers for us to enjoy! And I am particularly excited to share with you my first manicure and nail art experience with CND (Creative Nail Design, Inc.) nail polishes.

The CND Vinylux Weekly Polish was designed to last for 7 days without basecoat. Yes, without basecoat. The company claims that it has a patent-pending ProLight Technology, which is responsible for making the polish last on your nails for at least a week. Exposure to natural light activates this technology and promises that instead of making your manicure look dull it will promote durability the longer you wear it.

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Deborah Lippmann's 80s Rewind Collection (Summer 2014)

It is no secret that I am a fan of Deborah Lippmann's nail lacquers. Its signature polish bottle is one of the most recognizable in the market. It is also one of the most sturdiest bottles out there and they can easily be stored in a polish rack without taking up too much space. Most importantly, the brush is short and slender which I realize is more manageable during application especially if you like polishing your own nails.

This summer, the company has come up with a vibrant collection, the 80s Rewind Collection. It's composed of 6 vivid cremes inspired by songs during the 80s. Now this is a collection a lot can relate to and would definitely enjoy. If you collect memorabilias from the 80s, you'd probably get this set on a whim! It's a good addition.

Here's a quick look at the collection:

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Revlon Nude Expressions Nail Polish Collection

If you like nude nail polishes, then I have a strong feeling that you'll enjoy going through this swatch post.

To say that this collection has been sitting on my polish rack untouched can be considered a crime against the nail polish community. As in, it has been waiting there for several months. I know, I know. How could I, right? Well, can I just say that life happened. But I'm really trying my best to make up for backlogs. So, here goes ...

I'll be sharing with you Revlon's Nude Expressions nail polish collection that they released last year. As the name suggests, all lacquers in this set has a neutral shade. I am not really a fan of nudes. But there are times that I like to wear them for subtlety.

I have swatched each bottle in a manner that I can show you how it looks like in full opacity. Please also note that everything was pictured with a layer of top coat.

There are 8 polishes in the collection, but I only have 7 to show you. Sadly, Sandy Nude was broken when I got it in the mail. I'll try to look for it at the mall and will update this post when I find one.

Okay, let's begin.

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Deborah Lippmann: Mermaid Collection

The Deborah Lippmann Mermaid Collection came out 2013. So I have no excuse of only being able to swatch it now. It is a collection born out of "Mermaid's Dream", the first color that came out that instantly became a fan favorite. It was also the first bottle that I got. I have worn it several times and my mom loves the shade too.

It is only apt that I start with this color as it launched 4 more gorgeous shades:

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A Nail Polish by Simply Rins and Dazzle Dry

My bucket list as a nail artist/blogger includes having a nail polish named after my blog -- Simply Rins. It didn't exactly happen but I came really close! Dazzle Dry collaborated with esteemed nail bloggers around the world to come up with the collection for Winter 2013 ... and it was an honor to have been included in the roster !

There are five (5) amazing nail bloggers that were tapped for this project. Each of us were initially asked a basic color to work with. From there, Dazzle Dry closely worked with us to come up with our respective shades. Distance and time differences made this collaboration challenging. But persistence and patience from both ends became a worthwhile experience.

And now, after months of preparation, Dazzle Dry proudly presents the
Bloggers Mystery Collection (Winter) 2013!

Let me first introduce you to my very own (OMG!) nail polish color:

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Be Personal with oNecklace

Have you ever wanted a "Carrie" necklace? I do, I do, I do! And if you are a fan of Sex and the City, then I am sure you understood why I want one. It has been on my wishlist ever since I saw it on the character of Sarah Jessica Parker -- Carrie Bradshaw.

Another thing to cross out on my list because I finally have one from oNecklace! They specialize in jewelry manufacturing, particularly on personalized nameplate pendants.

Every jewelry purchase comes with an option of a fancy gift box that looks like this:

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Dazzle Dry Glam Nuvo Collection (Fall 2013)

Dazzle Dry just launched its Glam Nuvo Collection for Fall 2013. It includes 4 new shades and it promises this:

"Over-the-top-GLAM fused with timeless elegance, opulence and romantic abandon. Sparkle, shine, glitz, boast, boogie, and LIVE LARGE like you mean it." -- Dazzle Dry

As much as I enjoy swatching new polishes, I know most of you will agree that the excitement is greatly influenced by the colors themselves. I am not particularly fond of this collection except for probably one color. But hey, perhaps you'd be happy with what they released for this season. So let's start the ball rolling.

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Revlon Moon Candy Nail Art Collection

Are you bored wearing plain nail polish? If you are, then perhaps this collection from Revlon will interest you. It's called Moon Candy and the colors are inspired by outer space. The set consists of 10 colors that comes in dual-end bottles. One end is a dark creme regular polish, while the other is a holographic glitter coat that gives an iridescent effect. The set allows a way of dressing up a regular manicure and I am particularly drawn to it because of its vampy shades that I think are good bases for the glitters.

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Dazzle Dry Esnavi Live Collection

Dazzle Dry have taken yet another step forward with its first ever celebrity collaboration. Scheduled to be released on June 11, 2013 is the Esnavi Live Collection that includes a limited edition nail polish set. This collection includes 3 colors personally chosen by singer/songwriter Esnavi -- Oh My!, Planet E, and Morning Dew -- all of which were named after her songs from the album Exit E.

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Dazzle Dry Faerie Fantasy (Summer) Collection 2013

Dazzle Dry is at it again with the launch of its Faerie Fantasy (Summer) Collection 2013! The set includes 3 cremes and 3 glitter polishes. You all know that I am not really a fan of glitters but I do have them on my polish stash for mood swings. The truth is, I was anticipating this collection because of the cremes. So let me show those first before we play with those glitters. ;)

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BYS Glitter for Nails (Part 2): Tutorial and Tips

It is always exciting (at least to me) to discover new ways on how to dress our nails. Before, there were only the regular polishes. Today, we can find several nail polish collections that give nail enthusiasts interesting results! Nail art is becoming more exciting everyday. It's not only for those who can paint nail designs because now, brands have been introducing alternative ways to spice up the regular manicure. And BYS has been a frontliner in terms of nail creativity.

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BYS Glitter for Nails (Part 1)

People (friends and strangers alike) always notice how I light up whenever the topic of discussion is on anything that pertains to nails. It's a subject I can talk about endlessly. I guess the people from BYS noticed the same after a brief conversation one fine afternoon. Amidst all the make-up surrounding us that day, I couldn't resist not inquiring about their nail polish line.

A few weeks after, I sat down with them again to receive some exciting news. There's a new nail kit in town and I can't wait any longer to share this with you!

BYS has officially launched its latest nail polish collection called Glitter for Nails here in the Philippines! It is texture and glitter at the same time. BYS does not claim that the concept is theirs but you'd probably agree with me after I show you a few swatches that BYS have taken the glitter manicure to the next level. This is definitely NOT your usual glitter nail polish and I haven't seen one that comes close.


BYS Glitter for Nails Kit

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BYS Cosmetics and a Makeover

It is quite embarrassing to admit that I do not know how to put on make-up. Except for blush and lipstick, I always seek professional help whenever I need some color on my face. Having a highly sensitive skin did not help at all to motivate me to learn how to put on make-up by myself. But after a recent makeover and being introduced to BYS Cosmetics that offers a wide array of make-up essentials without overpricing, I have reconsidered learning how to apply make-up.


Some BYS cosmetics awaiting to be tested.

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OPI Can't Let Go (Liquid Sand)

If you don't like texture on your nails, you may like OPI's liquid sand from the Mariah Carey Collection. It was launched for spring 2013. I've seen a lot of nail bloggers' review on this collection and it got me curious. I hope I could share with you all the colors from the entire set but I decided to feature one color -- OPI Can't Let Go Liquid Sand.

Aside from texture, OPI Liquid Sand line was intended to be worn without top coat and dries glittered matte.

Here is OPI Can't Let Go without top coat:

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Dazzle Dry Spring 2013 Collection

I wish I could personally relate to the fact that most polish brand come up with a new collection for every season. Where I live, we only have 2 -- rainy and sunny. But as a polish lover, who am I to argue with new collections, right? Keep 'em coming!

One of my favorite polish brand -- Dazzle Dry have launched its Spring collection for 2013 and they called it Afternoon Tea. Interesting, isn't it? Well, the colors did not really tickle my fancy. I'm a vampy girl. But regardless, they are dainty and delicious! The collection consists of 4 colors and I have 3 of those to share here. I'll be updating this post as soon as I get hold of the 4th.

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Dazzle Dry Nightlife Collection (Winter 2012)

My love affair for vampy colors will never end ... I think. And so when Dazzle Dry released their winter collection for 2012, I just had to have the entire set. It consists mostly of dark shades that I'm pretty sure will look sexy on nails. They called this set, the Nightlife Collection.

I was anticipating the announcement from Dazzle Dry Philippines that they already have the collection available here in the country. I immediately got myself the entire set as soon as it arrived. And now, let me share with you how gorgeous the colors are.

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Nail Art Tools by Galleon.ph

Earlier this year, I wrote an article -- On Nail Art Brushes and Acrylic Paints. It was a response to rising inquiries on what I personally use for nail art painting.

Finding the right nail art tools have been a hit and miss for me. I couldn't find a good set of brushes and paints to use locally so I opted to search online and purchase somewhere else. As of date, I've tried a few sets of brushes and acrylic paints. It is true that experience is the best teacher. And even though I found tools that worked for me, I am still in constant search for something better.

It's a good thing that there are a lot of choices right now made available through online shopping. However, having items shipped here in the Philippines is quite problematic. A lot of international sellers do not ship here and if they do, dealing with duties and taxes can be very frustrating.

Well, I have some very good news. I might have just hit 2 birds with 1 stone. Not only did I found a good set of nail art tool, I also solved my problem with incurred taxes on international online purchases!

Let me first tell you about Galleon. It is an online shopping website with the objective of bringing in products that are not available here in the Philippines. It acts very similar to Amazon.com.

Raves:

• Highly flexible in terms of product availability. If the item you are looking for is not in their website but is available elsewhere, you may request that item to be added via their support system.
• In continuous search to discover innovative and unique products.
• Your item will be delivered straight to your doorstep in 10-15 days!
• Prices are inclusive of shipping, duties and taxes!

I recently acquired a set of professional nail art brushes and acrylic paints through Galleon. I've been using these lately on my nail art designs. I wanted to try them thoroughly first before recommending these tools to you.

Let's start with the brushes.


MASH Professional Nail Art Brush Set

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NCLA Nail Lacquers

NCLA Nail Lacquers has made its way to my polish rack. I have 2 shades from the brand that I'll be sharing with you in this post.

From the name, you'd probably figured where the brand originated. NCLA came from Los Angeles, California and is relatively new in the nail industry. They claim to be one of the 5-free nail polish brand. That means their nail lacquers are not only free of Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Toluene. It also means that each bottle does not have Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor. I simply think that's great.

Let's start with the color closer to my heart ...


NCLA Without Me There is No VIP

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