Crystal File 062: Finally! The rest of Zoya Twist Spring 2009

I'm finally making good on my promise! I hate that it has taken so long for me to get these photos taken and uploaded. It seems that time and the weather never want to play nice together. Not to mention that I've taken up the new (and decidedly addictive) hobby of knitting. Before long i shall need as much storage for yarn and knitting needles as i already have for polish!

But i digress, you're here for photos of the lovely new Zoyas, not idle chatter about knitting!

First up is Jo, which is my second favorite of the collection (Harley being my absolute fav from this collection)



Next up is Barbie, which is a fabulous bubble-gum-barbie pink with very subtle shimmer. I really like this one, although i likely won't wear it much until the weather warms up.



And here is Zoya Cassi, which is really a beautiful color, I'm just not entirely certain it likes me all that well. I think it may be a tad too warm/peachy for my skin tone.



The remaining two colors are both creme finishes. They apply amazingly well! Silky smooth, and nearly opaque at only one coat. I am not, however, much of a creme finish wearing gal. I dressed up one or two fingers in each photo with a layer of Zoya Shimmer Gloss top coat.

Malia



And Moxie



I apologize for the dents and smudges on Moxie, i was back and forth trying to make lunch for the little one in between polish changes and photo snapping!

I hope you've enjoyed this refreshing little blast of spring!

Crystal File 061: NEW for Spring Zoya Harley and Get Even

I have to apologize for being slow to get full collection swatches up for my dedicated readers! Weather and time have conspired against me. I truly intend to work up swatches of the full Zoya Twist collection and the Essie Spring collection ASAP. Here's a little something to tide you over in the mean time!

In addition to the gorgeous Twist collection, I've also been able to try two new products which have recently been added to Zoya's Color Lock system. The new Get Even ridge filling base coat is MARVELOUS. I have truly fallen in love, and I'm seriously considering the gigantic refill bottle. So far I've only tried it under Zoya lacquers, but I'm hopeful that it will play well with all of my 3-free brands. Zoya has also added their own polish thinner to their Color Lock system called Renew. Just a couple of drops in my slightly thickened Sloane had it back to a "like new" consistency.

Now, for a few photos of one of my absolute favorite Zoya polishes of ALL time. Zoya has a TON of gorgeous colors, but this one has certainly stolen my heart. Zoya Harley, from the Twist Spring 2009 collection, is the perfect grey. I have long been searching for the perfect combination of soft dove grey and subtle, glowing shimmer. Harley truly makes me feel as though I've adorned my nails with the finest of pale grey pearls.










As you can tell from the photos, the sun was playing hide-and-go-seek with me. Hopefully these give you enough incentive to give Harley a try, i most certainly recommend it!

Crystal File 060: Poshe AHA Cuticle Care VS. CND Cuticle Eraser

Many moons ago i learned about a magical cuticle treatment called CND Cuticle Eraser. When used in conjunction with a good cuticle moisturizer (cream or oil) this product helps to exfoliate dead tissue that would normally adhere to the nail plate. Prior to using Cuticle Eraser as part of my maintenance regimen, i had to use cuticle remover much more frequently, and the skin surrounding my nails was rough and hard. Cuticle Eraser became an HG for me, and i haven't gone without it since.

I am always, however, searching for the next best thing. So i began searching out other products similar to CND Cuticle Eraser, trying to determine if one might be even better. There was no way to know save to try. So i ordered two tubes of Poshe AHA Cuticle Care and have been using it for several weeks now.

For two very simple reasons CND Cuticle Eraser wins this smack down. 1)It smells better. I don't like flowery, and Poshe is flowery. CND Cuticle Eraser has a light, fruity smell that is far more appealing to me. 2)CND Cuticle Eraser absorbs more quickly. Since i generally use my AHA product just before bed (after i'm freshly mani'd) and follow it with my HG cuticle cream, Lush Lemony Flutter, i need something that absorbs quickly. Poshe just doesn't soak into my skin as quickly as Cuticle Eraser.

That said, if the smell of Cuticle Eraser is unappealing to you, perhaps you should try Poshe AHA Cuticle Care. It is still a very nice product, and very effective.

On another note, Zoya Twist has landed at my house! I hope to be able to get swatches done tomorrow, when the weather person says i shall have sun. Keep your beautifully manicured fingers crossed for me.

Crystal File 059: I'm Baaa-ack!

I've finally returned from our holiday vacation. I have to say, it is lovely to be home! I hope to have some lovely new spring colors to share with you soon! At the moment i am eagerly anticipating the Zoya Twist collection. Zoya has also added Get Even (Ridge Filling Basecoat) and Zoya Renew (Polish Rejuvenator) to their Color Lock system.

I am also eagerly awaiting the Essie Spring collection (there's a BLUE!) and the February 4th national release of the OPI South Beach collection. Lots of exciting stuff coming up, so stay tuned!