Crystal File 82: China Glaze Let's Groove and Nubar Earth

Catching up with a few NOTD photos! It's difficult for me to be inspired by deep, rich fall colors since it's so hot right now. That said, these two colors are still vibrant and sparkly enough to feel wearable when it's HOT, HOT, HOT! First up is China Glaze Let's Groove, a truly fabulous deep purple that is warmed and brightened by red shimmer. The application was quite nice, although the formula seemed a tad thick, nothing a couple of drops of thinner wouldn't fix. I would definitely classify this as a warm purple, so if those don't work for you, maybe steer clear.






And next up Nubar Earth from their current Go Green collection. This entire collection is a green lover's dream. And although i wouldn't classify myself as a member of the green lover's club, i can still appreciate how beautiful these colors are. Earth is a stunning blue based green with teal-ish sparkle. The finish is much more sparkly than a traditional shimmer, while i wouldn't quite classify it as a glitter either. The shimmer is closely akin to the type of shimmer in OPI Ink. I can definitely see this polish looking far more teal on someone with a more neutral skintone than mine. Since my skintone is fair but warm, i get a cool emerald green.






I hope to be able to share some more of these lovely collections with you in the near future, so please stay tuned!

Crystal File 068: Nubar Cleopatra Collection

This is the perfect collection for all of my fellow purple lovers! I am even in love with a couple of the cremes, and any of you who know me will know that I'm not much of a creme loving gal. I'd say my favorite of the collection is Passionate Purple, closely followed by Sphinx Purple, and then Isis Purple. Since i recently began trying Nubar polishes, I've discovered that i truly love their brush and bottle design. I hope to be able to bring you many more beautiful and exciting colors from Nubar in the future.

First up, my favorite, Passionate Purple:






Next is Sphinx Purple:






Isis Purple (this one applied so beautifully, i was absolutely stunned)




Toga Purple (i was losing the sunlight, these photos make the color a bit darker than it truly is)






Nile Purple (had some brushstroke issues with this one, the finish is metallic, base and top coat may help even it out)






Hieroglyphs Purple (very similar to Zoya Moxie and Misa Push Upon It)




Pharaoh's Purple (a more dusty/grey version of OPI Parle-vous OPI)




Pyramid Purple (a really pretty mid-toned purple creme)




Although the full set of the Cleopatra collection is now available from bynubar.com. Individual colors should be available within a few weeks. Check back with me soon, i hope to have China Glaze Summer Days photos up within the week!

Crystal File 038: Essie Winter 2008 Preview

What an awesome nail polish year we're having ladies, and it isn't over yet! We've been wowed repeatedly by the Fall collections, and the hits just keep on coming!

From the Essie press release:



Winter 2008
Available November 1, 2008

August 2008, New York, NY – Shine through the glamorous season with essie’s new winter 2008 nail color collection that is seductive, charming and right on trend!

Tailored jackets, floral prints and structured shapes brought an elegant grown-up look to this season’s runways. From New York to Milan to Paris, designers favored a sophisticated, ladylike silhouette with tweeds and twin sets to full skirts and full collars. Best of all, the little black dress is back with an updated twist and colorful accessories to accompany it! Try sporting a red suede clutch or amethyst ankle boots - and don’t forget the “it” accessory of the season, nail color!

Winter’s divine fashions parallel essie’s new collection of six striking nail colors from classy reds to shimmery violets and a surprising burst of gold, proving that “without color, it wouldn’t be fashion.” - Essie Weingarten

Show off essie’s winter nail colors for an instant chic look - and make sure to use a base and top coat like essie’s first base base coat and good to go! for a flawless manicure and pedicure!
Essie's winter 2008 nail color collection includes:

Bold & Beautiful – Rich, ruby garnet
Damsel in a Dress – Oh-so-deep currant
It’s Genius – A violet quartz shimmer
Rock Star Skinny – Glamorous crimson red
Sexy Divide – Electric Violet Temptation
Shifting Power – Sizzling molten gold

About essie cosmetics:
New York-based essie cosmetics was established 27 years ago and is now regarded as a leading international nail color manufacturer offering over 250 fashion colors and total treatments for hands and feet. Essie nail color is an industry icon; distributors, beauty professionals, celebrities and consumers trust its excellence. For more information, please call 1-800-232-1155 or visit us at www.essie.com.


I can't tell you how much i'm looking forward to the purples! Which ones are you gals most anticipating?

Crystal File 037: Zoya Flourish Preview, Winter 08/09

I am so excited for this collection! A beautiful purple, a fabulous vampy, shimmery berry-reds, i am drooling! Hopefully the real thing will be available to me soon, so i can share swatch pics and get you gals prepped for mucho purchasing :)







I haven't been given the actual release date yet, but as soon as i know, you shall as well!