Review: "A Thousand Christmas Trees" from Literary Lacquers

Hello Readers:

Christmas is fast approaching, and things are getting busy. I've got an appointment at the end of the week, and I need to do the baking for the Foodie Secret Santa that I'll be delivering this weekend. Super excited for the secret santa, though nervous it won't be something they like, but that's the risk you take. All in good fun though. Yesterday was productive up until I felt like crud and went to bed. On the up side of that it didn't stay so it doesn't seem like I've gotten the nasty bugs that are going around, that definitely would've sucked.

Today's polish, "A Thousand Christmas Trees" is one I originally wanted to do nail art with, but for the life of me I couldn't get the other bottle of polish opened. I tried everything I new of under the sun but nothing, and in the end I ran out of time so once again no nail art :( 

"A Thousand Christmas Trees" is a Limited Edition from Literary Lacquers. It was given as a free gift with purchase  last year (2013) during the holiday season, and was recently re-released for the Literary Lacquer fan group. I've heard that the 2014 version differs slightly from the 2013 version, but I cannot confirm that as I only have the 2013 version to show you.

"A Thousand Christmas Trees" is a forest green holo with holo glitter for extra sparkle.

 

 

This polish is such a festive color with loads of sparkle! Sadly, I was unable to capture the sparkle in all its glory, but even without sunshine is sure does shine, no? I used three thin coats of polish over a clear base coat, and a clear top coat. I think Amy did a great job in capturing the look of twinkling lights on Christmas trees. I really can't say enough good things about this polish! I even wore it to my husband's office Christmas party!

Unfortunately this polish is no longer available but Amy has a lot of wonderful polishes on the Literary Lacquer Etsy Shop. You can also join the Fan Group, to see if it is ever offered again.

Until next time.
-Andi

Review: "Cosmic Christmas" from My Ten Friends

Hello Readers:

Gosh things have been busy lately. I'm sure I'm not the only one getting busier with the holidays fast approaching. One thing I'm happy to have accomplished is that I only need to buy one more Christmas present and then I'm all done. ^_^  I had plans to go find the last one this weekend when the hubby and I attended one of the many wonderful Christmas markets here in Germany, but unfortunately we were told that he has to work this whole weekend *sad face*. So much for a four day weekend. Oh well... there's always next time. 

Anyhoo, enough babbling, onto the beautiful polish. Today's polish is from My Ten Friends' Joy to the Worlds 2013 holiday collection: "Cosmic Christmas". I was having kind of a down day and wanted something to make me happy so I turned to a polish that would give me a happy memory of the holidays. "Cosmic Christmas" definitely fit the bill, it truly reminded me of going around the neighborhood at night to see all the pretty Christmas lights.

"Cosmic Christmas" is a blue jelly with red, blue and green hex glitter in different sizes and some holographic shimmer.

Artificial Light

A different setting with the artificial light

Sunlight Photos

 

Just looking at the photos as I write this gives me the warm and fuzzies. SO MANY FEELS! This polish makes me remember all the wonderful times of touring the neighborhoods to see the wonderful Christmas displays. You don't see that too much here in Germany, but that's why we visit their Christmas markets. That's where it's all out Christmas! Plus some delicious food and cute trinkets. Love this polish so much!!! It went on smooth and easy. Definitely turn the bottle upside down for a bit (I'd say a minimum of ten minutes) so you don't have to fish for the big glitter. I used three coats of polish over a clear base coat and a clear top coat. Unfortunately I did experience some shrinkage (I really can't wait for my Seche Vite bottle to be empty so I can buy a better one!), usually I can negate shrinkage by adding polish to my tips but this time around I didn't add enough so you can still notice it.

 

Still, I can't say enough wonderful things about this polish. It is so pretty, and definitely great for that holiday feel! I don't know whether this polish will be released again this year or not. You'll have to keep an eye on My Ten Friends' FB Page for more info, until then you can find some of their other wonderful polishes over at their website.

 

How about all of you...do any of y'all have a polish that gives you warm and fuzzy feelings? (whether its for the holidays or just something special in general?) I'd love to hear about them!

 

Until next time.

-Andi

Review: "Christmas Morning" from Carpe Noctem Cosmetics

Hello Readers:

First, and foremost. Today is Veteran's Day/Remembrance Day in the US/Canada. So for all those who have served, and are serving: Thank you, and we will always remember.

Lest We Forget (img src)

I did not have time to do a themed mani for this day, my soldier had other things he wanted to do today so that's what we did. I do however, have something semi-related. It is a Christmas polish, but even during the World Wars the fighting stopped and there was peace, if only for Christmas.

Today, I give you "Christmas Morning" from Carpe Noctem Cosmetics. "Christmas Morning" is a silver frosted polish with a linear holo.

Indoor Photos

Outdoor Shade Photos

Outdoor Sunlight Photos

 

This polish definitely reminds me of Christmas Morning, well, at least during those Christmases we had snow. Early morning the snow would be all frosted over and it would glisten and shine. So needless to say I adore this polish! It goes on easy and smooth, and the opacity builds well. I used 3 coats of polish over a clear base coat, and a clear top coat.

 

I'm not sure if this polish is still available, or if it will come back for the holidays, but you should definitely keep an eye on Carpe Noctem Cosmetics' Etsy Page to see.

 

I wish you all a safe and happy day, and remember to hug a Veteran today! :)

 

Until next time.

-Andi

Review: "Winter Solstice" from Carpe Noctem Cosmetics

Hello Readers:

I'm still stunned by response I've been getting lately for my FB page, you all are so wonderful! It really makes me glad I started this a year ago. <3 <3 <3

Onto the polish I have for you today, though. "Winter Solstice" is an icy blue polish that has a bit of a green shift and scattered holo. "Winter Solstice" is from Carpe Noctem Cosmetics' Holiday 2013 Collection.

Artificial Lighting

Natural Lighting

 

I love this shade! It is such a great winter color, and I even like the bit of green shift that I noticed in certain light. I only wish I had some sunlight to show the lovely holo, but sadly nothing but clouds. I used two coats of polish over a clear base coat, no top coat. I had no application issues, you could probably even get away with one coat, but to make sure I had full coverage for photos so I went with two.

 

Sadly, this polish is currently sold out but Carpe Noctem Cosmetics has many other great polishes available on their Etsy Shop. Also, I'm currently hosting a giveaway with Emily of Carpe Noctem Cosmetics, which you can enter HERE.

 

Until next time.

-Andi