OPI Burlesque

The OPI Burlesque collection is old news to most of you by now. At first I was a little disappointed that this year's holiday collection was one of OPI's promotional gambits (a la the Shrek collection or the 90210 polishes), but people really went crazy for the glitters. For me, that wasn't a draw - glitter is all well and good but I'm not crazy for it. I hate the way it eats top coat, feels bumpy and takes forever to remove.

So, initially I was only interested in one color: Ali's Big Break, a pretty red with gold glitter. But when I saw it in person I was underwhelmed. So I skipped it and ended up bringing home Tease-y Does It and Let Me Entertain You instead.

Each time I go back to OPI I remember why I love them so much: perfect formula and perfect brush.

I got something in the mail today that I'm excited to show you soon, too:

YAY! ZULU!

Chanel-oh!

Hi there. I've been "working" on a massive Photobucket organization project over the weekend, labeling and tagging my nail polish photos. Years from now, when wise people ponder the decline of civilization, they will point to my efforts and say, Blame her.

So here's what's been up, on my nails anyway.

Lastly, you may have heard there's a new Chanel release coming soon (perhaps tomorrow?). Called Riva, it's rumored to cost $39 per bottle. While I highly doubt this I cannot find any evidence supporting or contradicting the claim. It's a very pretty light blue with a bit of shimmer. I saw a swatch on the MUA nail polish board and it looks gorgeous on, though as to be expected it's drawn out the Chanel haters.

I have my share of Chanel polishes. As nail polish goes it's expensive, and if you buy a sold-out limited edition color on eBay long after it's been cleared out of boutiques and online stores you're going to pay a ridiculous amount for it. My rule is that I either get it at retail or I don't get it. Other people have different rules and that's fine. To each her own! It's just nail polish.

What's strange is that the mere existence of Chanel nail polish seems to make some people very very angry, which is...strange to me. As with anything, it's possible some of these people have purchased Chanel polish and been unsatisfied or had a bad experience. Other than that I'm not sure why there's any need to get angry about nail polish. If you don't like it, don't buy it...it's really that simple.

As for me it's safe to say that if Riva is in fact $39 I won't be standing in line to purchase it. I'm very happy with all of my Chanel polishes and have enjoyed them a great deal but even I have limits. (Update: Apparently the retail price will be $27.)

No, it's true, I do.

For your enjoyment:

China Glaze Pink-Rox-E

A week or so ago I went to a beauty supply store that I like and found a couple of old formula China Glaze polishes.

Much like OPI polishes, you can tell an older China Glaze by the label. The older ones have white labels with black lettering. Newer (3-free) polishes have the opposite: Black labels with white lettering.

I had doubts about this shade of pink at first, but Pink-Rox-E is quite growing on me.

It has a lovely shimmer from the gold flecks throughout the polish.

It's fairly sheer (this is two coats over two coats of Ruby Kisses American Clear Pink AND a ridgefiller, and I can still see my nail line). A more opaque white base coat would do the trick I imagine.

Essence Choose Me!

This jumped out at me while perusing the aisles at Ulta a week or so ago. It's DELIGHTFUL.

Two coats, easy to apply, .99! Highly recommend.

OMG.

The rumors are true: I caved to Konad. I Kaved! More to come when I'm a little better at it. I assure you this looks highly janky IRL.

Rescue Beauty Lounge Grunge with Konad Special Polish in Black.