OPI SOFT SHADES (PASTELS) 2016 - SWATCHES & REVIEW

OPI have just released their 2016 Soft Shades collection and it's not like any typical "Soft Shades" collection we have become accustomed to. Instead of the expected sheer and muted look, OPI have chosen softly shaded, seriously opaque and gorgeous pastels that add a "mod" element to their annual soft shades collection, without diminishing it's refinement.

I have all 6 shades from the 2016 Soft Shades (Pastels) collection to share with you today :)



STOP IT I'M BLUSHING!

Stop it I'm Blushing! is a pastel blush pink nail polish shade.
The formula of this polish is good and it applies nice and easily. 
It's slightly patchy, but it builds up to full opacity beautifully in two-three thin coats. 


IT'S A BOY!

It's a Boy! is a pastel baby blue nail polish shade.
The formula of this polish is good and it applies nice and easily. 
It's slightly patchy, but it builds up to full opacity beautifully in two-three thin coats. 


IT'S IN THE CLOUD

It's in the Cloud is a beautiful milky *slightly* off-white nail polish shade.
The formula of this polish is good and it applies nice and easily. 
It's slightly patchy, but it builds up to full opacity beautifully in two-three thin coats. 


I AM WHAT I AMETHYST

I Am What I Amethyst is a soft pastel lilac purple nail polish shade.
The formula of this polish is good and it applies nice and easily. 
It's a slightly patchy, but it builds up to full opacity beautifully in two-three thin coats. 


THIS COST ME A MINT

This Cost Me a Mint is a soft pastel mint green nail polish shade.
The formula of this polish is good and it applies nice and easily. 
It's slightly patchy, but it builds up to full opacity beautifully in two-three thin coats. 


ONE CHIC CHICK

One Chic Chick is a soft pastel yellow nail polish shade.
The formula of this polish is good and it applies nice and easily. 
It's slightly patchy, but it builds up to full opacity beautifully in two-three thin coats. 

*  *  * 

I am amazed with the colour selection in this OPI collection - the shades are all so beautiful and perfect for spring.

The formulas of all six of these polishes were generally the same and kind of have the typical "pastel nail polish formula" - streaky and patchy - (I am yet to come across a pastel polish with a fantastic formula). But, unlike other pastel nail polish, their thin, smooth and creamy formulas make them pleasantly easy to control and make application a breeze. They also build up to full opacity relatively well. They could all be considered opaque in two coats, but I personally think they look better with three coats as it eliminates any of the streaks or patches that are evident on close inspection - in other words, if you don't have OCD like I do, two coats should be okay. Regardless of the formula, when completely opaque, these polishes look so delicate and feminine and are definitely worth the application effort.

APPLICATION TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS - 

• use the three-stroke method of application to prevent streaks
• do not over manipulate each coat of polish that is applied onto the nail
• wait for each coat of polish to completely dry before commencing the next coat

I appreciate that OPI has come out with a pretty opaque pastel collection this year for their annual Soft Shades collection. I really like every single polish in this collection but my personal favourites and picks are "I Am What I Amethyst" & "It's a Boy!". 

*  *  *

RRP: $19.95 each (AUD)

Available at selected Myer and David Jones stores and selected Salons nationally (Australia). 

For details on retail stockists please call 1800 812 663

For details on salon enquiries please call 1800 358 999

*  *  * 

*Disclaimer: Coty PR Australia kindly sent me these products for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this Blog post are mine based on what I have experienced through trialling these products.

Thanks for taking the time to read this review

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask :)

Have a fabulous day

Doni x


Follow me on Instagram for more nail swatch pics & nail art - @donsnailobsession 

ZOYA PETALS COLLECTION 2016 - SWATCHES & REVIEW

Zoya has just recently released their Petals nail polish collection; "a flourish of beautiful blooming colours" inspired by the gardens of spring. This fresh and vibrant collection invites you to revel in the beauty of the spring season with six beautiful nail polish shades.The collection includes beautiful shimmers, pinks and corals that are just perfect for spring.

I have all six polishes from the Zoya Petals collection to share with you today :)


LEIA

Leia is a super sheer opalescent white nail polish shade with stunning fuchsia, green and gold shimmery flaky glitters throughout it. 

The formula of this polish is pretty good. It applies nice and easily and glides onto the nail. It's a little patchy, but it self-levels really well. 

This polish is really sheer, but it builds up nicely on its own. 
I personally like the look of one single coat on the nail as it just looks so ethereal and dainty, but it could also be layered over another polish to give a beautiful shimmery effect. My nail swatch above shows three thin coats.. 


ASTER

Aster is a beautiful periwinkle purple nail polish shade with stunning fuchsia, blue and silver shimmery flaky glitters throughout it. 

The formula of this polish is great. It applies nice and smoothly and easily glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in two thin easy coats.


AZALEA

Azalea is a lovely hot pink nail polish shade with stunning fuchsia, blue and silver shimmery flaky glitters throughout it. 

The formula of this polish is great. It applies nice and smoothly and easily glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in two thin easy coats.


ZAHARA

Zahara is a tangerine orange-peach nail polish shade with stunning fuchsia, blue and silver shimmery flaky glitters throughout it. 

The formula of this polish is good. It applies nice and smoothly and easily glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It's a little sheer, but builds up to full opacity in two - three thin coats.


TULIP

Tulip is a coral-salmon nail polish shade with a subtle silver shimmer running throughout it which is only really visible in direct sunlight. 

The formula of this polish is okay and it applies nicely.
It's quite sheer and patchy but it builds up to full opacity in three thin coats.


LAUREL

Laurel is a coral pink nail polish shade with a subtle silver shimmer running throughout it which is only really visible in direct sunlight. 

The formula of this polish is okay and it applies nicely.
It's quite sheer and patchy but it builds up to full opacity in three thin coats.

*  *  * 

Although the colour range of this collection is heavily mono pink-coral toned, the colours are super pretty and I do quite like them. I really love how unique the polishes with the shimmery glitter flakes look. The formulas of the polishes in this collection were generally pretty good and not too difficult to work with which is awesome. 

My personal favourites and picks from this collection are "Leia", "Aster" & "Azalea". 

These are the first Zoya polishes I've ever used and I can't wait to try some more!

*  *  *
RRP: $19.00 each (AUD)

For more information, head on over to www.zoya.com.

These polishes (and more) are available on  www.zoya.com.au & www.sabeauty.com.au (Australia).

*  *  * 

*Disclaimer: I won this collection recently in a giveaway. I was not asked to review these polishes. All opinions expressed in this Blog post are mine based on what I have experienced through trialling these products.


Thanks for taking the time to read this review

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask :)

Have a fabulous day 

Doni x


Follow me on Instagram for more nail swatch pics & nail art - @donsnailobsession 

OPI NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION 2016 - SWATCHES & REVIEW

Bonjour, Big Easy!

From the filigree iron of its balconies, to the jazz and jambalaya that permeate its air, New Orleans personifies an easy-going, laid back attitude and grace mixed with gumption and joie de vivre. New Orleans' indomitable spirit is the inspiration for OPI’s 2016 Spring collection.

The New Orleans Collection by OPI features 12 gorgeous new nail shades that take nails and toes from Beignets at café Du Monde all the way to nightcaps on Bourbon street in style. Sweet, spicy, soulful and vibrant, the colour palette of the collection is perfect for a town where parades pop up everywhere, and dancing in the streets is de rigueur. 

I have all 12 shades from the New Orleans collection to share with you today :)



SUZIE NAILS NEW ORLEANS

Suzie Nails New Orleans is a lovely bright bubblegum pink nail polish shade.

The formula of this polish is pretty good. It's pigmented, creamy and smooth. It's very easy to apply and glides onto the nail. It's a little patchy, but isn't streaky and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in three thin easy coats. 

GOT MYSELF INTO A JAM-BALAYA

Got Myself into a Jam-balaya is a coral pink nail polish shade.

The formula of this polish is pretty good. It's pigmented, creamy and smooth. It's very easy to apply and glides onto the nail. It's a little patchy, but isn't streaky and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in three thin easy coats.

SPARE ME A FRENCH QUARTER?

Spare Me a French Quarter? is a delicious bright-deep berry pink nail polish shade.

The formula of this polish is perfect. It's very pigmented, creamy and smooth. It's very easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in one easy coat! 

CRAWFISHIN' FOR A COMPLIMENT

Crawfishin' for a Compliment is a creamy peach orange nail polish shade.

The formula of this polish is pretty good. It's pigmented, creamy and smooth. It's very easy to apply and glides onto the nail. It's a little patchy, but isn't streaky and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in three thin easy coats.

SHE'S A BAD MUFFULETTA!

She's a Bad Muffuletta! is an amazing bright (almost neon) pink toned red nail polish shade.

The formula of this polish is perfect. It's very pigmented, creamy and smooth. It's very easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in one - two easy coats. 

I MANICURE FOR BEADS

I Manicure for Beads is a delicious bright purple nail polish shade.

The formula of this polish is perfect. It's very pigmented, creamy and smooth. It's very easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in one easy coat!

RICH GIRLS & PO-BOYS

Rich Girls & Po-Boys is a beautiful bright blue nail polish shade.

The formula of this polish is perfect. It's very pigmented, creamy and smooth. It's very easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in one - two easy coats. 

I'M SOOO SWAMPED!

I'm Sooo Swamped! is a moss green nail polish shade.

The formula of this polish is perfect. It's very pigmented, creamy and smooth. It's very easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in one - two easy coats. 

TAKE A RIGHT ON BOURBON

Take a Right on Bourbon is a pretty champagne nail polish shade with a beautiful pink duo-chrome colour shift.

The formula of this polish is good. It's very easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't patchy and it self-levels really well. Brush strokes are quite evident when this is applied, so I highly recommend using the three-stroke-method of application to limit the appearance / amount of brush streaks.

It builds up to full opacity in two easy coats.

LET ME BAYOU A DRINK

Let Me Bayou a Drink is a frosty shimmery light pink nail polish shade.

The formula of this polish is good. it applies nice and smoothly - it's easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in three easy coats. 

HUMIDI-TEA

Humidi-Tea is a tan-nude nail polish shade with scattered copper shimmer throughout it.

The formula of this polish is great. it applies nice and smoothly - it's very easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in two easy coats. 

SHOW US YOUR TIPS!

Show Us Your Tips! is a stunning periwinkle nail polish shade with scattered silver shimmer throughout it.

The formula of this polish is good. It's quite sheer but it applies nice and smoothly. It's easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity nice and easily in three thin coats. 

*  *  * 

Overall, I really quite like this collection. The colour selection is stunning and the formulas are amazing! You will seriously feel like every day is Mardi Gras with these bright and vibrant shades on your nails. 

I definitely recommend checking out this collection for yourself - you will not be disappointed! 

My personal favourites and picks from this collection are "Spare Me a French Quarter?", "She's a Bad Muffuletta!", "I Manicure for Beads" & "Show Us Your Tips!". 

*  *  *
RRP: $19.95 each (AUD)

Available at selected Myer and David Jones stores and selected Salons nationally (Australia). 

For details on retail stockists please call 1800 812 663

For details on salon enquiries please call 1800 358 999

*  *  * 

*Disclaimer: Coty PR Australia kindly sent me these products for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this Blog post are mine based on what I have experienced through trialling these products.

Thanks for taking the time to read this review

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask :)

Have a fabulous day 

Doni x

Follow me on Instagram for more nail swatch pics & nail art - @donsnailobsession 

SMITH & CULT NAIL POLISH - SWATCHES & REVIEW

Smith & Cult is single handedly redefining the world of nail colour with a revolutionary range of nail polish that is rocking the nail market. 

Smith & Cult has rightfully earned a reputation of delivering great quality nail polish with both flawlessly smooth coverage and brilliant shine. Designed for premium performance, the exclusive 5-Free formula sees Smith & Cult totally free of Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene and Camphor - offering the ultimate non-toxic, colourful and long-lasting nail polish experience.


I have two Smith & Cult polishes to share with you today :) 
*Spoiler*: they're amazing!



KUNDALINI HUSTLE

Kundalini Hustle is a bright poppy red nail polish shade.

It's looks so pretty on.

The formula of this polish is perfect. It's very pigmented and creamy. It's super easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in one - two thin easy coats. 

BITTER BUDDHIST

Bitter Buddhist is a beautiful celadon green-grey nail polish shade. It's such a unique colour - I love it!

The formula of this polish is perfect. It's very pigmented and creamy. It's super easy to apply and effortlessly glides onto the nail. It isn't streaky or patchy and it self-levels really well. 

It builds up to full opacity in one - two thin easy coats. 

* * * 

These are the first Smith & Cult polishes I have tried and I am so impressed!

The vast range of colours in the Smith & Cult range are so beautiful and unique. The formulas are perfect and they apply onto the nail effortlessly, just like butter. The polishes are super glossy and pigmented, and build up to full opacity on the nail nice and easily. They also dry super quickly...what more would you want in a nail polish?! Plus, the bottles are just so divine! 

I pride myself in honest reviews, so if I say you NEED some Smith & Cult in your life, I genuinely mean it! I definitely recommend trying out some Smith & Cult polishes for yourself!

Smith & Cult have a beautiful range of nail shades that include bolds, neautrals, neons, glitters and everything in between, plus base coats and top coats. 
I cannot wait to get my hands on some more!

* * * 

RRP: $18 each (USD)

Available at www.smithandcult.com.

For more information about where to purchase Smith & Cult products in Australia, head on over to www.roguebeauty.com.au

For details on where to purchase Smith & Cult products internationally, please call 855-SMTH-CLT (855-768-4258) to see if an order can be processed to your requested country.

* * * 

*Disclaimer: Little Bird PR kindly sent me these products for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this Blog post are mine based on my personal experiences through trialling these products.

Thanks for taking the time to read this review

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask :)

Have a fabulous day 

Doni x

Follow me on Instagram for more nail swatch pics & nail art - @donsnailobsession 

BARRY M GELLY HI-SHINE NAIL PAINT - SWATCHES & REVIEW

After dominating the UK nail market, Barry M has finally landed here in Australia. Great news for us Aussie Nail Polish Addicts!

Today I have four different Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paints to share with you :)



DRAGON FRUIT

Dragon Fruit is a pretty bright bubblegum pink nail paint.

The formula of this polish is really good. It's pigmented and creamy; and it applies onto the nail nice and easy. It isn't streaky, and it self-levels really well.

It's a little patchy on some nails but builds up to full opacity in two - three thin easy coats.


GREEN BERRY

Green Berry is an amazing neon aqua-mint green nail paint.

The formula of this polish is really good. It's very pigmented and creamy; and it applies onto the nail nice and easy. It isn't streaky or patchy, and it self-levels really well.

It builds up to full opacity in two - three thin easy coats.


BLACKBERRY

Blackberry is a beautiful deep royal navy blue nail paint.

The formula of this polish is perfect. It's very pigmented and creamy; and it applies onto the nail nice and easy. It isn't streaky or patchy, and it self-levels really well.

It builds up to full opacity in one easy coat!

I suggest being extremely careful when applying this, as it stained my cuticles and skin around my nails blue due to the strong pigment.


BLOOD ORANGE

Blood Orange is an intense bright "blood" red nail paint.

The formula of this polish is really good. It's very pigmented and creamy; and it applies onto the nail nice and easy. It isn't streaky or patchy, and it self-levels really well.

It builds up to full opacity in one - two easy coats.

I suggest being extremely careful when applying this, as it stained my cuticles and skin around my nails red due to the strong pigment.

* * * 

Overall I really quite like these Gelly nail paints.
I love how bright and pigmented these polishes are, and how super glossy and gel-like they look without Top Coat. 

I did find, however, that they all have a slightly thicker formula, which means they take a little bit longer to dry, so bare that in mind when deciding to wear one - a quick-dry Top Coat would be ideal when wearing one of these.


I'm so excited that Barry M is finally available here in Australia and can't wait to try out some more awesome colours and nail finishes!

* * * 

RRP: $9.95 each (AUD)

Available at Big W stores nation wide (Australia).

Also available at Superdrug and Boots stores (UK).

For more information, head on over to www.barrym.com.

* * * 

*Disclaimer: Beauty Next Australia kindly sent me these products for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this Blog post are mine based on my personal experiences through trialling these products.

Thanks for taking the time to read this review

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask :)

Have a fabulous day 

Doni x

Follow me on Instagram for more nail swatch pics & nail art - @donsnailobsession