Julep "Brooke" Swatch + Review

three coats, natural light 

I got this color courtesy of Julep in my March It Girl Maven Box. I think this color is stunning. It is a top coat and I think it would be almost impossible to get a completely opaque coat with this polish. I tried to take pictures that captured how truly beautiful this color is in person. If you look at the polish in the bottle, I think it can give you a better idea of what the color looks like.
  

I was a bit sceptical of this polish because I really disliked Sofia--a shimmery, green top coat. Sofia was thick and goopy. It dried with a matte finished and didn't very apply evenly. I was apprehensive but this polish impressed me. I think that this is my favorite Julep color for spring or summer. It adds a subtle twinkle to any nail polish. I know the photo above is a little out of focus but I was finding it difficult to take a picture that captured the shimmer and sparkle. Also, in case you are worried about difficult removal--I found that it was relatively easy to remove. For a shimmer polish. Sigh. It is so pretty. I can't say that enough.

     
FTC: This product was sent to me for review

Julep "Catherine" Swatch + Review

two coats, natural light

This was my first time ever wearing a Julep polish and I have to say that I'm impressed. In my opinion this is a fantastic, winter red. The consistency was great. Not gloopy or hard to work with. The only problem I had with this polish was because the brush is so long [it is very similar to a lip gloss wand] the polish would run down the stem of the brush and make it difficult to paint my nails. It was a bit of a hassle but I just had to take the time to wipe off and carefully wipe off any and all excess polish on the brush. After I did that I didn't have any problems. I received this polish in my December Julep Maven box but due the insanity that was my winter quarter, I'm only now getting around to posting about it. But it was a great winter/fall red. Alongside the ranks of OPI's Bogatta Blackberry. Now that it is spring, I find myself no reaching for it as often but it will still be there in my collection once the weather begins to cool.
  

One thing I must say, I adore Julep packaging. I think it is timeless and classic. But I do hate that it comes with so much less product than an OPI or Essie polish but it is more expensive. I sometimes find it hard to justify buying Julep polishes. They are definitely a splurge.

 

Here's a closer look at the color of the polish. I have no complaints about this polish at all. It has a glossy finish and even my father--who hates nail polish--complimented this color. And that's saying a lot. Currently Julep is available online but I have heard rumors that it will soon be available in Sephora. I'm going to cross my fingers. I mentioned the Julep Maven program earlier in this post. If you are more curious about that I've done a more in depth blog about that here. Also, here is a link to purchase Catherine on the Julep site.

   

Have you ever tried any Julep products? Please tell me about your experience below!

Elle Fanning's Street Style

Elle Fanning in Beverly Hills wearing multiple toned shoes, tattered light-wash jeans, a boxy mustard top, structured messenger bag, and oversized sunglasses [left].

Elle Fanning in West Hollywood wearing a blue sweater layered over a white collared tee, a high-waisted white shorts, a neon pink messenger bag, and multiple toned shoes [right].

 Elle Fanning at LAX wearing an oversized white cardigan, a floral printed top and matching shorts, brown oversized glasses, light brown messenger bag, and nude shoes [left].

  

Elle Fanning in New York City wearing a button down denim top, khaki trousers, dark brown ankle booties, and a two toned messenger bag [right].

  

What do you think of Elle's street style? Leave your thoughts in the comments below! I'd love to hear from you.

Nicole by OPI "Orna-Ment For Each Other" Swatch + Review

two coats, natural light

*sigh* I probably sound like a broken record at this point but I feel like I have to say it again. Nicole by OPI did an outstanding job with their Holiday Glitter Collection. All four of the polish are fantastic quality and the colors are drool worthy.

This particular shade, is a red polish with medium sized gold and red glitter. Out of all the polishes, I think the color is the most Christmas-y. I'm pretty sure this color is my favorite but I'm sure that will change. I can't seem to make up my mind.

Here is a closer picture. It is a better view of the gold and red glitter. As much as I love OPI, I have to admit that this holiday--with the glitter and Kardashian collections--Nicole by OPI is easily outshining its older sister company. A swatch for the final polish in this collection, "Glitter in My Stocking" will be up soon.



FTC: This polish was given to me for review.

Nicole by OPI "My Sleigh's in the Shop" Swatch + Review

two coats, natural light

Another color from Nicole by OPI's Holiday Glitter Collection. I am officially obsessed with these colors. Each time I apply a polish, I think that I've found a favorite. That is, until I apply another one and my opinion shifts. This color doesn't really scream Christmas but there is no denying that its a beautiful color. Most of the purple polishes I own are much darker or lighter and I find this middle ground polish extremely refreshing. The Holiday Glitter Collection continues to impress me and I've only gotten through two shades. I can't wait to try the other two colors on! I guarantee more swatches will be coming soon. This color applies smoother than Snow-Man of My Dreams. A topcoat isn't completely necessary. *sigh* I know I keep saying this but Nicole by OPI really hit it out of the park with this collection. Simply marvelous.

FTC: These polishes were sent to me for consideration.

Nicole by OPI "Snow-man of My Dreams" Review + Swatch

Two coats, natural light

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, it will soon be the most wonderful time of the year. What does that mean? Glitter nail polish, of course. And Nicole by OPI's newest Glitter Holiday Collection is the perfect remedy for anyone suffering from glitter withdrawal. Swatches of all four colors will be coming soon but as soon as I tried on this shimmery, cool blue I knew that it deserved it's own post.

The glitter in this polish is chunky and gritty. A top coat is needed for a glossy, smooth finish. But as much as I love this color, I have a strong feeling that it won't just chip but remove entire patches of polish with little effort. Quick last minutes warning: I've used this color twice and the polish in the bottle is already starting to get goopy and hard to apply--clumping on the brush. It isn't a huge deal now but it will only get worse as time goes on. Just something to be aware of before buying. *sigh* But I really, really love the color.

P.S. Sorry for the depressing state of my cuticles. With finals week approaching, my nerves are fried.

FTC: Product was sent to me for review