Zoya Tomoko

Zoya Tomoko, full sun, outside

Today, I excitedly put on my test drive of Zoya's Tomoko. It's described as a romantic champagne silver, and, as it is part of their Pixie Dust collections, it has a sparkling, matte, and textured finish.

Zoya Tomoko, inside, flash

For once, I don't think I would agree with Zoya's description. Generally, I think they're pretty spot on, but I can't see the silver in this polish; I'd go for gold. Maybe it could lean champagne, but against my skin, I think it looks very yellow.

Zoya Tomoko, outside, shade

Maybe it's because I have a lot of red/pink in my skin, but I don't think this is a polish I would wear again. Tomoko is listed as a cool color, and I do think it is fairly cool in tone, but it's not one that I can really get away with. Maybe it's the yellow hue? Cool colors are my best, in general, but this one just doesn't jive with me. It makes my skin tone look off, instead of complimenting it. I think if you have darker or really tanned skin, this may be totally fabulous on you. It really just... wasn't on me.

Zoya Tomoko, inside, artificial light

In terms of a gold or beige Pixie Dust, I think I'll stick with Godiva. It looks more natural on my nails, and has a gorgeous shine. If you're looking for a true silver, I would go with one of two options: London, or Nyx. I have pictures of Nyx on this blog--it looks silver in some lights, but definitely blue in more direct lighting. I don't have London, but I think that may be the truest silver Pixie Dust.

Zoya Tomoko, inside, natural light

This was a very rare disappointment for a Zoya polish. The formula was great, it was fully opaque in two coats, and is very easy to apply. It's definitely Zoya quality. It's just not the color I was expecting it to be, and it doesn't work at all with my skin.

It's a sad, sad day.

Zoya Tomoko, outside, full sun, closeup

I put a layer of Miranda over it to see how that works, but Tomoko just isn't one that I'll be wearing again. Sigh.

Here it is with Miranda over it. I think it's rather pretty. Because Miranda isn't too saturated with pigment, one very thin coat almost gives a very slight peach effect. It's super subtle, but I dig it. I'm a huge fan of Miranda in general, though, so I felt I should note that.

Zoya Miranda over Zoya Tomoko. Inside, natural light

Zoya Miranda over Zoya Tomoko, flash, close up

Sorry, kids. I wish I liked this one better than I did. Until next time,

Emily, The Manic Paintress

Zoya Aurora

"Hail to the king! Hail to the queen! Hail to the princess, Aurora!"

Zoya Aurora, full sun, closeup

Yeah. I love Disney movies--particularly Sleeping Beauty. Princess Aurora has such a fantastic voice, and Maleficent is by far the most badass of villains. Then, there's the music that's based on a Tchaikovsky ballet. I even liked the crazy fairies who couldn't agree whether her dress should be blue or pink.

The fairies at Zoya have managed to solve that crucial dilemma: make it purple! Seems so obvious in retrospect, doesn't it?

Zoya's Aurora is from their Ornate collection for Winter 2012/2013. It's a really pretty red-based purple, that definitely can lean more grape in certain lights, and almost mauve in others. Best of all? It's a holo. I'm addicted to holographic polishes, and I don't think anyone does it better than Zoya does. I have Blaze from the same collection, and think it's one of the most beautiful polishes I own. I even bought a bottle for my neighbor. She's always used Chanel nail polishes, but after I gave her Blaze, she bought Drew and Grace. I'll make a convert of her, yet!

Zoya Aurora, outside, shade

I can't even describe how amazing Aurora is. The holo flecks give it such incredible depth. It shimmers in the light, but the different colors make it seem illuminated and fiery. It's just... gah... so lovely. It's a little on the darker side, but since it catches the light so beautifully, I think it's totally summer and fall appropriate. I'm not sure if I would wear it in the spring, but I think it's beautiful enough for me to not care and wear it anyways. Seriously. It's just fantastically gorgeous.

Zoya Aurora, inside, natural light

Indoors, Aurora reads as a more straightforward purple, with the holo flecks looking more white and sparkly than it does in brighter lighting. The effect is still pretty dazzling. I can't even say how much I love this polish. My sister-in-law has a thing for purple in any form. Aurora might actually turn me into a purple convert.

Zoya Aurora, inside, artificial light

In the light, Aurora really gives a stunning rainbow-effect. There are definite blue, pink, orange, and green highlights. I think the holo comes through even better than they do in Blaze, and I LOVE Blaze. When I'm allowed to buy more nail polish, I think Storm will be a definite purchase.

Zoya Aurora, full sun outside

I really am in love with Zoya's holos. The formula is incredible--this is two thin coats, and it stays on for a very long time. The coverage is even and not at all goopy or streaky. The finish is super-smooth, even though it looks like you've layered about 20 different iridescent glitters on a pretty purple. Seriously--I don't know how they manage to get this much depth into a polish, especially with the coverage you get in each coat.

Zoya Aurora, flash.

Zoya Aurora, inside, flash

Zoya fairies, if you can grant me one wish, can you please come out with more holos? I promise I won't mind if you make them pink, blue, green, or whatever strikes your fancy. Perhaps in lighter and brighter colors that I can wear in the spring and summer? I think my nails would be in Heaven if you did. It can be my Christmas present and birthday present all in one.

Come on fellow polish addicts! Who's with me?


I'll leave you all with some advice: go watch Disney's Sleeping Beauty, and buy Aurora by Zoya. (If you do, you really should save yourself some time and grab Blaze and Storm while you're at it.) You'll be glad you did on both counts.

Zoya Aurora, outside, shade, closeup

I'll be hoping that Zoya comes out with more beauties like this one. Until next time,

Emily, the Manic Paintress

OPI A Definite Moust-Have

A Definite Moust-Have, outside, full sun

Today, I am writing about my current pedicure: OPI's A Definite Moust-Have from their Couture de Minnie collection (Summer 2013). I have to say, I adore this color. I've read that OPI considers this color to be a fuchsia. On that point, I really must disagree. I think it's a really beautiful coral. It leans pink most of the time, but is always a pretty true coral.

It's vibrant. It's vivacious. It's pretty darn Minnie Mouse, if you ask me. I first tried this on my fingernails, and was very pleasantly surprised. It actually stayed on for almost a week. In my world, that never happens with OPI. I generally get them to stay for maybe 3 days tops. It's one of the main reasons that I started wandering over to Zoya, when the first polish of theirs I got stayed for about six days.

Outside, shade, close-up of big toes

OPI really created a perfect summer color with this one. I'm a sucker for their names--cute plays on words, or character-focused. I pretty much devoured the Muppets line because they were based on Muppets. I'm not a huge fan of Minnie Mouse. I might be a bit evil for saying that, but it's true. Last year, I was a bit burned by a purchase of one of OPI's Vintage Minnie collection: Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It. I generally really love OPI's glitter polishes, and I thought the hearts were cute. I couldn't get over feeling like a ten-year-old playing dress up once they were actually on my fingers, though. That, and it was one of OPI's rare glitter that can't stand on its own. I've worn a ton of their glitters solo--just two or three coats of it and been happy, but Nothin' Mousie 'Bout It just gave my nails a weird look. I just don't feel it. My neighbor's granddaughter loves playing dress up, though, and they're coming for a visit; I may donate that one to the cause. Just because it wasn't perfect for me doesn't mean that it's not worth being enjoyed by SOMEBODY.

Indoors, artificial light

That tangent aside, I've been really happy about the Couture de Minnie collection. I have Innie Minnie Mighty Bow (a glitzy red), Minnie Style (red, white, and pink glitter), and Magazine Cover Mouse in addition to A Definite Moust-Have. I couldn't go for Chic From Ears to Tail. I thought it would be too bubblegum for me, so I skipped it. The Liquid Sand, Magazine Cover Mouse, is quite pretty. It's happy, and I think the liquid sands stay well. I like the formula on the Zoya Pixie Dust better, but OPI introduced me to the joys of textured polishes, so I do have a soft spot for them.

This pedicure has been on for about two weeks. They really could stay longer, but I get very bored with tone nail colors. And fingernail colors, but especially toes. If the light catches it in just the right way, I can understand the fuchsia description, but for the most part, I think it's a fantastic summer coral. It's cheery, sweet, and makes for happy toes. The formula for A Definite Moust-Have is also really lovely. It's long-lasting, and glides on really smoothly. It's one of the best OPI polishes i have in that respect.

I'll see you back here soon. My Nyx is starting to chip, so I think it's time for another color. Such a hard life I lead, isn't it?

Also, I had a major relapse today. Zoya has these promos for their sets from Mercedes Benz Swim Week. I bought Aqua di Lara, and the Luli Fama gift boxes. The Pixie Dust collection was far too amazing to pass up, and Mosheen, the gradient glitter topper just looks incredible. I ordered them today. I swear, I have absolutely no self-control. So sad.

I'll be posting again soon, don't you fret. Until then, have a great and colorful wait,

Emily, the Manic Paintress

Zoya Nyx

Zoya Nyx

Today, I am once again going to discuss one of Zoya's fabulous Pixie Dust nail polishes: Nyx. Now, I don't know what kind of name Nyx is, but it sort of reminds me of phoenix--or a nickname thereof. Now, I'm not sure if we're talking the mythical bird, the X-Men alter-ego of Jean Grey, or the city in Arizona. I don't think it rises up out of its own ashes, so I think the bird has to be out. The city DOES have a lot of sand, so it could be a nod to the texture, but I think of beige for that. I really doubt they were going for X-Men, so maybe they actually knew a lady with that name. Then again, they do have a color named Storm that is on my list for when I'm allowed to purchase more nail polish again. I think I'm over-thinking it again. Maybe I'm just bitter that they have a polish named Nyx, but are lacking in Emily. Seriously--it's a common name, but I'd but whatever color they had in a hot minute --cut-off or not-- if it bore my name. Just saying.

Zoya describes Nyx as a perfect periwinkle, and it of course has the matte textured sparkle finish that all of their Pixie Dusts have. This is from the first round of Pixie Dusts, and has a silver glitter/sparkle. This is one of those polishes that I was really underwhelmed by online, but had this hope that it would be better than I expected. Now that I've put it on--I totally am glad I went for it. I got it during the Liberty promo on the Fourth of July, where if you bought Liberty, you could get two free polishes. The other polish I got was Destiny, and I can't even bring myself to try it on. They called it coral, but I don't see anything but bright-ass orange with bonus gold, in case I want to be seen from a mile away by my nails. But I wasn't really supposed to be talking about Destiny; I want to talk about Nyx.

Zoya Nyx, Outside, shade

Online, I thought Nyx looked grey. Maybe slightly blue, but mainly grey. In the bottle, I think it looks more like what I would consider "silver" than how Tomoko looks (which I've yet to try on, but will). On my nails, I finally get the whole periwinkle thing. It's probably one of the most environmentally dependent nail polishes I've ever worn. It really is blue. Unless there is no natural light whatsoever, it does default blue (and if there is dim lighting, it can almost look green, which is odd but really cool to me). It definitely gets brighter blue in the sun, and in the shade outside, I can see the lavender overtones. It's not ever in-your-face purple, so my sister-in-law wouldn't automatically love it like she does anything else purple, but it definitely can be placed in the periwinkle category.

Zoya Nyx, Outside, full sun

Zoya Nyx, Outside, full sun as well

Zoya Nyx, Inside, flash

I'm really glad I tried Nyx. It's just... lovely. It's soft, and fairly neutral, particularly if you're pale, have a cool complexion, and wear lots of cool-toned clothes. Basically, it's a great shade for me. It's not the most dramatic color, so if you're looking to make a statement, I'd go brighter like Liberty, or Arabella, or something like that. It is, however, oddly elegant. That's a fairly impressive feat for a blue nail polish, I think. It's a win for me, overall.

Zoya Nyx, Inside, artificial light, no flash

Zoya Nyx, Inside, natural light, no flash

Next post, I might highlight my current pedicure: OPI's A Definite Moust-Have. They advertise fuchsia, but achieve a really pretty pinky coral. Who knew.

Until then, paint on, my friends. Paint on.

Emily, the Manic Paintress

Zoya Arabella

ZOYA ARABELLA (inside, flash)

 
Today, I shall discuss Zoya's Arabella. It's from their newest collection of Pixie Dust (textured matte sparkling) nail polishes for Fall 2013. They describe it as a "rich fuchsia pink in a matte, textured, sparkling finish."

I describe it as off-the-charts gorgeous. It might not be the most attention-getting nail polish when you look at the collection as a whole. I find that when searching for a textured polish, people like to go somewhat strange. That's what I would get Sunshine or Chita (Van Gogh blue or forest green) for. They're quite beautiful in their own right, but I think that there are some times when you just can't rationalize wearing something that funky. They're great if you work in a record store, or in a makeup counter, or maybe stretch it into business casual, but if you have a stricter dress code, blue nails really are a hard sell. Fuchsia, on the other hand, is totally defensible. It might be on the sparkly side, but I feel like offices don't mind a bit of flash, as long as it's not too overwhelming.

I'm getting a bit off track here. I could kiss Zoya for this polish. I'd look a bit strange kissing an entire company, but I'd do it if they keep creating things this incredible. First off: the formula is amazing. The following pictures are ONE COAT of Arabella. Glides on with ease, and covers beautifully. I have mentioned that I'm a medium hand when applying, so if it takes you two coats, I wouldn't freak out, but I was more than happy with one. I should note that I did use Zoya Anchor as a base coat. Zoya says not to use base or top coats on their website with the Pixie Dusts, but I like the extra strength of their base coat. It's a strengthener as well as smoothing and adhesive; I credit Zoya Anchor with the length of my nails--they've never been this long. Ever.

Arabella is what they say--a rich fuchsia. Only, it's so much more. It has some silver glitter to catch the light. It has pink glitter throughout, and true fuchsia running throughout. Depending on the lighting, you can see so many colors in this polish. In artificial lighting, I think it's more raspberry, but in the sunlight, you really get the purple hues. I just can't say how much I love this color. It looks sophisticated, but has a lot of personality and depth. I really can't imagine that I'll get tired of Arabella before it starts to chip--and with Zoya's propensity for creating polish that stays on my fingers for six or so days, that's saying something. I have Zoya's Tomoko and Carter waiting for me to try them, as well as Destiny, Liberty, and Nyx on their way, and you'll all have to wait for write ups on those polishes, seeing as I have no intentions of taking this off until I absolutely have to.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention that I see this color as fairly perfect for most seasons. It's definitely perky enough for spring, I'm wearing it without qualms for summer, as it's pretty darn happy, and it's dark enough for fall. I'm not sure about winter, but I think you could get away with it, especially closer to the holidays, or if you need a pick-me-up. It's exceptionally versatile and wearable. I think this is one of my top nail polish purchases. No one is more surprised about that than I.

Generally, with a textured polish, I have no desire to put a top coat over it, but I can see myself doing so over Arabella in the future some time. When wet, it looked a lot like a really stunning holographic polish. There was so much dimension before you got to the textured part. I would buy a non-textured polish that looked like Arabella does while wet in a baby's heartbeat. I took a picture because I was so impressed:

Zoya Arabella Inside, natural light (next to window), WET POLISH

Here are the rest of my photos of Zoya's Arabella:

Zoya Arabella, Outside, shade

Zoya Arabella, Inside, artificial light, no flash. I think it looks really raspberry here.

Zoya Arabella, Outside, full sun

Zoya Arabella, Inside, flash, really close up to show the amazing depth.

Playing with Zoya

I need a day to gather my thoughts on one of my most recent additions to my polish stash: Zoya's Arabella. I need sunlight for pics, and to actually SEE it in the sunshine. So... that post will come tomorrow. In the meantime, please enjoy my cure for boredom.

So, last week I was wearing Zoya's Crystal nail polish. After day four, there was some almost unnoticeable tip wear. Although I loved that the blue of Crystal reminded me of water and sand, it was a bit dark for a summertime manicure, in my opinion.

Zoya's Crystal is a metallic blue with flakes of metallic gold in it, giving it this really interesting foil-like finish with a lot of character. I'll admit that I wasn't as fond of the formula in this one as I have been in most of Zoya's polishes. It wasn't streaky or anything, but it didn't hide my sometimes less-than-perfect nails. I had a slightly uneven nail where a layer of my nail had sort of... peeled off. I'm sure someone else out there has had that happen to you. When it next happens, I'll try Zoya's Get Even ridge filler, even though it's not really a ridge. It's the closest thing to ridges that I really get, anyways. Since I don't have that yet, I just used Zoya Anchor as a base coat, and then put Crystal on. It didn't really hide my slightly wonky nail.


After four days, I did what I do best: I got bored. It wasn't that Crystal wasn't pretty. It was a truly stunning color. But it was a bit dark for summer, and I do have the attention span of a goldfish, so I needed a change.

I didn't, however, want to waste any perfectly good polish...so I got a bit creative. I looked at my stash, and had a light bulb moment. Zoya's Godiva was staring me in the face, and I followed my urge to play. Godiva is one of Zoya's Pixie Dust polishes from their first collection. It's a textured matte sparkle formula. Their website describes it as a "soft nude with sugared sparkle." It's quite accurate. When I first tried Godiva, I noticed that it's a bit less opaque than the other Pixie Dusts I've tried... which led to me layering a coat of Godiva over Crystal.

*THUD*

It was so incredibly beautiful I couldn't even stand it. I felt like such a genius, you cannot believe. I think there may have been a happy dance thrown in somewhere. After I did this, I got tons of compliments on it. Only a few of them were from myself. Seriously. It lightened Crystal in a really neat way, while keeping the water-like quality alive. It went from looking like water in the deep ocean to something like a sandbar. I don't really know how to describe it, but I was so thrilled with the result that I took pictures. I'm not even kidding. It possibly looks a little like Zoya's Nyx, which is their periwinkle Pixie Dust, but with more gold and no purple. Sometimes, since it was a blue polish with a layer of a beige-like color, it almost looked a little green. Doesn't the ocean do that, too? It wasn't as green as Zoya's Vespa, though. It was definitely distinctive, and incredible. It was super sparkly and lovely in the sun, too.

Here are a couple of the pics I took:

 These were both taken inside...this was next to a window in a shady spot. The shade made this look darker than it did in real life.

This pic was taken by a window in a sunny spot. It looks a bit greener than in reality, but the lightness is really accurate.

This lasted three extra days, which I view as seriously impressive. Zoya suggests to not put a base coat or top coat over the Pixie Dust polishes. I didn't add a top coat, but I had put Zoya's Armor on when I applied Crystal, so I had a base coat, two coats of polish, and a top coat on UNDER the polish that doesn't need a base coat. Zoya polishes just last and last.

Also, I hope you realize that although I fangirl about Zoya, I don't work for them. Not even a little bit. If I did, I wouldn't have spent upwards of $150 on their polishes and Color Lock system in the last month. Well... I may would have, but I would have been paying with a paycheck from them, which I promise I don't get.

As always, if you love what you see, and don't have a Zoya account, you can follow the link below to their site where you can create an account, and then get a promo code for a free bottle of polish. If you buy two more, you get free shipping.

This is that promised link.

My advice to you? Play with your polish. Sometimes the results are just incredible.

Until next time,

Emily, the Manic Paintress

Zoya Grace

ZOYA GRACE

=

As promised, here is my write-up on Zoya's Grace. Their website describes it as a "[s]heer milky baby peach flesh-tone with a touch of neutral pink. Sheer, clean and flattering for French manicures and solo wear."

That's pretty perfect. I'm wearing two coats of it right now, and you can still see the tips of my nails, though they definitely look cleaner than with no polish. I probably could have gotten away with a single coat, but I'm one of those girls that likes my polish to be evident. I also like that it helps hide the flaws in my nails. I'd say that I have a medium hand when applying my polish, so you may need three to get it to this level if you're anything like my mother, who has a super light hand. Sometimes, I question whether she has put any on.

As for my thoughts. I am really liking this color. I found it when I searched for "French" on Zoya's website. I think there are certain times that a nice, sheer polish is most appropriate--especially on some more formal occasions, like weddings and such. I think this is pretty perfect. I do still love Essie's Madmoiselle, but this is more on the nude side for me. I bought Zoya's Bela at the same time as Grace, but gave that to my mom since it read as too pink for me.

I have very fair skin, that is definitely on the blue side. Lots of people say that they are, but I always lean towards cool colors, and it's actually been verified by color printing and whatnot at makeup counters. I'm pink. I blush. It is what it is. I'm actually tan right now since it's summer, and I'm frequently outside with dogs, but my tan is a normal person's pale. My legs don't really tan, and they practically glow in the dark, they're so white. Grace blends perfectly with my skin tone... it's almost identical.  I really am loving it.

Grace's formula is also fabulous, as I've found most of Zoya's to be. Went on very smoothly with no streaking... which I frequently have issues with. As always, I prepped my nails with nail polish remover, then applied Zoya's Anchor base coat. I applied two coats of Grace, and finished with one of Zoya's Armor top coat. I used their sister company's (Qtica's) Half Time drying drops as well, since I haven't received my order of the Color Lock System from Zoya yet, and those came as a free gift for spending more money than a person should on nail polish in one go $50. These pictures were taken on day three of wear, and there are no chips--not even tip wear. I have no doubt that if it stood up to me weeding, washing my hands all the time, cleaning, and going about my life with no care for my manicure, it will last for at least six days before I start to see any real wear... possibly longer. I'll update with a status report if it lasts much longer or shorter than that. I'm going by my average of 5-7 days with Zoya products.

I definitely recommend Zoya Grace to anyone who likes the clean, polished look, without heavy color. This would be a fabulous color to layer over white tips for a full-on French manicure. I just was somewhat lazy about it, and wanted to see what it was like on its own.

Now, for the pictures:

Zoya Grace

 This one is outside (clearly) in sun. No flash.

Zoya Grace

 This photo is outside, no flash, in the shade. I think this shows the color most accurately.

Zoya Grace

 This is inside, with flash. I think it makes my entire hand look blue and like an alien, but meh... it's what it looked like through my camera, apparently.

Zoya Grace

This is inside, without flash. Now my hands look like lobster claws, but you get an idea of what it's like with warmer lighting. It's just a beautiful, simple color.

It's been a polish I've gotten compliments on by people who know about my addiction, and I have to say, I agree. It's one I'll wear again.

I'll probably not post another new review for about four days or so. Zoya shipped out my newest order today, and I'll likely get them on Monday or Tuesday, I think. I'm getting three of the new Pixie Dusts: Tomoko, Carter, and Arabella. SO EXCITED! I know I said that I'll try to go through my older polishes first, but I'm sort of a baby with a severe need for instant gratification... you'll probably see one of them next. I may post some pictures before that of an experiment I conducted last week before my next "real" post if I get bored. As I think I mentioned in the first post here--that happens frequently. VERY frequently.

If you're new to Zoya, I highly recommend trying them. If you click the following link and then create an account, you'll receive a promotional code for a free bottle of polish. If you buy two other polishes, you'd get free shipping on the order. Seriously. Free polish. You could spend $18 max for three polishes. Not bad. The Pixie Dusts won't work as a freebie, but any other color will, including Grace. So, if you like what you see, it's a little bonus.

Link to create an account on Zoya that will get you a promo code for a free bottle of polish.

Until then,

Emily, the Manic Paintress

Greetings from the Manic Paintress

So. I'm treating this like the Addicts Anonymous meeting that I would attend if I
a) thought anyone made a group for my addiction, or
b) had any true desire to kick the habit.

Hello. My name is Emily, and I am addicted to nail polish. It's been maybe six hours since I bought my last bottle. Really, I should say bottles, since I bought four. I'm rationalizing this, because one of them is a gift. That totally makes the three for me acceptable, right? Probably not, but I'm going with it because I want to, and, as I said, I don't really want to kick this habit. At all. I LOVE nail polish.

Some may laugh. They'll be within their rights to, but I'm willing to bet that there are others with the same addiction out there. There is just so much variety, and they don't really harm you (except in the wallet), so I just keep buying more. In my mind, they're a necessity. Some of them really are.

I've tried many different brands in my 31 years. I graduated from Wet 'N' Wild to Sally Hansen when I was in junior high. Manic Panic and Urban Decay were discovered in high school. I rotated between whatever looked decent and was on sale when I was in college. I have to forgive myself for that. Revlon, Maybelline, and Cover Girl were awesome for a student with no cash flow. I still tried Sally Hansen, but it always chipped super quickly and left me sad. It wasn't until the last three years or so that I learned the joys of the actual made-for-professional brands like OPI and Essie. Then, it was all over for my financial stability.

I love the idea of OPI, with their thematic collections based on movies and pop icons. I went particularly nuts with the collections for The Muppets. Seriously. The Rainbow Connection. Amazing song, and an amazing and cheerful glittery goodness. It didn't end there...not by a long shot. I currently have all but one of the Couture de Minnie collection, and really went into their "Liquid Sand" polishes.

Essie was a brand I saw at CVS, and didn't really give much thought to, until I had a manicure as a bridesmaid at my brother's wedding. I wore Essie's Madmoiselle, and it was so classy and simply stunning that I started buying up anything that struck my fancy.

I fancy a lot. I think I own all of their nail treatments (top coats, strengtheners, base coats), and a substantial number of their colors. I'd have more if I found them more recently than a year ago.

It was actually my mother that pointed me to my most recent obsession. She saw a piece on the Today Show that talked about the Pixie Dust polishes by Zoya. A textured polish? Win. A NATURAL nail polish? Amazing. Zoya is "Big 5 Free," which trumps OPI and Essie's freedom from the "Big 3." I tried it because I was intrigued, and bought Miranda, a Pixie Dust, as well as Zuza and Tinsley, two of their traditional nail polishes. Once I tried them, I was hooked. Amazing colors, great formula, and spectacular wear. The first order was placed on June 5th. I have made three subsequent orders. It is the first and only nail polish company that produces nail polishes that I get bored of wearing. It's not because they don't have incredible and beautiful colors, because they're all stunning. They all just wear so long without any chipping that I have the OPPORTUNITY to become bored. I view that as the highest compliment to Zoya. That being said, I have found that simply adding another polish on top produces the most incredible solution to that "problem." Instant new looking nails, and a happy Emily. Their base coat and top coats are, I'm completely convinced, made out of magic and joy.

It's a sickness. I know it is. I have the Art Bin full of polish to back this up. Part of the problem is that I'm artistic by nature. I know I am. I sing, draw, write, quilt, act, and dance. Some of them rather well. For the last few years, I've been ill--recovering from a wicked bout of viral meningitis that gave me seizures and wouldn't leave my system. Eventually, I found out that I have a genetic immune deficiency, that makes me super prone to bacterial infections, as well as viruses. I'm one step away from moving into that bubble. I take amusement when I can. If my exciting trip is to a fabric store, or even a grocery store, then I need to provide fun that can be done solo. I learned German. I took up figure drawing. I buy nail polish.

With all that said, I'll come to the purpose of this blog. My Art Bin is loaded, and I'm trying to cut myself off from more purchases (for a little while, at least. I cut myself off two or three weeks ago and placed two orders since that time.) Sometimes, I can't get out and run to the store to buy polish, due to my health conditions. I rely on the postings of others to help guide my online purchases. I figure, I have a ton of polish just sitting here... why not offer my own thoughts to help others choose? I may not be a bona fide expert on nail polishes, but I have a brain, eyes, a camera, and a computer. Any advice is better than no advice. I'll go through my stash, interjecting purchases from new collections as they come, and offer up my thoughts.

First up is what I put on two days ago: Zoya's Grace. Look for the review and pictures tomorrow (Friday, July 12).

Until next time,


Emily
Manic Paintress and nail polish addict extraordinaire.