Zoya Aqua di Lara Trio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zoya Aqua di Lara Trio

 

 

I'm back, my fellow polish addicts. I really am cut off of buying more polish for a couple months now, particularly because I just received two of the Zoya nail polish sets that were featured at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim shows in Miami. I purchased both the Luli Fama and Aqua di Lara sets.

The Aqua di Lara set is a trio consisting of Zuza, Ginessa, and a special glitter effect top coat called Mosheen. The trio is sold out on Zoya's website (you needed a code to buy it, and the codes no longer work), but don't despair. Ginessa and Zuza are already available on zoya.com; Mosheen is not available. That being said, when I received my order, I received a Fall 2013 color chart, and, to my delight, the Winter/ Holiday 2013 collection was listed. Among those happy new colors? Mosheen. That's pretty awesome for all of you who didn't jump on the Aqua di Lara trio. The three polishes really scream "swimming" to me, with the white for sand, teal/aqua for the water, and blue for the sky.

Down to the contents of the set:

Zoya Zuza, indoor, natural light

Zoya Zuza, outdoor, full sun

Zoya Zuza, outdoor, shade

Zoya Zuza, flash

Zoya Zuza, indoor, artificial light

Zuza is a polish I already owned. It's a lovely aqua/ teal color with a lot of shimmer in the formula. It's not quite metallic, not a foil, and not an all-out glitter. Most of Zoya's shimmers are color-dense, with very small and subtle glitter particles. That's quite different from OPI's glitters, where you have really chunky and funky glitter. They're really not terribly comparable, but are both awesome in their own way.

The formula on Zuza isn't one of Zoya's best, to be honest. It was almost a bit goopy? It had a nice, even coverage, but felt thick going on, and I don't really know how to articulate why I think that. It's a very pretty color--and considering that my favorite color is a nice teal, this feels like it was designed with me in mind. It almost stains your fingernails, and can be a bit difficult to remove. I'm not sure how often I would really wear it. I don't think it's too out-there or anything, but it feels limiting in some ways. It's a good polish, but I don't think it's one of Zoya's best.

Zoya Ginessa, outdoor, full sun

Zoya Ginessa, indoor, natural light

Zoya Ginessa, outdoor, sun

Zoya Ginessa, indoor, artificial light

Zoya Ginessa, flash

Zoya Ginessa, outdoor, shade

Ginessa is a pearly white/silver that is just lovely. It's just about opaque after two coats, which set it apart from a lot of other brands' pearly polishes (namely essie's Pure Pearlfection). It's really not what I would call silver, as I think it's too light for that, but there is an almost silver undertone at times. It think it's a really beautiful color on its own. White nails are really trendy this summer, and I think Ginessa is a pretty classy way to go white. I'm not usually one to watch trends like that, but I really like this color, trendy or not.

Zoya Mosheen, outdoor, shade

Zoya Mosheen, indoor, artificial light

Zoya Mosheen, indoor, artificial light

Zoya Mosheen, indoor, natural light

Zoya Mosheen, flash

Zoya Mosheen, outdoor, sun

Zoya Mosheen, outdoor, shade

Zoya Mosheen, outdoor, sun

Mosheen is the standout of the trio for me. Seriously. I almost drooled. Remember how I just said that Zoya likes to go for the really small and subtle glitters? This looks like it would be an exception to that statement, but it really isn't. Yes, it's bar glitter, but I did what the pictures of the Aqua di Lara set displayed: I layered it over Ginessa. I started with the Ginessa, and then started layering Mosheen on top of it, starting with the very tips of the nails. My second coat started a little lower, and my third went to almost half of my nail length.

The effect this creates is really very cool. It sort of looks like you stuck your fingernails into blue water, and you look at them while just the tops are submerged. It looks....fluid. That's the best way I can describe it. It's basically a color ombre, moving from white into blue gradually. It's a quite subtle effect, which is nice. Mosheen reflects light beautifully, showing off blues, teals, and a bit of purple. It's like having tiny bits of aquamarine, sapphire, tanzanite, and emerald flecks on the tips of your nails. It almost creates a holo effect, but not quite. The only drawback is that it chipped fairly quickly for me--three days. It was sad, because I loved it. I do think it's because of Mosheen, since only the tips chipped off in big chunks, and the Ginessa on the rest of my nails still stuck.

I do wish that I liked Zuza better than I do, but it's still a very pretty polish. Ginessa is a beautiful, classy polish that manages to be white but not boring or drab. Mosheen really stands out to me, though. It's one that I know I will be playing with in the future: different colors, making it as opaque with just Mosheen as possible, and different placements. It has so much potential and versatility, all while just being a pretty color.

This trio was definitely a hit for me. It epitomizes what I think of as summer and beach colors. If Ginessa is not already in your stash, I think it really should be. If you're a fan of less traditional colors, Zuza executes the best aqua/teal color that I've seen in nail polish. Mosheen is a huge winner for me. I'm psyched that Zoya is putting it in the holiday collection. So pretty.

On that note, it's time for me to leave you once again. I'll update very soon with the Luli Fama collection.

Until then, dear readers, I remain your fellow addict,
Emily, the Manic Paintress

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.