Showing posts with label OPI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OPI. Show all posts

Saturday, November 9, 2013

Can we love on crystal nail files?

I own several crystal nail files, some are good, some are atrocious. Most, if not all, of the terribly made crystal nail files are made in China; the best come from the Czech Republic. One terrific option is made by Mont Bleu.

Here are two size options:

Mont Bleu Crystal Nail Files
The top file is your typical standard size and the lower one is a mini file. I know they make a larger one, which I did not receive to show, but I own several and they look something like this:

No Name Brand Czech Crystal Nail File
These big boys are great for sanding the feet area.


Mont Bleu Crystal Nail Files
These two particular files are embellished with Swarovski crystals. The crystals are nice, but I was more concerned with whether the files are able to perform the job.

Durability
In terms of durability, my cardboard files are pretty heavy duty and I find myself throwing them around haphazardly. Of the crystal glass files I own, I never worry either. I have bought several Nail Tek glass files and each came in a protective, tight fitting, plastic case, while my OPI crystal file came in a plastic tube.   Unfortunately, I had to be somewhat cognizant of the Mont Bleu files because they came tucked in a simple soft felt protector. Thus initially, I did not reach for them often. I guess it was too much trouble to worry about them. To give them a fair review, I decided I had to place them in a safe yet easily accessible place. I put one file in a desk drawer I frequent several times a day and the smaller one in a random purse unprotected.  I must mention that this company carries a line of files that includes a protective case, it just wasn't the one I received.

Performance
After over a year of use, I can honestly say the Mont Bleu files are of very high quality. They rival the other decent files I own made by OPI, Nail Tek and non-branded files from the Czech Republic. I was thoroughly impressed with not only the performance I experienced, but by the crash test shown in this video:


The file is particularly impressive on the hard tile (at 0:54). Now I wouldn't go throwing my good files at hard surfaces, but I enjoyed the video none the less. 

Intent
I mainly used these Mont Bleu files to finish or touch up my nail shape, just like I would with the 400/600 grit Tropical Shine files. I still prefer a lower grit strength (like 220/320 by Tropical Shine) for taking down nail length, but it would do well for people with patience or people with nails that are weak, thin or problematic.

Mont Bleu Crystal Nail Files

How about an example of how I used, and will continue to use, these and my other crystal files? Let's say you are going for a square shape. Over the course of a week, the nail corners can get a bit rounded. This can be remedied by filing straight across until your desired shape is achieved. Sometimes this type of filing can create "nail shavings". What's that you say? See picture below:

Loodie nail shavings

nail shavings

The nail shavings can then be eliminated by dragging your nail down the length of the file. This is the exact same technique I showed in previous posts/videos.



Nail shavings eliminated! Nail sealed!
Please don't be alarmed by my excessive nail meat. I can't help it.

Longevity
I am repeating myself here, but these files are on par with my other high quality crystal nail files. They have continued to stay sharp, requiring only an occasional washing. I posted on that topic here!

In Summary
The take home message is, if you are in the market for a glass nail file, I recommend you demand they be made in the Czech Republic.  However, I can not guarantee this wont happen...

OPI Crystal Nail File Sadness
Life lesson: Don't leave a glass nail file to hang out on the carpet, while you go get a bowl of ice cream. Your heel will be sure to make direct contact sooner rather than later.

If you are interested in Mont Bleu specific nail files, their website is: www.design-glassware.com They have many options that may suit your needs.

*Mont Bleu files sent for review*

Friday, July 6, 2012

Dermelect Color Comparison

In my last post, I showed you three of the six new color nail treatments from Dermelect.  Today, I'll show you comparisons to similar colors I own.

Comparison to Dermelect - Above It

Pointer -
China Glaze - Bahamian Escape

Middle, Pinky -
Dermelect 'Above It'

Ring -
China Glaze - Secret Peri-winkle




Clearly China Glaze - Secret Periwinkle is the odd man out. (Ring finger)









As a side note, China Glaze - Secret Periwinkle has more in common with Essie - Lapis of Luxury.

Left -
China Glaze - Secret Periwinkle

Right -
Essie - Lapis of Luxury.







More clear from this picture, Above It is not a complete dupe of Bahamian Escape, but they are very close.




As a side note, China Glaze - Bahamian Escape is similar to Color Club - Factory Girl.  Factory Girl is brighter.


Left -
China Glaze - Bahamian Escape

Right -
Color Club - Factory Girl







Comparison to Dermelect - Luxurious

Thumb -
Revlon - Gum Drop (Smelly Polish!)

Pointer -
Essie - Lilacism

Middle -
OPI - Rumple's Wiggin'

Ring -
OPI - Do You Lilac It? (more here)

Pinky -
Dermelect- Luxurious




OPI - Do You Lilac It? looks like a dupe for Dermelect - Luxurious

Top -
OPI - Do You Lilac It? (more here)

Bottom -
Dermelect- Luxurious












Comparison to Dermelect - Persuasive

Pointer, Ring -
Color Club - Vintage Couture

Middle, Pinky -
Dermelect - Persuasive




I think here you can tell Dermelect is only slightly more peach and muted, but not by much.









Overall, these two are difficult to distinguish in certain lighting situations.  Like I mentioned in the last post, Persuasive is a bit of a chameleon.


Top -
Dermelect - Persuasive

Bottom -
Color Club - Vintage Couture

It's nice to have choices! :D




*The Dermelect polishes were sent for review*

Friday, June 1, 2012

One ugly flakie combo

Here is a collection of a few flakies.  Most combinations are lovely ...

Ruby Kisses - Blues Clue with Finger Paints - Twisted














More Blues Clue swatches are here.














Finger Paints - Twisted over dark base

Black? I'm not sure what this base color was, but it sure does make the flakies stand out.
















Revlon - Blue Lagoon w/ Nubar 2010
















Revlon - Blue Lagoon is difficult to work with.  It is dry, chalky and a bit gritty, but a very bright baby blue.  I loved Nubar 2010 on top.











I sure do love blues and flakies!














Revlon - Modern Grace with Nubar 2010










OPI - Funny Bunny with Finger Paints - Asylum.

This combination looked great at most angles, like shown.  Other angles made the sheer white (my love) look pitted, but nowhere near what I am about to show you in the next set of photos.









China Glaze - Summer Rain

You either like these kinds of polishes or you don't.  Personally, I don't mind that it is sheer or that it is slightly frosty.  I do mind that it makes my skin color look like poo poo.

It gets worse though...




I decided to top this off with a flakie.  Never again.

At some angles it looks nice. 











Most angles it looks like this...


A true monstrosity.  Just EWWWW.  I must have set a world record for fastest nail polish removal.


Have you ever made a seriously fuggly nail polish combination?

















Sunday, May 6, 2012

Glossybox USA

There seems to be an influx in cosmetic monthly subscription services. One such type of service not yet available in the US, until now, is Glossybox. This one seems to be more geared toward higher end products, but only time will tell. There are many YouTube videos of non US ladies showing their boxes. I still haven't made up my mind on Glossybox, or in general these types of subscription services. That will be a future post, along with a proper review. Until then, take a look at the products (and swatches) for the month of April 2012 ... EDIT!: and read Pink Sith's blog post


YouTube Channel:  www.youtube.com/user/loodieloodieloodie

Comparison to other OPI's -
I'm India Mood For Love (IIMFL)

Kiss Me On My Tulips (KMOMT)
So sad it's dupey.



(No top coat!)









BUMMER!





I have other pinks that have a similar tone, but a different finish.
Creams:
I'm India Mood For Love (IIMFL)
Kiss Me On My Tulips (KMOMT)

Others:
La Paz-itively Hot (LPH) - pink with purple shimmer flash
Wild West Wild Berry - pink with silver shimmer (almost frost finish)




I  may have other brands that could be a dupe to this OPI, but ignorance is bliss.

The Glossybox costs $21/month.
*Glossybox sent for review*

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Mystery Solved!

I think ...

First, let me remind you of the mystery:

I really did not do justice to this polish in the last post because it was a quick and dirty swatch.

So, let me try again.

Dang mama, that is hot!
Just a touch of duochrome.
Oooo
Aaahhh
Yes, all those pictures ... necessary. 

I'm thinking it is OPI - Nutcracker Sweet. 

The duochrome comes out very easily.








How about a comparison?  I have a similar color, or so I thought.

Left: OPI - Nutcracker Sweet
Right: China Glaze - Here's Looking at Hue

Similar base color, but not really any duochrome in the China Glaze.

Unless you consider beige and beigier a  duochrome, O.o
I tried to make China Glaze - Here's Looking at Hue more duochrome like by layering it with Sally Hansen - Luminous Peral .... meh.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Help Please!

*In my best Robert Stack voice* ...

This is a true story, from the files of Unsolved Mysteries.  What you are about to see is not a news broadcast.  Join me.  Perhaps maybe you can help solve a mystery ...


During my epic haulage week, I came across this OPI in a crusty shop in a shady part of town.  It had an interesting duo quality I couldn't resist.

The only problem is, it wasn't wearing its name tag.










The bottle was sporting a smooth silver cap covered in plastic wrapping with "Odessa" written on it, kind of like the bottle here. But the bottle is from OPI.  It has a number engraved in the glass ... 56641148.  Perhaps this isn't really an OPI color after all though.


Beige , pink, shimmer.










There is definitely some golden and green quality to it as well.












It's opaque in two coats.













hmmm?















If this is an "Odessa" polish, where are they hiding them because I want more.

I'm stumped.  Suggestions?

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Happy Holidays!

How about some spam to go along with the season?!?!

My newest addition ...

China Glaze - Crystal Ball

Everything I imagined and more! :D












OPI - Funny Bunny topped with
Finger Paints - Asylum

Reminds me of snow in the moon light!














China Glaze - Gussied Up Green

A green I tolerate ... no, actually I really love it!














China Glaze - Stroll

This is a really special polish ... I promise more pictures in the future.










Nubar - Star Sparkle

I want snow sooooo bad!!  This will have to suffice.













China Glaze - Wagon Trail

Sexy blackened green.
China Glaze - Heart of Africa

Remember this dirty post?  This is the clean version.


When it's cold outside these two frenemies meet up on the heater.

May your holidays be filled with friends, family and lots of love and happiness!