Merry Christmas Swatch Spam

*contains press sample(s)

  Merry Christmas Eve, all!!  I'm pretty stoked-- I finally get to host a holiday dinner, something I've wanted to do since C and I got married nine and a half years ago.  This evening we're headed down to his folks' house to spend the night, and then tomorrow we're back at our place for showtime!  Today is full of as much food prep as I can get away with 24 hours beforehand, but first, I've got to eat breakfast and this is basically the calm before the storm.  To all my fellow revelers-- have an awesome holiday, wherever you are, whatever you're doing ♥♥ Please enjoy a little swatch spam from the past few months.

Zoya Dream

Zoya Dream

Black vs. Black vs. Black

Sometime last summer I decided black polish and black sandals must look pretty fabulous together, so I went and bought Essie Licorice and loved it.  Now, I've sort of sought out blacks within my favorite brands, and I know there are variations, even amongst the pure blacks, so I thought I'd swatch the three I own side by side.

I've got Butter London Union Jack Black on my ring, Essie Licorice on my middle, and Zoya Raven on my index.  I've said it before; black polish is harder to apply than red lipstick, even with Zoya's amazing formula.  Um, maybe it's just me.

Union Jack Black, Licorice, Raven

Raven is clearly the standout, appearance-wise.  It's not as rich and has a satiny finish due to some micronized silver bits, making it the most elegant of the three.  I almost can't tell a difference between the Essie and the Butter, but Union Jack Black's got a slight shine and richness edge, making it the most risque. 

Zoya's formula can't be beat; Raven had the best dry time of the three, as well as being the most unique.  Union Jack Black was slightly easier to apply than Licorice, and dried faster as well, with no pulling when I applied my topcoat.  Licorice pulled just a smidge.  Maybe you don't need both the latter (I do, though) depending on what exactly you're after in a black polish.  If I did nail art I would designate Licorice for that; the other two are the better stand alone colors.

I'll stick with Licorice for my pedicures, the patent-leathery Union Jack Black when I want some edge without the forwardness of a red, and satiny Raven will be my LBD polish.  No one else may be able to tell the difference, but I will. ;)

An Attempt to Match Glitter and Some Spring Swatches

C got me some new camera gear as an early birthday present, and I thought I'd play around with it this morning.  I think I've hit upon a good lens combo, and learned the necessity of a tripod.  I wasn't going to post anything today, but I'm pretty stoked about how these photos turned out (comparatively speaking, that is..), so this is more fun than usual. :)

I'm not a big pink polish or glitter fan, but after seeing this manicure I decided I must have my own glittery pinkness.  The Dollish Polish used isn't currently available, so I tried to match the pink with a glitter in the store, and in the end I wasn't too impressed with that combo.

This is Sally Hansen Strobe Light over SH Bubblegum Pink.  The highly sugary looking pink is a little too bright for Strobe Light, but it looked kind of awesome over my paint job from yesterday.

Strobe Light over Julep Gayle.  The darker, more muted base brings out the glitter's opalescent qualities.  I was about to give Strobe Light to my 8 year old niece, but I think I'll keep it around for a while.

I'm not into art on my own nails, but if I were, I'd have to do something springy with these three.  The green is Zoya Holly, the glitter is two coats of Strobe Light on its own, and the pink is Bubblegum Pink on its own.  I've surprised myself by really liking the pink.  I thought surely it would be way too... well... bubblegum-y by itself, but it's so bright and cheerful.  

I love the Zoya.  There is nothing like a good green.  The funny thing is, I thought I did the best job on that nail, but it sure isn't photographing easily for me. lol.

It's a gorgeous day today, and we've got lots of pretty things blooming in our yard, so I think I'll go play with my new lenses outside for a while.  Thanks for reading! :)