Layla Red Passion and Burlesque "Caviar Effect"

Now, as you know I have a small issue with texture on my nails. So, I have been hesitant to try one of the "caviar manicures" everyone has been doing since at least last year. I am a picker. If I feel any irregularities , rough spots, or snaggers, I just have to fix it. Saying that, I just knew I would loath any texture other than smooth on my nails. I was surprised when I got sent the Layla Caviar Effect in Burlesque, which is metallic gold balls, to review. I eyed the innocent looking contents with suspicion. They looked harmless enough, but I "knew" it would be a nightmare. I must confess, it wasn't that bad. GASP! I know, I know, "But Kim, you said you couldn't handle any texture." I was wrong (Don't tell my husband I admitted to that!) The beads are so small and packed so tightly together that it isn't nearly as bothersome as I expected it to be. The best way to describe the feel was a smooth ripple. Admittedly, I could not wear this to work (nurse remember) or even wear it daily, but I think this would be a lot of fun to do for a night out. It definitely makes the statement "Look at me!" I left this manicure on overnight to see how many of the beads came off and surprisingly not many did. The area where five tiny beads came off was, unsurprisingly at the tip. What did take them off in greater numbers? Me picking at them the next day. It drove me crazy since there were now ridges and gaps on the tip that would snag on things. I couldn't take it, I took it off. God that felt good. Another big, but pleasant, surprise was the ease it came off. I was prepared for a fight to the death to get the balls of fury off my nail, but it quite easily surrendered to my nail polish remover. It was a bit anti-climactic really. Regardless, I do think this looked neat, would try it out again for a special event. The base color I used is Red Passion in the Ceramic Effect line from Layla. Depending on how heavily you apply it, you will get full coverage with two to three coats. I really like this red creme. It compliments my skin tone and I really liked the shine it dried to. Now, it isn't the glass shine like you get with a clear top coat, but it looks great without assistance.

Depending on how many coats you do of Red Passion, it has a pretty fast drying time . All of these pictures were with no topcoat! I have noticed this color can look darker or lighter depending on what type of lighting you are in.

Burlesque is a great looking gold metallic ball that measures about 1 mm across. These stayed on well with no topcoat needed.

The Caviar Effects come in 12 different shades that include gold, silver, bright colors, and even a multicolor mix called Samba.

You can purchase Layla nail products online at Zappos.com, Aveyou.com, or my favorite Ninjapolish.com. The Caviar Effect retails for around $10.50-11.50 depending on where you purchase it and the Ceramic Effect Polish is around $10.

*These products were sent to me for a honest review.