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.

Layla Ceramic Effect: Gold Shimmer 32 and Pure Silver 27

I received two stunning metallic polishes from Layla over the holiday season that are just too beautiful. Gold Shimmer (#32) and Pure Silver (#27) are metallic polishes from the Ceramic Effect line.

Gold Shimmer is a sheer gold shimmer in a clear iridescent base. This polish goes on quite sheer. So, if you don't like a visible nail line, you will be either doing four coats like I did, or use some "undies." Am I the only one that feels weird calling it undies? I think I shall rename it a less awkward title. Yes, I now dub thee ... UNDERPOLISH! That sounds much better. Anyways, this color had a nice soft shimmer effect. The gold shimmer is a yellow gold that almost glows in the clear base. Very ethereal looking! BTW, no topcoat in the pictures.

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Pure Silver was two coats of silver metallic foil awesomeness! It is similar to some of my other silver metallic's (will do comparison later), but I absolutely love the look of this, and its formula! This went on easily in two coats, with no topcoat in the picture. Surprisingly, there were no problems with brushstrokes that you normally see in these types of polishes. Now you see what I meant when I said I loved this formula. This will be a definite go to for when I crave that rocker chic look.

My favorite out of the two is definitely Pure Silver. What can I say, I am a sucker for silver! It is bright, flashy, fun, and will go with anything! Which one is your favorite?

You can purchase these polishes at Ulta in the store, or online at Ninja Polish or Zappos.

*These polishes were sent to me for an honest review.

Essence Breaking Dawn Part 2: Jacobs Protection and Alice Had A Vision - Again

I have two lovelies from Essence's Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection; Jacobs Protection and Alice Had A Vision - Again. There are two others in the collection, but I just didn't care for them. These two jem's called to me and my inner dorkiness. Yes, I will admit it. I like Twilight books. I know, it is a bit cheesy, but the books were great, and show an emotional depth that, up until that point, youth books didn't touch. (Besides the amazing Harry Potter.) The movies are kind of a bust, but the story is still a good one.

Jacobs Protection

 Jacobs Protection is a stunning dark blue glitter with hints of green and sometimes purple and gold in a blackened jelly base. This color went on in two, easy to apply, coats. No top coat was used in these photos. This color was beautiful! I definitely see myself wearing this over and over again in the future.

  

Alice Had A Vision - Again

Alice Had A Vision - Again is a beautiful purple glitter with some hints of blue, green, and gold. This is also a great vampy color to add to your "dark" collection. This went on in two even coats, with no top coat. 

Well, I know don't know which is my favorite. Is it the first or, or perhaps the second? Eeekk! Thankfully, I own both. Mwahahahaha! Well, these two polishes were a steal at 1.99 at Ulta. You can't beat that price with these colors!

My one complaint was the brush. These are on the wider side like the Wet N Wild Megalast Pro Brush. If you have narrow nail beds, you might find these brushes a bit too wide to maneuver. Other than that, perfect.