Behind the Polish: Gwenn from Sugar-Nails

I'm very excited to welcome Gwenn from www.sugar-nails.com.  If you have not already checked out her awesome blog, please go give her a follow!

Behind the Polish: Gwenn from Sugar-Nails

Polish...

1. When did your love of polish start?

As far as I remember, I started to love nail polish when I was around 16, but the Real Big Love started in the end of 2009.
It started when I discovered a few nails related blogs, especially those showing China Glaze OMG. Drugstore polish here in Belgium was sooooo boring before we had Essence and Catrice, and I never saw something like that.
I was really impressed, I investigated a bit about those American brands I didn't know, and so the love started :)

2. Do you remember your first nail polish? If so, what was it?

I don't really remember my very first polish ... At that time I wore a lot of cheap sheer frosty pinks, which I hate now.
In 2009, the first "new" polish I bought was China Glaze Adore. Not my fave, but I found it in Belgium and that was so rare I couldn't resist ^^

3. Do you have a favorite brand? Why?

I have many faves like China Glaze, Zoya, Essence... I'd say China Glaze is my fave over all, I love their color range, each new collection brings pretty shades ...

4. If you could only wear 1 polish for the rest of your life, what would you pick? Why?

That's a hard question ! I'd pick OPI DS Extravagance. I love purple, it's perfect for every day wear, it looks sober but has the crazyness needed when the holo pops to your eyes !

5. Favorite type of polish (creme, holographic, shimmer, etc)?

I totally love holographic polish, but also crazy glitters with bigger and smaller chunks ! Sorry, I can't chose only one :)

Blogs...

1. When did you start your blog?

In the end of 2009, not so long after the polish big love started :)

2. Who or what inspired you to start blogging?

I've always loved to share and chat about my hobbies. I already had a blog (which is now closed) but the subjetcs were too random.
My first objective with the polish blog is to share, get advices and learn, and also help people when I can. That also helps me to keep a record of what I did, my progress, etc ...

3. What is your favorite part of blogging?

The interactivity is such a great thing. I love reading comments, they make my days, and I'd love to leave a lots of comments too but I need days that last 30 hours for that ^^
I also love the fact that you can discover a lot of new stuff by reading other's blogs ...

4. Who is your favorite polish blogger?

That's another hard question, there are so much !
One of my first love was Nihrida (www.nihrida.com), I've been following her for two years and I love her pics, the way she writes things ...
I also learned a lot on Lacquerized (www.lacquerized.com), she explained great tips for a perfect manicure. Too bad she doesn't right anymore :(
I'd also like to mention Chloe's Nails (http://chloesnails.blogspot.com), she inspires me with her tape manis, AllYouDesire (www.all-you-desire.com) and her gorgeous swatches, Emerald Sparkled (www.emeraldsparkled.com) ... I'm sorry I can't mention them all, there are so many great blogs :)

5. Do you follow other types of blogs? If so, who is your favorite?

Most of my subscriptions are nails related ... But I also follow make up, cooking and craft hobbies blogs. One of my faves is Jangsara's, she makes impressive make ups !

Music...

1. Music is a huge passion of mine! Who is your favorite band or artist?

I LOVE Muse since their early days :)

2. Have you seen them in concert?

Unfortunately, no. I'd like to, but as I'm a bit agoraphobic, I don't dare to go to a concert :s

3. What is your favorite song?

I don't really have one favorite song, it changes depending on my mind ... But one I listen a lot to since it was released is Hi Life by Syd Matters.

4. Do you have a favorite album?

Black Holes and Revelations by Muse. Most of my faves songs from them are on this album.

5. Favorite music genre?
I mainly listen to rock, metal, alternative, but I can appreciate pop and dance, well I consider myself as almost eclectic. I just can't listen to rap :p

Random...

1. Left or right handed?

Right

2. Favorite word or phrase?

I used to say "LOL" a lot ... It sounds weird, especially because I talk in French :p That habit came from the time when I played a lot World of Warcraft. When we were playing in groups, talking to each other with microphones, I never dared to really laugh in the mic, so instead I said "lol".
I continued to use it in real life with my hubby and friends, but fortunately I never used it with my colleagues ... They would take me for a fool :p

3. Do you dance when no one is looking?

Not a lot, but I do ... I also sing a lot when I'm all alone in my car :p

4. What is your favorite movie?

Requiem for a Dream.

5. Are you glad this is the last question (LOL)?!

NOOO, I'm such a babbler, if only I spoke english more easily, I could continue for another dozen of questions :p

Ludurana: Supremo

***Warning*** Insane holo ahead!!!!

Ludurana's "Supremo" is seriously one of the prettiest holographic polishes I own!  It is a gorgeous cool toned purple, with a slight hint of blue and it is STUNNING!  I cannot wait to see this baby in the sun, it just GLOWS with a strong holo effect under artificial lighting.  The holo is seriously "punch you in the mouth" AMAZING!  "Supremo" can be purchased from the lovely Leah Ann @ llarowe.  

The application was awesome and it was opaque 2 coats.  I topped it off with Poshe once again.

 

Zoya: Neeka

"Neeka" is a gorgeous purple with a hint of grey to it.  It has tiny gold shimmers that are very smooth to the touch and applied perfectly in 2 coats.  I topped it off with Poshe and took pictures in artificial lighting.

Sorry about the quick post!  I am pressed for time...better a quick post than none at all right?

Behind the Polish: Thea from Munchy's Nails

I'm very happy to bring to you Thea, from Munchy's Nails.  If you have not checked out her blog, please stop by and give her a follow.  She is fairly new to polish blogging and is off to a great start.

Behind The Polish: Thea @ Munchy's Nails

Polish...

1. When did your love of polish start? 

Oh Gee.. I must have loved nail polish since I was little.. But probably around 14-16 is when I really started to get into it, though my love left for awhile, and then came back a few months ago!

2. Do you remember your first nail polish? If so, what was it? 

Well I don't remember my first, but I do remember my favorite, sort of. It was a Revlon Streetwear that I got for my birthday, and it was soo cool! It looked purple, brown , gold and green on the nails, depending on which way you would turn your hand.  and I remember spending hours looking at it. I wish I knew it's name though :( I would love to have it again!

3. Do you have a favorite brand? Why? 

I really like Sally Hansen, as well as China Glaze. Their polishes are just so pretty and pretty cheap as well.

4. If you could only wear 1 polish for the rest of your life, what would you pick? Why? 

Oh geee.. It might be a combination of Anthea from Zoya (yeah that is my name) And Any blue polish. I love blue! 

5. Favorite type of polish (creme, holographic, shimmer, etc)? 

Hmmm, I love Holo's (Though I only have a few) and Flakies! (Which I only have one of)

Blogs...

1. When did you start your blog?

In late November of 2010, yes I am a newbie :D 

2. Who or what inspired you to start blogging? 

Well, I got hooked on the site Pintrest, and I was looking around and saw a picture of nails that were super amazing. I clicked on the picture and it took me to Chloe's nails! (http://chloesnails.blogspot.com/) I read her entire blog, and then went out and bought some nail polish, and the rest is history.

3. What is your favorite part of blogging? 

I love sharing my nail colors with other people.

4. Who is your favorite polish blogger? 

Well I have a few. Traci (http://www.thetracefacephiles.com/) from the TraceFacePhiles, She is just amazing! And super funny! I would love to see her stash one of these days! :D Then there is Chloe of course! (http://chloesnails.blogspot.com) She is super amazing and I am SO glad she is back! And then there is Jane (http://nailside.blogspot.com/) Her nails are amazing and her designs are so great! I wish I was as talented as she was.

5. Do you follow other types of blogs? If so, who is your favorite? 

Nope, I don't really follow any other blogs.. Except for my friends who blog about normal stuff. :D

Music...

1. Music is a huge passion of mine! Who is your favorite band or artist? 

Ohh! I love music, and I would have to admit, I love Glee! And so, I love most of their songs, I have over 90 of their songs in my Spotify player at the moment.

2. Have you seen them in concert? 

No sadly :( They didn't get up this way during their last tour.

3. What is your favorite song? 

I always have about 10 favorite songs, but at the moment it's : Without you by Lea Michelle, Wonderin' by Toby Mac, Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes and Pumped up Kicks by Foster the People

4. Do you have a favorite album? 

I don't think I do actually at the moment! :D

5. Favorite music genre? 

I like just about everything except for hard core rap, and death metal!

Random...

1. Left or right handed? 

Right Handed.

2. Favorite word or phrase? 

Holy Crap, Good Lord and Gah! Constantly make their way into my vocabulary.

3. Do you dance when no one is looking? 

Yes! I also dance when people are looking.. sometimes at least :P I'm not into Public humiliation!

4. What is your favorite movie? 

Well, I usually have about 10 of those at a time as well, but right now.. I would have to say Tangles, MegaMind and Emperor's New Groove!

5. Are you glad this is the last question (LOL)?! 

Hehe! No! I wish it could have gone on longer!

Behind the Polish: Michelle @ Pretty in Pink Polish

Please welcome Michelle from Pretty in Pink Polish.  Please check out her blog if you have not already!

Behind The Polish : Michelle @ Pretty in Pink Polish

Polish... 

1. When did your love of polish start? 

I've always loved looking at polish, especially on other people. But my own personal addiction began in May 2011 when I saw a post on Zoya's Facebook page by a girl who calls herself Moondancer Jen, and I followed the photo to her blog and read every post that night. I was hooked.

2. Do you remember your first nail polish? If so, what was it? 

Very first ever? Probably. I had a pink and red set from the kids' brand Tinkerbell, and that's the first polish I remember having. The bottles were shaped like triangles and the polish peeled off... but it didn't come out of the carpet, and my sister and I got in trouble for that when we were little.

3. Do you have a favorite brand? Why? 

Zoya. They were having a promo where you could send in your old bottles of anything and get the same number of new bottles for just the cost of shipping. I found out about it around the time I started getting into non-toxic products, and I sent in every polish I had and got about 35 new 3-free bottles of Zoya. My love has grown from there and now I have close to 100.

4. If you could only wear 1 polish for the rest of your life, what would you pick? Why? 

Zoya Michelle. I love Zoya, I love hot pink, it's a gorgeous metallic, and it's my first name. It's absolutely the perfect color for me.

5. Favorite type of polish (creme, holographic, shimmer, etc)? 

I can't pick just one. I love them all. Except foil/flake polish, which I haven't had a lot of experience with.
 

Blogs... 

1. When did you start your blog?  

July 17 2011.

2. Who or what inspired you to start blogging? 

Moondancer Jen, first. Then a lot of other nail polish bloggers, nobody else in particular.

3. What is your favorite part of blogging?

Keeping a record of manicures I've done. Even before I was addicted, I used to take photos of my nails a lot. Now I can see in order, and over time I'll hopefully be able to see how my skills develop.

4. Who is your favorite polish blogger?

Traci from The Trace Face Philes. Words can not express how much I love her.

5. Do you follow other types of blogs? If so, who is your favorite? 

 Blogs that are not polish? Yes, I read a few others. Favorite is OMG... I'm a Mom! (www.theOMGmom.com) because Mandy is hilarious and real, and Mia is a freaking adorable child.

Music... 

1. Music is a huge passion of mine! Who is your favorite band or artist? 

I go through phases with people, not just one favorite. I LOVE Tori Amos. I love Britney Spears. Emerson Drive, who is a country band. Hilary Duff. Lately I'm really liking Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez. I like old rock and roll like Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys.

2. Have you seen them in concert?

I saw Tori Amos in concert when I was 16, and it was one of the most exciting nights of my life.

3. What is your favorite song? 

Again, too many to choose. Lately it's Skyscraper by Demi Lovato. And Who Says? by Selena Gomez. And ooh, Colbie Callait, what's that one about the sun? Brighter Than The Sun? Yeah, that's probably my favorite of this exact moment. But lots, put on a Tori Amos CD like From the Choirgirl Hotel and every time a song comes on I'm like, "This is the best song! No wait, this is my favorite. No this is my favorite, I really mean it!"

4. Do you have a favorite album? 

With Tori, From the Choirgirl Hotel. I love most of her stuff, but I got the first four CDs the same day and listened to all of them, repeating, over and over, for months. I like them all, but FtCH is definitely my favorite. But not by much. :)

5. Favorite music genre? 

Pop/Rock.
 

Random... 

1. Left or right handed? 

Right.

2. Favorite word or phrase? 

I'm a librarian, and I have a degree in English Lit. I don't have a favorite word, I have a zillion favorite words. Literally I can't choose. I can't even choose just a list of several. I can't cut it down to five or ten.

3. Do you dance when no one is looking? 

Yes. And when people are looking. I don't care, I dance all the time.

4. What is your favorite movie?

Sliding Doors, Miss Congeniality, 28 Days, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Stardust... probably more. LOL.

5. Are you glad this is the last question (LOL)?!
No, this is fun!

Behind the Polish: The Nail Junkie

 Behind The Polish: Aleta @ TheNailJunkie.com

Prepare to LOL!  If you have not already checked out her awesome blog, please stop by and give her a follow!

Polish...

1. When did your love of polish start?

I was introduced to polish on my own. So I would say when I was old enough to buy it, I was buying it.

2. Do you remember your first nail polish? If so, what was it?

No, but I remember loving pastel colors.

3. Do you have a favorite brand? Why?

Sinful Colors, Wet n Wild, Pure Ice, Sally Hansen…they are good and cheap. Guilt-free polish purchases!!!

4. If you could only wear 1 polish for the rest of your life, what would you pick? Why?

Red. Because it’s my favorite color and red nails never go out of style.

5. Favorite type of polish (creme, holographic, shimmer, etc)?

Right now I’m into jelly polishes. They are great for layering!

Blogs...

1. When did you start your blog?

A few months ago.

2. Who or what inspired you to start blogging?

Reading blogs. I liked the idea of sharing my nail ideas with other people.

3. What is your favorite part of blogging?

Getting sweet comments from my readers.

4. Who is your favorite polish blogger?

Traci at http://www.thetracefacephiles.com/.. She is my crack dealer. Now if I want a guilty pleasure purchase, I go straight to her. She knows her stuff. I am also obsessed with Robin at http://robinmosesnailart.blogspot.com/ she is my all-time favorite nail artist that I’ve seen and she has a great sense of humor. And everyone who’s followed me for more than ten minutes knows I adore Cutepolish tutorials on Youtube…I will offer bribe money to anyone who can reveal the identity of this amazing mystery nail artist with the soothing voice.

5. Do you follow other types of blogs? If so, who is your favorite?

I like blogs about crafting, cooking, make-up- I have been following a family/style blogger by the name of Natalia at http://www.manouvellemode.com/. She’s really nice and responds to readers’ comments and I think she is absolutely gorgeous!!! I love her style and I have definitely tried to cop a few of her looks.

Music...

1. Music is a huge passion of mine! Who is your favorite band or artist?

I myself am a huge music buff. I can’t say I have a favorite band or artist, but if you turned my iPod on you would hear the most eclectic collection of music ever. I have everything from Phil Collins to Master P. From the Spice Girls to Pearl Jam. I like classic music and I like new music. I like oldies, rap, classic rock, pop, soul, 80’s music and everything in between.

2. Have you seen them in concert?

Sadly I haven’t been to nearly as many concerts as I would like to go to. Too cheap to buy the tickets and now too busy to go.

3. What is your favorite song?

Probably C&C Music Factory “Gonna Make You Sweat”. It makes me want to dance…NOW. LOL!

4. Do you have a favorite album?

Alanis Morisette “Jagged Little Pill”. I wore that tape out!!!(what’s a tape, right?) Listened to it front to back to front again.

5. Favorite music genre?

Probably Hip Hop. I like to dance. Hip Hop beats make me want to move!!!

Random...

1. Left or right handed?

Right

2. Favorite word or phrase?

F*** That’s clearly my favorite word based on its frequency within my vocabulary

3. Do you dance when no one is looking?

Even better…I dance when everyone is looking. LOL!

4. What is your favorite movie?

Scarface.

5. Are you glad this is the last question (LOL)?!

No. I’m sad. Can you send more??

My Private Jet vs Zeus (Pic heavy)

When I first applied Hits "Zeus" it instantly reminded me of the original "My Private Jet" by OPI.  If you missed my guest blog with "Zeus" check it out here @ Ashley Is PolishAddicted!  I was going to apply Zoya "Neeka" today, I decided to get this post up instead...hope you don't mind ;)

I applied 3 coats of each polish with no top coat.  I will tell you at the end which nails have Zeus and which ones have MPJ.

"Zeus" can be purchased @ http://shop.llarowe.com/main.sc.  It is under the collection: Hits No Olimpo.  It is currently out of stock, but fear not Leah Ann is expecting a shipment soon!  You can find an updated status of her expected shipments on the home page of the site.

Hits polishes are not 3 free, I personally do not mind.  Just figured that is important to point out.  Enough talking, lets get on to the pictures.  These were taken under artificial light, as it is a cloudy day here.

There are A LOT of pictures, I was way too excited to share this with all of you! (I look shiney due to the cuticle oil I applied.  I just picked up Sally Hansen Nail Nutrition with green tea and soy cuticle oil.  Perfect for carrying in your handbag!)

Can you tell the difference?  Which nails did you guess had what?  I even showed my boyfriend (yes, way TOO excited.)  He even went "Whoa, that is crazy."  He could not tell a difference either.

Index and Ring: MPJ
Middle and Pinky: Zeus

I hope you enjoyed this comparison!  Do you own either polish?  If not, are you planning on buying "Zeus"?

Essie: Armed and Ready

Today I have for you Essie's "Armed and Ready".   To me "AAR" looks dark brown with a hint of gray and a touch of army green.  It has a subtle warm golden mirco shimmer that can be seen in the sunlight or under artificial light.  It's very similar to Chanel "Paradoxal" and Revlon "Perplex" AKA "Naughty", it looks like a creme on the nails then...BAM a surprise of shimmer.

This polish applied beautifully in 2 coats.  I topped if off with Poshe and snapped some pictures under artificial light.

In the pictures you will seen how the shimmer disappears when the light is not hitting it.

I highly recommend picking this one up!  It is gorgeous and unique to anything I have in my collection.  Essie hit a home run of this one!!

Milani 3D skittles

I decided to skittle the 3 remaining polishes in the Milani 3D Holographic line.  Please excuse my cuticles, I had been swatching different colors and the acetone dried them out.  These were 2 coats each, no top coat.  If I were doing a full mani I'd do 3 coats on the pink and green.  The gold looked great with 2.

Index finger is "3D".  I actually really like this one, it's a gold that looks okay on me.  This has a weaker holo effect than the others.  Still stunning, I recommend it.

Middle finger is "Digital".  The shade of pink kind of reminds me of rose tinted glasses.  Very pretty!

In my opion "Hi-Tech" (green on the ring finger) has one of the best holo effects of the entire collection.  I had a hard time capturing it.  Check out lazybeautiful.com for amazing swatches!

A Franken: Ashley's Awesomesauce (updated)

So Ashley(is Polish Addicted) and I decided to do a mini swap.  I had no idea she was going to include this beauty!!

I decided to name this "Ashley's Awesomesauce".  She also made a gorgeous blue franken, and picked out China Glaze's "Haunting" for me.  She knows me VERY well.  Thanks a million Ash!!

Sadly, red polishes and my camera do NOT get along.  I cannot even show you how pretty this polish is.  The first picture shows in the bottle how pretty this is...too bad I couldn't capture it on my nails :'(

She said these were her first real frankens!  I am honored to be the first to get her creations!

Ashley is nice enough to share the recipe with all of you!

1/2 a bottle of Sinful Colors "Sugar Sugar"
1/2 a bottle of clear coat (color club)
3 scoops of SpectraFlair

That is how Ashley makes this awesomesauce ;)

Milani: HD

As promised, here is Milani's "HD".  "HD" is a gorgeous silver holographic.  Not in your face holo, but definitely awesome in sunlight or under artificial lighting.  I highly recommend this one too, are you surprised? LOL.

I applied 3 coats and topped it off with Poshe.

Milani: Hi-Res

I'd like to start off by saying I took way too many pictures!  I honestly could not stop myself!  "Hi-Res" applied beautifully in 3 coats, like "Cyberspace" it dries pretty quick!  This polish is gorgeous and I highly recommend picking up a bottle next time you see it!!

I really like Milani's polishes and think they did an amazing job on the 3D Holographic collection.  I will be featuring HD next, so I hope you're not sick of holos!

I topped if off with Poshe, which does not dull the holo effect.  The photos were taken under artificial light (it was midnight LOL) and are clickable to enlarge.