Review: Hema Matte Top Coat

Hi guys! Today's post will most likely only interest you if you're from The Netherlands or Belgium.. A while ago the Dutch store called Hema released a matte top coat. I know a lot of people prefer buying from brick and mortar stores, so I can imagine a lot of people were very delighted with the arrival of this top coat! I did a comparison of matte top coats a while ago, but today I will discuss this particular one.

How about it?

What's really making me happy, is the price. This top coat costs only €2.50 for 11ml. The price is comparable to the P2 Matte Top Coat. But I think it's so much better! Where the P2 top coat leaves a satin finish, the Hema top coat does a great job at mattifying. It still isn't as matte as China Glaze's Matte Magic or Essie's Matte About You, but it's definitely more matte than satin. And not totally unimportant: the application is superb, it's easily applied since it's not thick or streaky. I even prefer it over Matte Magic, since that one thickened up so fast. It will start to wear down around the edges after a day or 2/3, but for this price, I'm not complaining!

The transformation from gloss to matte isn't as fast as I'm used to, but it's doing a great job nonetheless. In the picture below you can see the effect the Hema Matte Top Coat has on several types of finishes. Not bad huh?

Hema cosmetics are also cruelty free, big plus. I don't even know if Essie's Matte About You still is, since Essie is owned by L'Oreal these days..
This top coat will be in stores till the 4th of October this year, so if you're planning on picking one up, please make sure you do this before this date!

Have you tried this top coat? What are your thoughts?

Have a Ball!!

It is the Summer Solstice today!! when I think of summer, I think of the beach, even if I never go there. :-D (this skin doesn't like sunlight, trust me :-P) So today's nails are a beach-themed design, with bright primary colored beach balls on each finger. :-D So whoop it up, summer is officially here, pull out your bikinis and go out and 'have a ball'!

I used Sally Hansen Professional Lavender Cloud as a base with China Glaze Salsa for the red, Pure Ice French Kiss for the blue, and American Apparel Manila for the yellow. For the shading on the white, I used a mixture of Sally Hansen Professional Lavender Cloud and Pure Ice French Kiss, for the shading on the red and blue, I just added American Apparel Hassid to the base color, and for the shading on the yellow, I used Zoya Jancyn. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat for that shiny vinyl feel. :-D

Wood You?

First off, Happy Father's Day!! :) When I think of my dad, I think of the garage, and mainly woodworking. In fact, he taught me how to woodwork!! :) He is one of those people that can make anything and fix anything, I've given him a sketched out drawing more than once, and he has figured out how to create it, and he has fixed more things around the house (and my old cars) than I can count...he and my grandpa were very much the same in that respect, and although my grandpa has passed, today's nails are dedicated to both him as well as my dad. :)

I used MAC In the Buff as a base, with Zoya Dea applied with Bundle Monster plate BM16. For the saw blades, I used China Glaze Millennium, mixed with American Apparel Hassid to shade, and American Apparel Cotton to highlight. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Conservative office manicures

Hello my Sweet Nail Art Lovers.
I miss you all so much, and i am so excited right now, writing this post.
Today i will post you manicures that wore during the first week of my new job. Well it is pretty conservative, but however looked perfect in the office environment. And those gorgeous colors are from Essie Resort Collection - i love it. The last manicure is a clone of my San Francisco manicure from last summer, but done on shorter nails. I really love the combination of morrow shine chrome polish and bright details. So what do you think? Woukd those nails be apropriate for your office?

Essence The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Makeup Collection for Summer 2010

Normally I don't really post news regarding upcoming collections, because I'm aaaalways the last to find out and I don't want to be redundant. I don't think this collection has gotten too much attention yet, so I wanted to let you know about Essence's upcoming summer collection: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Makeup Collection.

This collection doesn't really strike me as a typical summer collection but I'm all up for dark colors! I'm pretty sure a lot of Twilight fans would embrace these products as well, really clever marketing ;-). The collection is Limited Edition and will be in stores between July and August. Hopefully this line will be available in The Netherlands too! - This collection isn't coming to The Netherlands either..

I know a lot of you probably are mostly interested in nail polish, but these other products look pretty cool too! For instance, baked eyeshadow by Essence, can't wait!

Duo Baked Eyeshadow

"For those unforgettable moments when a mysterious look can determine everything. The versatile duo baked eyeshadow with its unique texture can be applied dry or moist – depending on the desired intensity – and guarantees and exciting eye make-up effect. Available in 3 color combinations."

Glitter Eye Pencil

"A seductive shimmer to make your eyes shine. With a sponge applicatior to create magical smokey eyes, the glitter eye pencil is the perfect finishing touch for your awesome Twilight make-up. Available in 2 mysteriously dark shades."

Shimmer Powder

"A silvery sparkle that makes your face and body shine like Alice Cullen in the sunlight. The Essence make-up collection shimmer powder is an absolute must-have for fateful summer nights.

Lip Gloss

"Intoxicating red, deep black and the crimson colors of sunset – the romantic Essence make-up collection lip gloss is super-seductive with fascinating metallic effects and a beguiling scent. Available in 4 colors."

Nail Polish

"Enchanting shades ranging from the gentle grey of the moonlight to intense, fateful red conjure the colors of twilight to your nails and touch your senses. Guaranteed to last until dawn – and much longer! Available in 5 colors."

What are your thoughts on this collection? Passe or perfect?

Honestly, I think these polishes are a bit dull.. nothing we haven't seen before, but I'm curious to see the darkest of the bunch. I'm also interested in the eyeshadows, I wonder how pigmented they are, can't wait to find out!

And on a more personal note: yes, I haven't been posting at all last week. Sometimes life just gets in the way ;-). I also got a lot of emails so I didn't really had the time for blogging.. If you still haven't gotten a reply, please bear with me!

Edit:
Click here for swatches at www.parokeets.com

Source: Information and photo credits go to www.chicprofile.com

You've Got a Friend in Me

Going to the movies tonight- to see TOY STORY 3!!!! :-D Woo!! A couple of days ago, a reader (Anonymous) requested that I have a go at Toy Story nails, and I figured today would be a perfect day to do them!! I did one of my favorite characters (the alien(s)), but I couldn't do my other favorite (the Dinosaur- I want the toy that goes RAARRRRRRRRR! when you push the button soooo bad! It seriously makes me laugh so hard) Anyway, I did the logo, Mr Potato Head, the martian dude, Buzz and the bottom of Woody's boot where Andy wrote his name.

Also- I went out to lunch with some of my girls today, we're all from Michigan originally, and we went to Detroit Motor City Coney here in Vegas, they had Faygo, Vernor's, Made Rite Chips, and Detroit style Coney dogs!!! If you live in Vegas, I highly recommend a visit- it's like being home, and they even list 'POP' on the menu instead of the dreaded 'SODA' word. ;) (you midwest folk will understand what I'm talkin' about)

I used:

Thumb: Logo
OPI What's With the Cattitude? as a base, with Sally Hansen Professional Lavender Cloud for the clouds and as a base for the logo. For the yellow of the lettering, I used American Apparel Manila for the dark blue outline, I used Pure Ice French Kiss and for the red, I used China Glaze Salsa.

Index: Mr. Potato Head

OPI Ginger Bells as a base, with a mixture of CND Electric Orange and American Apparel Manila for the nose, highlighted with a mixture ofCND Electric Orange and Sally Hansen Professional Lavender Cloud. For the eyes, I used Sally Hansen Professional Lavender Cloud and OPI Ginger Bells for the eyelids, shaded with American Apparel Hassid. I also used American Apparel Hassid for the pupils of the eyes, the eyebrows, and the mustache. For the mouth I used China Glaze Salsa.

Middle: Alien/Martian

I used OPI Who the Shrek Are You? as a base, with Sally Hansen Professional Lavender Cloud for the eyes, shaded with a mixture of Sally Hansen Professional Lavender Cloud and American Apparel Hassid, with American Apparel Hassid also used for the pupil. For the shading around the eye, I used a mix of OPI Who the Shrek Are You? and Pure Ice French Kiss. For the shading on the mouth, I used a mix of OPI Who the Shrek Are You? and American Apparel Hassid, I also used American Apparel Hassid for the mouth opening. I used a mix of OPI Who the Shrek Are You? and Sally Hansen Professional Lavender Cloud for the highlight on the mouth, and then used American Apparel Malibu Green for the background, with ALDO Got Grapes? for the collar.

Ring: Buzz Lightyear

MAC Abalone Shell as a base, with Sally Hansen Professional Lavender Cloud for the eyes and mouth, mixed with Pure Ice French Kiss for the irises of the eye. For the shading on the face, I used a mixture of MAC Abalone Shell, American Apparel Hassid, and Zoya Dea. I also used Zoya Dea for the eyebrows. For the cheeks, I used a mixture of MAC Abalone Shell and Salsa, and on the far right of the nail, I used ALDO Got Grapes? for the purple head thing he wears.

Pinky: Woody's boot

Zoya Dea as a base, with one coat of OPI Ginger Bells over it. For the writing, I used a mix of Zoya Dea and American Apparel Hassid.

Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat

Also, my eyeballs today. (All MAC) Blue Peep as a base, with Mutiny pigment, Tempting e/s in the crease, and Ostentatious to line, with Teddy on the wasterline.

Holographic Cat

Today's nails aren't terribly inspired, but I love them even more than I thought I would. Someone on Twitter (I think it was the person behind @SecheVite) that their weekend manicure was China Glaze TMI, which made me think about how I could use the China Glaze holographic polishes that I adore. I came up with this: a simple colorful twist on a freehanded leopard print. I hope you ike it as much as I do! This looks sooooo cool in the sun, and unfortunately every single picture I tried to take of it turned out looking semi blurry. *ARGH*

I used China Glaze OMG as a base with China Glaze TMI for the blobs, and China Glaze DV8 for the turquoise outlines of the 'blobs'. :-P I used Seche Vite top coat to top everything off. :-D

Good thing I'm not allergic to nail polish cat fur, because I sure am allergic to real cat fur! :-P

of pink and ribbons..

Did both sets for brides to be who love ribbons and pink. :D

Baby pink ribbons on pink gel tips. This is gel overlay on her natural nails. Quite long eh? *envy*

Sweeeeet and love!

A fairly short set of nail extension cos her nail bed is not very long. Well, the most important thing is it still looks pretty on her!

Mini white ribbons and crystals added on to the pink glitter base!

of pink and ribbons..

Did both sets for brides to be who love ribbons and pink. :D

Baby pink ribbons on pink gel tips. This is gel overlay on her natural nails. Quite long eh? *envy*

Sweeeeet and love!

A fairly short set of nail extension cos her nail bed is not very long. Well, the most important thing is it still looks pretty on her!

Mini white ribbons and crystals added on to the pink glitter base!

purple and pink marble gel art!

Just one more pic. I know it looks blue but it's purple!! Glitter purple and hot pink. Nice. Loveeee!