Colors
JINsoon Botanical Flowers Spring 2013 Nail Polish Review & Swatches
With the launch of her eponymous nail polish line, JINsoon, Jin Soon Choi has become one of the leading ladies of lacquer. Known as a sought-after Editorial Manicurist, Jin has an eye for fashion and color that is reflected in her work in both print and runway.
I met Jin through a mutual friend and I’ve come to find that she is one of the hardest-working, humblest people in the beauty biz. In the midst of the craziness that is backstage at New York Fashion Week, she always greets me warmly with smiles and hugs. Plus, she, and our friend Heather Park, introduced me to the deliciousness of Korean BBQ. It was on one of those outings that she mentioned wanting to start her own nail polish line and I couldn’t be happier that she made her dream come to fruition.
Launched last fall, the JINsoon line consists of six permanent Quintessential shades in classic colors of red, pink and nude but it’s the seasonal trend hues in the A La Mode collection that speak to my non-traditional, color-loving heart. For Spring 2013, the shades are inspired by Botanical Flowers.
“Botanical flowers is a reflection of my love for the arts and background in high fashion,” says Jin Soon Choi. “The vivid pigments that I discovered during a visit to Monet’s Garden exhibit at the New York Botanical Gardens influenced my new colors.”
Continue Reading »
Mariah Carey for OPI Spring 2013 Nail Polish Collection Swatches & Review
I’m a girl of the Mariah Carey generation. I remember wearing OUT a tape (yes, I said tape) of “Vision of Love” as a teen. I was deeply in my grunge phase when Daydream released yet I was the first one on the dance floor when “Fantasy” came on. One of my best friends in high school had Mariah Carey hair and I was beyond jealous. Even more-so when she straightened it. I mean, WHY? Hell, I still envy Mariah’s curls decades later. So when OPI announced a collaboration with the iconic diva, my curiosity was piqued.
What I wasn’t expecting was to see the emerging trend of texture polishes in Mariah Carey for OPI. I think of Mariah as a pretty classic nail girl which is why this collection is divided into two sections; The Studio Shades (ie traditional) and The Stage Shades (aka Liquid Sand). Let’s take a look…
Continue Reading »
Mani Monday – Art Deco Nail Art with China Glaze for Jump Back Ball 22
Saturday night, the boyfriend and I headed downtown to Cleveland’s Playhouse Square for the 22nd Annual Jump Back Ball and we had a blast. At least what I can remember of it. I may have mixed wine, beer and liquor and that just may have resulted in a slightly fuzzy memory of the night not to mention the worst hangover ever, oy! Lesson learned… eat more prior and HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE.
Regardless of my alcohol intake, mistakes were made, I had a fabulous time with my boyfriend and friends at what is one of the best parties in Cleveland. And thanks to all of your fantastic suggestions, I rocked a manicure worthy of a Penny from Happy Endings “ah-MAH-zing.”
Continue Reading »
Get Your Shine On with A Very Colourfoil Manicure from Ciaté
In recent history, no manicure I’ve worn has garnered more compliments or sparked more nail conversations than the Very Colourfoil Manicure from Ciaté. Over the course of a week I had no less than five strangers inquire about my look in addition to friends who asked about it.
With the 80s resurgence we’re seeing, like the fact that perms are coming back (say it isn’t so!), it’s no wonder foils are having a moment. They started making their comeback at NYFW Spring/Summer 2011 when Celebrity Manicurist Pattie Yankee used them at Cushnie et Ochs and now, thanks to Ciaté, they are finding their way into the mainstream.
It’s funny, when I first heard of the foil nail art kit, I thought it sounded like a waste. I mean, why wouldn’t you just go out and buy nail foils on your own, right? Well, what I found out through my convos is, the majority of people either aren’t hip to the availability of nail foil or don’t want to hunt down the components individually. For the same reason that I love an eye shadow palette over putting together individual shades, lots of people prefer a kit that contains everything you need to create a look.
Continue Reading »
Calling All Creatives – Jump Back Ball Manicure Ideas Needed
I’ve never done a meme before but, if I did the “Things you don’t know about me” one, I would share that I never went to my prom. I know, it’s not earth shattering but considering that prom was such a big deal at my school, I did feel like quite the oddball for skipping out.
Truth be told, I was just too focused on school and activities to care about having a boyfriend. And going with a guy friend seemed pointless. Instead I road-tripped with a friend whose boyfriend was in college, to visit a mutual friend at my future college, University of Cincinnati. Hitting up campus parties and making out with random, hot college men was definitely more fun.
Anyway, since I never went to a high school prom, I like to think of Playhouse Square’s annual Jump Back Ball as adult prom. You may remember that I attended for the first time last year and it was an absolute blast. JBB is one of the biggest and best benefits in Cleveland and it’s this Saturday.
That’s where you come in. I’m having the worst time trying to decide on a manicure concept and I’m desperate for your help.
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
