PRODUCT REVIEW: ORLY SMOKEY COLLECTION

As I may have mentioned a few times, I am in love with the nail polishes from ORLY, as even for someone hopeless with nail polish the polishes always give a nice result. So I was happy when I was asked to trial the new *ORLY Smokey Collection;

What They Say:

"All ORLY colours are 4 free – free from DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Tolulene. Each ORLY nail lacquer bottle delivers a vibrant, chip resistant formula while the brush glides smoothly on nails without clumping or streaking for maximum impact and colour density."


RRP: $18.95 each (18ml) – Available from select pharmacies and salons and Orly Online

 

What I Say:

 

This new ORLY Smokey collection is a limited edition collection that takes a trip to the dark size with shades and hues that are inspired by an essential and smokey eye. The collection contains six shades which are "reminiscent of secret night time adventures and moonlit city rendezvous."

 

The collection contains a blend of shimmers and crèmes with a mix of matte and gloss finishes.

 

The Collection includes:

 

• Highlight: Grey Crème
• Edgy: Antique Bronze Shimmer
• Darkest Shadow: Black with Red Shimmer
• Brush it On: Rose Bronze Duo Chrome Shimmer
• Blend: Warm Taupe Crème
• Smoked Out Dark Green Matte Shimmer

 

 

All the colours in the collection look amazing, but my only issue is that the collection has been launched here in Australia in the end of August, at the start of spring, and I find the colours more suitable for autumn and winter. However in saying that, I personally also wear darker nail polishes during summer, and I am happy to continue wearing them next autumn and winter too!

 

 

I tried the colours Blend and Highlight, and both colours are stunning. The polishes are easy to apply and even the grey crème which is a light colour goes on smoothly and streak-free and with two coats more than sufficient.

 

 

Used with a top coat, I get about 4 days wear of the nail polish before it starts to wear and chip at the edges, but that is with washing my hands very frequently, and also bathing my little boy nightly so personally I think that is a great wear. And I love ORLY nail polishes not only because they are ‘4-free’, but also because they are so easy to apply evenly and streak-free.

 

  

At $18.95 I find the price for the ORLY polishes very reasonable too, both considering the high quality of the polish, but also considering the large 18ml bottle, which I do believe is one of the biggest on the market!

  

* Products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

 

 

What about you, what do you think of this new range from ORLY? Which colour(s) do you like the most? And what do you think of wearing dark colours during spring and summer?

 

  

 Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |

PRODUCT REVIEW: ORLY BAKED COLLECTION

Today I’d like to share with you a nail polish collection that was launched in the lead up to the Australian summer, the *ORLY Baked Collection;



 

What They Say:

This new ORLY Smokey collection is a limited edition collection is infused with heat treated pigments, speciality micas and minerals. The pigments in the Baked shades are milled to a micro fine particle size and then heat treated at high temperatures to ensure pigment easily disperses into the base. This allows for an ultra-smooth application and maximum colour pay-off, plus Vitamin A, E and B5 to help nourish and protect the nails.

"All ORLY colours are 4 free – free from DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Tolulene. Each ORLY nail lacquer bottle delivers a vibrant, chip resistant formula while the brush glides smoothly on nails without clumping or streaking for maximum impact and colour density."

RRP: $18.95 each (18ml) – Available from select pharmacies and salons and Orly Online

 

What I Say:

 

This Baked collection from Orly features six very bright shades, in a combination of crèmes, glitters and shimmers. The range includes; 

 

• Neon Heat – Bright Fuchsia pink in crème
• Saturated – Dark Purple crème
• Lush – Bright Lime-green glitter
• Ablaze- Neon Red shimmer
• Hot Tropics – Bright Purple shimmer
• Tropical Pop – Neon Orange Crème

 

The polishes have slightly different consistency, probably due to the finish, and especially the Lush, seems to be a bit thinner than the others, so I had to apply three coats for a fairly saturated look, but a fourth coat wouldn’t hurt either, while with the other colours, just two coats were sufficient.

 

Of the six shades in the collection, I prefer Ablaze and Tropical Pop, but that’s probably just because they are so different to any of the colours that I already have!

 

As always, the Orly polishes are very easy to apply thanks to the wide brush, and I love the easy grip lid that sits comfortably in my hand. I also love that the polishes are free from all the chemicals!

 

Used with a top coat, I get about 4 to 5 days wear of the nail polish before it starts to wear and chip at the edges, but I do find that reasonable as I do use my hands a lot during the day, both at the computer keyboard, as well as I wash my hands a lot during the day.

  

All of the colours are so lovely and bright, and perfect for brightening up the nails, especially after a winter of wearing dark clothes!

 

* Products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

 

What about you, what do you think of this new bright Baked range from ORLY? Which colour(s) do you like best?

 

  

 Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |

WINTER CARE FOR HANDS, FEET AND NAILS

When the temperature drops during autumn and winter, so does the humidity in the air outside, while the indoor heating leaves the air drier, with the result that the skin on your body, including your hands and feet and not to mention your nails and hair, are often left dry, dehydrated and looking worse for wear. In a series of posts over the next few weeks I’ll give you my selections and suggestions of products that will help you keep your skin, nails and hair a little bit healthy this winter..

Let’s start with the hands, nails and feet..

 

 

Between having two dogs that both like to give me ‘kisses’ on my hands, and a baby with frequent nappy changes, I wash my hands a lot during the day, which in itself is enough to leave my hands and nails dry. But add to that a baby with a cold, and you’d need to wash your hands even more frequently not to spread the bacteria.

And the best way to care for dry, parched and chapped skin and nails, is simply to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise to replace any moisture that the skin is missing.

 

Dirty Works You Soft Touch Hand Cream*

 

 

 

Dirty Works You Soft Touch Hand Cream has a gorgeous but gentle floral scent and comes in such a cute retro style blue tube, and it is made with cocoa butter and jojoba oil to help nourish and smooth very dry hands. It is thick and creamy, yet it absorbs quickly into the hands leaving the silky soft for hours, even after you next wash your hands. And just $5.95 it is such a bargain too so you can afford to stock up and keep on your desk, in your car, and in your handbag...!

RRP: $5.95/100ml – Available from Coles

 

Molton Brown Desert Bloom Intense Hand Rescue*

 

 

This intense hand rescue is scented with myrrh, which to be quite honest, I cannot recall coming across before, and OMG , it smells absolutely aaaaahmazing, with its fresh fruity and floral scent, - it is so lovely that I cannot stop smelling my hands after use. It contains African desert plant extract helps to lock in moisture, candletree leaf extract to deeply moisturise and help fight UV induced age-spots, myrrh to help improve the appearance of skin and nails (plus add that gorgeous scent!), and shea butter to condition and repair dry and overexposed hands, nails and cuticles. It’s is thick and creamy, yet absorbs rapidly, and although it leaves a protective barrier on the skin, it is in no way greasy or stick, but rather it leaves my skin feeling every so soft and clearly so deeply hydrated, ready to face another cold winters day. This is the first product from Molton Brown I’ve ever tried, and I am so in love, that it definitely won’t be the last!

RRP: $50 (75ml) – Available from Molton Brown and David Jones

 

Orly Rich Renewal Pucker Ultra Hydrating Creme for Hands, Feet and Body*

 

 

This cream is a fantastic multi-tasking product suitable for both hands, feet and body, and it really is ultra hydrating thanks to containing shea and cocoa butter, aloe vera, vitamins E and A, to sooth, condition and revitalise and heal dry and chapped skin and protect it for the harsh and cold winter winds. And even though the cream is so thick, it is a non-greasy formula that is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving behind a fresh and refreshing fruity scent of red grapefruit and papaya. And before you ask, the tube may be small for a body product, but it is seriously concentrated so it will dry areas such as elbows and knees back to being soft and subtle in no time.

RRP: $10.95 (60ml) – Available from Select Stockists

 

Lanolips Intense Rose Hand Balm*

 

 

This Intense Hand Balm from Lanolips is made from 98% natural ingredients and is free from parabens, petrolatum, mineral oils and sulfates. It is based on medical grade lanolin, with added shea butter, cocoa seed butter and wheat germ oil, as well as it has rose flower oil added to add a lovely and natural gentle rose fragrance. As you’d expect from an intense cream, it is very thick in consistency, and it consequently takes a little longer to absorb into the skin than a normal hand cream – but once it has, any signs of dry hands immediately disappear, and my hands are left incredibly soft, and surprisingly, also without feeling greasy, so it is as perfect for use during the day, as it is for applying just before bedtime for an intense treatment for hands and nails while you get some beauty sleep.

RRP: $15.95 (50ml) – Available from Adore Beauty, David Jones, Priceline and select pharmacies

 

And even though it will still be a while until you’ll get your tootsies into open-toed sandals again, don’t neglect your feet – if you look after them during winter, they will be ready for show at the first sign of spring.

 

Scholl Eulactol Heel Balm Gold*

 

 

If your feet are really suffering from neglect, and are rough and dry and your heels are cracked, you cannot go past the Scholl Eulactol Heel Balm Gold. The cream is thick, yet it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving the skin feel greasy, and using it twice a day, you start to see results already after a few days, and soon after your feet are feeling hydrated and soft again, with no cracks in sight. With limited time to file my feet, I really like that it works on its own, and so fast too. And once your baby soft feet have been restored, used just a few times a week, will ensure they stay that way. A pedicure in a tube. Simply too easy!

RRP: $13.49 (60ml) – Available from Supermarkets, Priceline and pharmacies

 

Burt’s Bees Peppermint Foot Lotion*

 

 

Often foot creams are thick and leaves the feet feeling so greasy that you can only use it at night and with a pair of old socks on top. Not with this Peppermint Foot Lotion from Burt’s Bees. The lotion absorbs quickly into the feet without leaving them feeling greasy or tacky so you can get on with your day straight away. It contains among others menthol, witch hazel and peppermint and parsley oils which has a lovely cooling effect on the feet so perfect if you’ve been on your feet all day. It also contains ingredients to help odour at bay, so it's like a deodorant for the feet, yet it moisturises at the same time. And I love that it is made from 100% natural ingredients with absolutely no chemical nasties.

RRP: $24.95/100ml – Available from Department Stores, Priceline and select pharmacies

 

Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Foot Cream*

 

 

I have long been a fan of the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream that I always use as a barrier cream to protect my hands when I am gardening or doing other hands-on work, such as moving house (which I am sadly very experienced at having moved twice already this year!!). And this Norwegian Formula Foot Cream doesn’t fail to impress either. The thick concentrated formula has pleasant gentle scent and instantly delivers long-lasting and intense moisture to dry feet and cracked heels, making them feel softer all day long. It has a slightly greasy formula, which makes it perfect to use before bedtime with an old pair of socks, but the effort is worth it as the next morning you wake to the softest and smoothest feet you’ve ever seen.

RRP: $7.99/56g – Available from Supermarkets, Priceline and select pharmacies

 

And while you’re giving your hand some moisture, don’t forget to also rub some into your cuticles and nails on both your hands and feet, as nails are also prone to being dry, breaking and flaking during winter.

 

Scout Cosmetics 5-Free Nail Polishes*

I admit it, I like dark clothes, and have A LOT of it. Many of them classic pieces that I use season after season and simply update with accessories. One of the things that is sure to brighten up a dull outfit, is some colourful nails, and the nail polishes Scout Cosmetics are a fantastic option. At the moment I am really loving these berry shades, including Walk of Life and Never Tear Us Apart, and you can never get too much of a classic French manicure using Just Like Heaven. They are not just  3-free like so many other nail polishes, they take it a step further and are 5-Free Nail Polishes containing no potentially harmful ingredients including Formaldehyde, DBP, Toluene, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor or Parabens.



Scout Cosmetics Nail Polish in Never Tear Us Apart

These days I rarely apply nail polish during the day when I am home alone with our little boy, as even when he is down for a nap, it would be my luck to just have applied nail polish for him to wake up needing a cuddle. But these polishes from Scout do make it possible as they are so quick and easy to apply streak-free and dry pretty quickly too. And the finish is salon quality with an amazing intense colour and high gloss, and by using the Scout Dual Top and Base Coat, you’ll not only get extra shiny nails, but also a good wear of 5+ days from your manicure.

RRP: $19.95 (12ml) – Available from Scout Cosmetics

 

So there you have it, these are my choices for keeping hands, feet and nails in top condition this winter…

 *These products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

Have you tried any of these products? Do your hands and nails suffer during winter? Which products do you reach for?

PRODUCT REVIEW: LUST HAVE IT JUNE 2014

The other day the *Lust Have It June box arrived at my door step, here are my thoughts; 

 

What They Say:

Lust Have It boxes regularly contains products worth $60+ for only $19.95/month! Monthly box filled with 5 to 6 premium beauty samples. Delivered to your home or work each month for you to try.

RRP: Lust Have It Box (monthly) RRP: $19.95, Eco Box (quarterly) RRP: $29.95 – but if you use my unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website, you are eligible for $5 off your first box from Lust Have It, and at the same time you’ll also be supporting Beauty & Lifestyle Hunter, as I will get a few dollars too if someone subscribes using this code.

Available from Lust Have It

 

What I Say:

Like last month’s box the June goodie arrived in a clear makeup bag, and this is what was in the June Lust Have It Box..

 

 

 

Teeez Trendy Cosmetics Head over Heels Nail Lacquer – Full Size (RRP: $18/7ml)
 

The boxes this month come with either the nail polish or an eye pencil, but as I’ve got plenty black eye liners, I am happy with this nail polish in the colour Atomic Dragonfly which is a metallic dark navy blue with a high gloss finish. I haven’t got that colour in my collection, so it is a nice addition.

 

John Plunkett Glyco Peel - Full Size (RRP: $29.95/15ml)

 

I have already tried this peel (see my review here), but as I really like, and have literally just finished it up and considered buying a new one, this couldn’t have been better timing. Of course it would have been nice with another product new to me, but on the other hand, my purse is thanking me for not having go buy a new one.

 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo – Sample, 3ml – (RRP: $27.95/40ml)

 

This is another product that I’ve already tried (see my review here), and while I really like this, and use it when my skin is playing up and breaking out, again, there was no real excitement when I saw this product. But in saying that the small tube will be handy to take with me when I hopefully go overseas a little later in the year..

 

Orly Nail File – Full Size (RRP: $1.65) and Orly Toe Separators Full Size (RRP: $4.95)

These nail files and toe separators are always handy to have at hand – and even more so right now that I’ve just moved house and haven’t yet managed to locate all my ‘necessities’.  

Nuxe Creme Nirvanesque and Nuxe Creme Nirvanesque Eye Contour – Samples, 2ml each (RRP: $49.95/50ml and $44.95/15ml)
.

These products are intended for men and women under the age of 40 who are starting to see the first expression lines….so unfortunately however much I hate to admit it, but I am a tad too old for these products!! In saying that, I do look forward to testing them out, especially the eye cream which promises to help reduce dark circles under the eyes.

Hello Fresh - $30 Voucher

 

These Hello Fresh vouchers have been floating around a lot in different boxes and I have a few already, and as you can only use one per household, unfortunately I cannot use them all. But in saying that, this particular voucher will be the ONE I will be using, as I’ve just moved house and have no idea yet where I’ve got the other ones, but once I find them, I will be sure to pass them onto some friends. The concept is fantastic as Hello Fresh basically gives you the recipes and delivers all the necessary ingredients right to your door. So a fantastic way of trying something new for dinner, and with no shopping! How good is that!

So there you have it, these are the goodies in the June Lust Have It Box, and I am quite happy with the contents, but have to admit that I am not as impressed as I was with the May box.

In terms of value, as I was going to repurchase the John Plunkett Glyco Peel, which has a value of $29.95, it is certainly worthwhile, and all the other products are just a bonus. I will enjoy using the Teeez nail polish, and the Orly nail accessories will also be handy, and the cream samples from La Roche Posay and Nuxe certainly won’t go astray either. 

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

If you are considering subscribing, don’t forget that you can get $5 off your first box by using the unique code LIFESTYLE at the checkout on the Lush Have It website.

 

What do you think of this month’s Lust Have It Box? Are you subscribing, or considering subscribing? Any products you are particularly keen on? And as always, if you’d like to see full reviews of any of the products, do let me know..

Product Review: ORLY Secret Society Collection with Swatches

As I may have mentioned a few times, I am in love with the nail polishes from Orly, as even for someone hopeless with nail polish the polishes always give a nice result. So I was happy when I was asked to trial the new *Orly Secret Society Collection;

What They Say:

"All ORLY colours are 4 free – free from DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Tolulene. Each ORLY nail lacquer bottle delivers a vibrant, chip resistant formula while the brush glides smoothly on nails without clumping or streaking for maximum impact and colour density."

 

RRP: $23.95 (4 x 5.4ml) – Available from select pharmacies and from ORLY Online.
 

What I Say:

You may remember that I told you about a new Secret Society nail polish collection from Orly a few months ago. The Secret Society a collection includes a rich palette of bold and seductive tones, while offering a variety of finishes - from shimmers to a crème and even glitters.

Well now they have released the collection in mini kit which includes four 5.4ml bottles of new season colours, including Risque Encounter (bright red crème), Voyeuristic Adventure (taupe foil shimmer), Masked Ceremony (charcoal holographic glitter) and Macabre Masquerade (midnight blue glitter).

L-R: Risque Encounter , Masked Ceremony,
Voyeuristic Adventure, and Macabre Masquerade

I love Orly nail polishes not only because they are ‘4-free’, but also because they are so easy to apply evenly and streak-free.

Some polishes require three coats for a decent coverage, but I find that all Orly polishes only need two coats for a full coverage.

 

L-R: Risque Encounter , Masked Ceremony,
Voyeuristic Adventure, and Macabre Masquerade

 

Used with a top coat, I get about 4 days wear of the nail polish before it starts to wear and chip at the edges. But in that connection it is also important to mention that I do wash my hands a lot during the day having two large two dogs living inside, and not to mention changing countless nappies each day on our 4 month old baby boy. So if you don’t use your hands and wash them as much as I do, I am sure you can get a longer wear from the polishes.  

Removing nail polish is very easy, although it takes a little longer with the Macabre Masquerade and Masked Ceremony, but I think that is pretty standard for nail polishes with glitter particles – but again, that is nothing an extra turn with the nail polish remover wont fix.

 

What I Like:

• Great value
• The mini bottles are a great way of experiencing more colours
• A nice variety of colours in the pack
• Easy to apply evenly and streak free
• The polishes are free from DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Tolulene

What I Don’t Like

• The glitter polishes are a little tricky to remove

At $23.95 for four mini bottles, I personally find this mini kit great value. A full sized bottle is normally priced at $18.95, but I rarely – actually I don’t think I’ve ever finished up a nail polish, so I love that this smaller and cheaper price allows you to have more colours. I love all the four the colours in the kit, but love Risque Encounter, which is such a gorgeous bright red, and Masked Ceremony, a classy charcoal with just a subtle hint of glitter.

The mini kit is also a fantastic stocking filler for Xmas, which by the way is just over two months away... I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed receiving one of these packs.

* Products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

What about you, what do you think of this new range from ORLY? Which colour(s) do you like the most? And what do you think of wearing bright colours during winter?

 

Industry News: ORLY launches the Limited Edition Surreal Nail Lacquer Collection

Like most girls, I love nail polishes, and even more so when they come from Orly, so I’m excited to be able to share the news of ORLY’s new spring collection, the Surreal Collection.

A digitally saturated palette, the six-piece collection includes bold duo-chromatic shimmers, soft crèmes and bold hues. A truly rich collection of ethereal and electric tones, these bold shades can transform your manicure from the real to a world of fantasy.

The six magical shades in the Surreal Collection include:

 

Purple Poodle: Fuchsia duo-chrome shimmer

Digital Glitter: Metallic duo-chrome glitter

Angel Rain: Light blue duo-chrome

Pink Waterfall: Pink crème

Teal Unreal: Teal crème

Pixi Powder: Light purple and gold shimmer

ORLY Australia Ambassador and celebrity manicurist, Fiona Hay says: "This collection is a twist on your favourite nail lacquer shades with a variety of finishes. With its iridescent metallics and bold statement colours, each colour in Surreal adds an electric edge to your spring manicure or nail art design."

 

 

I love that all ORLY nail lacquers are 4 free – free from DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Tolulene, and that they are always so easy to apply without streaks – even for someone as clumsy as me!

The new Orly Surreal collection is available in November 2013 will have a RRP of $18.95 each and be available from select pharmacies and from ORLY Online.

I love the look of these new Surreal polishes, and especially love the look of the Angel Rain and Teal Unreal, and….

What about you, what do you think of this new range from ORLY? Which colours do you like the most?

 

Product Review and NOTD - ORLY What’s the Password?

ORLY’s limited edition winter collection of nail polishes, Secret Society features a rich palette of bold and seductive tones, in a variety of finishes - from shimmers to a crème and glitters, radiating glamour and sophistication. Here are my thoughts on the *ORLY What’s the Password?

 

What They Say:

"All ORLY colours are 4 free – free from DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Tolulene. Each ORLY nail lacquer bottle delivers a vibrant, chip resistant formula while the brush glides smoothly on nails without clumping or streaking for maximum impact and colour density."

RRP: $18.95 – Available from ORLY Online and select pharmacies and beauty salons.

What I Say:

The Secret Society limited edition collection includes six gorgeous shades, ranging from midnight blue, red, charcoal, and taupe. Here I am trialling ORLY What’s the Password?

As I have mentioned numerous times now, I really love ORLY nail polishes, and the fact that they are ‘4-free’, and that they are so easy to apply streak-free and they dry so fast too. I am not the greatest at applying nail polish, and the second after I’ve finished applying a coat, I’ve usually forgotten about it, and start doing something, smearing it!!

The black lid/handle of the nail polish is a ribbed rubber finish stopping it from sliding and it sits nicely in the hand while you paint your nails. The actual brush is good quality, and is wide so just three strokes is more than sufficient to cover the nail with polish.

What’s the Password? Is a gorgeous burnt orange with golden shimmer – perfectly matching the winter fashion, but it will look just as great in summer with tanned hands and feet!

When I first applied the polish, it applied very thinly, and I expected that at least three coats would be needed, but it turned out that two coats were more than sufficient to get a full coverage.

 

 

As with other ORLY nail polishes, when I use a top coat as well, I can wear What’s the Password? For about 4 days wear before it starts to wear and chip at the edges. But that is using my hands  lot, and washing my hands gazillions of times during the day having two large two dogs living inside, and now also having a newborn and changing nappies up to a dozen times a day!

Removing nail polish with glitter particles is usually a little tricky, and What’s the Password? is no different. Removing the actual polish is easy, but my hands and nails are left with small shimmer particles all over, and it takes an extra turn with the nail polish remover to get rid of these.

What’s the Password? Is such a unique and warm colour, and unlike anything I already have, and while I am not usually a big fan of glittery polishes, What’s the Password? is shimmery, yet it still very elegant and tasteful.

* Products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

What about you, what do you think of What’s the Password? What colours have you been wearing on your nails during winter? And do you like glittery nail polishes?

           

Product Review and NOTD - ORLY Harmonious Mess and Atomic Splash

A little while ago ORLY launched the MASH UP! and Flash Glam Winter Collections of nail polishes for winter. Unlike the usual winter collections where bright colours are stored away, and the dark, sombre and dull colours come out, the MASH UP! Collection is a collection of bright shades, while the Flash Glam Winter Collection helps take any manicure from drab to fab! Here are my thoughts on the colours *ORLY Harmonious Mess and Atomic Splash;

What They Say:

"All ORLY colours are 4 free – free from DBP, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin and Tolulene. Each ORLY nail lacquer bottle delivers a vibrant, chip resistant formula while the brush glides smoothly on nails without clumping or streaking for maximum impact and colour density."

RRP: $18.95 – Available from ORLY Online and select pharmacies and beauty salons

What I Say:

The MASH UP! collection includes six daring shades, here I am trialling Harmonious Mess. The Flash Glam Winter Collection contains six eye catching glittery shades, and here I am trialling the Atomic Splash.

As I have previously mentioned, I really love ORLY nail polishes, and the fact that they are ‘4-free’, and that they are so easy to apply (even for someone like me who is not the biggest wiz at applying nail polish), without streaking, and that they dry so fast too, as I am also a little impatient when it comes to it to dry!

The lid/handle of the nail polish is rubber finish so it not only sits nicely in the hand while you paint your nails, it also stops it from sliding, and the brush is nice and wide so just a few strokes is enough to cover the nail with polish.

The Harmonious Mess is described as a Lavender Crème colour, and it truly is a lovely pale lavender shade. Very suitable for spring, but just as lovely to brighten up a typical dark Melbournian winter wardrobe!!

 

 

 

And in spite of this colour being so pale, it really does apply nicely and without streaks – unlike many other brands where you have to apply layer upon layer of the pale colours, and yet you can still not get an even look. In this picture I am wearing just two coats!

 

The Atomic Splash is a Gunmetal Glitter, which comes in a clear polish. This means that it can be used on its own – Orly recommends layering three to four coats until the nail is completely covered and finish off with a topcoat to make the glitter particles shine even more!

 

I am yet to try the Atomic Splash on its own, but have here tried adding just one coat on top of the Harmonious Mess, which completely change the look of the manicure. You of course can add several coats if you prefer more glitter, but I found it sufficient with just the one coat.

 

 

Normally I get approx. 4 days wear from an ORLY nail polish when I wear a top coat, but that is also considering that I do wash my hands a lot during the day having two dogs living inside, and now also having a newborn, and well, I still spend some time on the computer keyboard which is not exactly a manicure’s best friend either. However, with two coats of Harmonious Mess, one coat of Atomic Splash coat, and finished off with a topcoat, I did find that I got almost 6 days wear from the nail polish.  

Overall I like these two polishes. Normally I would keep such pale colours as Harmonious Mess to spring time, but I am surprised at how much I have enjoyed seeing this springtime colour on my fingers on a very cold and wet Melbourne day – while I have been daydreaming of warmer weather soon to come.

As for the glittery Atomic Splash, normally I am quite conservative and don’t like too much glitter, but again, I have to say that it has been a nice change from a ‘plain’ polish, and I like that this glitter can be added on top of any colour according to preference. I will definitely play around with adding it on top of other colours, already have plans for other combinations, so stay tuned..

* Products were kindly provided for consideration, and have been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

What about you, what do you think of these colours from ORLY? And what do you think of the lavender with the silver glitter on top? What do you think of wearing pastel colours during winter? And do you like glittery nail polishes?