Sweet on Strawberry Fields

This past weekend I attended my dear friend's wedding.  The ceremony was beautiful, full of joy and life, goofy and accessible--just like her.  I am so excited and happy for her and her new husband, who's is a wonderful guy, and all that their future holds!
I could not go celebrate with naked nails, especially because there is still some yellow staining that I am working to clean off.  So, with a million things to do before I left, I had to find something simple to cover up with.  I was wearing a green dress, but did not want to match my nails, so I looked for something that would go well with a few outfits.  I settled on my Strawberry Fields, which I had not tried yet, and figured I'd splash on a little Luxe & Lush for an easy accent.  Man o man!

*1 coat Sally Hansen Hard as nails base
*3 thin coats China Glaze Strawberry Fields
*1 thick coat China Glaze Luxe & Lush
*2 coats Health Hoof Lacquer

I am in love with Strawberry Fields!  This is a richer pink than I usually wear, darker and more sedated.  The berry shade seemed like one that would be appropriate with a few different outfits.  I could see the golden shimmer in the bottle, but was not prepared for how clear and gorgeous it would translate on the nail.  In the sun, I cannot take my eyes off of this one!  I was going to stop at 2 thin coats, but there was a bit of nail line visible in the light, so I used a third.  Then, I put a coat of Luxe & Lush on my ring finger.  This flakey shard glitter is so pretty and unique.  I have only used it a couple of times, and always forget how much easier this is to apply than I expect.  There is a little work to get the flakes to fill in like I want, but it's not nearly enough work to turn me off.  I use Healthy Hoof to help even out the flakes and to amp up the shine. 
I am so sad that it has taken me so long to try out this polish!  Strawberry Fields is just amazing and will soon become a go-to for me.  The Luxe & Lush has enough of its own golden tones and reflects the pink well, letting the polish still show through.  I loved this mani and, while I have some extra time and am itching to try something new, I hate to think about taking this one off!

Before I go, I want to tell you about a very generous giveaway that Kaki is offering at Glitter Obsession!  There is a set of 5 China Glaze OMG polishes up for win!  They are amazing and she is being incredibly generous for her 1500 follower giveaway--CONGRATULATIONS!  The giveaway ends 8/15.  "May the odds be ever in your favor!"

Joining the Cult

As I began to read nail blogs, I heard a lot about Cult Nails.  The swatches that I saw were gorgeous, to put it mildly.    I ordered 2 when she had a generous $5 sale.  As soon as I got Captivated and Iconic home, I knew that pictures cannot really do these justice. 
I tried Captivated and loved it on my nails, but that was before I was regularly photographing them or keeping track of coats or anything. I remember that it lasted a really long time, though, without chipping much.
My nails have become rather stained, so when I took off my polish this afternoon, I knew I needed a quick cover up.  Tonight I simply stared into my drawers, waiting for something to call to me. 

*1 coat Yello-Out base coat
*2 coats Icing Teal for Real
*1 coat Cult Nails Hypnotize Me
*1 coat Healthy Hoof Lacquer

Hypnotize Me.  Oh man, will it!  I was worried that my photo skills would not do this enough justice to make it worth posting, but this polish speaks for itself.  I didn't want too many coats of it, so I did two thin coats of Teal for Real.  This was an odd duck.  It is pretty sheer with a teal shimmer in it.  It dries to a satin finish, nearly matte.  I did a second coat and it was much more opaque than I though.  If I wore it alone, I think I might add a third just to be thorough, but I was pleasantly surprised with it.  Then came the magic.

 

Hypnotize Me is gorgeous!  It is a much thicker, goopier formula than I expected for such a fine glitter/shimmer, but I'll get over it.  It has an amazing teal/blue sparkle to it that seems to glow when the light hits it.  Overall the polish looks teal, and Teal for Real was a perfect match, but if you look closely, the glitter looks like a light blue sparkle.  I am afraid to drive to work tomorrow because I am sure I won't be able to take my eyes off of this in the sun!
I tried to get a good picture to capture the glow of this, but I'm not very good with a camera.  You've got to try this one on for yourself.  It really looks like it is lit from within.  The polish is a bit gritty when dry, and I really don't ever go without a topcoat.  I used the Healthy Hoof because it is a shinny, glassy finish and makes sparkles come alive.  It takes longer than Seche Vite to dry, but it's worth it!