OPI Summer Flutter

OPI have nailed-it again by releasing  Summer Flutter;  four delectable summery shades for the brighter days ahead…The four happy shades are, from L to R: Flower to Flower, Flit a Bit, Wing It and Catch Me in Your Net! I am having trouble selecting a fave, however, the jewel tone of Catch Me in Your Net is gorgeous with two coats; the glittery teal colour reminds me of a mermaids tail! Perfect for days spent swimming in the ocean…

OPI Catch Me in Your Net rrp: $19.95

 OPI nail shades, rrp: $19.95 each and are available from David Jones stores nationwide

I have mentioned previously my mad love for foil nails by name of ‘Minx‘; I now have news of nail art along similar lines! Blixz nails follows the same concept of foil application and has recently just arrived on Australian shores. I am yet to try, so I can’t tell you whether it works as effectively as Minx. Fingers crossed I will get to review really soon!

Kate showcasing Blixz

Some of the featured designs...

For further info and stockists check ou: www.blixz.com.au

Zoya Ultra Glitter Collection Nail Lacquers rrp: $17

Add a little bit of dazzle to your day with a coat of instant sparkle sauce to your fingertips. The Zoya Ultra Glitter nail polish collection offers 3 showy shades including Luna (silver), Astra (baby pink) and Nova (fuschia).  Zoya nail polishes are ultra long-wearing, have a unique glossy formula and are free of nail-polish-nasties (toulene, formaldehyde and DBP). These shades work perfectly as a top coat on a matching colour polish, or on their own (you need to apply around 3 coats to achieve full-on sparkle).

For more information on Zoya check out: www.artofbeauty.com.au

Oooh I have an exciting new discovery from Nail land to share!  Whilst on vacay in London, I came across a talon treasure by name of ‘Minx‘. It all started when I noticed some super sexy nails on Samantha in SATC2; check out the scene where  she is sitting poolside and pimping out the most delightful shiny gold nails. I was intrigued as to what the polish could be since it’s more of a mirror-like, flashy finish- not your ordinary metallic paint! As luck would have it, a few days later I spotted a girl on the tube sporting the exact nails, my stalking tactics served me well and I was able to catch her up and make my enquiry. The lady in question was more than happy to share her special nail secret and pointed me in the direction of  the über cool WAH Nails in the basement of Topshop (Oxford Circus) where I scheduled an appointment straight away! I discovered that the gold talons are not the result of a magical shiny polish, but are in fact delivered by a foil coating called Minx.

 There are a number of delightful foil designs to choose from (you can check out some designs on the WAH blog!) but I opted for the classic gold. The application takes about 30mins and is well worth the $40 (aprox!) fee. Mine have lasted for over a week now (you can maintain them by painting clear polish over the tips) and I’ve received lots of compliments! They are quite bling so my advice is to tone down accessories and outfit choices so they look classy as opposed to tacky!

What do you think?

You can check out the WAH website for more designs at: www.wah-nails.com and see www.minxnails.com to locate a salon in Australia (at the moment it only looks like they are available in QLD but I am going to do some investgating so will keep you updated!).

I have just been sent the delightful ORLY Sweet Collection and must report that I am absolutely thrilled to have finally got my hands on this brand, which has been on my radar for a long while. The collection showcases cute candy coloured shades of polish including (from L to R-above)  Pixy Stix, Lollipop, Lemonade, Gumdrop, Cotton Candy and Snowcone. I am loving all the colours in this set but i’m already developing a soft spot for Cotton Candy; a versatile, pale pink creme colour, which goes with every outfit combo. The colours have a rich pigment formula, which means you get the exact shade when you pop the paint on your pinkies! And as if this wasn’t enough, each polish comes with an additional mini-matching-lipgloss with the delicious scent of the shade name…awesome! I’m certain these polishes will be on high rotation on my nails for the next couple of months…

ORLY Sweet Collection: 'Cotton Candy'

ORLY Sweet Collection nail lacquers are available from selected salons nationally, rrp: $18.95 each and they will hit stores in August 2010.

For more info check out: www.orlybeauty.com.au

Not surpisingly, all beauty eyes were focussed on the nails at the Chanel Cruise Collection show at Saint Trop recently, proving that pretty pastels are still hot to trot! Dainty talons were treated to egg-shell blue polish, which (boo hiss!) won’t be on sale for a few months here in Australia.

In the meantime, i’m buying the ”Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” line and making-do with the following perfect-match shade: Bloom Nail Polish in ’Kate’ (rrp: $19.95)

Picture credit: www.milliande.com & www.stylecaster.com

Limited Edition Beci Orpin Utility Bag rrp: $32.95

 I remember Beci Orpin from my stint at Frankie mag two years back; her delightful illustrations were featured regularly and I couldn’t help but be instantly charmed by her delightful sketches and cute-as-a-cupcake designs. She has an impressive resume having worked with numerous clothing brands including Insight and Mambo,  as well as designing textile prints for Bloom Cosmetics and working on her own line: Princess Tina. Added to this she has just produced this Limited Edition Utility bag for Kit Cosmetics. I was absolutely delighted to receive this a week before I am off on holidays (perfect timing, huh?), so I now have something fab to put all of my make-up in for takeaways!

Inspired by old-school pencil cases, the design features a playful abstract print, funky fluoro colours and stand-out red lining.  The bag is pretty roomy and comes in a cotton canvas fabric for added durability. I suggest you go-get before they sell-out: these are available from Kit stores nationally for a limited time only. There is also an equally cute canvas bag in the collection…make-up not included!

Beci Orpin Limited Edition Canvas Bag rrp: $32.95

And, if you do happen to make it down to a Kit store over the next couple of weeks then make sure you check out their latest nail polish realease: ‘Tickled Pink’, a collection of 4 punchy pink shades that are guaranteed to brighten up these winter days!

'Tickled Pink' Limited Edition Shades rrp: $15.95 each

 I’m loving the ‘Mix-it’ polish: a warm coral colour (above, middle) and the ‘Dig Deep’ grape hue (below), which is strictly limited to online sales.

'Dig Deep' (available online only)

For more info on Beci, check out: www.beciorpin.com

www.kitcosmetics.com

 Buy online at:  http://store.americanapparel.com.au/accessories-beauty.html

Picture credit:  www.americanapparel.com

Rainbow Brite: growing up in the 80’s I used to LOVE her as a kid! Upon first sight of the new Limited Edition Brights Nail Enamel from Face of Australia I instantly thought of her. The collection is bold, colourful, playful and covers every shade in the spectrum. My personal pick would be the blue shade ‘Showpony’, amazingly- one coat delivers perfect colour and a glossy finish.

Limited Edition Nail Brights rrp: $4.95

Available from Priceline, Big W, Kmart and selected pharmacies nationwide.

For more info check: www.faceofaustralia.com.au

Picture credit: www.deviantart.com