Julep Char vs Revlon Royal

Hey everyone - I'm back for a quick comparison post. Remember how I got last month's Julep box because I spaced on skipping? One of the polishes was Julep Char and when I pulled it out I immediately wondered if it was close to Revlon Royal at all. So I did a comparison (no top coat in any of the images):

So Julep Char is more of a crelly and a deeper, more royal blue. Revlon Royal is a jelly (though a runny one). I definitely like the formula better on the Julep, but their new formula is kind of strange smelling. Both are pretty colors and definitely unique. Neither formula is amazing, but both are worth the work.

To make them stand out I pulled out Girly Bits Shift Happens and Essie Shine of the Times. WOWZERS!

 

Both are fantastic for layering, but I think Revlon Royal takes the cake in vibrancy and showing off the unique properties in each of these polish toppers.

When it comes down to it I think they are cousins. Revlon Royal is the summer version and Julep Char is the winter version. Both are definitely worth owning!

On Fire

See? I told you I'd be back! Mmm haven't had my coffee yet and I picked up Sally Hansen Black Tie and Wedding Crashers last night so this will be short and sweet. I get this desire for red every so often and had this vision until the hubby pulled out Shine of the Times by Essie and this is what happened:

I glows in nearly every light!! I am so in love with this combination!! That's NYC Red Candy Apple on the bottom. Too bad it chips so fast :(

And this last one is with flash. This flakie is one I'm pretty sure I need a back up bottle for.

*Dies* Now off to paint more goodness. Later all!

Candy Cane Tips and all the shimmer

I just love this manicure! The first version was stripes over the whole nail which was an epic fail. I am not experienced enough to stripe with my non-writing hand. I could hear my striping brush laughing at me it was so bad. But this version is fun (could it be more perfect? why yes, but I don't care)

Step 1: Tips. You can use tape or stickers or a french tip dip kit (which is what I used). I had my tips on in about a minute and half for both hands with it. SUPER handy and no wasted tape. Happy, happy.
Step 2: Stripes. I used two different sizes of stripe brushes from my kit I bought here. It's an ebay store - shipping is slow but it's dirt cheap and has free shipping. You could also just use the tip of a toothpick and a safety pin for two different sizes.
Step 3: Paint on set of colors first diagonally. I started in the center of the nail to try to get my designs about even on all nails. Colors I used were Julep Emilie and Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Red Carpet.
Step 4: Apply Essie Pure Pearlfection. I LOVE THIS EFFECT TOP COAT! It's amazing and gives a gorgeous pearl effect (perfect for a candy cane like luster).

 Step 5: Stamp on desired designs. For the holly I used a dotting tool to go back over the berries. On the tree I put a tiny bit of Julep Olivia in the stump and Julep Emilie for the tree part. I brush a layer of Essie Luxeffects for the lights on the tree and topped with a holographic large hex glitter I extracted from LA Colors Goddess. Instant bling!
Step 6: Top with favorite top coat. I'm rockin' the 3 minute topcoat from French Tip Dip and it's got gorgeous shine to it! Super glossy.
Total time: 20 minutes. Fast, easy, and great results!

Have a wonderful day - I am. Kids are all being so good, most of the Christmas shopping is done, and there is coffee and macaroons waiting for me in the kitchen. Life is so good ;)