American Apparel NEON

Since the launch of their initial line of polishes, I've been a HUGE fan of American Apparel polishes, listing many of them amongst my absolute favorite polishes. Naturally, when I got the information that they were releasing a NEON collection, I was super stoked! OK, on to the swatches! In the collection, there are 6 colors, Neon Orange, Neon Yellow, Neon Green, Neon Coral, Neon Purple, and Neon Red, and today, I have 3 of those to show you!

Bear in mind that neons photograph horribly, and photos never do them justice. These are truly retina searing (especially the Neon Yellow!!)

American Apparel Neon Orange

Neon tangerine orange

This is full on neon Kraft Macaroni & Cheese orange. Formula was a tad on the thick side, but still workable. I found that this was shinier than most neons I've tried, but not glossy by any stretch. I enjoy this color, it's super fun! :-P The second picture, though blurry, is closer to the actual brightness of the color. In my head I'm thinking this is very similar to China Glaze Sun Worshipper, I'll have to do a comparison later.

Opacity scale (1-5): 3

Use for Konad: Stamps ok on lighter colors, but not darker colors.

Finish: Neon, 2-3 coats to be opaque.

American Apparel Neon Green

Neon lime green

This color is awesome. I love that it's opaque and EXTREMELY bright. A bit thick again on this formula, which made this one a tad harder to even out.

Opacity scale (1-5): 3

Use for Konad: Stamps ok on lighter colors, but not great on darker colors.

Finish: Neon, 2-3 coats to be opaque.

American Apparel Neon Yellow

Neon yellow

Pure and simple, this polish requires sunglasses. It is that perfect, opaque, retina-searing shade of neon yellow that we all can love. Once again, the formula was a little thick, but ultimately I didn't mind because I enjoyed the color so much. 

Opacity scale (1-5): 3

Use for Konad: Stamps ok on lighter colors, but not great on darker colors.

Finish: Neon, 2-3 coats to be opaque.

What it really comes down to...

Like I said before, AA polishes rank among my favorite polishes, and these NEONS didn't disappoint! They're opaque, and are insanely bright without even a white base to make them pop!  One problematic thing I encountered across the three I got to try is that they are a little on the thick side, which made it hard to get them even, but the work, in my opinion, was worth it, because these colors rock. They're not super unique as far as neons go, but the fact that they don't require a base of white, and still are completely opaque won me over. 

Deborah Lippmann Spring and Summer! (PREVIEW)

I've already shown you Yellow Brick Road and reviewed it, but here are the other new colors for Spring and Summer from Deborah Lippmann!  Can't wait to try them- especially 'I Know What Boys Like!' 

 

What it is: Add a pop of colors to your nails this spring and summer with the hottest most fashionable shades from Deborah Lippmann!

       

            Girls Just Want To Have Fun – A smooth, vintage coral that everyone can wear because it’s bold yet velvety – a sort of carefree, creamy coral.

I Know What Boys Like – A creamy periwinkle that credits to both the 80’s and my clients. Several of my clients have asked for interesting blues. This one is a blend of blue and purple with a creamy finish, which gives it a slightly retro look that is so playful and hip.

Yellow Brick Road, a sheer mellow yellow with a jelly finish. The proof that it wears beautifully on all skin tones: it complements me and Lady GaGa, who wore it first for her “Born This Way” performance at the 2011 Grammy Awards

Lara’s Theme was created with supermodel Lara Stone is Deborah Lippmann’s newest
celebrity collaboration. It’s a dare to wear shade of hot-hot orange

Price: $16

Where to find: Barneys New York, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and online at www.deborahlippmann.com 

For insider information on all things Deborah Lippmann, follow her on Twitter @deborahlippmann

American Apparel NEONS! (Previews)

OOOOOH-WEEEE! A new collection of neon polishes is coming out from one of my favorite nail polish companies- American Apparel!!

The colors:

Neon Yellow, Neon Orange, Neon Red, Neon Violet, Neon Green, and Neon Coral!

I seriously can't wait. I love bright colors, and I can't wait to see the formula on these puppies.

OPI Texas Collection - Part One

Part one of the OPI Texas collection, the Sorbets will be next! :)

OPI Suzi Loves Cowboys

Dark Chocolate creme

I don't know what it is, but I will almost always love a chocolate colored polish, and this one is absolutely no exception! This rich, dark color is gorgeous, and one of my favorites in this collection.

Opacity scale (1-5): 2.5

Use for Konad: Stamps ok on lighter colors, but not darker colors.

Finish: creme, 3 coats to be opaque.

OPI Don't Mess With OPI

Grass-green creme

Another one of my favorites in this collection, this grass green colored bottle of awesome is super easy to apply, and has a touch of dustiness to keep it from being TOO green. (as if there IS such a thing) Beware though, this color is dangerously close to China Glaze's Starboard, being only a touch darker, so bear that in mind when heading to the store to buy it (or Starboard!).

Opacity scale (1-5): 2.5

Use for Konad: Stamps ok on lighter colors, but not darker colors.

Finish: creme, 2-3 coats to be opaque depending on application

OPI San Tan-tonio

Tan creme

Yet another of my favorites in this collection (promise I won't say this on every color!). I have made my love of cremes no secret, and for some reason I adore neutral cremes (tans, browns, etc) the most. This color rocks like doin' the grapevine in your favorite Honky Tonk bar.

Opacity scale (1-5): 2.5

Use for Konad: Stamps ok on lighter colors, but not darker colors.

Finish: creme, 2-3 coats to be opaque depending on application

OPI It's Totally Fort Worth It!

Silver and pink shimmer

I really wanted to like this color. Really. It's pretty unique, it's pink, its silver, it's pink, it's silver, it's VERY SHEER for a shimmer polish. If you're ok with that sort of thing, have at it, but I just don't think this is a winner in this collection.

Opacity scale (1-5): 1.5

Use for Konad: Doesn't stamp well on darker or lighter colors.

Finish: shimmer, 4 coats and still have a visible nail line.

OPI I Vant to be A-Lone Star

Pale Grey-Blue with silver shimmer

I enjoy this color, but not really so much on me...it makes my fingers look super red. This would be a wonderful winter color, it's definitely icy, not so sure about spring though, not that this collection is sticking to the conventional spring color expectations, which I think is a wonderful thing.

Opacity scale (1-5): 2.5

Use for Konad: Doesn't stamp well on darker or lighter colors.

Finish: shimmer, 3 coats

OPI I Austin-tatious Turquoise

Turquoise shimmer

This color is B-EAU-T-I-F-U-L in the bottle. It reminds me of tanned beauty pageant  scholarship program contests in bedazzled turquoise gowns. Unfortunately, unless you're patient, and willing to apply a million coats (ok, maybe 5 or 6), you're not going to get the color in the bottle. It's a shame, really. The formula on this was watery and thin and downright awful. It mades me a little sad, because it really is a beautiful color. 

Opacity scale (1-5): 1

Use for Konad: Doesn't stamp well on darker or lighter colors.

Finish: shimmer, 5-6 coats, still have a visible nail line