The Nail File

MAC Glitter and Ice…

- is MAC’s Christmas 2011 collection, with 34 pieces including Paint Pots, Mineralize Eye Shadows, Lipsticks, Dazzleglasses, Beauty Powders, Technakohl Eye Liners (LOVE the silver) and, of course,  Nail Lacquers. This is pretty big collection.

- is on counters already, and some pieces have sold out already (including some of the lacquers being sold out online!)

- is a little bit different from the usual MAC look because the packaging is WHITE instead of black. Very clean and minimalist. Tres chic.

- has three polishes; two cremes and a glitter. Get Noticed! is a gorgeous bold red creme that has a slight undertone of pink (that would be because it’s blue-based).

LOADS more pictures after the jump…

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It’s time to play the music, it’s time to light the lights…

This post has been a long time coming for two reasons. One, swatching glitter nail polish is a bitch. Some of these polishes are so hard to get off that you’re better off just cutting off your fingers and hoping new ones grow back. Two, I had been so excited about this collection, and built it up for so long, that I reluctantly admit I was mildly disappointed. I swatched 6 of the 12 polishes, and I’ll tell you what I think as we go (which is usually how blog posts work, no? Well done, me)

Designer De Better is a metallic champagne with flecks of bronze through it. Probably the most suitable for everyday wear, this paints on really well, two coats gives perfect coverage, and it’s nice and smooth. Dynamite.

Taken in sunlight

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Whoa Mama!

While this might be a classic red polish, it’s anything but a classic mani. The High Priestess of Pop was spotted out in LA wearing this hot one shoulder black Versace cocktail dress with a yellow suede baroque print and gold Medusa buttons (and sexy side slit, naturally) plus a gold Versace baroque tall bracelet (want) and a black suede Versace bag. I’m pretty sure the nails weren’t Versace though.

Would you rock a claw like this? I’m not so sold on the shape, but I do love the gold detail at the moon.

Image courtesy of Versace

Those clever clogs over at Glitter Gal have produced a capsule collection of 6 polishes for Wanted Shoes. There’s a red, pink, purple, baby pink, taupe-y pink and orange – pretty much every colour you need to have a solid nail polish library (although maybe throw in a black or navy blue for good measure).

They’re $15.95 for 15ml and available in all Wanted stores and on the Wanted website. I haven’t tried these polishes personally, but the  formula for Glitter Gal polishes is excellent. Definitely worth picking one of these babies up to match your new shoes.

Everyone needs at least one classic red nail polish in their collection (along with a nude and a pink, but that’s for another post). I have picked out five of my favourite classic reds, and they all have one thing in common. They are all a true red. Not too blue, not too pink, not too orange. Nothing says sophisticated like a neat red nail.

1. Essie – Red Nouveau

This beauty first hit shelves as part of the Essie Spring 2010 collection and it has been a staple in my wardrobe ever since. One coat gives a delicate look, while two is bold and fierce (pictured with one coat). Excellent formula, it glides on easily and dries quickly. It’s $18.95 for 15ml, and available at Myer. Hook it up.

2. N.Y.C. Color – Chilli

For a cheapy polish, this packs an impressive amount of punch. It’s a rich red with lots of pigment, and can easily compete with the more expensive brands. Honestly, for just $2.50 you couldn’t get a coffee this rich and robust. Hit up your local chemist.

3. Nubar – Sensual Red

Sensual is right – this is a classic red that paints on beautifully and will always make you feel sexy, no matter what else you’re wearing. Nubar’s formula is resiliant and long-wearing, so pop it on your toes for a pedicure that will last for weeks. Nubar is $13.20 for 15ml – call 1300 437 436 for a spa near you.

4. Zoya – Kristi

This is a deep, true red. Very polished (zing) and classy, with one coat being enough for full coverage (pictured with two coats). The brush is short and firm, which gives excellent control when you’re painting – no messy cuticles here! Zoya is $17 for 15ml – check the Zoya website for stockists.

5. Divina Luma Nails – Scarlet

I love this polish because it has a light in the cap, so you can paint your nails in dark. Another bright red that belongs on your shelf – this polish is a beautiful formula that glides on smoothly, but requires two coats for the maximum effect.

Do you have a true red in your collection that belongs in this list? I want to hear about it!

I can totally see why this new trio of polishes from Mecca Cosmetica is called The Sophisticates. Each colour is mature and elegant, with a subtle air of I-know-I’m-classy-but-I-don’t-need-to-shout-it-at-you. Lustable.

Mecca Cosmetica The Sophisticates

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Wearing red varnish says something about a woman – she’s confident, she’s sexy, she’s classic. Dior knows this and their new trio of red polishes called Les Rouges is inspired by three eras of Dior fashion. There is a shade of red for every mood and skin tone – lady in reeeeeeedddd…….

From left to right we have:

Trafalgar 747 – a bright poppy red with orange undertones, reminisce of the eye-catching red designs Christian Dior liked to send down the runway to wake his audience up mid-show.

Icône 862 – a pearly red that’s ever-so-slightly brown, it pays homage to Rouge Icône, designed to go with Dior’s magical 1955 Atout Coeur dress.

Gruau G 837 – a delicious fire-engine red shade that is a tribute to the radiant red of Gruau’s illustrations.

I dont pretend to know anything about fashion, so as far as I’m concerned these are just some kickass red polishes that I simply must own. These are on shelves in America already for USD$21 a bottle – I’m just confirming the release date here, but Dior polishes are usually AUD$39

And now, a special treat because it’s friday (and you’ll be singing it all weekend, I promise)

I don’t know about you, but I have just about reached Royal Wedding saturation point. If I read one more article speculating about dresses, hairstyles, guests lists or canapes, I might just poke some eyes out. That said, these beautiful polishes from Kit definitely sent my royal heart racing with their regal jewel tones.

Taken in natural light

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The problem with being in the antipodes is that our seasons are flipped and we get seasonal collections six months after they are released elsewhere. I was drooling over this Essie collection when swatches first hit the web almost nine months ago but to be honest they had slipped my mind by the time they landed on my desk. But man they are gorgeous!

These are real autumnal colours – warm tones that are perfect for the current military trend, changing leaves, crisp mornings and general mood-lifting when the weather is grey.

Taken in natural light

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You will recall that we were first introduced to Black Shatter back during the Australian Open with the first of the Glam Slam sets. With the upcoming French Open (first round starts May 22nd) we will be treated to not one but TWO OPI and Serena Williams Glam Slam sets.

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