Thursday, September 29, 2011

The Hottest Ticket in Town is Color Club’s Backstage Pass

content-big
photo credit: Color Club

Who doesn’t like to rock some glitter on their nails?  Color Club announced their newest release, Backstage Pass, on their facebook page yesterday.  Backstage Pass rocks not one, not two, but six!  Six smokin’ hot glitters!  You can jam to hits like Take the Stage, Wish Upon a Rock Star, Backstage Pass, Platinum Record, It’s a Hit and Fame & Fortune (shown in order right to left below). 

cc backstage pass 
photo credit: Color Club

Be on the lookout for your Backstage Pass collection wherever Color Club is sold! 

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

NOTD: Wet N Wild Ready to Pounce

100_0663

Ready to Pounce is from Wet N Wild’s On The Prowl Collection.  It is a deep purple shimmer with rich red undertones.  Imagine the most regal purple velvet you can conjure in your mind’s eye.  That is what Ready to Pounce looks like.

100_0664

Application was smooth, even though the brush was a little stiff and wonky.  Ready to Pounce went on in two coats and dry time was relatively short.

100_0659

The Wet N Wild On The Prowl collection has yet to disappoint.  So far this is my favorite in the collection.  I am sure the other polishes in the On the Prowl collection will not disappoint.

100_0680

Brand                                  Wet N Wild
Name                                   Ready to Pounce
Polish Type                           Shimmer
Number of Coats                       2
Color                                          4
color scale of 1 to 4
                   1 – utter crud
                   2 – not so great
                   3 – pretty but…
                   4 – Lovin’ It
Wear                                           3                     
wear scale of 1 to 4
                    1 – chippy, chip, chip
                    2 – don’t wash dishes in this
                    3 – lasted longer than my deodorant
                    4 -  Only super glue is stronger

There is still time to enter my giveaway! You can enter HERE if you haven’t already done so.  Good Luck!

Monday, September 26, 2011

NOTD: Revlon Pink Chiffon

I found what appears to be a new Revlon collection while out and about this weekend called The Beauty of Giving.  I have searched the interweb high and low but all I could find about this collection was a picture of the display on the Nouveau Cheap website.

revlon_beauty_of_giving
photo credit: Nouveau Cheap

The Beauty of Giving polish and lip gloss collection is exclusive to Rite Aid. It boasts four nail polishes and two lip glosses.  The polish names are Pink Chiffon, Sheer Petal, Fuchsia Fever and Sweet Tart.  I hesitate to call these are limited edition polishes since the little bit of information I did find on the polishes in this collection indicates that at least two of the polishes, Pink Chiffon and Sweet Tart, may have been released a couple years ago.

For every product sold from The Beauty of Giving Collection, Revlon will donate $1 to EIF Entertainment Industry Foundation. The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), is one of the leading charitable organizations of the entertainment industry.  The purpose of the EIF is to raise raise awareness and funds for critical health, educational and social issues.  You can read more about the charitable organizations the EIF supports by visiting their website.

Since I cannot resist feeding my polish habit and contributing to a good cause I bought the Pink Chiffon polish.  Pink Chiffon is a pale pink jelly finish polish.  I really had a terrible time getting an even coat onto my nails with this polish.  After four coats I gave up hope of covering the bald spots.  Not to mention no matter how long I let this dry on my nails I kept winding up with dings in it.

100_0635

It’s really a shame because I really like this color and the jelly finish.  I just couldn’t make it work on my nails.  I am a little fearful of trying the other polishes in this collection.

pink

Let’s get right to Revlon Pink Chiffon’s scores:

Brand                                    Revlon
Name                                    Pink Chiffon
Polish Type                            Jellie
Number of Coats                       4+
Color                                         3
color scale of 1 to 4
                   1 – utter crud
                         2 – not so great
                         3 – pretty but…
                         4 – Lovin’ It
Wear                                          1                      
wear scale of 1 to 4
                   1 – chippy, chip, chip
                         2 – don’t wash dishes in this
                         3 – lasted longer than my deodorant
                         4 -  Only super glue is stronger


*Please excuse the really bad pictures.  I had a lot of trouble controlling the shakes and lighting while taking these.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

NOTD: L'Oreal Colors of Hope Cosmetic Collection – Valiant

I picked up this polish this weekend while I was out looking for the L’Oreal Project Runway Collection.  L'Oreal donates $1 for every individual product sold from the Colors of Hope Cosmetic Fund to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF).  Is there anything better than satisfying your nail polish addiction and supporting a good cause?  I should have bought all four colors.  You can visit http://www.lorealcolorsofhope.com/ to view the other polish colors and makeup in this collection.

296646_10150355666601251_138980216250_10239603_589734943_n
Photo Credit: L’Oreal Facebook page

The  bottle I bought is marked as #355 Valiant. However, while poking around on the L’Oreal website to learn a little more about the Colors of Hope Mission, I discovered that the polish I bought is listed as Mystery.  I am not entirely sure of the name of this polish.  It could be Valiant or it could be Mystery.

valiant 2

Valiant, or is it Mystery, is a rich pewter foil.  This polish went on very nicely in one coat.  Since I am a two coat kind of girl, I put on a second coat for good measure.  The dry time with this polish was quick too.  A big plus when you tend to do your nails before going to bed.  I hate waking up in the morning to find that the bed covers left impressions in my manicure.

valiant

L’Oreal claims these polishes are chip and peel resistant up to seven days.  Three days is usually my limit on a manicure.  This one lasted less than 24 hours.  Being a busy mom of two I can do some serious damage to a manicure just washing dishes and scrubbing floors.  When I took this off there was no obvious wear at all, even at the tips.

Here is how I rate L’Oreal’s Color of Hope – Valiant (or Mystery)

Brand                                   L’Oreal
Name                                   ? (Valiant?  Mystery?)
Polish Type                            Foil
Number of Coats                       2
Color                                          4
color scale of 1 to 4
                   1 – utter crud
                   2 – not so great
                   3 – pretty but…
                   4 – Lovin’ It

Wear                                           4                     
wear scale of 1 to 4
                 1 – chippy, chip, chip
                    2 – don’t wash dishes in this
                    3 – lasted longer than my deodorant
                    4 -  Only super glue is stronger


I have recently obtain a few other polishes that support great charitable organizations.  I will be reviewing them soon.  Can you suggest any polishes that benefit charitable causes that you would also like to see reviewed?  Leave me a message in the comments and I will do my best to check them out for you!

Stay tuned!

Saturday, September 24, 2011

Temporarily Relocated

The Kracked Kat has been temporarily relocated while the paint dries on my nails.  Please head over to Midnight Manicures and share some blog lovin' with Jeanie.


We will return tomorrow with a brand new manicure!

Stay Tuned!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

NOTD Corrected

So yesterday I showed you Wet N Wild FuchsiaRama.  I wasn’t in love with it and apparently it wasn’t a stand out polish because there weren’t any unsolicited comments when I wore it to work.  So I tinkered with a little glitter polish and Voila!

100_0593

I put on a coat of Wet N Wild Correction Tape from the On the Prowl collection and got compliments galore. 

Correction Tape has pieces of fuchsia and black glitter and gold and turquoise octagonal glitter in a sheer black/grey base.  One coat darkened the FuchsiaRama a bit but really made it pop!

100_0595

I did all my fingers like this but once I saw the FuchsiaRama with the glitter I wanted to try it out with some of the other glitters I have.  Maybe even a jelly sandwich?  What do you think?

The You Name It Giveaway is still open.  If you haven’t entered there is still time.  I am also hoping that I will reach 100 followers soon.  Another giveaway may be in order!

Stay Tuned

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

NOTD: Wet N Wild FuchsiaRama

Today’s NOTD is Wet N Wild’s FuchsiaRama.  Get it?  Futurama…FuchsiaRama?  I am personally not a fan of the show but the pun is fun.

The name implies a bright pink or fuchsia color and a glance at the contents of the bottle leads you to believe that is what you are getting.

100_0588

Pretty isn’t it?  I was so excited about this creamy pink.  I couldn’t wait to put it on.  The first thin coat dried almost immediately.  Well, the bottle does say Fast Dry. 

Second coat did the same, the coverage was a little imperfect and the color was getting darker.  I noticed it had a matte look to it, too.  Okay, I can deal with it being a little darker and having a matte finish.  I even liked the matte finish. 

The third coat was even darker. 

A fourth coat finally gave me the opaque look I prefer on my long nails but the color was no where near what the polish looked like in the bottle.

100_0561

FuchsiaRama turned out to be more of a magenta or red cream polish with a matte finish.  I don’t dislike FuchsiaRama, it just wasn’t what I was expecting or hoping for, maybe?  Do you think I could I have gotten a bad bottle of polish?

100_0585

Brand                                   Wet N Wild
Name                                   FuchsiaRama
Polish Type                            Cream
Number of Coats                        4
Color                                          2

color scale of 1 to 4

                   1 – utter crud
                   2 – not so great
                   3 – pretty but…
                   4 – Lovin’ It
Wear                                           3                     

wear scale of 1 to 4

            1 – chippy, chip, chip
            2 – don’t wash dishes in this
            3 – lasted longer than my deodorant
            4 -  Only super glue is stronger


Do you have this polish?  What was your experience?  I would love to hear what you have to say.  Meanwhile I am going to play around with some glitters to see if I can make Wet N Wild FuchsiaRama a little more appealing to me. 

Stay Tuned

Monday, September 19, 2011

P-interesting

Ever wonder where I go when I am not blogging or doing my nails?  Pinterest.  Yep, in addition to being addicted to nail polish fumes I am addicted to Pinterest.  And every now and then I like to share with you what I am pinning.

peacock
Photo credit: Ulta.com

Aren't these pretty colors?  I found the Ulta Strut-worthy collection while I was perusing the Ulta website.  I haven’t seen them in the store yet so I am adding them to my wish list.  Have you seen the Strut-worthy collection before?

polish favors 
Photo credit: Saucy’s Sprinkles

Polish party favors!  These are perfect for the next tween birthday party you have to plan.  Or better yet, how about a “Girls Night In” Party.  Call a few of your girlfriends over for a night of pampering, chick flicks and a glass or two of your favorite adult beverage.

black cat

Photo credit: becomegorgeous.com

I wish I had done these nails.  Don’t they just say “The Kracked Kat”?  And Halloween?

candy corn  

Speaking of Halloween, this candy corn nail art was done by my good friend over at Madness and Polish Collide.  Didn’t she do a great job?  I may just have to CASE these.  Meanwhile I am heading to the store to get some candy corn!

zombie
Photo credit: myhotcomments.com

This is for my friend Rachel.  We both love the The Walking Dead on TMC.  The new season starts October 16.  Will you be watching?

Don't forget the You Name It contest going on now.  If you haven't entered, make sure you do!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

NOTD: Wet N Wild Ink Well

Wet n Wild Ink Well from the On the Prowl collection is exactly what the name implies.  A deep black crème that shines like black patent leather.  This is probably the best black I have come across yet.

100_0541

I put this on two days ago with the intent to do my post and some fun nail art.  Life had other plans for me and I didn’t get around to the nail art as soon as I had hoped.  As you can see there is some tip wear.  This is to be expected.  I didn't put a top coat on and wore this to work and I tend to type with my nails.  There was a lot of typing.  I think the polish held up well under the circumstances.

100_0551

I really like this polish and I am sure I will be using it over and over again! 

Here is break down of Wet N Wild Ink Well from the On the Prowl Collection:

Brand                                   Wet N Wild
Name                                    Ink Well
Polish Type                            Cream
Number of Coats                        2
Color                                          4
color scale of 1 to 4
         1 – utter crud
          2 – not so great
          3 – pretty but…
          4 – Lovin’ It

Wear                                           3                     
wear scale of 1 to 4
         1 – chippy, chip, chip
            2 – don’t wash dishes in this
            3 – lasted longer than my deodorant
            4 -  Only super glue is stronger


But wait!  There is more!  I promised some nail art and here it is…

100_0555

It’s a water marble using the Wet N Wild Ink Well and Sinful Colors Snow Me White.  Then I took a little of the Ink Well and some white acrylic paint and made some dots here and there.  Can you see my funky attempt at a skull? 

100_0560

Pretty cool, huh?  There is more coming so….

Stay tuned!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Dancing Fingers

I am working on what I hope will be an epic manicure.  Meanwhile, please sit back and enjoy this short film from Chanel featuring some of their prettiest polishes like Dragon, Black Pearl, Inattendu, Particulière and Orange Fizz.


I wonder who did the choreography...

Monday, September 12, 2011

NOTD: Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers Creepy Pumpkin

The name just oozes Halloween doesn’t it?  Creepy Pumpkin is a bright orange jelly with orange glitter.  This color will look great by the pool next summer in addition to your spooky manicures this Halloween season.

Creepy Pumpkin

Have I mentioned how much I like Halloween?  Look at the shape of the bottle!  Isn’t that fun?  It’s a tombstone!

Creepy

I have on three thick coats in these pictures, which is necessary to get an opaque look.  The polish dried a little rough, but it is a glitter, right?  A heavy top coat will (and did) smooth it out.

But I couldn’t stop there.  I just had to do something a little extra to make it even more in tune with the Creepy Pumpkin name.  So I pulled out the Wet N Wild Ink Well and Cougar Attack from the On The Prowl collection and added a little funky French tip.

nail art OTP

I know some of these Wet N Wild polishes are scarce but if you have the opportunity to add them to your collection do it!  You will not be disappointed!

Here are my results for Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers Creepy Pumpkin:

Brand                        Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers
Name                               Creepy Pumpkin
Polish Type                             Glitter
Number of Coats                        3
 Color                                          4
color scale of 1 to 4
        1 – utter crud
          2 – not so great
          3 – pretty but…
          4 – Lovin’ It

Wear                                           3                     
wear scale of 1 to 4
         1 – chippy, chip, chip
            2 – don’t wash dishes in this
            3 – lasted longer than my deodorant
            4 -  Only super glue is stronger

Stay Tuned…

Sunday, September 11, 2011

On the Prowl on The Corner

I had an epiphany this morning.  I had a feeling that the ever elusive Wet N Wild On the Prowl collection could be found at the CVS on The Corner.

100_0485

I live in Charlottesville, VA.  Home to Thomas Jefferson’s University of Virginia and the Rotunda.  I avoid this area of town if at all possible.  Traffic is terrible.  The students have very little respect for traffic signals.  And forget about finding a place to park! 

I figured that if the On the Prowl collection was to be found it would be on The Corner, a small stretch of shops, bars and restaurants across the street from the UVA campus.  So the girls and I started out on our “adventure.” 

We had pizza at the College Inn where there were autographed pictures of Tiki and Ronde Barber.  We perused the shops.  The kids asked questions about the people they saw like why didn’t that guy have on shoes and why would a hobo have a dog.  But we didn’t find Wet N Wild On the Prowl.

So we headed in a different direction, but also a place frequented by students.  Here is what we found…

100_0489 
Wet N Wild FuchsiaRama, Gray’s Anatomy and Hannah Pinktana
100_0494
Orly Space Cadet, Zoya Marley

100_0493
Wet N Wild Fantasy Makers Night Glow, Creepy Pumpkin, Purple Potion and Black Magic

And…..wait for it…ta da!
100_0496

THE ENTIRE WET N WILD ON THE PROWL COLLECTION!

Ready To Pounce, Ink Well, Jungle Fever, Buy Me A Drink, Cougar Attack, Behind Closed Doors, Correction Tape

Swatches of everything coming soon!  Meanwhile…

Stay Tuned!

We Have Moved: My First Guest Post at Midnight Manicures

100_0381

Jeanie over at Midnight Manicures was kind enough to let me fill in while she is busy taking care of the puppies her dog just had.  I hope you will stop in and take a look!  Make sure to show Jeanie some love too!  She does a fantastic job with her blog!

Meanwhile, stay tuned…

Saturday, September 10, 2011

NOTD: Avon Crimson or I Found a Red I Like

I think I figured out what my shade of red is.  It is Avon Crimson.  Crimson is a deep red with gold shimmering undertones.  Definitely a fall kind of color

bottle

Isn’t it pretty?  I felt… Can I say it?…Sexy when I wore it.  Even with the stubby thumb nail.

hand 2

Application was smooth with no balding at all.  Now because I had such a bad experience with the Lime FX I found myself constantly checking my nails to see if there was any wear.  After a whole day at work full of typing, filing and general office stuff there was very little wear.  I found this incredible considering I didn’t put on a top coat.

crimson 2

I will definitely be wearing this one again!

Here is how Avon Crimson stacks up:

Brand                                      Avon
Name                                      Crimson
Polish Type                             Duochrome
Number of Coats                         2
Color                                            4

color scale of 1 to 4

    1 – utter crud

    2 – not so great

    3 – pretty but…

    4 – Lovin’ It

Wear                                           3                     

wear scale of 1 to 4

     1 – chippy, chip, chip

     2– don’t wash dishes in this

     3 – lasted longer than my deodorant

     4 -  Only super glue is stronger

Stay Tuned….

Thursday, September 8, 2011

NOTD: Avon Lime FX

Last week I was the beneficiary of a HUGE haul.  Most of the polishes I received were from Avon.  Most of the colors were red and berry but there were a few nontraditional colors thrown in for good measure.  Lime FX is one of those.

100_0456

I was in a rush while taking these pictures so the lighting is a little off.  Lime FX is a gorgeous peridot green with a golden shimmer.  So pretty and fun to look at in the bottle and on the nails.

The formula and application left something to be desired.  The polish was runny and after two thick coats there were still bald spots in places.  The polish had a matte, almost rough finish once dry.  It also did not wear well.  By the time I took the polish off (less than 24 hours after application) there was a lot of chipping.

100_0447

Here is the disappointing break down of Avon’s Lime FX…

Brand                                      Avon
Name                                      Lime FX
Polish Type                            matte finish duochrome
Number of Coats                         2
Color                                            4
color scale of 1 to 4
             1 – utter crud
             2 – not so great
             3 – pretty but…
             4 – Lovin’ It

Wear                                           1                     
wear scale of 1 to 4
             1 – chippy, chip, chip
             2– don’t wash dishes in this
             3 – lasted longer than my deodorant
             4 -  Only super glue is stronger


You know it is really a shame this polish didn’t hold up well.  I really like the color.  I might wear it again.  Or maybe if I ever start making my own frankens I will use it to mix with.

Stay tuned and don’t forget to enter the Color Club Starry Temptress Giveaway!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

NOTD: Wet N Wild Caribbean Frost

My nail of the day is Wet N Wild Caribbean Frost.  A frosty dark teal shimmer.  I put this on for Teal Toes Day but decided it was too green to be a true teal.  See what I mean?  It’s not really the color I thought it would be on the nail.

100_0440

This is two coats and no top coat.  The polish held up very well.  I wore actually it for several days.  I never did get around to putting on a top coat.  There was nothing more than a little tip wear when I took it off. 

100_0426

So here is the break down:

Brand                                     Wet N Wild

Name                                      Caribbean Frost

Polish Type                             Crème Shimmer

Number of Coats                         2

Color                                           3

color scale of 1 to 4

             1 – utter crud
             2 – not so great
             3 – pretty but…
             4 – Lovin’ It

Wear                                                               

wear scale of 1 to 4


              1 – chippy, chip, chip
              2 – don’t wash dishes in this
              3 – lasted longer than my deodorant

              4 - Only super glue is stronger 

It has been years….many, many…many years since I have worn Wet N Wild Polish.  Wow!  It sure has changed!  I currently only have three Wet N Wild polishes in my collection but I definitely see more in my future. 

In the meantime make sure you enter my current giveaway celebrating YOU!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

You Name It Giveaway **CLOSED**

I hit 25 followers little later than I had hoped, but my first giveaway is now a go!  Wondering why I would celebrate just 25 followers?  I have been actively blogging here about polish for less than a month.  Personally I think 25 followers in that little amount of time is a fantastic. I have made some great friends in the process! 

To show my gratitude to you all I thought I would host a small giveaway.  I will be giving away the Color Club Starry Temptress Collection I picked up for what I thought was a steal!






I wanted to make this giveaway a little different so I added two atypical questions to the standard giveaway form.  Get a bonus entry when you pick your favorite TV show, movie, or personality and name a polish after it.  You get another bonus entry by naming a polish for my favorite tv shows, Pretty Little Liars and Bones.  I will share your unique polish name ideas in a later post.

The official rules are listed below. Please make sure you read all the rules.  Failure to do so could result in disqualification.  Good Luck!




Friday, September 2, 2011

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month PSA & Linkies

From the Office of the President of the United States:



The White House

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release August 31, 2010 Presidential Proclamation--National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month


While we have made great strides in the battle against ovarian cancer, this disease continues to claim more lives than any other gynecologic cancer. During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, we honor all those lost to and living with ovarian cancer, and we renew our commitment to developing effective screening methods, improving treatments, and ultimately defeating this disease.

Each year, thousands of women are diagnosed with, and go on to battle valiantly against, this disease. Yet, ovarian cancer remains difficult to detect, and women are often not diagnosed until the disease has reached an advanced stage. I encourage all women -- especially those with a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer, and those over age 55 -- to protect their health by understanding risk factors and discussing possible symptoms, including abdominal pain, with their health care provider. Women and their loved ones may also visit Cancer.gov for more information about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of ovarian and other cancers.

Across the Federal Government, we are working to promote awareness of ovarian cancer and advance its diagnosis and treatment. The National Cancer Institute, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Defense all play vital roles in reducing the burden of this illness through critical investments in research. Earlier this year, I was proud to sign into law the landmark Affordable Care Act (ACA), which includes provisions to help women living with ovarian cancer. The ACA eliminates annual and lifetime limits on benefits, creates a program for those who have been denied health insurance because of a pre-existing condition, and prohibits insurance companies from canceling coverage after individuals get sick. The ACA also requires that women enrolling in new insurance plans and those covered by Medicare or Medicaid receive free preventive care -- including women's health services and counseling related to certain genetic screenings that identify increased risks for ovarian cancer. In addition, the ACA prohibits new health plans from dropping coverage if an individual chooses to participate in a potentially life-saving clinical trial, or from denying coverage for routine care simply because an individual is enrolled in such a trial.

During National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year, I commend all the brave women fighting this disease, their families and friends, and the health care providers, researchers, and advocates working to reduce this disease's impact on our Nation. Together, we can improve the lives of all those affected and create a healthier future for all our citizens.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2010 as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. I call upon citizens, government agencies, organizations, health care providers, and research institutions to raise ovarian cancer awareness and continue helping Americans live longer, healthier lives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA




Jeanie over at Midnight Manicures
shows off a few friend's Teal Toes






Thalie at Glazed Talons took a
deep breath and showed us her toes
 
Over at Rin's Nail Files they are Turning it Teal

Catch some teal piggies over at Madness & Polish Collide


Maggie's pretty piggies
  Wanna show off your piggies here?  Leave a comment with a link to your blog and I will pin your piggies to the wall.

Stay Tuned....