Zoya Wishes Collection-Winter/Holiday 2014

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Today I have the new Zoya Wishes Collection that they released for the 2014 Winter/Holiday season. I fell in love with this collection the second I opened up the press release in my email. The colors are so rich and festive! I love these shades for the holiday/winter season this year and this is really putting me in the mood for the season, although I am not looking forward to winters here in Minnesota because last winter it was so cold and we got so much snow. I like the snow, it's pretty but I hate the frigid cold!! I hear this year isn't supposed to be as bad as last year so here's hoping that's true so I can attend a bunch of holiday parties and dinners sporting some festive nails with this collection!

This collection is a little different than they usually do their collections, it consists of 3 Magical PixieDust polishes and 3 traditional polishes. For each traditional polish in this collection the Magical PixieDust one coordinates with it. I think that these colors are absolutely perfect for the holiday season and winter. I am so excited to be showing these to you!

I think that first off we will start with the Magical PixieDusts in this collection...


This is Nori. Nori is a beautiful sapphire blue Magical PixieDust with holograpic hex glitter. Shown here is 2 coats with no base coat or top coat.

This one is Thea. Thea is a deep amethyst Magical PixieDust with an orchid flash, packed full of holographic hex glitter. Shown here is 2 easy coats with no base coat or top coat.

The last one for the Magical PixieDust part of the collection is Imogene. Imogene is a black crystal Magical PixieDust with holographic hex glitter. Shown here is 2 coats with no base coat or top coat.

Next up is the traditional polishes in this collection and let me tell you, they are gorgeous!!

First up is Prim. Prim is a velvet blue metallic with a full coverage, high-density pigment and buttery smooth application. Shown here is Prim with 2 coats of polish. I have no top coat on in these pictures and they were taken indoors under artificial lighting with no flash. This is such a beautiful color and it reminds me of a frosty winter morning, I just want to sit in a cozy sweater with fluffy slippers and sip hot chocolate!

Next is Haven. Haven is a true holiday plum liquid metal with a thin vein of orchid to ensure brilliance. This is such a beautiful plum color. It was way more pigmented than I expected and I probably could have gotten by with just one coat of polish but I used 2 coats for the pictures with no top coat.

Last but not least is Willa. Willa is a full-coverage, densely pigmented onyx black cream. Originally Willa was released as 'Black Swan' during Zang Toi's NYFW SS15 show. I love a good black and this is going to be one that I am going to be reaching for often, I just know it. It is really pigmented but I didn't have any staining when I was doing clean-up. I used 2 coats of polish and I did apply my top coat for these pictures. What I loved about this black is that when I applied my top coat the polish was still wet (I used a quick dry topcoat that you can apply while the polish is still wet), the polish didn't drag like it sometimes does when it's still wet. That really impressed me with this one and that's another reason why I'll be reaching for this one more.

Zoya recommends that you do not use a base coat when wearing the Magical PixieDusts for best results. To keep the textured finish you do not use a top coat with these either. I personally love the texture of all of the PixieDusts and I can tell you that they have insane sparkle too!

The formula on all of these were amazing, I had no issues with any of them and they all had a normal dry time. I don't ever really have issues with Zoya polishes so I wasn't surprised when these were just as amazing as all the other ones I have.

You can purchase Zoya polishes at Ulta stores, select salons, and on Zoya's site here. I don't believe the Wishes Collection is available in Ulta stores yet but they will be coming soon I'm sure. They retail for $9 for traditional polishes and $10 for the Magical PixieDusts and all PixieDusts.

 

No Tricks, Just Treats!
Forget the tricks - today it’s all about the TREAT! We want you to have an extra Happy Halloween, so let’s set aside the creepy costumes and horror films (at least for a minute) and focus on our favorite part - the goodies! Now you can treat yourself with any 3 Zoya Nail Polish shades for just $15. With Zoya's selection of over 300 different shades in a variety of flawless finishes, you'll be ready to dress up your nails beyond Halloween!

Get ANY 3 Zoya Nail Polishes for $15
NOW (10/29/14) – Sunday, November 2 (11:59pm EST).
http://www.zoya.com/content/category/Zoya-Nail-Polish-Halloween-Treats.html

Use Code:
ZOYATREATS

How it works:1. Add at least three nail polish colors to your shopping bag along with any additional items you would like to purchase.
2. Enter code ZOYATREATS into the coupon code field and press “Apply Code”.
3. Complete check out, review and submit order.

 

 

Share the spirit of Halloween with your friends - Tag and share using#ZoyaTreats so no one misses out!

 

 

*Terms and Conditions
Valid online only at www.zoya.com through 11/02/14, 11:59pm EST. Not valid in conjunction with other coupons, codes or promotions. Shipping & Handling fees apply. Continental US only. Excludes Zoya Nail Treatments and Color Spoons. Art of Beauty is not responsible for incorrect addresses, credit card entry errors, web related issues or any errors associated with declined credit cards. Returns or exchanges of promotional items not permitted. Code must be entered at time of purchase. One code per account - code cannot be reinstated for canceled orders. Please allow up to 4 weeks for processing if volume warrants it.

Zoya Hot Lips Glossy Lip Balm

This is a product that I've had for quite some time now and I have been trying it out to see how I like it. I had seen these on Zoya's site and always wanted to try them because I heard some really great things from other girls in the beauty groups I am in on Facebook but never had the guts to actually purchase one. I got lucky one month (it's been so long that I really don't remember what month it was) that Ulta was running a free gift with purchase for Zoya. I believe you had to purchase 2 Zoya polishes to get the gift pack. Inside the gift pack was a mini Zoya Matte topcoat, a mini Zoya Anchor base coat, this full sized Hot Lips glossy lip balm, and a mini Zoya Remove+ polish remover.

This glossy lip balm is in the color Flirt which is a sort of mauvey nude gloss. It is sheer and I have to tell you the smell is absolutely amazing. I can't put my finger on what it smells like to me but I think it's some sort of candy or baked good, lol! It's in this cute little "fat" tube, when I say fat tube I mean that it's short and wide instead of long and skinny like most tubes of gloss. I like this size and shape, I don't know why though, for me it just works.

I like that the tip of it is a cute little rounded tip that hugs your lips when you apply it. You just squeeze a bit and apply. For me I think that it applies pretty evenly but if you aren't careful you can over-apply, just make sure that you are paying attention to how much you are applying. The beautiful sheer color just makes it a little harder to see how much you have on. I can also say that I have licked my lips while having this on and it doesn't taste bad either, not that I would just sit and eat it but I mean if you licked your lips without thinking you aren't going to get a horrible taste in your mouth.

This is a bit of a thicker gloss and for me it stays on really well. My lips feel nice and hydrated, not dried out after having this on. It is a little bit on the sticky side when you put your lips together but for me it's not bad enough that I wouldn't use this gloss. I really think it is a nice balm with a glossy finish.

Here's just a pic of a little bit of it squeezed out onto the back of my hand just so you can see the shade of it.

Here it is after I rubbed it in a little bit so you can see that it's pretty sheer but it still gives you a hint of nude color. On me it looks really good and I find myself reaching for this a lot while I am at work.

You can purchase these on Zoya's site here and they retail for $6 each. They are listed under the "Lip Gloss" tab on the site. There is 0.42oz according to the back of my tube and that is a full sized tube.  There is a variety of colors so I'm sure you'll find something you'll love

Zoya Matte Velvet Dotticure

Today I am going to show you some simple nail art I did recently with some of the Zoya Matte Velvets. I am really loving these colors and am planning some more nail art with them. I'm going to try to have a Halloween themed nail art post for you sometime soon (hopefully before Halloween, lol).

Well today I started off with a base of Zoya Posh, this is a beautiful red matte velvet that has some gorgeous shimmer. Then I let my base color dry. I've noticed with my Matte Velvets that the dry time is a little quicker than with the regular Zoyas, or maybe it's just my imagination. I do want to note that I used my nail strengthener as a base coat underneath Posh. I did this because I was having issues with one of my nails starting to peel and I didn't want it to become a huge problem.

Now once my base color was dry I took Zoya Dovima, a very pretty black/charcoal matte velvet that also has some beautiful shimmer, and I grabbed two of my dotting tools. I placed a small amount of Dovima on a paper plate for me to dip my dotting tools in (I just took the brush out of the bottle and let some polish drip off the brush onto the plate). Then I took a dotting tool with a larger end to make the larger dots on my ring and middle fingers, I did them in kind of a sideways "V" on my nails. Then I took a dotting tool with a very small end to make the small dots. I did the small dots around the larger ones I had just done. I did these in kind of a semi-circle sideways on my nails, kind of a cresent shape.

Then since I wanted them to remain matte all I did next was just let everything dry on its own.

You can purchase the Zoya Matte Velvets at Ulta stores, select salons, and as always Zoya's site here. They retail for $9 each.

If you want to check out my review of the whole Zoya Matte Velvet collection you can view that post here.

PRESS RELEASE--2014 Winter/Holiday Zoya Wishes Collection

PRESS RELEASE
Wishes really do come true with this magical new nail polish collection for Winter/Holiday 2014! Zoya Wishes** is a densely pigmented assortment featuring both traditional and Magical PixieDust formulas in coordinating color combinations that can be worn alone or combined into stunning combinations, no matter how you wear them, this collection delivers a fanciful way to celebrate the season!

· ZP766 - NORI:Sapphire blue Magical PixieDust* with holographic hex glitter, perfect for any holiday festivity.

· ZP767 - THEA:Deep amethyst Magical PixieDust* with an orchid flash, packed full of party-ready holographic hex glitter.

· ZP768 - IMOGEN: Black crystal Magical PixieDust* with holographic hex glitter, just add an LBD and you’re off!

· ZP769 - PRIM:Velvet blue metallic, with a full coverage, high-density pigment and buttery smooth application.

· ZP770 - HAVEN:True holiday plum liquid metal with a thin vein of orchid for added brilliance.

· ZP771 - WILLA:Full-coverage, onyx black cream.

* Zoya Magical PixieDust is textured, matte and sparkling. No base coat and top coat required.

 

 

PRE-ORDER STARTS 10/20/14!
SHIPPING DATE 11/01/14.

 

 

ZOYA IS THE HEALTHY COLOR OF FASHION!

$9(US) Standard Colors
$10 (US) - PixieDust Colors

Available in top salons, spas and on zoya.com

FIND ADDITIONAL COLLECTION IMAGES FOR MEDIA PURPOSES HERE
(https://aob.box.com/s/w4rwx9uthdad1l36iq80)

 

**BIG5FREE: Formula contains no formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or camphor.

October Ipsy Glambag Opinions

Today I am going to show you what I all got in my October Ipsy Glambag. This month's theme was "Beauty Candy" which means the month is full of colorful and eye-catching eye candy, at least that's what they tell us. I just think it's really neat that each month they have a theme of sorts.

I got to say that this month's bag is super cute and I love the color. I think that this might be my favorite bag so far. This one is definitely going in my purse!! It's a pretty teal "patent" looking quilted bag with a signature "Ipsy" zipper pull.

The first product I got was the Ayers Patagonia Body Butter. I have never heard of this brand and was really excited to be getting this because I love body butters. I don't know what scent it is because it isn't listed anywhere on the jar but it does smell nice, it's a little strong but I like the scent. I rubbed a little of it on the back of my hand and I am pleased with it, it didn't feel greasy and absorbed right in. I think this will be going in my purse since I just ran out of lotion in the little bottle (I had the EOS hand lotion in my purse) I carry in my purse. Maybe I'll test it out for a little while and do a little review on it to let you know how I like it.

The next thing I got was the City Color Be Matte Lipstick. I was really excited about this too because I am really digging the matte lip lately. I think I need to expand my matte lippy collection since most everything I have now is glossy or has a shine of some sort, which I love but sometimes I'm in the mood for a sexy matte lip. This is in the shade Cappuccino. I wasn't sure I was going to like this shade because I have a hard time finding lighter neutral shades like this one that go well with my skin tone and look good on me. I also included a pic of it (just a quick swatch) on the back of my hand so you can see what it looks like.

The next product I got was the Ecru New York Acacia Protein BB Cream Beauty Balm for Hair. I was really not excited to see this product in my bag this month because honestly I'm not really that big on hair products. I just have a hard time finding new things that I like for my hair so I tend to stick with my tried and true products that I love. I mean I color my hair often, use a hair dryer and straightener on it occasionally, have naturally wavy/curly hair that is fine, and live in the country so we have well water. I may try this one out and see how I like it but I'm not realy sure yet. If I try it and don't like it I can always give it to my mom, I think it would work really well for her.

Next I got the Skone Cosmetics Tattooed Waterproof Eyeliner. At first when I seen it in my glam room sneak peek I thought it was another pencil liner and was kind of meh about it, but then I read the description and found out that it is actually a liquid liner. It's like a liquid liner pen that is waterproof so it is supposed to stay on until you decide to take it off. I got the color black and it has a nice felt tip, just like a marker. I'm just starting to get a little better at liquid liners but I need more practice on the weekends until I am confident enough with my skills to wear it out in public. Practice makes perfect!

The last product I got was the Skyn Iceland Mini Glacial Cleansing Cloths. I was super excited about these because I LOVE cleansing cloths!! I am one of those people who hate washing their face before bed because I am so tired I just want to go to bed and sleep but I force myself to wash my make up off everynight because otherwise I end up having some major breakouts. I find that the cleansing cloths make it a nice quick and easy process for me to take my make up off. I also travel overnight 2 days a week so I love having something that travels with me easily.

All in all I am pretty satisfied with my bag this month. There were products that I wasn't too excited about and there were products that I squealed when I seen them because I had been wanting them. I think for $10 a month I definitely got more than my money's worth this month. I don't think I've had a single month yet that I have been completely disappointed with and thought it was a waste of my money. I like that I get the opportunity to try out new brands, brands I've never heard of, and I love that there are brands that I love too. Ipsy for me is just a really great way to branch out and expand in the world of beauty products.

For those of you who are not real familiar with Ipsy here's a little breakdown of what it is...Ipsy is a monthly beauty subscription that you sign up for. It costs $10 a month and they bill you on the first of the month every month. Shipping usually starts around the middle of the month and they start giving out little sneak peeks of what is all going to be in the bags for the month. They start the sneak peeks around the first of the month. Right around the 10th or 12th of the month they open up your "Glam Room" and it will show you what you will be getting in your bag. You get roughly 5 products in your bags and the items they choose for you are somewhat based on the beauty quiz you take when you sign up. Each product is usually a deluxe sized sample and there is usually at least one item that is full sized. You can re-take the quiz at any time if you are not satisfied with the types of products you are getting. Your products are packed inside a cute little make-up bag that is designed for the theme for the month. If you are interested in signing up I will give you my link here. Check out this link for more information and to sign up.

Zoya Matte Velvets-Matte is Back!!

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Zoya has brought back the Matte Velvets for Fall 2014 and I can't be more excited about this. I missed out on them last year and before that for various reasons and I am so excited that I finally got my hands on these. While I love a nice shine on my tips I do love having a matte finish as well. I love my matte topcoats so that I can achieve a matte finish with almost any polish I own, I am excited to not have to do the extra step, the matte finish is built right into these!

These have Zoya’s exclusive shine-free formula. You can choose from their six best-selling matte nail polish shades that have a luxurious crushed velvet finish and subtle shimmer.

Zoya suggests that for the best results, "it is not intended to be worn with a base coat, top coat or speed dryer of any kind. Due to the unique matte formulation, color is not as long-wearing as traditional nail color. A completely clean, dry nail surface yields the best results for matte nail color wear." 

Let's get on to the colors now!!!

Here is Posh. It can be best described as a medium cool-toned wine red with metallic red shimmer and a velvety matte velvet finish. My thoughts, this is a very gorgeous bright red that reminds me of Christmas!

Here is Harlow. It can be best described as a rich, saturated rose plum packed with sparkling metallic shimmer in a velvety matte velvet finish. I think this one is a very pretty rose shade that leans purple, I love how you can see the metallic shimmer in this one. So pretty!!

This is Savita. It can be best described as a bold, vibrant medium purple with strong red and gold shimmer with a velvet matte velvet finish. This is such a beautiful shade of purple that reminds me of grapes.

This one is Veruschka. It can be best described as a deep evergreen garnished with strong metallic shimmer in a velvety matte velvet finish. This green is such a deep green that it reminds me of a green Christmas tree. Truly in my opinion a beautiful evergreen shade.

Next is Loredana. It can be best described as a medium gunmetal grey, packed with silvery shimmer and a velvety matte velvet finish. This gunmetal color with the matte velvet finish and shimmer reminds me of a stone. I have been looking for a grey like this and I'm so happy I finally have it! I can't wait to see how this looks with a topcoat, I bet it's beautiful!!

Last, but not least is Dovima. It can be best described as a smoky charcoal-black with strong silver shimmer and a velvety matte velvet finish. I love me a good black, make it a matte black and I'm won over. I think that if I were to add a topcoat to this that shimmer would really stand out and give it some sass!

I found that the formula on all of these were consistant. They all went on smoothly and did not clump or get gloopy. I know some I've heard some people say that they experienced staining and I want to remind you that these are rich colors and Zoya says that for best results to not use a base coat, with that being said you are going to experience some staining. If you don't want to deal with any staining you can just use a base coat but I don't know how well you are going to get the matte velvet finish or how long or well they are going to wear. I have not tried these with a base coat so I can't say how they are with it.

I also want to note that to get even more wear out of these you can always add a topcoat to them and get this insane sparkle and shine from them. The shimmer that is built into these really comes out when they are shiny, it's so pretty to look at! :)

These in my opinion dry a little bit faster than the regular polishes and once they are dry they have a nice soft feel to them when you touch them. It really is almost like velvet! I can't really decide which one is my favorite but I know Posh, Harlow, and Dovima are at the top of my list! What are your favorites??

I hope you enjoyed these and I hope to be showing you some nail art looks with these real soon!!

Zoya polishes can be purchased at Ulta stores, select salons, and Zoya's site. They retail for $9 each.



**all color descriptions were taken from Zoya's site**