MDJ Creations Festival Lights

“"Well, that’s actually quite understandable," Deepak gently returned, "there are a lot of things people fear, yet really the only thing people have any reason to fear is uncertainty. Of course, the biggest uncertainty is what happens to us after this life, which is why we fear death so much. But even death is rather pointless to worry about, it will happen to each and every one of us, whether we care for it or not, all we can do is try to accept it as gracefully as possible.
"This is why, living day to day, my greatest uncertainty hasn't been about death, but whether you will love me by returning all of my affection. I can’t think of anything I would find more fearful or disturbing than if you were to refuse my feelings or worse if you were to fall in love with someone else before you had a chance to love me."”

-Andrew James Pritchard, Festival of Lights

Three thick coats over white on the thumb here (to show base better)

Polish Information: This polish is MDJ Creations "Festival Lights." It has multiple small yellow and red glitters of different shapes with a slight holographic shimmer in a slightly gold base. The base is nearly clear, so it is certainly best layered, and I chose to use a bright white base so that the glitters could really stand out, and you could see variations on base color. Thus, all photos are 2 coats Festival Lights over 2 coats Sally Hansen Ivory Skull (a bright bleach white). The holographic shimmer in the base is very subtle in photos, but you can catch a bit of holo shine in natural light. Application was very good- no fishing for glitters- they came out easily, even from the mini bottle. I used Julep topcoat. Wear time was pretty good- no chips until 2 days of wear (when I was doing hard cleaning/laundry). On to the photos!

Festival Lights outdoors in the sun!

Festival Lights outdoors in the sun!

Festival Lights outdoors in the sun!

Festival Lights outdoors in the shade

Festival Lights outdoors in the shade

Festival Lights indoors with a flash, close up to show the base/holo shimmer

Final thoughts: This one was fun to play around with. I think in the future, putting it over a gold color would also be very pretty, as the base is light and this would make it stand out more. Wear was pretty good and application was great!

If you want your own, please check out MDJ Creations on facebook, or go straight to her etsy store here! As a note, this polish was purchased by me at a discount for my honest review.

Literary Lacquers Thermodynamics

"Ever since I was eight years old, I "borrowed" my mom's make up and nail polish. By the age of eleven, I was already crushing and mixing eye shadows into my own custom lacquers (sorry mom), so when it was time to do a Blogger collaboration shade with Literary Lacquers, I couldn't have been happier. Growing up, I recall wearing 2 to 3 different manicures in a day, and people thought I was crazy; and I still do it now when I have the time. I started taking NOTD pictures a couple of years ago, as a way of making them last a bit longer, and this is how my blog started. When I am not blogging, I am a scientist, although I daydream about nail polish all day; and constantly look at my glittery nails under the latex gloves when I'm working in the lab. Last month, Amy asked me what kind of books I read, and I was sitting at my desk thinking science books. I looked over at the pile next to me and thought: Chemistry, Physics and Biology books? It's really all I read now. Among the many scientific topics that I can read about for hours, is Energy and Work. I am fascinated by the concept of Entropy (disorder), which is one that Amy can relate to, especially after a long night of mixing. A few weeks ago, Amy sent me a picture of a prototype, which encompassed Heat and Entropy. I told her "Can you add iridescent blue micro-glitter? I see some blue flecks! Expand on that, as they say in the literary world", and she did! She worked her magic, and tested the lacquer for wear and staining. She sent me more pictures, and I was in love with the final result. That is how Thermodynamics was born."

-Alex's paragraph about this polish from Literary Lacquers' Community Collection

Polish Information: This beauty is Literary Lacquers Thermodynamics. It's a HOT pink jelly with blue, purple, and pink microglitters/shimmers. As a jelly, it looked pretty solid in the bottle, so I decided to bravely paint it on sans undies. It took me 7 thick coats to get the coverage you see in these photos. I probably could have used some more for fuller coverage. As for wear, on day three, only one tiny chip in one nail, so pretty good! Please forgive the bad nail art. I saw pink, and I thought VALENTINE'S NAILS! I was determined to get some nail art on there. This is actually a final nail art ditch attempt (you don't even want to see its predecessors), as the others were truly terrible. This one was simple enough that I figured I could keep it (and I had already removed enough polish for the day). It also shows you what Thermodynamics would look like with a white polish undie (here- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Ivory Skull)- white really makes the pink pop!! I used Julep's top and base coats. On to the picspam...

Thermodynamics- indoors, no flash

Thermodynamics- indoors with flash

Thermodynamics- outdoors in the sun

Thermodynamics- outdoors in the sun

Thermodynamics- indoors without flash

Thermodynamics- indoors without flash

Thermodynamics- outdoors in the shade

Final thoughts: This was a fun and beautiful polish with a few layers to it, with the microglitters/shimmers! I really enjoyed wearing it. If you want the color to pop more, I suggest light-colored undies! Wear time was great. If you'd like your own, check out Literary Lacquers on facebook here or go to her shop here. Please note that this polish was sent to me for being a part of the community collection and for my honest review.

Literary Lacquers Love You Forever

"This book is special because it represents exactly the love I feel for my babies, never ending, even on days that I feel like they push my limits to the max, when I put them in bed and see what a huge blessing they are to me I can just be grateful. This polish is so special because my daughter, Keera and I thought about it together. We wanted something blue and shiny and of course holo. We both love polish and obsessed with all things holo! Can't wait to do matching manis! We are so thrilled Amy was able to capture what we wanted in this beauty and definitely represents "I love you Forever."

-Crisdee's paragraph about her submission (this polish) for the community collection

Polish Information: This beauty is Literary Lacquers Love You Forever, a deep sky blue holographic, another gorgeous part of the Community Collection. I did three thick coats to get full coverage with Julep's top and base coats. Application was very smooth and easy- it really slid on- a great creme! It did start chipping within about 3 days, but not too badly. Today is day 4 and only minor wear to report! On to the pic spam...

LL Love you forever- indoors, no flash

LL Love you forever- indoors, no flash

LL Love you forever- indoors, no flash

LL Love you forever- indoors, with flash

LL Love you forever- indoors, with flash

LL Love you forever- indoors, with flash

Final thoughts: I really loved this one- gorgeous color, great application, and good wear. I may have to get the full size for myself!! If you'd like your own, check out Literary Lacquers on facebook here or go to her shop here. Please note that this polish was sent to me for being a part of the community collection and for my honest review.

Literary Lacquers Shift of Fate

"Jackaroo, written by Cynthia Voigt, is an inspirational novel that takes place in an undefined Middle Ages type placed called the "Kingdom." The central character is a girl, Gwyn, who has been confined by gender (it seems her only option is marriage and the like) and an inability to help the less fortunate (often made less fortunate by the system of classist oppression). She begins to break out of this confinement when she stumbles upon the costume of a legendary figure called "Jackaroo" who is akin to Robin Hood (helps the oppressed with money and the like, rights injustices, all while wearing specific garb and a mask). She begins to mascarade as Jackaroo, helping the people and herself to grow/mature. Essentially, it boils down to action, intrigue, romance (yes, she does find love, but not as it would have been expected of her- she breaks ALL the rules!), and girl-power! I wanted the polish to be inspired by Jackaroo's costume, as a green-gold duochrome with some holo pizzazz. I always pictured it from the front of the book I had (for an image of the cover, http://cherstinieveen.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/jackaroo.jpg?w=595). I chose the name "Shift of Fate" because Gwyn has changed her fate by the decisions she has made, and also because the polish has a lovely color shift to it."

-By ME! from my community collection description. Also, here's where you learn that I am highly addicted to DD iced tea. I forgot to take the photo when you could actually see the tea, but here is the empty container anyway. ;)

Shift of Fate!

Polish Information: This gorgeously clever creation (haha!) is my contribution to Literary Lacquers community collection, titled Shift of Fate. It is a green to gold duochrome with holographic pigment. Coverage is good on this one- two coats to full coverage. I had some minor tip wear within two days of wearing it, and it didn't get any worse by today (fourth day of wear). I fixed the wear with some polish before taking photos. I almost think this looks like it's got some flakies or something in it as well- I keep trying to look into it- it's really a multidimensional masterpiece! On to the picspam...

Shift of Fate indoors, no flash

Shift of Fate indoors with flash

Shift of Fate indoors, no flash

Shift of Fate indoors, no flash

Shift of Fate indoors, no flash

Shift of Fate indoors with flash

Final thoughts: I really love this one (as I should, since I helped design it!), but really, I think Amy took my idea, and went above and beyond in creating it! This is really incredible. I can't gush about it enough- so much amazing in one color!! If you'd like your own, check out Literary Lacquers on facebook here or go to her shop here. Please note that this polish was sent to me for being a part of the community collection and for my honest review.

BUT WAIT... She gave me an extra bottle to giveaway, brand new and gorgeous! As I will be sending it out, I am going to limit the contest to US only, so I will be able to track where it goes. I am also going to limit to 18 years or older, for legal reasons. I also reserve the right to add extra things to the package when I send it out! Other than that, just follow what is in the rafflecopter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Literary Lacquers As the Waltz Was Ending

"As The Waltz Was Ending is one of my favorite books! I am a History Professor outside of my polish life and I knew I wanted a book with a historical reference. Waltz is set in Vienna, my favorite city, during World War 2 and the main character (also the author) is a young girl who loves ballet and immerses herself in dance as the war erupts around her. I love pink polish, and I knew a dainty, girly, strong, and bright color was a perfect shade to capture for this book, and I believe this polish captures it perfectly. Hope you all love it as much as I do (and go read the book!!)!"

-Lacey, from her description of the polish

Polish Information: This beauty is Literary Lacquers As the Waltz Was Ending, from her Community Collection. It's a pink-purple holographic. This was full coverage in two coats. I used three just to make sure. I actually ended up wearing it for 3 weeks (with a couple extra applications), because life got me busy and then I had some camera issues. Wear was not bad. It took about 2 full days before I started getting chips, and about 4 days before I was missing chunks. I loved the color on me though, which isn't usually the case with light purples! Don't get me started on the nubbins. All I'll say is that winter this year is the worst.

As the Waltz Was Ending indoors, no flash

As the Waltz Was Ending indoors, no flash

As the Waltz Was Ending indoors, no flash

As the Waltz Was Ending indoors, no flash. Pinkie looks awkward to try to get the holo to come out!

As the Waltz Was Ending outdoors in the shade

Final thoughts: I really liked this one- it was a lovely, subtle color, with a bit of a holo flair in the right light. It was fun to wear, and I am glad my technological issues are finally over and it's up to share with you! This is a beauty! Good coverage also (2 coats to full coverage!!). Heads up- next post will have a GIVEAWAY from this collection- YAY!

If you'd like your own, check out Literary Lacquers on facebook here or go to her shop here. Please note that this polish was sent to me for being a part of the community collection and for my honest review.

Literary Lacquers Sidewalk's End

"Growing up my house backed up to the Library in the city I grew up in. I spent a lot of time there, and not just because in the summer it was always nice and cool with central air. lol I got lost in the stores I would read; becoming the heroine, or the detective solving the crime. Often a sibling would have to come get me to tell me it was time for dinner. And after some serious hospital stays polish became a part of that equation; something to be immersed in like a book. A celebration of color, beauty and a story; yes, nail polish can do all that for me. It can give the color to correlate with my mood, it can sparkle and shine, even when I don’t feel sparkly and shiny. And it can represent something close to the heart with name, the color, even the finish; things like books, music, movies, places traveled. Sidewalk’s End represents the childhood memories of reading one of my favorite books as a kid. The grey of course represents the sidewalk; the place of neverending activity; hopscotch, squareball, rollerskating and so much more. The holo and the multi-colored flecks; the wonderful drawings, colorful poems, and stories that were filled with imagination and thoughts that were most likely lurking in many a youthful mind."

-LA Salzy's community collection paragraph/description.

Polish Information: This is Literary Lacquer's Sidewalk's End, another polish from her community collection. This one is intentionally thin, but I had to use 7 coats to get full coverage (my husband can confirm- it was hard to cover up the nails with this one!). It was a very pretty slate gray with a good holographic shimmer. Wear was good on this one- no chips, even after two days. I used Julep's top and base coats for this one. The glass flecks were a bit hard to see unless you were in the shade, so I tried to get a good photo...

Sidewalk's End, indoors no flash

Sidewalk's End, indoors no flash

Sidewalk's End, indoors with flash

Sidewalk's End, outdoors in shade- trying to get flecks to show (click to embiggen)

Sidewalk's End, indoors no flash

Final thoughts: This is the prettiest sidewalk I've ever seen! :-P It did have a pretty look about it, like the magical sidewalk you might imagine from your childhood. It was lovely- but be prepared to use an undie or a lot of coats to get full coverage! It is very (intentionally) thin! Aptly designed and inspired though- it certainly fits its name! :)

If you'd like your own, check out Literary Lacquers on facebook here or go to her shop here. Please note that this polish was sent to me for being a part of the community collection and for my honest review.

Literary Lacquers Phenomenal Woman

 "Scientist by trade, I had the pleasure of being promoted this year to a stay at home mom to a sweet little Jedi baby. It was this new life as a mom with messy hair, spit-up on my shirt, a newly broken nail and chipped polish, and more baby weight than I cared for that led me to choose Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou as the inspiration for my polish creation. Far too often we hold ourselves to an impossible standard of beauty that we fail to see that what truly makes us beautiful comes from the inside, not our outward appearance. I wanted this polish to be bold and confident because that is what makes a woman phenomenal."

-Jen, paragraph comes from her community collection excerpt.

Polish Information: This polish is Literary Lacquer's Phenomenal Woman from Literary Lacquer's Community Collection. The color is gorgeous! Application was very thin- it took 4 coats to get it like this, and even then, I still had a little visible nail line. I used Julep's top and base coat for these photos. It showed some tip wear after a day and more after a couple days. Thus, I did some touch up before taking these photos. The holo was pretty linear, and you got a lot of sparkle in light, but the linear really came out with bright lights (like flash).

Phenomenal woman, inside no flash

Phenomenal woman, inside no flash

Phenomenal woman, inside no flash

Phenomenal woman, inside with flash

Final thoughts: I really liked this color, but it was a bit thin for my preference. However, this may have been better with an undie. I love the idea of the community collection, and the inspiration for this one is fabulous! Burgundy holos are very in right now, and this one certainly fits the bill!

If you'd like your own, check out Literary Lacquers on facebook here or go to her shop here. Please note that this polish was sent to me for being a part of the community collection and for my honest review.