All posts filed under: Beauty

Dermalogica Facemap Our Nation - Till June 30, 2015

Dermalogica Facemap Our Nation – Till June 30, 2015

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My favourite skincare line, Dermalogica has launched their Facemap Our Nation program. Participating Dermalogica partners will be providing free facemapping for interested people. Facemapping is a zone by zone approach to skin analysis that’s completed by a certified Dermalogica Skin Therapist. They will be able to answer all your skin care questions and give you a skin care regime tailored to your skin conditions. All I can say is once you go Dermalogica, you can never go back to what you have used before. I speak from experience as last year my lovely Skin Therapist put me on a heavy program to get my face in a good place after a year of playing beauty editor and trying all kinds of weird products. I’m back to my never using anything but Dermalogica stance. Please visit FaceMapNation.com to find out more information on dates and places where you can find across the country to get your facemapped. You have till June 30, 2015 to take advantage of this great opportunity to learn more about your skin. …

Leaves of Trees Deodorant

geekiviews: Leaves of Trees Deodorant (It’s the Best!)

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I figured that short lasting and under-performing was status quo in the natural deodorant world. I tried different brands and delivery methods over the years. eventually I learned that I didn’t have much of a choice and gave up searching. Then I stumbled on the holy grail when introduced to Leaves of Trees deodorant. Leaves of Trees is a luxury skincare line based in Toronto that uses all organic products. Brand founder, Roohi Qureshi, MD uses her extensive background medicine and chemical engineering to choose the best natural fair-trade ingredients that produce healing benefits. Leaves of Trees products are formulated using a base of the highest quality unrefined argan oil sourced from a woman’s cooperative in Morocco. The argan nuts are crushed and then cold pressed by hand which results in a higher concentration of antioxidants which prevent and repair skin damage caused by free radicals. All products are handmade in small batches at the Leaves of Trees Flagship store at 177 Queen Street East. Products are free of artificial fragrances, colours and preservatives. I …

Chanel Les 4 Ombres

Chanel Les 4 Ombres

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This week I got to preview the new eye shadow palette from Chanel at the Holt Renfrew Bloor Street. Chanel Les 4 Ombres takes inspiration from the classic Chanel tweed fabric. The colours for each eye shadow palette are literally based on thread colours from previous Chanel tweed combinations. There are six combinations available: Tissé Vénitien – A tweed that reveals the mysteries of Venice Tissé Mademoiselle – A tweed in the colours of dawn Tissé Cambon – A very feminine tweed that accentuates the style of Chanel Tissé Gabrielle – A tweed that borrows its grays from a stormy sky Tissé Vendôme – A sparkling tweed that reflects the City of Lights Tissé Riviera – A tweed with hints of Southern France All the colour combinations are beautiful but I love Tissé Cambon, Tissé Riviera, Tissé Vénitien and Tissé Gabrielle. Chanel had one of their amazing makeup artists on hand to test drive Tissé Vénitien on me. Great makeup artists have a way of making you feel amazing and excited about a product and …

I want - I got's Holiday Gift Guide - Philip Sparks Shoes

I want – I got’s Holiday Gift Guide – Fashion, Beauty and Jewellery

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It’s that time of year again and I want – I got is putting together massive Gift Guides of things I think would be perfect to give as gifts this season. The fifth edition of the Gift Guides is the one we’ve been waiting for Fashion, Beauty and Jewellery. This is a big one and I could go on for days with selections. Who doesn’t love the 20s? It’s my favourite style era and I love these Vintage Style Flapper Dresses by Cabaret Vintage. They range in price from $195 to 350 and are available online or at the Queen Street location. It’s really unfortunate that I don’t own anything by Comrags yet (Note to self, remedy this in 2014). I love the Quartz Border Ed Tunic by Comrags for $335. It’s available online or at their Toronto location. Philip Sparks’s Footwear is amazing. I love every style with the tall boots being my absolute favourite. They range in price from $350 to $495 and are available at the Ossington location or online. The ultimate …

Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliqués

Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliques

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l never thought l would be singing from the rooftops about nail wraps. l haven’t liked any of the ones l’ve sampled in the past like Sally Hansen or Essie. However, I’m here to tell you the Revlon by Marchesa collaboration nail wraps are the best things ever. Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman partnered with Revlon in order to translate their embellishment heavy designs to nail wraps that almost everyone can afford. The Revlon by Marchesa nail wraps are 3D textured appliqués accented with opulent jewels and beads. They are the most ornate 3D designs I’ve seen applied to nail wraps. The Marchesa nail wraps are a thing of beauty. They really do a great job of representing the brand in a very accessible manner. When I received the collection from Revlon, l wasn’t even Sure I wanted to use them. They were too damn pretty. l got over myself though and picked my least favourite pair to test out. I’m still not sure that I’m going to use the other wraps yet. My main …

Avocado from Mexico: Do it Yourself Beauty Meetup at Tips Nail Bar

Avocados from Mexico: Do it Yourself Beauty Meetup at Tips Nail Bar

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It seemed like a random pairing: Avocados from Mexico and Tips Nail Bar. I wasn’t sure what was going on but l immediately replied to RSVP. Who doesn’t love a manicure from my friends at Tips. What is this Avocados from Mexico organization? Well, the APEAM (Avocado Producers and Exporting Packers Association of Mexico) is a non-profit organization that represents the Mexican Hass avocado industry. Avocados from Mexico is the group’s media arm that spreads awareness about the benefits of Avocados. Before the polish application we were treated to an avocado hand treatment. This was the first time I’ve ever used avocado topically. l typically eat avocado (Love Guacamole!) instead of spreading it on my skin. The hand treatment contained avocados provided by Avocados from Mexico, egg white, rolled oats and lemon juice. The mixture was spread all over my hands and it soaked for 20 minutes. l liked the hand treatment. My hands were quite dry before the treatment and the avocado really helped in adding moisture again. I’ll have to try this again …

Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer by Marc Jacobs Beauty

geekiviews: Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer by Marc Jacobs Beauty

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Marc Jacobs announced a beauty line earlier this year and the reaction was pretty massive. As a teaser, the press release included photos of of the packaging design. I was in love already. The design was so compelling. Black and silver dominated the packaging that played with long lines and curves. The design was simple but managed to capture a distinct, expensive look of its own. It didn’t matter what the product was like I would be buying some nail polish and mascara. Marc Jacobs and Sephora are both owned by LVMH. Marc Jacobs Beauty is a collaboration between the designer and Sephora Originals, the company’s private label. This is first foray into cosmetic collaborations with designers from the LVMH family. Originals produced lines for Hello Kitty and a few smaller designers previously. So fast forward to September and the collection is in Sephora stores. I’m on a mission to buy the Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer by Marc Jacobs Beauty. I spend an agonizing time figuring out which colours to buy. The selection of colours …

Proenza Schouler x M·A·C Cosmetics

Proenza Schouler x M·A·C Cosmetics = OMFG!!!

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It’s Proenza Schouler day at I want – I got. I come bearing amazing news. Proenza Schouler and M·A·C Cosmetics are collaborating on a Spring Summer 2014 beauty collection. OMFG!!!!! This limited edition collection will have Ombre Face Powders, Lipsticks, Pro Longwear Eye Liners and Lip Pencils, Nail Lacquers, and a 129SE Powder Brush. The collection will be inspired by Jack and Lazaro’s previous collections. Look for the collection to hit stores and online everywhere April 2014. Quote from James Gager, Creative Director, Senior Vice President, M·A·C Cosmetics: “I have always respected Jack and Lazaro’s keen vision and point of view. We’ve worked together backstage creating beauty looks for their runway shows for many years and it has been fascinating to me watching them evolve. They have a very particular perspective on their makeup look each season. It has been a great experience collaborating with them to bring their beauty vision off the runway to our customers.” Quote from Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler: “Beauty has always played a huge role in …

I’m in the Toronto Life Stylebook Fall 2013 Edition

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I have a little feature in the Fall 2013 Toronto Life Stylebook. They approached me to discuss my beauty routine and what new products I’m looking forward to this fall. I give shout outs to some of my favourite beauty brands and retailers: Lancome, Chanel, Essie, Givenchy, Marni, Balenciaga, Philosophy, Concepts Salon & Spa and the Miraj Hammam Spa at The Shangri-La Hotel. The most surprising thing about the feature was this illustration of me. I was completely stunned. If you remember, I hated the last illustration Toronto Life commissioned of me. Judit García-Talavera is an illustrator based in Barcelona, Spain. She is absolutely incredible and I’m not just saying that because she created a kick ass illustration of me. She’s worked with clients such as Marie Claire Spain, Telegraph’s Stella magazine, Bloomingdales, ELLE China, Teen Vogue, Gilt Group, ELLE Girl Japan, Harper’s Bazaar Spain, Stylesight, Rolling Stone Spain, Hennessy Cognac and Piaget. You can see all the rest of Judit’s work for the Fall 2013 Toronto Life Stylebook on her blog. The Toronto Life …

Honeymania by The Body Shop

Honeymania Collection by The Body Shop

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It’s been over a decade since I’ve shopped at The Body Shop. In university, I was obsessed with their fragrances and the colourful glycerin soaps. Other brands caught my eyes over the years and I moved away from The Body Shop. Fast forward to now and a package from The Body Shop arrives at my door. They are launching a new product line called Honeymania. They have partnered with Beza Mar beekeepers in the remote Sheva rainforest in Ethiopian highlands to bring community fair trade honey to incorporate into the Honeymania product line. The beekeepers work with the bee’s natural cycle and use traditional techniques so that their use of the bees and the rainforest is sustainable. The hand harvested honey is food grade and it’s sold by luxury brands as table honey. Launching in stores on October 7, 2013, Honeymania will feature Lip Balm, Soap, Shower Gel, Body Butter, Bubble Bath Melt, Body Scrub and Eau de Toilette. Each product has a delicate scent with notes of floral honey blossoms and sweet honey. The …

Anna Sui Nail Collection

Anna Sui Nail Collection

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Anna Sui has some of the prettiest nail polish packaging on the market. I’d buy it for the packaging alone. The Anna Sui Nail Collection has 45 shades and styles.  The Nail Colour N Collection comes in a black bodice shaped bottle. It comes with a more traditional nail polish brush for regular application. I attended an Anna Sui beauty preview and received a sample of Nail Colour N 402 which is a very dark red with some gold glitter. I really liked the formula, the brush and it stayed chip free for a week. The Nail Art Colour N Collection come in a black bodice shaped bottle with a ruffle dress for easy identification. It has a brush that is flat with short and firm hairs to allow for nail art applications. I haven’t tried the polish in this collection yet but it claims the solid shades only needs one coat and that the glimmer shades are very sparkly and shiny. I’m very curious to try this nail polish out because of the one coat …

MAC Indulge

M·A·C Cosmetics lndulge

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The M·A·C Cosmetics ad campaign for the lndulge collection are so colourful. I get excited everytime a new campaign lands in my inbox. The Indulge collection features lipstick, eyeshadow, lipglass, fluidlines, creamblend blush and my favourite nail polish. The Indulge Nail Lacquer collection includes – Magnificent Feast Sparkling True Gold (Frost) – Sinfully Sweet Sparkling Champagne With Gold Pearl (Frost) – Discothéque Super Glitter Silver (Pearl) – Impassioned Bright Warm Pink (Crème) – Rebel Mid-Tone Cream Plum (Crème) – Screening Room Bright Mid-Tone Teal (Crème) Each polish retails for $19 and I’m feeling the Crèmes more than the metallics. The M·A·C lndulge collection launches today at all M·A·C locations and www.maccosmetics.com images: courtesy of M·A·C

MAC x Antonio Lopez

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This campaign image for M∙A∙C x Antonio Lopez collection is just breath taking. 70s supermodels Marisa Berenson, Jerry Hall and Pat Cleveland aka Antonio’s Girls look absolutely incredible here. Antonio Lopez is one of the great fashion illustrators and M∙A∙C has created a collection based on his work and muses. I’m absolutely in love with the packaging. The legendary fashion illustrator’s vibrant energy, brazen attitude and love of life inspire a striking colour collection featuring: Eyes x 6 Palettes, Lips x 3 Palettes and Face Palettes perfect for highlighting natural tones and contours. Each palette displays the fiercely individual face of one of his muses, “Antonio’s Girls,” while each product’s packaging features a drawing by the artist, making these objets d’art to be treasured. Available on September 12, 2013 at all M·A·C locations and www.maccosmetics.com M∙A∙C x Antonio Lopez Face $55 M∙A∙C x Antonio Lopez Make up Bag $48 – Available at M∙A∙C stores only M∙A∙C x Antonio Lopez Powder Blush $46 M∙A∙C x Antonio Lopez Lips $33 M∙A∙C x Antonio Lopez Eyes $52 M∙A∙C …

Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale

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A few weekends ago, I hosted a Bloggers Beauty Brunch and Sale with the lovely women from Front Row Mag. We organized the sale to move the vast amount of beauty swag we’ve collected over the year. We invited a small group of people to enjoy brunch at Marben and get first access to the beauty goods before the public were invited. There were some great deals to be had as everything was priced at $2. All the proceeds went to the The Ride to Conquer Cancer. Marben did an amazing job with brunch. It was visually stunning and tasted as good as it looked. I’m so impressed with the perfect service the team gave us. I can’t recommend them enough for private parties. We had so much product. Initially, I was worried that there wouldn’t be enough. I was so wrong. The event was very successful and we plan on doing another one in the near future. In the end we raised around $500 for The Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Alber Elbaz x Lancome Video

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The teaser video for the Alber Elbaz x Lancôme makeup collaboration is out and I’m freaking out. I can’t wait to see what they come up with, it’s going to be amazing. “Our job is to tell stories. It all starts there,” explains Alber Elbaz. “It all stems from the incredibly rounded and curvaceous mascara bottles. The moment I saw them I thought of women’s bodies. There’s something of Cinderella and her magical carriage in this idea of fairy-tale metamorphosis. The transition from the real to the surreal of course echoes make-up itself, and sparks the imagination. So I came to this idea of a fashion show where all you see are eyes in the front row, and the women gradually transform into bottles.” “Alber is a born storyteller,” emphasises Youcef S. Nabi, President of Lancôme. “The whole thing began with his story, which he told in the form of a short film. The stars of this film are the mascaras, just as he imagined them. I don’t think anyone has ever created a product …

i got: Chanel Summer 2013 Inimitable Waterproof Mascara

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There are so many lovely things in the Chanel Summer 2013 makeup collection. Chanel Nail polish is always a must have for me but I never really though about Chanel mascara. I didn’t even know Chanel had mascara until I saw an email about Le Volume de Chanel mascara a few months ago. My catlike curiosity eventually got to me and I used a Hudson’s Bay gift card to buy the pricy mascara in black. Le Volume de Chanel didn’t disappoint and I loved its forumla and brush. When I saw the mascara colours for the Chanel summer 2013 collection I lost my shit. They were bright in a way that I usually isn’t associated with Chanel. Yellow (Zest), lime (Lime Light), aqua (Aqua Blue) and blue (Blue Note) aren’t colours you see very often and not in such a pigmented way. I made my way down to the Chanel counter at Holt Renfrew to get a look at them in person. I knew that I would buy Blue Note as I’ve been constantly searching …

Pierre Hardy x NARS Nail Polish Pairs

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I’m all about the NARS Cosmetics Nail Polish collaborations and this summer shoe designer Pierre Hardy brings his spring summer 2013 colour palette to NARS. There are twelve polishes in total but they are available in packages of two. The colours are complimentary. The Pierre Hardy x NARS Nail Polish collection is: SHARKS (yellow, lavender), SHARPLINES (peach, burgundy) VERTEBRA (coral, dusty rose), ETHNO RUN (orange, navy) EASY WALKING (rose gold, camel), VENOMOUS (gunmetal, black) which is exclusive to narscosmetics.ca The collection is available now at any NARS counters and online at narscosmetics.ca. Each duo retails for $32 and they come in a cute box with a little dustbag. image: courtesy of NARS and narscosmetics.ca

geekiviews: MARNI Fragrance

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Way back in November I sat down with Trudi Loren who is the Vice President, Corporate Fragrance Development at Estèe Lauder Companies. She was in Toronto to introduce Marni’s first fragrance to members of the press. I’m a big fan of Marni and head designer Consuelo Castiglioni. I see her clothing in person at Holt Renfrew and I find myself coveting everything. I wanted to know if she could translate that feeling to a fragrance. Marni isn’t stereotypical feminine either, how would that translate into scent. Trudi starts with the origins of the fragrance. Consuelo had specific ideas for the fragrance when she met with Estèe Lauder perfumers. They tweaked her custom fragrance after numerous design cycles using their knowledge to take the fragrance to market and still be true to Consuelo vision of Marni. She was very involved in every step of the design process, treating it like editing a collection. The starting point was typically material: it was woods and spices and the incense that Consuelo wanted, somehow reminiscent the woody landscapes of …

geekiviews: Guerlain La Laque Couleur Nail Polish

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Guerlain is introducing a new permanent nail polish collection to its makeup line up. The collection features 10 shades as well as a Gel Top Coat and protective base. Gel top coats are going to be the next rage in the nail polish world. They claim to give a similar finish to a gel manicure without the need of the potentially cancer-causing UV lamps. What makes a gel top coat different is that it contains polymers or epoxy resin that provides the coverage, protection and finish. Julep, Deborah Lippman and Dior all have gel top coat products on the market. At the preview, I got to see the nail polish in person and I indulged in a mini manicure. Guerlain impressed me. The polish is very opaque and there was 95% coverage in the first coat. I love that Guerlain has the wide and flat brush design like Dior’s nail polish. The wide brush makes applying polish so quick and easy. Some people prefer a thinner brush but I’d love all my polish brushes to …

MAC Cosmetics – Year of the Snake Collection

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The editorial shots for the MAC cosmetics are always great. The Year of the Snake collection shots are just so beautiful. I’m really enamoured with this beauty shot. Everything about it is just perfect. The snake-inspired collection is defined by a palette of vibrant shades and shimmering finishes. Beauty powder illuminates the skin, eye shadow creates striking contrasts and pigments intensify the effect. Zoom lash adds definition and powerpoint eye pencil defines a razor-sharp line. Lipsticks quiver with lustre and m·a·c’s exclusive packaging slithers with chic – featuring beauty powder, lipsticks and eye shadows embossed with a gorgeous snake design. The collection is on sale now and is available at MAC stores and online. The Year of the Snake collection includes eye shadow, pigment, lipstick, eye pencil, beauty powder and mascara options. The price range is $18 – $29. images: courtesy of MAC

Les Exclusifs de CHANEL Collection – 1932

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Silly me mixed up my dates and I missed the launch for the newest fragrance in the Les Exclusifs de Chanel collection. I was really excited about it because it would mean playtime at the beautiful Chanel fragrance bar in the Holt Renfrew Bloor Street store. Les Exclusifs de CHANEL collection is a modern take on the fragrances created by Ernest Beaux, Chanel’s original nose and Coco Chanel in the 20s and 30s. Chanel’s current nose, Jacques Polge launched the collection 2007 and has released more fragrances over the year. These fragrances all take inspiration from the history of the house and each one explores a singular theme. 1932 is the year that Chanel launched her first designer jewellery collection in her home. The Bijoux de Diamants collection had stars, comets, crescent moons and suns; all inspiration from the lights and signs that shine at night on the Champs-Élysées. In 2012, Jacques Polge creates the Bijoux de Diamants Collection inspired fragrance. 1932 includes top notes of Aldehydes, Bergamot, Neroli, middle notes of Carnation, Jasmine, Lilac, …

Talking About My ‘Do in Worn Journal Issue 15

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I’m in the current issue of Worn Journal. It’s been out since November but I’m only getting around to posting about it now. In June, I got an email from Serah-Marie asking if she could feature me in Worn’s hair issue. As you can imagine, I was a little perplexed at why I would be included. She explained that the piece would be feature on people with interesting hair styles. Accompanying the photos would be an interview with questions related to hair and identity. I said yes without question because it’s Worn Journal and it’s a great topic that my (lack of) hair could contribute to. The talented Lainee Dee did my makeup before I ventured to the Worn Journal offices to meet the photographer, Brittany Lucas. I brought a few different outfits to choose from for the shoot but the final decision was the Smythe Warbler Tribute Blazer, earring by Eliza Kozurno and a leather Tshirt by Danier. It was late July when this photo was taken and it was roasting outside. With the …

Lunch with Into The Gloss at Holt Renfrew

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Last week, Holt Renfrew invited me to private lunch for Emily Weiss and Nick Axelrod from the amazing beauty site, Into The Gloss. Emily is the Founder and Creative Director and Nick is the Editorial Director. I’m a fashion blogger that doesn’t really read fashion blogs but Into The Gloss is amazing. It’s full of great, well researched features on the beauty routines of industry players in the fashion scene. You can find profiles on people like Iman or Liya Kebede or even a random scientist. I love features on science nerds. We are out there! Emily and Alex were in town to host the Holt Renfrew Powder Puff Party. Emily also curated a Skincare Renewal Guide for Holts showcasing her top choices of skincare products available at Holts. It’s really high/low with heavy hitters like La Prairie and La Mer. It was very informative because I never seen face cream for $475. However, It’s not all crazy, prices start at $20. There is something for different budgets. And because people want to know, Emily …

Lancome x Alber Elbaz 2013

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I’m so incredibly excited about the Lancôme and Alber Elbaz beauty collaboration. This is going to be massively successful. “Alber Elbaz is, without a doubt, one of the world’s most influential fashion designers. But beyond that, he is also the most talented, explains Youcef S. Nabi, Lancôme President. His sense of luxury, his vision of femininity and that hint of audacity resonate perfectly with the new values of the Maison Lancôme. We are extremely proud and happy that, with us, he is set to channel his universe into the world of make-up for the very first time.”(source: press email) The collection will be available in June 2013. Check back for updates. image: Courtesy of Lancôme

geekiviews: Layla Hologram Effect Nail Polish

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I’m in love with Layla Cosmetics Nail Polish. It’s a 60 year old Italian company whose founder is responsible for bring nail polish to Italy in the 30s. I’ve tried a couple Holo like polishes but the Layla polish really delivers the perfect Holographic effect. I haven’t tried Nfu Oh yet but I’ve heard it’s good too. I purchased the charcoal/dark grey holographic called Flash Black. I figured I should get a neutral looking one to start. I really love the colour. Layla says you don’t need a base coat for this polish and that buffing your nails before application should be ok. Holographic polishes have a notorious reputation of being hard to apply so I purchased the Nfu Oh holographic base coat. It worked really well and suggest buying it when using these types of polishes. The application was very easy but I allowed more time to dry between coats. You have to allow the base coat to dry completely first for best coverage. The photo shows two coats but I’d use three for …