Saturday, December 31, 2016

My Top 34 Polishes of 2016

Press Samples
Purchased By Me
Hey everyone! For this last day in 2016 I wanted to share my favorite polishes of the past year. This list first started out with 60+ polishes and I cut that down to 34 which I know is not a nice round number but I really could not narrow it down any further. My only requirement was that the polish be released in 2016. I did not end up including any mainstream brands because really, I purchased so few mainstream polishes in 2016 As for this list, I did not number them but have them listed in alphabetical order. Also, I preemptively apologize for sharing many that are no longer available. 

I know there are lot of amazing brands that I have yet to try so if you had a stand out brand or polish not listed, that was one of YOUR favorites of 2016, share that in the comments! See ya in 2017!

Alchemy Lacquers Euphoria
Part of my Top 34 because:
Purple shimmer, be still my heart. 


Anchor & Heart Lacquer Sweet Love
Part of my Top 34 because:
It's such a soft and delicate crelly, which I don't usually gravitate toward but I love how cozy this looks. 


Baroness X Sir Cockicorn
Layered over a cobalt blue jelly base
Part of my Top 34 because:
Yessss, glorious unicorn pee color-shifting shimmer. And as a topper, I can wear it over everything. This is a group custom available only to members of The X Army. I am not sure if it will be available in 2017 but be sure to join the group to know about other future customs. 


Chaos & Crocodiles Cheshire Rose
Part of my Top 34 because:
So. Very. Shifty. AND holographic!
This was a Hella Holo Customs exclusive so it is not available any longer but if you join the HHC group, they have an off shoot group in which you can post a ISO (In Search Of). 


Chaos & Crocodiles Red Velvet Cake at Midnight
Part of my Top 34 because:
It's such a gorgeous deep burgundy red and of course, high density holo, with that fool-proof application that all Chaos & Crocodiles polishes have.


Cirque Colors Dakota 
Part of my Top 34 because:
Sometimes I just want to wear a light neutral and this is a "My Nails But Better" type of polish. Palette cleanser perfection.


Crows Toes Abracadabra
Part of my Top 34 because:
Sparkle galore with multicolored flakes and silver, yum! 
This was another Hella Holo Customs exclusive so it is not available any longer but if you join the HHC group, they have an off shoot group in which you can post a ISO (In Search Of). 


Cupcake Polish Cocoon
Part of my Top 34 because:
The orange coral is just what I want to wear in the summer. 


Cupcake Polish Lemonheads 
Part of my Top 34 because:
It's striking golden yellow coloring and high impact holo-ness. This was an exclusive to the March 2016 Holo Hookup Box


Darling Diva Polish Eye Candy 
Part of my Top 34 because:
I love the contrast between the silver and the ultra chrome flakes. And of course, the Teen Wolf reference.


Different Dimension Ghost Of Jupiter
Part of my Top 34 because:
We got to see more of these color-shifting green/gold/red glitter and I really loved seeing them in all the variety of bases that were offered this year. But I LOVED them in this silver toned polish from Different Dimension.


Different Dimension The Eagle Has Landed
Part of my Top 34 because:
Red copper shimmer + purple = Magnificence


Emily de Molly Pending Perfection
Part of my Top 34 because:
I happen to love the combination of pale green and pink and wow, this Emily de Molly number is truly stunning. 


Ever After Polish 2 Peace in a Pod
Part of my Top 34 because:
I know, this is very similar to the previous Emily de Molly polish but this is an even softer version, with a more subtle pink shimmer and glass-like pale green base. I can't help it, I adore both polishes. 


Fair Maiden Polish Shadow of Your Heart 
Part of my Top 34 because:
Fair Maiden Polish outdid themselves this year but as soon as I started thinking about this list, Shadow of Your Heart immediately popped in my head. I wore this for weeks straight as a pedicure color. 


Girly Bits Cosmetics Sep-timber 
Part of my Top 34 because:
This was a good year for brown polishes and for me, this was the one that was most memorable. This was part of the the September COTM Duo and sadly, not available any longer. 


Great Lakes Lacquer Hope Full 
Part of my Top 34 because:
The perfect burnt orange color to wear when pumpkin spice hits the shelves. Even though I hate pumpkin spice lol. Another that is unavailable, it was a monthly Limited Edition for November. 


Great Lakes Lacquer Washed in Holo 
Part of my Top 34 because:
I could stare of this color all day. It is available now but will be retired after February 1st, as will the rest of the The Sunset Dissected collection, so get it now while you can


Illyrian Polish Mad World 
Part of my Top 34 because:
It's just seriously so pretty. This a monthly limited edition release for August 2016 but may make a return to Illyrian Polish or her stockists. 


Illyrian Polish Soft Shock 
Part of my Top 34 because:
Can you see by now, my love of this red copper shimmer? It looks wonderful in this light periwinkle base. Another monthly LE for April 2016 but it was restocked post April, so maybe it will return in 2017 via Illyrian Polish or her stockists. 


Lemming Lacquer Crack Whore Red 
Part of my Top 34 because:
I had a hard time narrowing down my Lemming Lacquer polishes but this was another that stood out for me. Glorious glowy red. 


Lollipop Posse Lacquer Bid Adieu to Your Ennui 
Part of my Top 34 because:
Another brand that put out awesomely inspired and beautiful collections this year. Will you look at how bright and shimmery this matte finish is?


Model City Polish Making Friends
Part of my Top 34 because:
There were a number of brands that closed their doors in 2016 and sadly, Model City Polish was one of them. I will miss Nina's creations but she will continue to be active as a blogger in the polish community. In the meantime, I will just admire the ones I own, including this true red holo. 


Pahlish Saint Glinda 
Part of my Top 34 because:
Pahlish keeps outdoing themselves, I am not even sure how Shannon does it. Saint Glinda though, was my very favorite Pahlish this year.


Paint Box Polish The Impossible Girl 
Part of my Top 34 because:
Holy heck, the color shift in this is insane. Gold, green, red, orange, your eyes are not sure where to look. 


Polish My Life Citrine Hard Candy 
Part of my Top 34 because:
It's a unique and somewhat nostalgic color. It brings to mind a 70's color motif but in an elevated way. 


Polish My Life Ruby Red Shoes 
Part of my Top 34 because:
My love of red polish is not a secret and I have endless red polishes in my collection. This brick toned deep red is something I know I will wear over and over again. 


Polished for Days Mentlana
Part of my Top 34 because:
This was the year that I really got to wear more Polished For Days and this dusky rose holo is understated and just lovely. 


Potion Polish Christmas Cheer
Part of my Top 34 because:
It's gasp-inducing. That is all. 


Shleee Polish Royal Witch 3.0
Part of my Top 34 because:
This was the year that I finally jumped in the temptation train that is Shleee Polish. She releases polishes in small batch releases so sometimes a polish will have multiple variations, which is how I ended up with two versions of this. That shimmer though...


Shleee Polish Strawberry Moon 3.0
Part of my Top 34 because:
Another fantastic shimmer from Shleee, this time a lighter toned base with (again) that red copper shimmer. 


le polish Succulent Stargazer
Part of my Top 34 because:
I loved how this custom collab polish that le polish created for the Green Color Box came out. If you missed the box when it was released, le polish will be offering this individually later on. 


Tonic Polish Alchemy
Part of my Top 34 because:
Hot damn, it's so vampy and gorgeous. Tonic Polish is a newer brand to debut in 2016 and I am excited to see what 2017 will bring. 


Vapid Lacquer Round 'n' Round
Part of my Top 34 because:
Pink! And red copper shimmer! Together, this magic happens. 


Honorable Mentions:

Cirque Colors Raven
Contrary Polish An Imperfect Magic
Darling Diva Polish Maximum Effort
Great Lakes Lacquer Lake Superior
Fair Maiden Polish Michigan Avenue
Illyrian Polish Awaken Your Magic
Lemming Lacquer Bloody Mary Full of Vodka
Paint Box Polish Love's Keen Sting


Thursday, December 29, 2016

Lemming Lacquer The Daedric Princes Collection plus Sept, Oct, Nov, and Dec 2016 Monthlies: Swatches and Review

Provided for Review
Hi all! I have some amazing new polishes from Lemming Lacquer today. The Daedric Princes Collection is a 12 polish set inspired by the Daedric Princes from the video game The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. I will let maker Cassie tell you more:
The Daedric Princes collection consists of 12 polishes: ten are inspired by Daedric Princes in Skyrim and two are inspired by the lands traveled to by The Dragonborn in two of the available DLCs.  The Daedric Princes polishes are inspired mainly by each Prince's artifact or their plane of Oblivion.  The Daedric Princes are largely malevolent, cruel and mischievous while one or two are considered good, all demand to be paid proper tribute and respect.  Artifacts are awarded to The Dragonborn for completing quests for that Prince and can be a weapon, armor or jewelry imbued with special powers exclusive to that object.  Honor these deities by adorning your nails with these mythical shades.

The inspiration really comes through with the colors and formula wise, everything applies really well. I am continously impressed by the quality of the polishes, both in color and application from Lemming Lacquer and I loved each and every one of these in this set. 

The Daedric Princes Collection will be released Friday December 30th at 7 pm CST in Lemming Lacquer's shop. Monthly polishes for September, October, November, and December 2016 will also be released as well.

Lemming Lacquer Azura
Two coats
 Gray holographic base with bright blue shimmer and navy-teal flakes
Inspiration notes:
Inspired by Azura's Star: a soul gem that allows the Dragonborn to trap the souls of creatures killed by the Dragonborn. Souls can be used to enchant items like weapons or armor but unlike normal soul gems, Azura's Star does not disappear once the captured soul is used. Azura is the Daedric Prince of dusk and dawn, the magic between day and night and she is often considered one of the few benevolent Daedric Princes. 
I love the combination of the cool toned gray and the blue shimmer and flakes. With it's creme based holo formula, it glides on and is opaque in two coats.





Lemming Lacquer Hermacus Mora
Two coats
Brown based green holographic with shimmering metallic gold 
Inspiration notes:
Hermaeus Mora is inspired by the formless Daedric Prince of the same name.  Obsessed with knowledge, his plane of Oblivion is a dark, murky, dusty library where all forbidden knowledge can be found but is guarded by tentacled monsters.
An olive toned holo that has a burnished quality to it with the gold shimmer. 





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Lemming Lacquer Hircine
Two coats
Blue to green duo-chrome holographic with gold/red/bronze metallic flakes
Inspiration notes:
Inspired by the second sign--a fire appearing on a frozen lake--in the prophecy foretelling of the Hunt of Hircine. Hircine is the Daedric Prince of the wild and the hunt.
Oh wow, this is such a beautiful polish. The color base is slightly sheerish, which allows the flakes to show through more, but still opaque enough to just need two coats. 




Lemming Lacquer Meridia
Two coats
Antique bronzed gold holographic with shimmering metallic gold
Inspiration notes:
Inspired by Dawnbreaker: the blessed sword that burns undead enemies given to the Dragonborn for completing Meridia's quest. Meridia has a fiery hatred for all things undead and she rewards those who purge the world of draugr and Necromancers. 
I absolutely love this color. It's leans a bit orange in coloring so it has the look of deep golden amber. 





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Lemming Lacquer Molag Bal
Three coats
Deep navy blue jelly with silver shimmer, white flakes and silver holo micro-glitter
Inspiration notes:
Molag Bal is inspired by the Daedric Prince's plane of Oblivion called Coldharbour. He is described as the Daedric Prince of domination and enslavement, seeking to ensnare souls within his domain.
Like a snowy night sky, with the white and silver against the deep blue. Gorgeous. Not quite opaque in two coats, a third coat covered up the few bare patches.





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Lemming Lacquer Nocturnal
Two coats
Green-turquoise holographic with gold and bronze metallic flakes
Inspiration notes:
Nocturnal is the Daedric Prince of night, the patron of all things secretive and honored by The Thieves Guild. Inspired by the Skeleton Key received as a reward for completing a quest for the Daedric Prince.  The Skeleton Key is an unbreakable lock pick that can open any lock.
This is another beauty. It's warmer in coloring compared to Hircine, with it's gold and bronze flakes. 




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Lemming Lacquer Peryite
Two coats
Lime green holographic with various colors of metallic multi-chrome flakes
Inspiration notes:
Inspired by the Daedric Prince of Pestilence, this shade was made with the diseased acolytes of Peryite in mind.
Such a striking, bright green! I love love the flakes in this base. 





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Lemming Lacquer Sanguine
Two coats
Red holographic with red/gold micro-flakes, gold holo micro-glitter and gold shimmer
Inspiration notes:
Inspired by the Sanguine Rose given to the Dragonborn as a reward for completing the mischievous--- and hedonistic Sanguine's quest. The rose can summon dremora (demons) to fight for The Dragonborn during battle.
Richly red with gold accents that give it a warmer tone. 





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Lemming Lacquer Sheogorath
Two coats
Violet holographic with pink and gold shimmer and gold holo micro-glitter
Inspiration notes:
Sheogorath is the infamous Prince of Madness is not only mad but is known for having a rebellious streak and being a practical joker--sometimes with not so funny consequences.
Such a fantastic purple, it has a bit of pink to it, which I love. 




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Lemming Lacquer Solstheim
Two coats
Taupe holographic with burnt orange micro-flakes and gold/red/bronze metallic flakes
Inspiration notes:
 Solstheim is an island off the coast of Skyrim and home to many nords and dark elves. During The Dragonborn DLC, upon first docking in Solstheim the Dragonborn is greeted with an ash covered landscape, red skies, and dangerous fire enemies. 
A neutral taupe base with again, those awesome flakes, make this an understated and lovely polish. 





Lemming Lacquer Soul Cairn
Two coats
 Plum holographic with silver shimmer and white flakes
Inspiration notes:
The Soul Cairn is a plane of Oblivion traveled to by the Dragonborn in The Dawnguard DLC.  The Soul Cairn plane is where human spirits trapped in black soul gems wander.  The realm is filled with a gloomy eeriness and grim skeletal enemies.
A jeweled plum purple/burgundy, can you ever have too many of those? The silver and white give it a bit of extra detailing. 




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Lemming Lacquer Vaermina
Three coats
Black jelly base with bright blue flakes and black and blue holo micro-glitter
Inspiration notes:
Vaermina is the Daedric Prince of dreams and nightmares and is the deliverer of dark portents.
Dark and luscious vampy blue. This is another that needed three full coats to have totally opaque coverage. 





Lemming Lacquer September 2016
Two coats
Burnt orange holographic
So very juicy and orange, yum.



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Lemming Lacquer October 2016 
Two coats
Dark brown olive with copper shimmer
I love the flashes of copper in the dark base, really fits October well. 



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 Lemming Lacquer November 2016
Two coats
Warm-toned red holographic with shimmering metallic gold core and gold holo micro-glitter
Another stunning red polish, though this is slightly darker and more gold in tone compared to Sanguine.



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Lemming Lacquer December 2016
Two coats
 Pine green holographic with gold shimmer and gold holo micro-glitter
Earthy and green, with the crispness that comes to mind when you think of pine trees. 



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LINKS!

Lemming Lacquer


*The products in this post were sent to me for unbiased review*