Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer Holographic Collection

Yes, I know...I've been a bad blogger...but, my mommy duties have me on the softball field nearly every night since May. Not even kidding. Which means less no time for blogging. Hence why I am showing you these a few weeks later than planned. Oops.

This summer, Maybelline launched two new Color Show collections: Holographic and Polka Dots (which will be featured in an upcoming post). There's been so much hype about these since the first few teases, that I couldn't wait to see what the fuss was all about.

Holographic nail polish lovers will rejoice...or not. Let me explain. The only thing really holo about them, is the silver holo band on the cap (can you see on the pic above?). The description of the collection on Maybelline Canada's website says that the "nail effects shift from shade to shade depending on the angle". To me it sounds like these were meant to be duochromes...yes? Nonetheless, they are totally worth checking out. They go on easily with minimum brush strokes. The formula does spread evenly on the nail, leaving it with a nice, smooth appearance.  

Blue Blaze, Alluring Rose, Mystic Green, Lavendar Lustre, Bold Gold

My nails are in really bad shape these days (tried to do a few nail swatches and I think I will pass....my softball mommy hands are not that cute to look at right now after yet, another tournament) so I am re-directing you to this link for pretty nail swatches of all the Holographic shades. 

Lavendar Lustre is the one I liked the least out of the 4 I have. My favorite one is Blue Blaze. If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen this shot already (shown 3 coats).

Maybelline Color Show in Blue Blaze 

Overall for me, this is a fun collection to add to your polish box if you love metallics. If not, I'd say skip! 
And definitely SKIP  if what you are looking for are holographics...although the band on the cap is kinda pretty to look at... 

Did you buy any nail polishes from this line? What did you think?

The "holographic" collection is available for $3.99 each wherever Maybelline products are sold.  
*PR samples.

Mary Kay Zen in Bloom Collection

East meets West has never looked so good! For Spring 2013, Mary Kay brings us a fresh bouquet of pastel  hues and bright pinks with the Zen in Bloom Collection.

In this collection the Mary Kay R&D team put together an array of innovative products with the modern woman, always on-the-go and in a rush, in mind. And, this mommy approves! There are 4 new cream  eye color shades, 2 limited edition hydrating lip lacquers, 2 new shades of their oh so lovely nail lacquers, one mineral pressed eye shadow trio in a beautiful special edition compact and a gorgeous mini clutch/makeup bag. Let me show you, in colour... ;)

The Zen in Bloom Collection

First, lips...Lip Lacquers that is! Sad to say but these didn't wow me as much as I thought (hoped) they were going to. You do get a lot of product for the price and they come with a mini retractable lip brush which is pretty fantastic, I have to say. Although, if applying on-the-go, you can totally apply these with your finger as well. 

The reason why they didn't get a raving review here...opacity. These are very sheer high shine lip lacquers. Maybe it's just me, but when I think lip lacquers I think high shine BOLD vinyl finish lip shades. Not sheer. Opacity aside, they are nice, hydrating and very purse friendly. I would have preferred a true lip lacquer, something with a little more character! Here are the swatches:

Limited Edition Lip Lacquers (with mini retractable lip brush, $18 CAD)

Also included in the Zen in Bloom collection are these four new shades of their cream eye colors. Super creamy and pigmented. They are kinda slick at first, which allows you enough time to place them properly onto your lid before they start to set. You can wear them alone or as a base for your eye shadow looks to create bolder looks that will last up to 10 hours. I love to just throw them on using my fingers, add liner and mascara and I am good to go! You can wear them on the waterline as well making them totally safe for contact lenses wearers. Definitely my favorite product of the collection. They are also available in 5 other shades. Click here to see the other color options!

Creme eye color shades - Metallic Taupe, Violet Storm, Meadow Grass, Coastal Blue ($16 CAD)

Limited Edition Mineral Eye Color Palette in Garden Sky:

As with the other mineral eye colors they carry, this limited edition trio is nicely pigmented and blend really well. I am loving the sand shade and the green is definitely a must-have this season (if you find emerald to be too bold, you will love this one to rock the Pantone color of the year!). I love using the blue shade as a pop of colour below bottom lashes while keeping my lids in the neutral zone. 

The Garden Sky trio comes in this special-edition compact that celebrates Mary Kay’s 50th Anniversary. It features a golden Swarovski crystal nestled amid a wave of ripples – a reminder that when you touch someone’s life, you create a ripple effect that carries far beyond that one act. 

Limited Edition Mineral Eye Color Palette in Garden Sky ($22 CAD), Special Edition 50th Anniversary compact $22 CAD.

I am so ready to start wearing pretty Spring hues on my nails and was thrilled to see that two new shades of their nail lacquers were included in the collection! For Spring, Mary Kay brings us two limited edition nail lacquer shades in Pink Bamboo and Blue Lotus. I can get away with one coat which I love on days where life is just a tad crazy or on nights where you decide to paint your nails when it's almost bedtime (yes, I know I am not alone...you do that too, don't you?). If you have to pick just one shade, Lotus Blue is the stand out. Love, love it!

Shown here: ONE coat!

Also included is one of my favorite ''face savers'', a product I have discovered about a year ago. Mary Kay has teamed up with Skindinävia to bring you their exclusive Makeup Finishing Spray. Spray evenly over your makeup to help your look freshly applied all day (up to 16 hours)! You can also use it throughout the day as a refresher to keep your skin cool. The small size of this bottle makes it the perfect purse buddy! 

Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray by Skindinävia  ($20 CAD)

As a perk, when you buy for at least $55 suggested retail in Limited-Edition Mary Kay Zen in Bloom Collection* items, you get the Limited-Edition Mary Kay Obi Pouch FREE! The Obi Pouch is so pretty and perfect to carry your favorite products in style (pouch includes a little pocket inside to keep your items safe)! Small enough that it can be popped into a handbag for safe keeping or you can use it as a clutch for an evening out.

Overall, Mary Kay didn't disappoint once again with this lovely collection. I have said it before, and I will say it again: "This is NOT your aunt Rose's makeup!". I am so in LOVE with the cream eye color shade in Metallic Taupe. It has become my everyday eye shadow. I also love to use it as a base for smokey eyes. 

The only "two thumbs down" for me goes to the lip lacquers, as I really wish they would have been more ''lip lacquer'' like and less like a high shine lip butter.

The Zen in Bloom collection is available until May 15th while supplies last. You can purchase the Mary Kay Zen in Bloom Collection online www.marykay.ca or via your personal independant consultant. Don't have one and would love to have one? Check out their website to locate a sales rep or call 1-866-455-5454.

If you have purchased any of the items above, let me know what you think in the comment section below! 

Have a great week everyone!

xxx