Previously I reviewed Nars’ Pokerface with a CND Effects top coat. Here are some pictures of this shimmery lilac beauty on her own. Although this is not a color I would associate with the holiday season, it is a beautiful breath of fresh air for fall and winter.

I took my pictures in the afternoon, and although it was sunny outside my natural light pictures came out too orange. Even though it is the same this time every year, it seems like it is getting dark so darned early! The flash picture is a pretty good representation of the color and shows off the shimmer.

Application was very good. Two coats with a top coat shown.

Nars Pokerface in artificial light with flash

Nars Pokerface

Pokerface is one of Nars’ new holiday colors. It is a lovely cool lilac with a subtle silver shimmer. I applied it while I was watching a movie with my family. I often watch tv while I polish my nails, but I didn’t do a very good job this time! I loved the color, but did not want to take a picture of the substandard manicure. It seemed like the perfect time to try my first CND Effects top coat, and see if I could save this dud mani. Fun! I really like the way it came out! I will try to post a swatch of Pokerface by itself soon, but I think it looks pretty cool with the Ice Blue Shimmer on top

Application was good (the only issues were related to poor application). Two coats of Poker Face, with a top coat of CND Effects in Ice Blue Shimmer.

Nars Pokerface with CND Effects Ice Blue Shimmer topcoat in sunlight

Nars Pokerface and CND Effects Ice Blue Shimmer topcoat

Crystal is from Zoya’s new Flame collection. It a beautiful light blue with gold flecks and foil  finish. Crystal is quite a beauty!

Application was good, but I used three coats for total opacity. Thee coats and a top coat shown.

Zoya Crystal in sunlight

Zoya Crystal

Freyja is the Norse goddess of love, beauty, magic and war. She is strongly associated with gold and amber, and wears Brísingamen a gold necklace  fashioned by dwarves as a symbol of her personal power. Knowing this I would expect that Zoya’s Freja would be gold or amber colored. It’s not, but it is still a lovely color!

Freja is a shimmery metallic gunmetal grey with a hint of a blue cast to it. A friend aptly compared it to hematite.

Application was good, but I needed three coats for complete opacity. I did have some issues with brushstrokes showing, but the top coat resolved them. Three coats and a top coat shown.

Zoya Freja in sunlight

Zoya Freja

I feel like I am totally behind on swatching and posting I am trying to catch-up! Here are two beautiful greens from China Glazes new holiday collection

Peace on Earth

I am not usually a big fan of olive greens. They don’t tend to be very flattering on me. Peace on Earth is an exception though! It is a beautiful glowing olive green with a golden shimmer. It is stunning, even on me!

Application was excellent, and it covered in one coat! One coat and a top coat shown.

China Glaze Peace on Earth in sunlight

Jolly Holly

An outstanding shimmery cool dark pine green. I love it! It looks a little more blue in the picture than it does in real life.

Also a one coater! Application was excellent, with coverage in one coat. One coat and a top coat shown.

China Glaze Jolly Holly in Sunlight

Overall the gorgeous shimmery colors and awesome one coat application make these winners in my book! One coat application is such a great time saver, and especially great for the busy holiday season! What’s not to love?!?

China Glaze Peace on Earth, China Glaze Jolly Holly, China Glaze Sugar Plums