Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Polish Pickup May 2018 90s Pop Culture E-K

*Press Samples*

Hey everyone! It's time for post 2 of 4 for May's Polish Pickup 90s Pop Culture Theme. I will be handing over the reins after this post to my pal Nichole over at Bedlam Beauty, so you can stay tuned for makers L-Z over on her blog. This post will bring you makers E-K. Of course we continue with our fabulous 90s inspirations including not only TV, Music, and Movies, but some spooky shows/books/movies, Disney, iconic 90s scents, design motifs, and accessories, and even a supermodel! May's 90s Pop Culture Polish Pickup shop will open on May 4th at 11 AM Eastern time and will remain open until May 7th at Midnight Eastern time.

ellagee Regina Phalange 
Inspiration: Friends/Phoebe Buffay
Price: $11
Cap: No Cap



Description: A light orange scattered holo with pink/gold color shifting shimmer. 

Formula: Formula was just slightly on the thicker side due to the heavy shimmer, but it still applied very easily and I used 2 coats for full coverage. 


My Thoughts: I felt like the shimmers in this one were a bit camera shy, but it kind of gave it an overall corally feel. The thing about this polish that struck me most is that I thought it nailed its inspiration. Regina Phalange was Phoebe's alter ego on Friends, and I immediately felt like this was a polish that Phoebe would have worn. 







Ellison's Organics Where in the World
Inspiration: Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?
Price: $10
Cap: 300


Description: Jellyish tomato red polish with soft shimmer.

Formula: This polish was a touch more opaque than a regular jelly, but still had a nice squishy jelly feel. I used 3 thin coats for full opacity.

My Thoughts: This is a hot red with a great formula! The soft shimmer gives it a touch of interest and glow. Red is of course the color that you would HAVE to use for Carmen Sandiego to match her iconic hat and trench. Who didn't love that show...a game show that was simultaneously fun and disheartening because it showed you how terrible you really were at geography! I even had the board game!





Emily de Molly A Piece of You
Inspiration: The Smashing Pumpkins Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness Album
Price: $12
Cap: No Cap


Description: Blurple holo loaded with gold shimmer and silver microglitters.

Formula: Formula was fantastic and I used 2 coats for full coverage.

Thoughts: The GOLD SHIMMER! I love how the shimmer gives this polish an almost metallic look in some lights. It's a stunner! I think it is a wonderful interpretation of the Blind Melon album cover as well.





Ever After Polish There Goes Her Social Life
Inspiration - Clueless
Price: $10
Cap: No Cap


Description: Cherry red jelly with pink shimmer, holo, and pink galaxy holo glitter.

Formula: Smooth and easy application, I used 3 thin coats for full opacity.

My Thoughts: Clueless was the quintessential 90s movie for me, and I think Cher would have loved this girly polish! The pink shimmer really makes it glow.





Ever After Polish Cuticle Crelly As If! (with bonus cuticle oil!)
Inspiration: Clueless
Price: $8
Cap: No Cap


Description: 2 oz cream for hands and cuticles in an iconic scents of the late 90's, Love Spell (inspired by Victoria's Secret's bath and body line with notes of citrus, cherry blossom, hydrangea, apple, peach with a hint of blondewood). Bonus 5 ml Cuticle Oil comes in a dropper bottle.

Cuticle Crelly Ingredients: Petroleum Jelly, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Vitamin E, Distilled Water, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Sunflower Seed Oil, Jojoba Oil, Meadowfoam Seed Oil, Emulsifying Wax, Vegetable Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Vitamin C, Citric Acid, Rosemary Oil

Cuticle Oil Ingredients: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil.

My Thoughts: I have been using Ever After's Cuticle Crelly for years because it's thick and moisturizing without being greasy. This scent is so perfect for the inspo (90s and I think Cher would have lived off of Victoria's Secret products), and it's a spot-on dupe for Love Spell.





Fanchromatic Nails Forged in the Heat of Battle
Inspiration: Xena, Warrior Princess
Price: $12
Cap: No Cap


Description: A misty blue with subtle violet/blue/aqua color shift and flakies in gold, holo silver, and red/gold/copper chameleon.

Formula: Applied smoothly and easily with no issues, I used 3 thin coats for full coverage.

My Thoughts: This might have been the inspiration I was most excited for when I saw the inspirations come out. Hercules and Xena were my JAM in the 90s. I fondly remember staying up well past my bedtime and after American Gladiators would go off, Hercules and then Xena would play. I felt like I was watching a "grown-up" (I led a sheltered existence people...). I think this polish does Xena proud! I really like all of the metallic flecks in it, makes me think of her armor!





Fair Maiden Polish You Got it Dude!
Inspiration: TGIF
Price: $11
Cap: No Cap


Description: Neon red with soft indigo shimmer and blue/green/purple ultra chrome flakies.

Formula: Super easy to use with no streaking issues that neons are often plagued with. I used 3 thin coats here for full coverage.

My Thoughts: Sorry Shonda, TGIF beats TGIT any day. These was the Friday nights of my childhood (I already told you I was lame and sheltered...I had to do SOMETHING on Friday nights). This polish captures the fun that was TGIF and even though the Olsen twins grew up to be totally lame, Michelle Tanner is the perfect representation of the greatness of TGIF so I'm glad that her iconic quote was used. I need to get this eye searing neon on my toes ASAP! Neon reds end up looking almost like a hot coral to me...and this one is hot!





Femme Fatale Cosmetics Horrorland
Inspiration: R.L. Stine's One Day in Horrorland (Goosebumps)
Price: $13
Cap: No Cap


Description: Teal jelly filled with pink/green color shifting flakes and holo particles.

Formula: Smooth and easy to apply, I used 3 thin coats for full squishy opacity. 

My Thoughts: Sophie chose to use her one of her beloved Goosbumps books as inspiration and she captured the cover beautifully with this shade. I'll admit it...I'm a scaredy cat and I never read Goosebumps books when I was a kid (I was also scared of the Garbage Pail Kids and Who Framed Roger Rabbit?...I guess I had some issues...) BUT...this polish! Wow! It's a beautiful shade and these flakes are some sort of magic (they seem unique to me, and I've seen a lot of flakes!).





Fiendish Fancies Quid Pro Quo, Clarice
Inspiration: The Silence of the Lambs
Price: $11.50
Cap: 75 Bottles


Description: Prison jumpsuit orange with bronze, gold, and yellow sparkle reminiscent of deadhead moths and hockey mask muzzles. Has a subtle thermal transition from darker orange (cold) to a lighter orange (warm)

Formula: Applied very nicely and I used 2 coats for full coverage.

My Thoughts: The thermal in in this one was so hard to capture, but even though it is a subtle shift I promise it is there (you can see it best in the macro). Lara has killed me with her thorough inspiration for this polish! This is one of the best horror movies of all time in my opinion, and she really went all out to capture its essence. Thank you from the bottom of my orange-loving heart!






Forty Winks Jewelry Colors of the Wind Necklace and Shining, Shimmering, Splendid Ring


Forty Winks Jewelry Colors of the Wind Necklace
Inspiration: Disney's Pocahontas
Price: $12
Cap: 75 necklaces


Description: Stainless steel settings, 25mm glass cabochon. Approximately one inch in diameter. Comes with a black silk cord,18 inches with 2 inch extender. Clasps are zinc alloy. Painted with 6 indie lacquers.Shimmers, flakies, multichrome, and creme finishes in deep teal,orange, purple/fuchsia. No two will be alike. 

My Thoughts: Just look at all of the swirling colors in this necklace! It's stunning! I think that the "Colors of the Wind" are ideally captured by this design. I really liked the length of the cord and that it had an adjustable extender so that it could be adjusted to your desired length. This is definitely a statement piece that would work well to jazz up a boring outfit. 


Forty Winks Jewelry Shining, Shimmering, Splendid Ring
Inspiration: Princess Jasmine from Disney's Aladdin
Price: $8.50
Cap: 50 silver toned pieces, 40 bronze toned pieces


Description: 18x13 cabochon set into an antique style statement ring. Available in bronze and silver tones. Rings are adjustable within reason, naturally sits at about an 8. Approximately 7.5 to 9.5. Painted with 6 indie lacquers. Turquoise, teal and antique gold tones. Shimmers, flakies, metallic. No two will be alike.

My Thoughts: This ring captures Princess Jasmine to a tee! I chose the bronze-toned setting and I love how it compliments the golden swirls in the cab. I'm also really impressed that this fits my large finger well (I wear a 9.5 ring...it's hard to find rings that will fit me). It is adjustable so it can accommodate larger and smaller sizes within reason, and I think that is awesome.


Girly Bits Cosmetics All the Wayans Back in the 90's
Inspiration: In Living Color
Price: $13
Cap: No Cap


Description: Purple base with strong pink/turquoise color shifting shimmer, scattered holo flakes, and iridescent flakes in orange/pink/gold. 

Formula: Smooth and easy to apply formula and I used 3 thin coats for full coverage. 

Thoughts: This has a lot of shifty goodness going on that really makes it look more blue than it is in real life (it's a true purple shade). I love the contrasting warmer flakes also. 





Grace-full Nail Polish Message in a Model
Inspiration: Supermodel Naomi Campbell
Price: $11
Cap: 130


Description: Deep purple jelly with holo flakes, multi-coloured ultra chrome flakies and holo microglitter. 

Formula: Smooth and easy to apply, I used 3 thin coats for full coverage (I probably could have easily gotten away with 2...I tend to do extra). 

My Thoughts: The inner glow of this polish...so mesmerizing! I've always heard Naomi was a bit of a diva, and I think this polish would totally suit her diva ways. I feel like this is what a totally souped up amazing indie version of Orly Fowl Play would look like...I couldn't resist wearing this one for a day or two. 





Great Lakes Lacquer The Mouths of Decadence
Inspiration: Temple of the Dog's Hunger Strike
Price: $12.50
Cap: No Cap


Description: A dusty greyed out blue filled with aurora pigment that mimics UP and finished with scattered holo.

Formula: Super nice formula with easy opacity in 3 thin coats.

My Thoughts: Mariah has made this polish in homage to Grunge and it is also in memory of Chris Cornell. It is a solemn, yet beautiful shade that shows honor and a sadness at the same time. The aurora pigment bring sparks of life to the dusty base, and I think it is a total winner!





Heather's Hues Diggin' the Scene
Inspiration: TLC
Price: $12.50
Cap: No Cap


Description: Navy blue jelly with subtle green/purple shifting shimmer, a mixture of multichrome and iridescent flakes, and color shifting microglitter in greens, blues, and purples.

Formula: Nice jelly formula that built up easily to opacity in 3 easy coats.

My Thoughts: Heather was inspired by the style of TLC (remember those awesome coordinated outfits that groups in the 90s would wear to shows!) This polish is even better in person that it appears on camera! There is a ton of goodness in its jelly depths.





Heather's Hues WiTS 90's Hair
Inspiration: Herbal Essences Shampoo
Price: $6
Cap: 120 jars


Description: 2 oz lotion in Herbal Essences Shampoo Scent (apple, lily, rose).

Ingredients: Avocado Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Babassu Oil, Jojoba Oil, Oat Extract Oil, Buckthorn Extract, Kukui Nut Oil, Chia Seed Oil, Vitamin E, Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax, Stearic Acid, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Distilled Water, Optiphen (preservative), skin safe fragrance oil.

My Thoughts: You were not cool unless you had some Herbal Essences Shampoo in the 90s and that smell will just take you back in time. It's a fantastic dupe for the scent. The lotion is very light and moisturizing without being greasy, so I'm very glad I got to try it!




Illyrian Polish Mixed Emotions
Inspiration: Mood Rings
Price: $14
Cap: No Cap


Description: Indigo jelly filled red/pink/gold/green multichrome pigment, holo sparkles, and tons of multicolored shifting iridescent flakies.

Formula: Formula spread very easily and had good opacity, so only 2 coats were needed. 1 coat of a good thicker topcoat (I used KBShimmer Clearly On Top) is all that is needed for a smooth finish.

My Thoughts: This polish is a showstopper!It definitely captures all of the moods a mood ring can show and more! I never liked mood rings because I always run hot and they only showed the "warm" color. With this mood ring polish I can see all the colors all the time!





Inspired Sense Alien Particles Out of This World Mani Fizz and Alien Juice Hydrating Scale Remover


Inspired Sense Alien Particles Out of This World Mani Fizz
Inspiration: The X Files
Price: $8
Cap:120


Description: Meadow Rain scented mani fizz in a 34 ml plastic test tube with cork stopper and a handmade wooden base. Meadow Rain scent is described as a light uplifting scent with elements of nature. This purchase includes an "I Want to Believe" charm, a scooping spoon, and a refill in one of the following assorted scents: Limoncello, Galactic Grape, Bubblegum, Sex on the Beach, or Spicy Chocolate (will be random).

Ingredients: Sodium Bicarbonate, Citric Acid, Corn Starch, Magnesium Sulfate, Olea Europea (Olive Oil)

My Thoughts: Trish did such a good job on theme branding with this product! All of the little details  and personal touches come together to make a totally X-Files product, down to the type/graphics of the label. The mani fizz is very nice and fizzes well and is perfect for a hand or foot soak to leave your skin soft and hydrated. The Meadow Rain scent is very fresh and clean smelling and very nice (I think it is a scent that everyone would love).








Inspired Sense Hydrating Scale Remover
Inspiration: The X Files
Price: $10
Cap: 100


Description: Hydrating cuticle oil in a Coconut Lime Verbena scent that comes in a 10 ml spray bottle and includes a vintage 90s alien key chain.

Ingredients: Shea Oil, Coconut Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Thoughts: This oil is light and absorbs quickly leaving behind hydrated skin. The spray bottle is fun too (my first experience with cuticle oil in a spray bottle). Coconut Lime Verbena is always a welcome scent to me in bath and body products, and this one smells totally yummy.


It Girl Nail Art 90s Deco Stamping Plate (LE103)
Inspiration: Memphis Design Patterns
Price: $5
Cap: 200


Description: Mini stamping plate featuring 2 full nail designs and various single designs to create mix-n-match looks utilizing the iconic Memphis design patterns of the 90s. 

My Thoughts: This is such a fun plate that you can mix and match to create fun 90s looks! I decided to stamp black over neon and it was a super fun look! The plate is etched well and the designs were very easy to pick up and place on the nail. I am in need of a new black stamping polish and stamper because mine are OLD, but the design turned out well just the same. I've seen some absolutely amazing designs done with this plate in the Polish Pickup Pack using layered stamping techniques over white with splashes of color...so cool!




Jior Couture D'oh-Nut
Inspiration: The Simpson's Lard Lad Pink Sprinkle Donut
Price: $11.50
Cap: No Cap


Description: Bright pink (cold) to light pink/clear (warm) thermal filled with scattered holo, multichrome flakes and iridescent flakes.

Formula: Formula applied very well and built up nicely to opacity in 3 thin coats. Despite the warm shift going to "clear" it still has a slight pink tint which works nicely to camouflage less than perfect nails.

Thoughts: This is a beautiful thermal! As I mentioned, I love that even though it has a clear state, I don't feel like I'm running around with nekkid nails. The flake mixture is super lovely and gives it an ethereal look.





Joy Lacquer Anthony Kied-YAASS!
Inspiration: Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magik Album
Price: $11
Cap: No Cap


Description: Candy apple red jelly with a mixture of opalescent and chrome color shifting flakes in shades of orange and pink. Also included are some small stencil/decals of asterisks (Star of Affinity) in homage to Anthony Kiedis' tattoos which is used in their band logos often.

Formula: Formula had a very nice jelly opacity and you could easily get away with 2 coats, but I applied a third for good measure (I'm telling you...I almost always apply a third coat of everything).

Thoughts: This is a totally gorgeous red. The flakes inside glow like FIRE! The super cute asterisk stencils were very easy to use as well and are a fun bonus item. I used them with some classic black for a RHCP-inspired mani.








Kathleen & Co. My Name Is...
Inspiration: Eminem (Slim Shady)
Price: $11
Cap: 125


Description: Warm purple (cold) to clear (warm) thermal with purple and white flake shimmer. This one photographed way more blue-toned than it is in real life. It was a frustrating purple to capture. It is a warm purple.

Formula: Formula was smooth and easy to apply and it built up nicely to opacity in 3 coats.

Thoughts: This polish has a wonderful thermal shift. The colored flakes make the warm/clear state look almost milky purple so it is lovely in either state. I'm pretty sure there is also a middle shade that shows up that is pink, so it may actually even be a tri-thermal purple/pink/clear (hard to capture on camera and didn't hang around in that state for long). Even with my hot-natured self, this polish stayed well in the cool and transitioned state on me. I don't guess I realized Eminem was in the 90s until now, but he squeaked in there in 1999 when he made his big splash on the scene.






KBShimmer un-Staple
Inspiration: Office Space (Milton's Stapler)
Price: $10
Cap: No Cap


Description: Slate blue jelly base filled with micro holo flake and red/copper shimmer.

Formula: Formula started off sheer but built up nicely to a squishy opacity in 3 coats.

Thoughts: Gah, this shimmer is everything! The holo flakes are the perfect addition to really set it off too. Christy will probably disown me, but I have never seen Office Space and I have no idea why. I have added it (and The Craft) to my must watch list movies for 2018.






KK's Magical Creations Make a Wish Wax Clamshell
Inspiration: Boys II Men "I'll Make Love To You"
Price: $4.50
Cap: 145


Description: 3 oz wax clamshell with custom paraffin blend wax scented with birthday cake blended with cinnamon buns and topped with the sweet aromas of an ice cream parlor.

My Thoughts: I think Nichole mentioned in my intro that I'm also a wax addict in addition to my nail polish addiction, so I was super excited to get to review some wax! If you are a bakery lover like me, you NEED this wax! The cinnamon buns come through but aren't overwhelming as the birthday cake and ice cream mellow it for an overall sweet and comforting bakery blend. Throw was nice and strong on this, so you don't have to worry about a shy scent.




Polish Pickup is an interactive shopping experience where a theme is voted on by the Polish Pickup Pack group and a selection of makers will make polishes inspired by that theme. All of their polishes will be available to purchase from the Polish Pickup shop and you can pick and choose which polishes to purchase (there is no box commitment) and just pay one $3 flat shipping fee. The Polish Pickup shop is live the first Friday of each month at 11 AM Eastern time.  It stays open for four days, until the following Monday at Midnight Eastern time. There will be a 2-3 week TAT after the polishes are purchased.

1 comment:

  1. I’m really hoping to get my hands on that stamping plate. It’s hard to not get a bucket load of polish!

    ReplyDelete