The 5 Best Nail Polish Brands

Have you ever bought a nail polish thinking the color was beautiful, put it on enthusiastically, gotten loads of compliments on the color only to wake up the next day and realize: two of your nails have already chipped? Not fun. While for some it may not be a problem at all, it really bothers me. I believe there are going to be a lot of people out there who will share my opinion.

Inspired by a new discovery of a super-affordable, but at the same time great quality nail polish, I decided to write this post.

Although I did mostly rely on my personal opinion, I also did a little bit of research by looking up other people's opinions.After quite a while of searching and trying out different nail polish brands, I have found the following to be the best.


1. ESSIE

Essie had to be my number one. Living in Croatia, there wasn't a possibility to try ESSIE nail polishes until a few months ago. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to travel to the United States and try out some of their product. Every nail polish I tried was absolutely perfect. Only two coats of nail polish were enough to give the full color. I did not experience any chipping for more than a week, and the color did not fade at all. I have had them for more than a year now, and although they are used frequently, I did not notice them changing in consistency. Some of the colors I own are Tart Deco, Mademoiselle, Sand Tropez, Turquoise and Coico... They cost around 8$, but I often found discounts allowing me to purchase them for less. I am also absolutely in love with their new collections and cannot wait to make some purchases!

2. Revlon

Revlon has really been stepping up their game lately. In addition to loving their make up, I also happen to absolutely adore their nail polishes. They are really affordable and are (obviously) some of the best nail polishes I have ever tried. I always find their shades to be a little more sophisticated, or maybe it's because their bottles look sophisticated? While only being able to try and love their basic line, I have heard and read a lot of good things about the other ones (especially the Colorstay line). The color stays put for at least a week and the colors don't fade either.

3. O.P.I.

O.P.I is a very obvious choice for a nail polish favorite, but I really do like it. The only downside to these nail polishes is their price as they are some of the most expensive ones on the market. I heard some people complaining about the quality, but I generally find them to be really good. However, they seem to change the nail polish consistency depending on the shade or collections coming out. The color range is amazing as they have almost every color available. The colors I own have not dissapointed me yet, they are quite easy to wipe of with nail polish remover, stay on for a really long time. All of the ones I own do last for at least five days, even longer depending on the shade. The colors don't fade and go on smoothly. Two coats of nail polish are enough to get the full color in most cases. Also, I find the names they give to their nail polishes and their collections
really innovative and thoughtful.

4. Rimmel

Rimmel is another brand that a lot of people seem to love. Not only nail polish products are really good, but also make up. Unfortunately, they are pretty hard to get your hands on because they don't sell in every store. Nevertheless, they stay on for quite a long time, don't fade and have a really nice color selection. I find every line they came out with to be really good.

5. Eveline

This is the brand I was talking about in the introduction. I went to a drugstore the other day and saw a nail polish I really liked and it was really cheap. I was very sceptical as I usually end up throwing away cheap nail polishes because they chip in a matter of hours. I tried the nail polish, went back the other day to buy three more. All of the ones I bought were really good! Eveline is a quite unknown brand and I am unsure about where you can buy it. It is a Polish brand, and their online site says they are available world-wide. If you are interested in trying this brand, search for it at your drugstore. Also, every other product I tried from this brand was really good. The nail polishes I really like and enjoy wearing are from the Mini Max Quick Dry line. They do dry very quickly, apply nicely and last for at least 5 days without chipping. The colors do not change or fade either. The color selection is also really good.

There are other brands I heard are amazing, such as Butter London, the Top Shop nail polishes, Barry M, etc. Unfortunately, they aren't available in Croatia. This is why I can't give an opinion about them. Also note that I do use a base coat underneath every nail polish.

Thank you for reading!
Clarissa

Jump into the season! Fashion Trends for Summer 2013

Finally, the season most of us have been waiting for is here! It has been knocking on our doors and now we are finally ready to let it in. It is summer again!
Okay, fine. I might hate the mosquitoes and those bugs that decide it's time to come out of hiding, and yes, it does get hot, but you can't have everything, right?
Nevertheless, summer is still a GREAT season! Want to know why? It is time for summer fashion (and make up, but we'll talk about that in another post ;))! I also believe that people show their personality more through clothes in the summer.

Alright, let's cut to the main part: fashion. I have been looking through magazines and websites in order to find those trends I can recreate at home without having to spend too much money. I hope to enjoy putting different outfits and ideas together as much as I have this winter.
So the trends I are:

1. Lace
Lace has been around for quite a while now. It was here in the winter and I believe even before that. Well, it seems it is going to keep us company for a little longer. The fashion industry seems to really really like it. It appears on shirts, dresses, pants and also in various colors. Lace gives that feminine but still sexy look and that is why people love it as much.

Burberry Prorsum

Valentino

Versace

2. Sheer
I am absolutely in love with this trend! Depending on how brave you are when choosing your clothing, you can combine this with bras, slips, undergarments, etc. What I really like with this trend is that light, flowy look   that is just perfect for summer.

Versace

Chloe

Vera Wang

3. Retro
A few months ago, I posted about the very big hype that has been going on lately and it is retro style. If you would like to read it, you can look for it below. On that note, the fashion designers have come out with so many various years to be inspired by. I have noticed that especially the 20's, 50's and 60's are the ''it'' thing this season. Also, I have noticed a lot of designers bringing back the Cinderella (see through) shoe this year. It is something that was encountered a lot during the fifties and has started to govern the scene once again. Also, high waisted skirts and pants are also showing how the old is becoming new.

Givenchy

Valentino

Alexander McQueen

4. Dresses
Okay, so maybe it doesn't sound like a trend since everyone tends to wear dresses and skirts more in the summer. But I had to mention them as they seem to be the absolute hit! Long, high low, short, flowy, sheer, bright colored, lace, print, fitted, peplum.. All of the trends seem to be applicable to dresses. The fact is, dresses are so much more comfortable to wear in the summer and can often be much more flattering.

Alexander Mcqueen

Tory Burch

Valentino

Ellie Saab

5. Prints
It seems as if a lot of trends are simply transfered from winter into summer. But let me tell you, I don't hate it.  Although not new, they seem to be adjusted to the season, incorporating the seasonal colors and motives. Some of my favorite ones are flower patterns. There are also lots of stripes, geometric prints, aztec, paisley,
geometric, space, animal, dots...

Prada

D&G

Tory Burch

Mary Catrantzou

6. Crop tops and crazy cut outs
The fashion industry has really given us the chance to show more skin this year. After the crazy belly trend back in the 90's it seems that the skin showing trend was laying low. But gradually, it started growing and this year it is back. Back cutouts, sleeves cut out in the middle, and crop tops (or even bras) are very much welcomed.  If you are not so confident in showing your body, you can wear high waisted skirts or pants, and show just the upper part of your belly when wearing a crop top. That is usually the part of your belly that has least fat on it.

Givenchy

Peter Pilotto

Ellie Saab

Phillip Lim

Balenciaga

7. Peplum
After being loved in the winter, it has also been continued into the summer. It helps hide imperfections (if you have any), and brings something new to the table.

Alexander McQueen

Balenciaga

Peter Pilotto

8. Colors
Of course bright colors are a trend this summer! Has anyone ever doubted that? But isn't that what summer is for? You can combine crazy colors and contrasts without being over the top.

Versace

Christian Dior

Chanel

Etro

9. Black and white
Although it is sometimes hard to wear black in the summer, as it attracts heat and makes you feel even hotter, it is a huge hit this summer. Also, white is inevitable as it is the easiest color to use and combine. Monochrome combines both black and white and let me tell you, you can't go wrong by wearing this. Try wearing more white in the daytime, as it doesn't make you feel as hot as black. On a side note, black doesn't let sun pass through. This is why you won't get a sunburn while wearing it. Be careful when wearing white in the sun and protect yourself with spf. You don't wan't to gel burned!

Prada

Calvin Klein

Chanel

Christian Dior

10. Additions
Adding little sequins, flowers, pearls, feathers and similar details to their creations seems to be quite appealing to the designers these days. This way not only prints are actual, but also 3D decorations.

Burberry Prorsum

Prada

Chanel

Versace

Note that almost every picture has a little bit (or a lot) of another trend in it as well. Be inspired! Have fun combining different patterns and styles this summer. This is the time to let your personal style shine!
Although most of these clothes are for the runway and most people would not wear them on the street, I find it to be best to choose them as an example. This is because every clothing item made by the more affordable brands is inspired by these high end brands.
If you want to investigate the designers and what they brought this season I highly recommend to go to the Vogue UK page and check out their pictures of fashion shows.

Don't forget to enjoy your summer!
Thank you for reading!
Clarissa

Days until summer - get ready to shine, inside and out! (Part 2)

Although the first day of summer has already arrived (YAY!), I still feel like I want to keep doing what I have been doing in order to get in shape (phisically and mentally) for this season.
This is why I am continuing with the second part of my 'Days Until Summer' preparation. In the first part I talked a little about my phisical shape and what I am trying to do in order to look my best. Now I would like to talk about some other things.

 In order to prepare my body for summer, I have also been using some beauty tools, and this is what I meant to talk about in this post.

1. Getting rid of cellulite and that stubborn fat!
In order to achieve this, I have been using the Somatoline Cosmetic Anti-Cellulite Treatment and the Tummy and Hips Treatment. I have to say it has been working! You can actually feel the tingling.

 

 2. Body scrub - get rid of those dead skin cells!

Before shaving, and about three times a week I use a body scrub. It helps get rid of all the dead skin cells and makes your legs really smooth. It also helps with getting rid of cellulite, as it stimulates blood flow.
I have been using the Fruttini Cherry Vanilla body scrub (and really liking it!). You can also make a scrub at home by using sugar and baby oil.

 3. Lotion!
I can't even begin to tell you how important it is to moisturize the whole body every day, especially now that you are going to the beach. I have been loving the Bath and Body Works body cream in sea island cotton, but you can use any cream.











4. Hands (and feet) up!
The last thing I wanted to talk about is hands and feet. I think it is very important to bring those in shape two. Moisturize your hands and scrub those feet. You don't have to buy special creams for your feet. Just use the one for your hands (I like Dove's Rich Nourishment cream). Do not put chipped heels into those new sandals. Also, put a nice color on your fingers/toes.  I know I love looking down at them and seeing a pop of pink/orange/blue/yellow... The color I am loving now is Essie Tart Deco.

5. Enjoy your summer!
I believe it is the season you have been waiting for, so, at the end of the day, forget about how you look and concentrate on how you feel! Have fun, relax, enjoy!
Also, the thing I would like everyone to know is how important it is to work on your personality and charackter. I think it is really important to be yourself, and that is another task I am trying to achieve.
Also, work on your mind, your brain, your logics.. They say in a healthy body is a healthy mind, and I believe it works both ways. That is why it is important to me to read as much as I can, to be in touch with the latest stories and to be in touch with my field of studies (Art History and Archaeology).

Thank you for reading!
Clarissa