China Glaze Smoke and Ashes

   Getting back to reviews now I promise.  I have lots of fun stuff to catch up on and show you guys.  Today's post is Smoke and Ashes from the China Glaze Hunger Games collection. 

   Smoke and Ashes is a very dark, almost black, base with Evergreen shimmer/mini flakes.  I can definitely see where the name comes from.  On the nail the base looks mostly black, but the shimmer does help the green come through in most light.  The formula and application were both nice and I only needed 1 coat for full coverage.  I used Beauty Secrets Ridge Filler base coat and no top coat.

 Sun

Shade

Indoor

   Sorry the pictures are a little blurry, my camera did not want to fully capture this polish.  The shimmer and flakes are more apparent in person.  The shimmer will stick to your skin, as you can see above, but washes off pretty easily.  If you like dark colors and shimmers, I would recommend this polish.  It's not one I see myself wearing a lot, but I'm sure it will make an appearance in the fall.

Disclaimer:  The product(s) in this post were provided to me by the company for consideration.

OPI Muppets Part 1 - Not the Glitters

   This first half of the OPI Muppet Collection is what I'm calling Not the Glitters.  They aren't cremes, but are distinctly not part of the glitter half of this collection.  This half consists of shimmer, mini flake, glass fleck, and foil finishes.  For all polishes I used Beauty Secrets base coat and Diamond Dry top coat.  Unless otherwise stated, all swatches are 2 coats.  I think.  But I'll explain that later.  I apologize for the crappy out of focus-ness of some of these photos, the shine and sparkle were freaking out my camera and I didn't have time to re-do them.

Wocka Wocka!

   Wocka Wocka is a pink leaning red shimmer.  The shimmer itself might be pink.  I had no application issues with this one, but it does dry flat so you will need top coat to bring it to life.  I used 2 coats on my ring and index fingers, but only 1 on my pinkie, middle, and thumb.  The pigmentation is strong enough you could get away with 1 coat just fine, but I think 2 gives more depth.  Because of the strong pigmentation though, the polish will stain your skin and cuticles 

Direct Sun

Shade

Indoor

See the rest after the jump