gelish colour swatches – The Nail Architect

27th September 201627th September 2016

Gelish Wrapped In Glamour – Autumn / Winter 2016 – Just Naughty Enough, Lets Get Frosty, Girl Meets Joy, You’re So Elf Centred, Rocking My Stocking, Who Knows Rudolph

Hello everyone

Well I’m pleased to say Gelish have nailed the application of these 6 shades, each one applying in 2 coats. This Autumn / Winter collection comprises of 3 reds and sparkly rose gold, silver and black / blue.

The colours have been applied over p&w style prohesion and due to the course I’m currently studying stilettos. As per usual the pictures show indoor, led and outdoor lighting. However it has been very gloomy and I have not managed to get any shots in the sunshine so will upload some more pictures further down the line. In the mean time let’s take a look at the colours.

Just Naughty Enough – 2 coats

This colour has been marketed as a pink with glitter. On application the gel is a orange bronze (which in its self would have made a great colour), but once cured gives the rose gold colour. It’s in-between oh what a knight and last call but with a bit more sparkly bits.

Just Naughty Enough Lighting On Hands - 2 Coats — Just Naughty Enough Lighting On Hands – 2 Coats

Let’s Get Frosty – 2 coats

Again applying beautifully, this is bright and light with sparkles of red and pink. Personally I like my silvers to stay silver but a unique colour. When you first apply this colour it looks very gold, however cures to silver. The reason being that the photo initiators in the product show as yellow. Once the photo initiators are used in the curing process the yellow colour is no more.

Lets Get Frosty Lighting On Hands - 2 coats — Lets Get Frosty Lighting On Hands – 2 coats

Girl Meets Joy – 2 coats

This new colour is a dream and will be great for the partying season. It’s a very dark indigo with blue, purple, pink and silver flecks. Think Angel in disguise on steroids.

Girl Meets Joy Lighting On Hands - 2 coats — Girl Meets Joy Lighting On Hands – 2 coats

You’re So Elf Centred – 2 coats

Another fabulous red frost, a little darker but on the same lines as I’m so hot it will be a staple colour. If you don’t have I’m so hot or what’s your poinsettia then a great investment.

You're So Elf Centred Lighting On Hands — You’re So Elf Centred Lighting On Hands

Rocking My Stocking – 2 coats

I love this colour, it’s glittery shimmery lushness. A mix between good gossip and queen of hearts this will be exceptionally popular around the festive season.

Rocking My Stocking Lighting On Hands - 2 coats — Rocking My Stocking Lighting On Hands – 2 coats

Who Nose Rudolph? – 2 coats

This is a fabulous pillar box red it’s leaning to the bluer spectrum as opposed to orange or pink. I did experience ever so slight shrinkage so be careful to cap the edge. Also there was quite a bit of transfer on to my top it off. To try and avoid this, cure each layer twice and make sure to float the top coat.

Who Knows Rudolph Lighting On Hands - 2 coats — Who Knows Rudolph Lighting On Hands – 2 coats

Matte vs Top It Off Comparisons

Swatch Stick Comparisons

Wrapped In Glamour - The Sparkles — Wrapped In Glamour – The Sparkles

You're So Elf Centred & Rocking My Stocking Comparisons — You’re So Elf Centred & Rocking My Stocking Comparisons

Summary

The application of these colours is right on the money. You can see this collection being great for the party season with lots of glitz and glamour. Some of the colours are similar to past releases but will still fly off your shelves. If I were to pick 3 to purchase I would go with girl meets joy, you’re so elf centres and rocking my stocking.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or see any pictures 🙂

28th August 2016

Gelish Sweetheart Squadron Collection Autumn 2016 – Up in the air-heart, Perfect landing, Put a wing on it, Looking for a wingman, Oh para-chute, Rule the runway

The latest Gelish collection for Autumn 2016 is the Sweetheart Squadron collection. Available from nail harmony UK as of the 30th July. It consists of 6 fantastically autumnal shades from nudes, to reds and a khaki green. So let’s take a look.

Up in the air-heart – 3 coats

This is a dusky peach colour which will be good if you have lots of clients wanting a nude with a twist. I think it probably suits the more tanned and dark skin tones but if you like it go for it 🙂

Up In The Air-Heart lighting pictures on hands

Perfect landing – 2 coats

I really like this smoky coral colour, perfect again for those wanting to keep things on the neutral side but feeling a little adventurous. It is fairly similar to others, the new sun kissed bliss and sweet morning dew, but us slightly duskier. It’s been a firm favourite of clients already.

Perfect Landing lighting pictures on hands

Put a wing on it – 2/3

This vibrant red had been given a new twist with a golden shimmer. The pictures above show 2 coats which if you’ve got flawless nails will be more then fabulous. However on mine where I’ve been swatching the other colours you can see where I haven’t quite got all the previous polish off, so don’t cut corners with this one as it is beautiful and applies nicely to.

Put A Wing On It lighting pictures on hands

Looking for a wingman – 2 coats

I’m in love with this beautiful rich burgundy colour, it’s truly stunning and I can’t wait to do some beautiful designs with it in the autumn. It’s suitable for most clients professional, mature and young and it applies lovely. I didn’t experience any shrinking or bleeding with this one. I love it. Due to this I’m including the picture below of them whilst I was applying pulsar from the nail space on a clients nails. This will be a very popular combo come Christmas.

Looking For A Wingman lighting pictures on hands

Oh para-chute – 2 coats

If you’ve been waiting for a khaki green you’ve got it with this understated sage. It applies beautifully in two coats. It is suitably different from holy cowgirl as its got much more of a grey tone.

Oh Para-chute lighting pictures on hands

Rule the runway – 2 coats

Another grey taupe, but it applies beautifully in two coats and is a little lighter then rodeo and I orchid you not, but not an essential.

Rule The Runway lighting pictures on hands

Swatches

Sweetheart Squadron Collection Matte vs TIO

Up In The Air-Heart & Rule The Runway Swatch Comparison Pictures

Perfect Landing Swatch Comparison Pictures

Put A Wing On It Swatch Comparison Pictures

Looking For A Wingman Swatch Comparison Pictures

Oh Para-chute Swatch Comparison Pictures

Summary

The application of these colours are once again great. With several of these colours set to stay firm favourites. I am pleased that they offers a few new shades to my collection. My top 3 for clients would be perfect landing, looking for a wingman and put a wing on it. Oh parachute is lovely and a bit different but is unlikely to fly off the shelf.

As always I’d love to hear your thoughts 🙂

31st July 2016

Gelish Secrets Collection From Nail Harmony UK – Part 1 Pastels, swatches, comparisons, matte and lighting differences. Hidden Identity, Kiss Kiss, Once Upon A Manicure, Picture Perfect, I’m A Wildflower, Made About Mint, A Tribe Called Cool, Sun Kissed Bliss

Hi all.

Here’s the a few of the Secrets collection only currently available in the UK. It was first released on the 1st July with singles being available straight away through educators. The entire collection of 16 is now available online but only as a whole collection. As per usual the lighting pictures are indoor, led and outdoor but are on Prohesion L&P extensions.

The collection comprises of 16 colours created especially by requests from UK nail harmony techs. What this means is there are some fantastic colours available. I haven’t purchased the entire collection yet but did buy the pastels along with sun kissed bliss. The results of which you can find below. With these new Gelish colours only just released that means there are currently no Morgan Taylor or All That Jazz polish matches.

A Tribe Called Cool – 3 coats

This is what we’ve all been waiting for a pastel yellow. It does need warming but applies well in 3 coats.

A Tribe Called Cool Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Mint madness – 2 coats

This colour applied beautifully in 2 coats. It’s much lighter then mint of Spring and is like a mix between my one blue love and kiss me I’m a prince.

I’m A Wild Flower – 2 coats

This is a beautiful pastel blue. It’s slightly darker then my one blue love, but its application is far superior. Do warm up whilst prepping though.

I'm A Wildflower Indoor, LED, Outdoor — I’m A Wildflower Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Kiss Kiss – 3 coats

This is the latest pastel pink, I do recommend you warm though as I have had it wrinkle on me, so super thin coats are needed. It’s a bit like light elegance but more opaque.

Once Upon A Manicure – 3 coats

This is a baby pink with a hint of purple. Again this one needs to be warmed and applied super thin as it did have a tendency to wrinkle. I’m not overly happy with the pictures here so will update them when I have a chance. As a result I’m including a simple set taken in natural daylight.

Once Upon A Manicure Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Hidden Identity – 2 coats

This is a beautiful frosted light brown. It applies superbly in 2 coats and would be excellent for those who want to keep their nails neutral.

Picture Perfect – 2 coats

Another must from the collection. A dark lilac with no fading. It comes across quite dark in the official pictures but is much lighter in the sunshine. A definite must.

Sun Kissed Bliss – 2 coats

This burnt coral is a dream to apply in 2 coats and is just simply stunning.

Swatches

Top it off vs matte – to give you an idea of how easy the application was on most. My 3 year old daughter swatched all of the matte ones and a couple of the top it off ones.

Secret Collection Pastel Swatch Stick Comparisons Matte vs TIO Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Colour comparisons

Hidden Identity Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Once Upon A Manicure & Kiss Kiss Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Picture Perfect Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

I'm A Wildflower & Mad About Mint Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor — I’m A Wildflower & Mad About Mint Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

A Tribe Called Cool Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Sun Kissed Bliss Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Summary

These colours are beautiful and most apply really well. I have a feeling that once I am used to applying once upon a manicure and kiss kiss that the wrinkling issues I experienced would be ironed out. As with all the colours by Gelish, every single on is made differently so we as good techs have to learn how to adapt. And after all it’s much cooler here in the uk as opposed to California so a bit of warming is to be expected.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your pictures from this collection.

28th May 2016

Gelish A Very Nauti-cal Girl Collection – Catch My Drift, Wish Upon A Starboard, Girls Love Buoys & My Yacht Rules

Hi all

Here’s another beautiful collection from Gelish, perfect for Spring and summer. The collection launched in the uk in early May 16 is comprised of 4 colours, these being a red, bright magenta, blue and white, there are matching Morgan Taylor polishes. Once again my upcoming trainings mean I have liquid and powder extensions on and the usual indoor, led and outdoor pictures can be found.

Catch my drift – 2 coats

Catch my drift lighting comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors

This cobalt blue crème is stunning. It has a really beautiful hint of purple in it to make it different from ocean wave and Mali-blu me away. I’m relieved to have this colour in my collection now as it applies beautifully in 2 coats as opposed to the above mentioned blues which can take many more. So a definite must if your clients like blues.

Wish upon a starboard – 2 coats

Wish Upon A Starboard Lighting Comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors

Yes it’s yet another red crème, but this time I’m more then happy. It’s a new tone to my collection as it has a very orange tinge to it, which is perfect for the summer and has already proved very popular.

Girls love buoys – 2 coats

Girls Love Bouys Lighting Comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors — Girls Love Buoys Lighting Comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors

As you guys know I’m not the biggest fan of pinks on my own nails, but I have to say I LOVE this one. It’s a bright beautiful magenta and it’s stunning with great application.

My yacht rules – 3 coats

My Yacht Rules Comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors

This is the first one I swatched and by golly did it show the imperfections in my l&p. The coverage was OK in 3 coats, but you need to make sure you do not put it on too thick. It’s got a shimmer to it so is kind of like mixing sheek White with my secret Santa.

Swatches & Comparisons

Collection TIO vs Matte

A Very Nautical Collection Matte Vs TIO Comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors

Catch My Drift

Wish Upon A Starboard

Girls Love Buoys

Gelish Girls Love Bouys Swatch Comparisons — Gelish Girls Love Buoys Swatch Comparisons

My Yacht Rules

Summary

I love this collection and it works really well in the scheme of colours I already have so a good buy. If I were to buy them as singles it would be in this order: Girls Love Buoys, Wish Upon A Starboard, Catch My Drift and My Yacht Rules.

Id love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave comments 🙂

2nd April 20162nd April 2016

Botanical Awakenings Collection

Hi all

Here are my swatches for the new spring Botanical Awakenings Gelish collection launched in the UK as singles straight away on the 25th March 2016.

At first glance this collection doesn’t really have any must have stand out new colours, however on closer look I consider this collection a good buy, in that they are staples that your clients will want to go back to time and time again. The collection is based on fresh floral colours which includes 2 neutrals, 3 pinks and a red. After last springs discontinued ooh la la collection (which I loved) I’m glad to see some slightly similar shades. There are Morgan Taylor nail lacquer matches available.

So let’s take a look at the colours (the pictures show the colours over hard gel extensions following my fabulous PhD training – totally worth doing).

Rose-y Cheeks – 2 coats (needs warming)

When I looked at this colour on the advertising I felt it looked a lot like Ella of a girl, however on application I’m pleased to say it’s more similar to can-can we dance with its light coral pink with a pearl finish. I love this colour in the led lighting with its subtle shimmer and I can see my clients loving this one to.

Rosey Cheeks, Botanical Awakenings — Rose-y Cheeks

Warm Up the Car-nation – 2 coats

Nail Harmony state this is a hot magenta pearl and yes it has a pearlised shimmer frosty touch to it, but to me it’s more of a medium pink going towards red. Think sugar plum dreams but without the transparent finish. It applied nicely and didn’t need warming.

What’s Your Poinsettia? – 2 coats

As expected this medium frosty pearl is a great two coater just like queen of hearts and I’m so hot, but it is very similar in colour, finish and application, so doesn’t really offer anything new. But is admittedly slightly lighter. That being said its been chosen by 2 clients already so is going to get well used.

Don’t Pansy Around – 2 coats

This was my favourite colour of the collection, it’s a bright (but not neon) medium crème pink. It applied nicely without any warming and is just a lovely every day colour. Please not this is an easy one to apply too thickly so keep the coats thin.

Prim-rose and Proper – 3 coats

This colour is a light taupe cream with a hint of pink (less so then tan my hide). Yes it is indeed similar to other neutrals in past collections so you could do without. That being said it is different from tan my hide as you can see from the additional picture and I can see it being chosen quite a lot over the wedding season. So if you plan on doing brides and weddings I believe be it would be worth the investment.

I Or-chid You Not – 3 coats

Another taupe creme which is very similar to rodeo however is more mushroom and slightly lighter and in the additional photo you can just about see the difference when applied. I actually much prefer this colour and I am looking forward to wearing it on my hands for longer then 5 minutes.

Swatch sticks and comparisons

I apologise for the state of my swatches I knocked acetone over on my desk when I had my light nude swatches out and it ruined quite a few and I wanted to get this out so haven’t re done them yet.

The bottom unlabelled swatch is sugar plum dreams.

Conclusion

This is a collection full of useful every day colours that your clients will go back to time after time. My top 3 are Rose-y Cheeks, Don’t Pansy Around and Primrose and Proper.