Deborah Lippmann Sweets for my Sweet Set

While browsing recently at Nordstrom, I stumbled upon this newly-released set of six pastel Deborah Lippmann minis.  The Sweets for my Sweet nail set retails for $34.

I love that the box screams the Pantone colors of the year. So far this is the best presentation that I've seen.  While not the most creative set in concept, this set delivers in terms of formula and overall performance. I have tried quite a few pastel polishes over time and was blown away by these. Please forgive the rather short reviews, but really... these are colors we've seen before. They're just packaged in a cute set at a fabulous price and come in one of the better formulas I've seen.

Sugar Sugar is the light apricot shade of the group. I'm normally a bit hesitant about these shades against my NW15 skin.

Formula is outstanding. There's only 2 coats on my nails here, and it looks surprisingly awesome. I'll be coming back to this shade as spring actually shows up around here.

Lemon Drop is a cool-leaning yellow creme.  Again, formula is outstanding. If we're talking shades that make me cringe, yellow nails are at the top. With such pronounced pink undertones, I normally cannot do yellow. It makes me look sick.

Hmm, look at that. Deborah Lippmann may have found my perfect pastel yellow! I'm not sure if I'd try this for the office, but it'd be a cute weekend mani- or part of nail art. A shocking success, and 3 coats on my nails in this photo. You may have noticed that cleanup was more than a little problematic though....

Sweet Pea is the light green shade in the set. It's got more yellow in it than most of the mints that we've seen as of yet, but it's not as yellow as something like Essie My Prerogative. Deborah Lippmann does greens well- see Flowers in Her Hair (which is far more blue and darker).

Like the others, it's a great formula. There are 3 thin coats on my nails here, and I love the result.

My Boy Lollipop is the light blue that's close to the Pantone Color of the Year. One of my favorite light blues is Deborah Lippmann Let's Hear it for the Boy, so I had high expectations. Luckily, My Boy Lollipop delivered.

Two coats here on my nails- wow!  This one performed like a dream and also had the same great formula. So far, we're 4/4 in this set. At this point, I'd call it a winner.

All Day Sucker is the shade that I wanted to put on my nails first. You all know that I'm a true sucker (pun intended) for purple nail polishes, preferably of the pastel variety. I have at least 3 other Deborah Lippmann pastel purples/lilacs/violets, so I had a high bar set for All Day Sucker.

I have mixed feelings. I love the color, the formula was awesome, and there are three thin coats on my nails here. You'd think I'd be in heaven, right?  Tell me if I'm crazy, but I'm not thrilled with how it clashes with my skintone. Am I seeing things?

Candy Girl is the light pink of the group. Even though I hadn't had any problems with formula until now, I was holding my breath since light pinks tend to be problematic. Turns out, I was crazy.

Three coats of an awesome formula on my nails here. Deborah Lippmann nailed the COTY here.


Bottom Line: This is an awesome mini nail polish set. I really recommend this for yourself or as a springtime gift. It's not often that you can get 6 seasonal shades of high-performing nail polishes for $34. Just do it, you won't regret it.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann On the Beach

Today's NOTD is the best nail bargain in my stash- Deborah Lippmann On the Beach.

On the Beach is a summertime blue creme. It's pretty thin, and required three coats (plus a topcoat) for the hue in this photo. Why is it the best bargain? I found it on clearance at my SiJCP for $3.99.  Why yes, I'm a happy camper.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Between the Sheets

Today's NOTD is Deborah Lippmann Between the Sheets, an electric purple magenta creme.  I coveted this shade for months before finally pulling the trigger. Although it's not from the current collection, it looks like it belongs with the 80's Rewind Collection.  This is a bit thinner than normal in terms of formula, but still performed well.  It's decidedly blue-based, and just is pure fun.

There are three coats plus Butter London Hardware on my nails here.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann She Drives Me Crazy

Today's NOTD is Deborah Lippmann She Drives Me Crazy, from the Summer 2014 80's Rewind Collection. It was just recently that I swore that Maniac was going to be my only selection from the collection. So, what happened?

I got an itch for a teal nail polish and was debating between this and YSL Vert D'Orient. Since the YSL retails for $27 and is permanent, I went for this shade instead.  There are two coats plus Butter London Hardware on my nails. It's flawless as usual.

While this isn't a work-friendly color, I'm determined to figure out a way to make this work!

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Maniac

Today's NOTD is my sole selection to date from Deborah Lippmann's Summer 2014 80's Rewind Collection, Maniac.

Maniac is the deepest and most work-friendly in the neon collection.  It's a lovely deepened purple electric creme that's surprisingly unique in my collection.  This was with two coats, plus Butter London Hardware on my nails.

I liked the other shades in the collection, but recently purchased a bright pink I love (Scream and Shout) and couldn't see myself wearing any of the other shades on my nails, no matter how fun they were.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Scream and Shout

Today's NOTD is a (relatively) new release from Deborah Lippmann.  Scream and Shout is a saturated electric pink that was originally released as part of the big holiday set from 2013. It was released as a a stand-alone shade to Nordstrom back in March. I've been holding onto it since then.  I've actually worn this several times and find it looks ultra-chic with black and white combos. However, it's similar to YSL Rose Baby Doll, Chanel Splendeur, etc.

I've got two coats plus Butter London Hardware on my nails here.

This may be a surprise, but this is actually one of my favorite releases of 2014!

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Marquee Moon

Today's NOTD is an older Deborah Lippmann polish that deserves its time in the proverbial sun, despite its name of Marquee Moon.  I know, bad pun.  I've been sick lately, so I'll blame it on that.

I have three thin coats of Marquee Moon on my hands here plus Formula X topcoat. It's a lovely silver metallic shade with larger flecks of glitter suspended in the base.

Confession time: this is actually an old photo and swatch that I discovered in the depths of my blog folder from... wait for it... 1 December! Wow!

Although I swatched it around the holidays, this is totally workable as a year-round shade.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Shoshana

Today's NOTD is part of a larger Deborah Lippmann set.  Shoshana is one of four polishes from the "Girls" set.

I don't have HBO, I've never seen the show, and this is the only polish I have from the set (thank you ebay) since it was the only one that caught my eye.


Shoshana is a saturated electric lilac creme with mini glitter that allow it to shimmer.  2 coats, no top coat.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Modern Love

Today's NOTD is one of the colors that I recommend to everyone. This is my perfect business nail.

Deborah Lippmann Modern Love is a muted mauve creme that is simple yet beautiful.  It's classic and makes any hand look beautiful.

This is 2 coats, no topcoat.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Glamorous Life

Today's NOTD is one of my many, many rose gold polishes.

Deborah Lippmann Glamorous Life is a light metallic rose gold that never fails to bring a smile to my face.  Swatches are with 2 coats, no top coat.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Dream a Little Dream of Me

Today's NOTD is one of my favorite polishes of all time.  Deborah Lippmann Dream a Little Dream of Me is a sheer pink with blue flashes of shimmer.

It always looks incredible on the nail.  Swatches are three coats, no top coat.

This requires great nails since you'll have VNL- it's so beautiful.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Groove is in the Heart

Today's NOTD is out-of-season but still one I'd like to share with you.

Groove is in the Heart is a cheery, bright pink released with the Spring 2013 collection.  Swatches are 2 coats, no top coat.

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab

I bought Deborah Lippmann's Gel Lab set when it was first introduced last year and absolutely loved it. Due to the price (now $45), I didn't immediately repurchase.

There are many gel-like sets now on the market.  Admittedly, I haven't tried them all but I really do like Gel Lab.

Since I'm partway through my second bottle of each, I can truly give a good review.  I've found that Gel Lab works best with Deborah Lippmann polishes.  I've gotten up to one week's wear out of Careless Whisper and Modern Love.  It also worked well with Tom Ford Nail Lacquer, allowing me a full work week with one mani.  I had mixed results with Chanel and Dior polishes.

Gel Lab topcoat provides an incredibly shiny finish, mimicking what I believe gel nails look like (I've never had them).  Although I don't get the super long wear, I'm almost ok with buying this set just for the finished product.

I'm also looking to try Butter London's set- and when I do, I'll compare it.  Overall, this is the best basecoat/topcoat duo I've tried.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann La Vie en Rose

Today's NOTD is Deborah Lippmann La Vie en Rose, from Spring 2014. This polish has been notoriously difficult to photograph, and the weather/lighting has further complicated the situation.  La Vie en Rose is a limited edition polish, and totally worth checking out.

This is a light pink polish with pink and gold shimmer that's visible both in the bottle and (subtly) on the nail.  It's a pink version of Careless Whisper, if that makes sense to nail polish fans.

I've got 3 coats on my nails, and no top coat.  Once again, I failed at showing the inherent shimmer-sorry!  Go check this out in person, trust me!

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Prelude to a Kiss

Today's NOTD is Deborah Lippmann Prelude to a Kiss.  I received this as a GWP, and wouldn't normally purchase it myself.  Well, it's beautiful. It's a manequin-nails color for me.

Four thin coats, no top coat.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Flowers in Her Hair

Today's NOTD is another Spring 2014 gem, Deborah Lippmann Flowers in Her Hair.  This is two coats, no topcoat.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Let's Hear It For the Boy

Today's NOTD is another Deborah Lippmann selection that's a one-coat wonder!

Let's Hear It For the Boy is a sky blue creme that looks this amazing with just one coat.

This polish is the reason that I neglected to pick up the blue from Deborah Lippmann's spring 2014 collection. Having seen both in person, this is slightly lighter than the new release.

Deborah Lippmann Spring 2014 Spring Reveries Collection- La Vie en Rose + Flowers in Her Hair

Today, I'm sharing my selections from Deborah Lippmann's Spring 2014 Collection, Spring Reveries.


Deborah Lippmann is my favorite polish-only line (I conveniently overlook the few attempts to lippies).  When I'm not wearing Chanel or Dior, it's likely that you'll find Deborah Lippmann polish on my nails.  Why mess with something that just works?

The Spring 2014 collection, Spring Reveries, is comprised of six gorgeous pastels that make you think instantly of spring.  There are five cremes and one shimmer in the group.  I selected two of the six:  La Vie en Rose, a milky pink shimmer, and Flowers in Her Hair, a minty creme.  All shades in this collection are listed as limited edition, so grab them quickly!

La Vie en Rose ($18) is described by the brand's site as "pastel petal pink (shimmer)".  I'd agree with that characterization. When I saw the formula, I hoped that it would be the milky pink cousin to last year's Careless Whisper.

Flowers in Her Hair ($18) is described as "magnificent mint medley (creme).  I couldn't pass up this shade when I saw it creep online on Nordstrom.com.  I have a problem with collecting mint polishes but rarely actually wearing them!  I have a feeling I'll wear this often, though.

I don't have nail wheels, and the light has been awful outside. So, please excuse these swatches. I'll do a real NOTD soon with these.

Inside, with flash:

They're both lovely, but totally different. I can see La Vie en Rose becoming one of my neutral staples.


Deborah Lippmann's Spring Reveries Collection is available via the brand's website, Sephora, and Nordstrom.

Next up: Dior Spring 2014 (Part 1).  Yes, I went crazy over this one so I'm going to break it into two pieces.

Sunday Dreaming

I have a few things on my radar lately, some replenishments and some new purchases from Spring 2014.

1. Tom Ford Sugar Dune ($32)

I've already picked up one polish from the Spring 2014 collection, but this nude has stolen my heart.  I can point directly to swatches from the RAEviewer, The Beauty Look Book, and Lily Pebbles for this sudden obsession.  I've become obsessed with finding the perfect nude as of late.

(Stock photo via Nordstrom)

2. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Color SPF 15 #10 ($57.50)

This is one of my HG items, and I can see pan in the middle of my compact (purchased in September, if I recall).  I'm going to try to hold out until the Nordstrom Spring Beauty Trend Show, which is coming up soon in my area (usually one of the first in the country).  I'll refer you to my review of Les Beiges for the love.)

(Stock photo via Nordstrom)

3. Deborah Lippmann Careless Whisper

This nail polish was a LE from Spring 2013, and I've used over half of my bottle. It's one of my go-tos, and now I'm on the hunt for a backup bottle.  Which is easier said than done!

4. Burberry Beauty Complete Eye Palette No 10 Rose Pink ($59)

I've been on the hunt for a pink eye palette and have also been wanting to try Burberry's eyeshadows for quite awhile. It was Sabrina's review on The Beauty Look Book which has pushed me over the edge.  I have a hard time wearing pinks on my eyes, but I think this quad might be just what I'm looking for.

NOTD: Deborah Lippmann Waking Up in Vegas

Today's NOTD is the classic greige in my collection, Deborah Lippmann Waking Up in Vegas.  This lovely creme is opaque in one coat, but these swatches are with two coats.

For those wondering, it's darker and cooler than other Deborah Lippmann neutrals.  I hadn't pulled this from my stash in awhile, so I forgot how much I like this.

These swatches are with 2 coats and a topcoat.