Showing posts with label Models Own. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Models Own. Show all posts

Sunday, 18 November 2012

Models Own Boogie Nights and Freak Out! (Mirror Ball Collection)

While in London, I picked up a couple of Models Own nailpolishes from Boots as there was a 'buy one, get 2nd half off' offer. These normally retail for £5 each, which is much more affordable compared to other UK polish brands like Nails Inc and Leighton Denny.

These were released in September as part of the Mirror Ball collection which had five shades in total. Models Own states that it ships internationally on its website but with no details on the shipping cost. ASOS.com also carries this collection but only ships to 21 EU countries. A small selection of Models Own is also available in Watsons in Singapore now but I don't know if this collection is available there.

Described as Models Own's "first ever nail frostings - a range of glide-on glitters that will revitalise your entire polish collection", these contain a mix of irregular large shards, small bar, hexagonal and round glitters in a clear base.

I loved the combination of shades, but decided to pick just two to try out for a start. The luminous light blue and fuschia combination of Freak Out makes for a particularly eye-catching contrast.

The formula isn't the best really, as it takes quite long to dry. After 10 minutes, it was still prone to nicks and dents if touched. These would benefit from a fast-drying top coat like Dior or Seche Vite, especially if you like a high gloss finish as the Models Own polishes aren't that glossy on their own. I would have preferred a broader brush that covers the nail surface better as well.

Both shades required at least two coats to get a decent amount of glitter on each nail. A couple of the glitter pieces did not lay flat and had to be peeled off eventually.


Here are swatches over a black Catrice nail polish. These were taken after 4 days of wear, and both Boogie Nights and Freak Out have held up very well. I expect that these will be difficult to remove, like most glitter polishes. If you are looking for something to add sparkle for the festive season or just to jazz up your nailpolish collection, these are worth considering as they won't break the bank and are certainly eye-catching and fun to try out.




Saturday, 9 June 2012

Models Own Ibiza Mix + Essence A Lovely Secret

Essence Colour Go #94 A Lovely Secret is a periwinkle lilac that gives opaque coverage in two to three coats. The formula is not fast-drying though, hence the nick on my index finger about five minutes after application. The violet micro shimmer that is visible in the bottle is not apparent when applied, so that was a bit of a disappointment.

I topped it withh Models Own Ibiza Mix, from the Hed Kandi collection, which is a party-friendly mix of large hexagonal glitters in pink, gold, orange and teal with smaller glitters in pink, gold, orange and blue.

It's tricky trying to distribute the glitter pieces evenly but at least the polish does not streak or cake even when layered thrice over. There was no bumpiness or edges sticking up. Nevertheless, I applied a coat of Canmake Gel Volume Top Coat for an extra smooth finish.


Not a combination that I would wear during the week but it's perfect for a relaxed weekend.

Sunday, 13 May 2012

Nail Swatches: Paul & Joe Fairie Queen, Pixie and Models Own Ibiza Mix

Recent, Kas sent me a nail wheel as part of a package of beauty goodies, so I used it to swatch my new nail polishes.

Paul & Joe Nail Enamel 030 Pixie surprised me by its good coverage with just two coats. The holographic shimmer shows up very nicely. The finish is very smooth with no grittiness at all.

028 Fairie Queen has a thicker, more gloopy formula. This also feels bumpy due to the larger pieces of the irregular flakes.

Comparing Pixie with Paul & Joe Nail Enamel 014 from the summer 2011 collection.

014 has multi-colored fine glitter bits and is sparklier than Pixie.



At first, Catrice Million Styles Effect Top Coat 08 Have An Ice Day looks like a dupe for Pixie but it turns out to be much sparser in coverage than Pixie, which has a much stronger holographic effect. Have An Ice Day as a twinkling rainbow diamond shimmer effect.


During my recent trip to London, I also picked up Models Own Ibiza Mix from the Hed Kandi collection. This usually retails at £5 but I snagged it at Boots with a 2-for-£8 offer. This is currently available on ASOS.com (but ships to only 19 European countries).


The rainbow glitter formula is quite common now, thanks to the success of Deborah Lippman's Happy Birthday. Within my own stash, I found a dupe in the form of Essence Nail Art Special Effect Topper 02 Circus Confetti. The Essence version is 8ml/0.27 fl oz and made in France while the Models Own version is 14ml/0.47fl oz and made in the UK.


The main difference that I could spot is that Circus Confetti has smaller gold glitter bits than Ibiza Mix.

Below are the ingredient lists for Paul & Joe Nail Enamel 028 Fairie Queen, which is made in Japan.

030 Pixie

Hope these swatches are useful!