Thursday, December 29, 2011

Top 20 of 2011, Part 4

Oh, the Glitter Division. How I struggled to choose just a handful of polishes for this group. I ended up keeping three from last year: Borghese Purple Confetti, OPI Mad as a Hatter, and Deborah Lippmann Across the Universe.

Purple Confetti is on the list because despite the vast quantities of glitter in my stash, the only other polish I have that's remotely similar to this one is its sibling from the same collection, Mediterraneo Sea. I don't know how Borghese managed to have the glitter not get covered up by the deep opaque base color, but I'm glad they did. Without top coat, it dries matte, which I find very interesting.





With topcoat, it still holds my gaze.





Mad as a Hatter is just a wonderful jumble of colors that I love looking at it whenever I'm wearing it.





It's even gorgeous when it's blurry:



Unlike the first two glitters, Across the Universe has a very controlled color palette, just blue and green, but the balance of hues and values in it means it's not boring.



I love layering Across the Universe over blues and greens; here it is on (top to bottom) China Glaze Towel Boy Toy, Zoya Charla, OPI Jade is the New Black, and Sally Hansen Salon Navy Baby.



Butter London No More Waity Katie made the list because it combines three of my favorite things: glitter, purple, and purple-taupe. I know some people had problems with the formula of this one, but I found it pretty well behaved. On its own, it builds to a nice depth, with the glitter floating at different levels in the taupe base.





One coat over a taupe base (here it's Nina Ultra Pro Never Glum Plum) gives a similar look with fewer coats required.



And finally, Locavore. Of course this had to be on here. I wanted it so much for so long, and when it got here it did not disappoint. It looks good alone; it looks good layered. Given that I tend to prefer silver over gold, I'm a tiny bit surprised I love this as much as I do.





Top to bottom in the photos above and below, that's Locavore by itself, then over Revlon Gold Coin, over Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Anemone of Mine, and over Sinful Last Chance.



There are so many other glitters I would have liked to put on this list. Maybe someday I'll do a Top 20 Glitters list. Or Top 50. China Glaze did a collection of 50 glitters, why not me?

Tomorrow my Top 20 of 2011 series concludes with the Special Effects Division.

24 comments:

  1. For someone like me who didn't buy any glitter polish this year this is pure heaven to see. I love how glitters look on others but rarely buy them myself. I should change that. Too bad Mad as a Hatter is so difficult to find, it's amazing! Happy New Year (a little in advance :)

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  2. I have Across the Universe, but it remains untried. I'm holding off on doing a top 20 until I can get through most of my awesome untrieds!

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  3. These are soo nice!! And for once I actually have something you do xD
    Mad as a Hatter. So amazing.

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  4. There are so many here I just adore! I didn't buy many glitters this year, but my glitters from years past have more than made up for it.

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  5. Nice! I especially like Purple Confetti with a top coat.

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  6. I'm a total glitter freak. This is right up my alley.

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  7. I got Locavore after you swatched it. It was love at first sight, and my feelings haven't changed. I did French tips with it on a Christmas mani of Vert Sacrilege. But I must say I am loving all your choices. You like the same kind of subtle colors I do.

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  8. WOW! Across the Universe is very similar to Essence Blue Addicted :) Amazing!

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  9. very nice so many glitters! i love it and now have added some to my wishlist.

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  10. Wow...this post was glit-terrific! Interesting how different Lacavore looks on the different bases!

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  11. I do love glitters, the Butter London is so pretty on. Great post, thank you!

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  12. All so pretty!!! I love glitters! Your application is great too!

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  13. My favorite division! Sad to say I don't have that Borghese and I wish I did!

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  14. Such pretty glitters. Which one will you wear for New Year's?

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  15. all of them are so beautiful! :)

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  16. Just knew Locavore would be on here somewhere-am wondering where the black glitters are??? Oh yeah I remember-you're weird about black glitter!!! HAHAHAHA!

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  17. I'm shocked that the glitters post has been my favorite so far. SHOCKED. Really, since I'm not usually a fan of glitter. Can't wait for the special effects!

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  18. Very hard to pick a favourite. I think I like them all :)

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Thank you for reading and commenting! I greatly appreciate knowing I'm not just talking to myself here. :) I'm moderating most comments now due to the spate of spammers who claim to be looking for sexy times.