12.19.2011

Pretty, Pretty Polish: Mary Jo Matsumoto Pacific Coast Highway Nail Color Collection Review

I have never met a polish I didn’t love. To show my adoration to luscious lacquers? Well, between you and me, I displaced an entire drawer of denim in order to create a residence specifically for my very large collection of polishes. There’s dark and sophisticated from OPI and Essie; bright and glittery from Forever 21 and China Glaze; and an abundance of unique shades from Illamasqua, mark, and Orly.

Regardless, I never feel as if my collection is complete. Thus, I was thrilled when I learned that Mary Jo Matsumoto, an incredible clothing designer, blog-mistress of Trust Your Style, and an individual I am happy to call my friend, announced that she was releasing a 6-Piece Polish Collection inspired by California’s Pacific Coast Highway. And even more so when I had the chance to select a duo of decadent hues to try for myself – Laguna Shimmer from the Beach View Collection, and Trestles from the Solid Waves Collection.

Above I am wearing Laguna Shimmer, which is a sparkly, glitter-based turquoise. This, I believe, is meant to be a top coat over a darker color (such as Trestles); however, I am obsessed with sparkly polishes, so I decided to make it the main event. This is three coats. From experience, I find that Turquoise can be a tough nail color to pull off; however, this color has a very radiant icy-hue to it that makes it universally flattering. NOTE: The picture does not do this polish justice. In real life, it has this inner glow that is extremely captivating and hard to tear your eyes away from.

Here I am wearing Trestles, which is a navy shimmer. Unlike Laguna Shimmer, Trestles does not have a glitter base; rather, it has a subtle shimmer mixed into the darker shade, which really comes alive in certain light. I personally find darker nail colors perfect year-round as they have this sophisticated look to them; plus, they partner really well with cocktail rings and other forms of jewelry. This color I would say is slightly comparable to OPI’s Russian Navy; however, I find that Trestles has far more sparkle and shimmer to it. This is one coat (I’m serious ONE coat).

Above I am wearing one coat of Laguna Shimmer over one coat of Trestles. This is actually one of my favorite combinations as it reminds me of a midnight sky speckled with stars.

Though I only tried two colors from the six-piece collection, I was very, very impressed with both. My typical nail regimen is to use three coats (for colors, not just glitter-based polishes), and to top that with one coat of Seche Vite to add shine, protect the color, and make the manicure completely smooth. The formula of these did not require that at all.

For Trestles, one coat was thick enough to beautifully cover the entire nail without any type of streakiness or clumping; and it had enough shine on its own to not require a top coat of Seche Vite. Laguna Shimmer, when used as a top coat, only requires one coat to add shimmer; however, if you want to make it a glittery color all its own, three coats will do the trick. As for Laguna Shimmer… you would think that, as a glitter-based polish, a top coat of Seche Vite would be required. It wasn’t. Despite the fact that it looks like glitter, Laguna Shimmer does not have the grainy texture that a lot of glitter-based polishes possess; therefore, it didn’t require a coat of Seche Vite to add smoothness.

POSITIVES:
Very little product is required to make a huge impact.
High quality formula. I didn’t experience chips of any sort for the multiple days that I wore each color.
Excellent tip-wear. No touch-ups were required.
Long-lasting color. Despite the fact that I did not use a top coat, I felt that both colors remained just as bright and fresh as they looked the first day the polish was applied – no dulling.

FASHIONISTA VERDICT:
High-quality, eye-catching, and simple to apply; this is, without a doubt, one of my new favorite brands of polish. A little birdie told me that a new collection will be released for Valentine’s Day. Who do you think will be first in line to indulge in the romantic new hues? That would be me!
5 / 5 Hearts


What nail color are you currently rocking?


Fashionably yours!

*NOTE: These products were sent to me for review; however, the opinions expressed are entirely my own.*
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36 comments

ellie said...

Love the review! Such cool festive colors, too.

I'm afraid I just have on Sally Hansen xtreme wear in clear today.

ivy's closet said...

Sweet! I'm so glad you posted about this.

I love the rings too.

My favorite colors are dark gray and dark blue.

Magdalena said...

I love those nail polishes!! And your ring is so fab!!

Have a great week!

xoxoxo

Couture Carrie said...

Amazing shades!
Fab review, darling!

xoxox,
CC

Joanne said...

I like the idea of the midnight sky speckled with stars ... Very festive, in a subtle sort of way!

www.janetteria.com said...

Love the last shades! :)

MosaMuse said...

im in love with glitter polish! im rockin pink glitter
xo
MosaMuse

MosaMuse.blogspot.com

Dree said...

I love, love the review! Nail polish is my favorite thing ever.

I just want to apologise, I've been commenting on your blog and assumed I had followed, but I never did! Sorry about that!!

http://bethesong.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

Erika, thank you for this wonderful review! I can't tell you how happy I am that you really like the polish--it's been amazing how people are responding to the quality--my mom (who wears gels) is even converting!

I so appreciate our friendship!

xoxo Mary Jo

Anonymous said...

I just love those nail nail polishes!Amazing colors...

xo
http://wakinguptofashion.wordpress.com/

Unknown said...

I have a hard time with nail polish, but I love the colors you're wearing, especially when put together. Also, your rings are superlovely. Enjoy your Monday and I hope you find a good book for your Winter Break.

Anonymous said...

gorgeous nail polishes and I love the ring too

www.sugarfilledcloset.com
Latest post: Sunglasses Organizing DIY

Alexa said...

Oh my goodness LOVE Mary Jo and her nail polish is just stunning. Just the perfect amount of shine. xo

Emily said...

Cheers for the follow doll <3

Tiffany Kadani said...

Oh! I like that they are a three in one. Great review!

Christy {SparklesandSpinach} said...

I'm becoming obsessed with nail polish!!! These colors look so pretty and a huge plus that they are toxin "4 free"!!! Thanks for sharing =)

Oh to Be a Muse said...

loving all the cool statement rings paired with the polishes. the first sparkly blue color is my fave--great for the holidays.

Sherin said...

I love nail polishes as well. I have a whole draw full of them. These colours are perfect. I love the dark blue one.

Julia, the Thanksgiving Girl said...

Laguna Shimmer is so pretty and I adore them mixed!!!

Jessie said...

wow! I love all of these!!!

XX
Jessie
http://87life.blogspot.com

Tights Lover said...

I absolutely love the review. The color looks amazing on you, and I agree, the two color combo down the bottom is the way to go. I'm loving the way that looks!

Why Girls Are Weird said...

I'll have to try these out!

Angelica Ng said...

Oh my gosh, I've been having a nail polish obsession lately. Especially with blue, so this post is heaven! Love the sparkly ones, and the deep blue, I can tell looks good in real life.

http://red-soledfashionista.blogspot.com/

FASHION TALES said...

These colours are divine! I just love blue so much. Lovely review! And gorgeous rings doll! xo

Anonymous said...

I really like your site and I love your style. I would also love to have you as a follower of the Style~ Spotlighted! Of course, I will gladly return the favor ;) Hope to see you very soon!

http://stylespotlighted.blogspot.com

bridechic said...

Festive and chic . . .

Grace said...

Sounds great! I hardly ever wear nail polish, though; I'm terrible at applying it.

Anonymous said...

So pretty! But I like my dark browns. I have a Mauve I still am waiting to use.

lucy and sarah said...

Perfect time for this review! Oh, I like how you wear it. I need to do something my nails.

Unknown said...

Bare nails right now for work!

But I love these polishes. I want to see the other colors (since I'm not a blue polish persay)!

jamie said...

I love love love the first color! I am obsessed sparkly polish!

http://www.glamlatte.com

Audrey Allure said...

Loving those colors!! They look amazing.

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

wow, that coverage looks a lot better than most nail polishes I see. I am loving that TEAL!!! I currently am wearing grey.

Rowena @ rolala loves said...

The colors are so rich and gorgeous!

Punctuation Mark said...

i love all of those colors... beautiful!

Josie said...

I love the darkest navy shade -- too pretty!
xo Josie
www.winksmilestyle.com

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