12.20.2013

shine a little brighter, darling: mary jo matsumoto magical mined nail color review

Regardless of how long you've been a part of the blogging world {and yes, it is a world unto itself}, chances are you've stumbled upon Mary Jo Matsumoto. She moonlights as a blogger over at Trust Your Style; but her full-time persona is handbag designer. Another title on her resume? Nail. Polish. Creator. YES.

I've reviewed a few of Mary Jo's 4FREE Nail Color shades in the past {here and here}; so I jumped at the chance to try two colors from her latest release for Holiday 2013. These shades included Laguna Shimmer {a sparkling silver} and Salt Creek Sunset {a beautiful gold} - 2/3 of the Magical Mined 4FREE Nail Color Trio {$36.00}. Here are my thoughts {and swatches}!

Left: Laguna Shimmer; Right: Salt Creek Sunset


Two coats of Laguna Shimmer.

Laguna Shimmer is paler in hue than your standard silver polish {something that I fully appreciate}. It also has an opalescent quality that gives it more shimmer and glow than I expected {again...appreciated and loved}.

Two coats of Salt Creek Sunset.

Like Laguna Shimmer, Salt Creek Sunset is different than your typical gold. It dips more into white gold territory, as opposed to being yellow gold; so it's more of a champagne shade than anything else. Definitely perfect if you want a neutral nail with kick.

THOUGHTS:
Laguna Shimmer and Salt Creek Sunset are metallics for the girl who doesn't usually like metallics and the girl who loves metallics. Let me clarify...

...both of these colors have almost a white underlay to them, which makes them less harsh and fake looking than many of the metallics I have encountered in the past; instead, giving them a uniqueness that is less shimmery and more glowy and ethereal {a stellar combination if I do say so myself}.

Both shades had an identical formula with great quality. While neither thick or thin; if you don't wipe the brush off thoroughly before applying, it does tend to be slightly runny, so wipe off all excess polish on the rim of the bottle to avoid this.

I did try layering these colors over a darker shade to see if the effect would be different; it wasn't. The opacity of both of these polishes is great; so either wear them alone, or use them for a metallic french tip or accent nail.

Considering how many metallic nail colors there are on the market, I was shocked to find that these two are actually different. Both shades are incredibly gorgeous; but my standout fave is {brace yourselves} Salt Creek Sunset {this coming from a girl who never likes gold polish shades}. It is simply stunning, and I cannot wait to wear it again!


xx

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FTC Disclosure: The products featured in this post were provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.
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13 comments

ellie said...

These look great! Love your review!

FASHION TALES said...

It's such a great colour and you're the perfect model since you always have a wonderful manicure. Happy holidays. xx/M

little luxury list said...

Wow, these metallic shades are gorgeous and perfect for this season! Happy weekend dear!

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

Marina Rose said...

your nails are perfect! I liked the Laguna Shimmer a bit more than the other!

www.miouprincesslovespink.blogspot.gr

Shaimaa said...

Look great on your nails , the metallic is gorgeous !

Unknown said...

Oh these look amazing on you Erika! And you are so right about them being perfect for the usually non-metallic loving girl (me) and those who do like them--I've got just one coat on at the moment, and it's the perfect little shimmer. Thank you so much for the great review!!
xoxo Mary Jo

Couture Carrie said...

Love MJ and her amazing products...
Gorgeous manis!

xoxox,
CC

Tiffany Kadani said...

Good call on the white underlay. Never thought of that, but yes it's more muted and definitely more me.

Shooting Stars Mag said...

That's awesome you liked the gold so much. both look pretty!

Sara said...

Both colors are very pretty! But I think I like the gold a little bit more. Both are great for the holidays!

Midnight Cowgirl said...

Loving the look of Laguna Shimmer!

ivy said...

Such a beautiful treat for the new year!

Sherin said...

Oh my - that gold colour is stunning!!!

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