12.29.2022

ZOYA Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Swatches + Review

Never have I ever met a holiday polish collection that didn't put me in my cozy feels; so y'all know I was excited when ZOYA's Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Trio showed up on my porch. NGL, the depth of the shades shocked me a teeny tiny bit, because they don't feel like holiday colors per se. This trio leans more dark and moody than I expected; but I am feeling all three for the winter season because they look like the perfect pairing for all of those chunky knits and boots! Let's get to it, shall we?

Rosalind is a Sugarplum Purple Duochrome. This color though! Rosalind is a sugarplum purple duochrome that looks nothing like I expected! For some reason, I was 100% under the impression that this was like a metallic navy when I saw it in the bottle; but when you apply it to the nail...girrrrrllll! This beauty is straight up magical. The purple shifts from a shimmering sugarplum to a Frozen-esque metallic blue and back when placed in direct sunlight, and is just beautiful to look at. Perfect for winter and beyond! This is 2 coats.

Metora is a Metallic Boysenberry Jam. NGL, this bad boy blew me away! Metora is a metallic boysenberry jam that is deep and decadent and unlike most shades I typically see in holiday collections. I was 100% convinced that this was a Christmas-y red when I viewed it from the bottle but OMG that boysenberry shade just lit up upon application! Formula was a little thinner than expected; but, overall easy peasy to work with. Love this one for the holidays and the winter season! This is 2 coats.

Clarice is a Metallic Emerald Green. I never knew how much I needed a shade like this in my life until it was in my hands. True story. Clarice is a metallic emerald green that is sending me with that enchanting lit from within glow and deep, dark depth. This one is multifaceted because, from afar, it looks like a basic black; but when you get up close and personal...wowza! That metallic emerald green comes out to play. With a heavy hand, this can be a OCW. I found the formula to be slightly runny, so I opted for two coats to avoid gloppy drops or a mess. Absolutely loving it! Unfortunately, it does not photograph well. Womp womp. This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

PRICE: $12.00 for each full-size bottle



xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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12.26.2022

NOTD: ZOYA Hypnotic Holiday 2022 Nail Lacquer Collection in Metora

Two coats of ZOYA Nail Polish in Metora. Metallic Boysenberry Jam.

NGL, this bad boy blew me away!

Metora is a metallic boysenberry jam that is deep and decadent and unlike most shades I typically see in holiday collections. I was 100% convinced that this was a Christmas-y red when I viewed it from the bottle but OMG that boysenberry shade just lit up upon application! Formula was a little thinner than expected; but, overall easy peasy to work with. Love this one for the holidays and the winter season!

xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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12.22.2022

BOOK REVIEW: 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas {A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery} by Jacqueline Frost


I truly am so grateful for having found Jacqueline Frost's Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series last year, because escaping into the quaint town of Mistletoe, Maine each holiday season is a G-rated pleasure that puts me in my Christmas feels, and kinda sorta makes me want to try my hand at jewelry-making {thanks Holly!}. While Twelve Slays of Christmas was my first foray into this series; 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas welcomed me back with open arms, and easily avoided the second book slump, acting instead to make me more vested in these charming characters - and ensuring that I return for the next installment.

Twenty-seven-year-old Holly White thought that her return to her family's Christmas tree farm, Reindeer Games, last year was merely a temporary act to help heal her broken heart, and decide what her next move in life would be; but after a brush with death during her stay, and an introduction to the dreamy Boston-bred, Sheriff Evan Gray, she decided to put down roots in the idyllic locale of Mistletoe, Maine. Flash forward a year, and Holly is on cloud nine. Her jewelry-making ecommerce business is booming {a little too much tbh}; she has an old made new again bestie in Caroline, the owner of Caroline's Cupcakes; the Reindeer Games Inn is finally in the process of construction, with a grand opening date of next year; and, while her love life may be lacking due to Evan's secretiveness over the past few months, she's not complaining. That is, until death comes knocking. Again.

As the daughter of a powerful local politician, Caroline is used to being fixed up with boring, oft-times overly friendly men to please her father. The latest guy on that list of suitors is none other than Derek, the wealthy, womanizing son of a judge who got a little too handsy with Caroline during a dinner, and was subsequently chastised by the cupcake connoisseur. Unfortunately, this lambasting was caught on camera in a clip seen round the community. No big deal, amiright? Negative. When Derek turns up dead in a life-size bowl of peppermint candy in the town square, all signs point to Caroline as the killer. The police refuse to cast their suspicions on anyone else, going so far as to take Caroline into custody, so Holly does what any good BFF would do...launches her own investigation. After all, what's the holiday season without a little detective work and death?

With just ten days left until Christmas, Holly knows that she is Caroline's only hope for spending the holidays at home with her family {as opposed to behind bars}. When she catches the eye of a Santa-suited stalker leaving peppermint candies in his wake, Holly is convinced that she's on the trail of the true killer; but without Evan to ping theories off of, she's not sure if she'll be able to bring Derek's murderer to justice before she faces her own silent night. Permanently.

This book y'all! I absolutely loved every second of it. With Frost's previous installment, Twelve Slays of Christmas, my issue with Holly was that she frequently read like a teenager. This time around, with the role of her parent's diminished, and adult friendships made more prevalent, she has matured so much, and come into her own. Her friendship with both Caroline and Ray is something I love seeing grow; while the development of her relationship with Evan feels very organic and relatable. The fact that their romance takes a backseat to the mystery and friendships developing throughout is something that I am so here for, because romance is something I'm not seeking when I pick up a mystery. Since we're on the subject of characters, I can't forget to give a shoutout to the quirky feline Cindy Lou Who who has captured my heart with her soul-searching gaze and selective friendships. Believe me when I say that, despite all of the murders that Mistletoe seems to experience, I am so ready to pack my bags and move there. Pretty sure I need to make book three, Slashing Through the Snow, mine immediately!


Star Rating: *****


xx
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12.19.2022

NOTD: OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Rhinestone Red-y

Two coats of OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Rhinestone Red-y. Bright Red w/ Pink Pearlescent Shimmer.

Y'all, I legit cannot with this lacquer. In fact, in all honesty, it is my new number one red lacquer of all time.

Rhinestone Red-y is a Rudolph-approved bright red w/ pink pearlescent shimmer that is an absolute essential for the month of December. The formula here was ridiculous - two simple coats that dried within minutes, and truly brought my tips to life. If ever there was a polish with an accurate name, it is this beauty, as it sparkles like rhinestones with every flick of your fingers. There is no question here - buy this one immediately!

xx
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12.15.2022

OPI Holiday '22 Nail Lacquer 4-Piece Mini Cracker Swatches + Review

Babes, I have seen countless holiday collections, but let me tell you...nothing compares to the beauty found within OPI's Holiday '22 Nail Lacquer 4-Piece Mini Cracker. As someone who is, admittedly, not a fan of metallics, this quartet is a game changer. Consider me sold.

Go Big Or Go Chrome is a Metallic Silver. Admittedly, y'all know that I'm typically not a fan of metallics, but this beauty is sending me.
Go Big Or Go Chrome is a wintry metallic silver that makes me want to watch Frozen for the 3,627,946 time - that sparkle and frosty tone gives me all of the Queen Elsa and Olaf vibes! This is an interesting one because, at coat one, the opacity, while stronger than a topper, mimics a sprinkling of fairy dust, so would look amazing over a white creme; whereas coats two and three really strengthen the opacity and bring us to the icy finish you see here. Positively obsessed with this beauty for the entire winter season! This is 3 coats.

Decked to the Pines is a Metallic Sage Green. This color though! Slays like no other. True story.
Decked to the Pines is a stunning metallic sage green with a touch of gold duochrome that is absolutely gorgeous. From the minute I applied this to my nails I was obsessed, and my feelings never wavered during the 7 days I wore it. This shade is e lemming that needs to be in the collection of any nail polish fanatic. And the formula? Let's just say that it withstood a week of about 14 holiday projects {including painting, cutting, gluing, and peeling} with 30 kindergartners with nary a hint of tipwear, chips, or peeling. I know I never say this, but I think I'm buying a back-up bottle. Natch! This is 2 coats.

Rhinestone Red-y is a Bright Red w/ Pink Pearlescent Shimmer. Y'all, I legit cannot with this lacquer. In fact, in all honesty, it is my new number one red lacquer of all time. Rhinestone Red-y is a Rudolph-approved bright red w/ pink pearlescent shimmer that is an absolute essential for the month of December. The formula here was ridiculous - two simple coats that dried within minutes, and truly brought my tips to life. If ever there was a polish with an accurate name, it is this beauty, as it sparkles like rhinestones with every flick of your fingers. There is no question here - buy this one immediately! This is 2 coats.

Sleigh Bells Bling is a Metallic Gold Shimmer. Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too...Yes, I immediately started singing that song after applying this shade to my nails. True story. Sleigh Bells Bling is a glamorous metallic gold with an out of this world formula. It legit applied effortlessly, and dried ridiculously fast {without brushstrokes!}. I'm obsessed. The color is ideal for chic holiday soirees during this time of year; but would also work as a pumped-up neutral year-round. Loving it! This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: Ulta.

PRICE: $19.95 for the 4PC Mini Set; $11.49 for each full-size bottle
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xx
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12.12.2022

NOTD: OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Decked to the Pines

Two coats of OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Decked to the Pines. Metallic Sage Green.

This color though! Slays like no other. True story.

Decked to the Pines is a stunning metallic sage green with a touch of gold duochrome that is absolutely gorgeous. From the minute I applied this to my nails I was obsessed, and my feelings never wavered during the 7 days I wore it. This shade is e lemming that needs to be in the collection of any nail polish fanatic. And the formula? Let's just say that it withstood a week of about 14 holiday projects {including painting, cutting, gluing, and peeling} with 30 kindergartners with nary a hint of tipwear, chips, or peeling. I know I never say this, but I think I'm buying a back-up bottle. Natch!

xx
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12.08.2022

ZOYA Classic Leathers Fall 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Swatches + Review

When it comes to fall polish collections this is what I'm talking about! Mustards, mossy greens, deep plums, dark teals? Yes, yes, yes, and yes. ZOYA 100% hit it out of the ballpark with their Classic Leathers Fall 2022 Collection Nail Lacquer Collection and I am here for it! NGL, I live for luscious shine, which these beauties had in droves; but I could see these shades looking amazing matte-ified for that 90s classic leather feel. Time to sneaky-peeky the stellar shade range!

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Dagmar is a Deep Marsala Creme. Le sigh...it has been far, far, far too long since I've reached for a vampy shade like this, so spooky season seemed ideal for its arrival. Dagmar is a daring deep marsala creme with hints of plum, crimson, and brown that will make your inner witch cackle with glee! This one requires a little more attention to application, as the brush picks up quite a lot of product with each dip. Make sure that you are wiping it on the lip of the bottle frequently to avoid cuticle flooding. If you dig dark, you need this bad boy in your collection! This is 2 coats.

Gidget is a Butterscotch Creme. NGL, I 100% thought that this was going to be a mustard shade based on how it looked in the bottle, but surprise! It's so not. Gidget is a beige-based butterscotch creme that feels ideal for this time of year due to its apple picking perfect coloring and nod to apple cider and iced coffee. This one is creamy and decadent for the Thanksgiving season and is essential for those seeking a flawless formula and unique vibe. This is 2 coats.

Althea is a Moss Green Creme. We need more greens like this bad boy in the polish world. I said what I said. Althea is a moss green creme that speaks to me on so many levels because I always gravitate towards shades like this in November {no idea why; but I'm here for it}. This stunner gives amazing coverage; but the formula is a little thinner than I'm used to with ZOYA, so make sure you wipe that brush on the lip of the bottle a few times before application. Wear-time is phenomenal, and that inner shine is gorgeous. Loves it! This is 2 coats.

Ono is a Rich Berry Creme. It's shades like these that are so frequently overlooked in fall nail polish collections in favor of reds, but they are so good. Ono is a rich berry creme that gives off Old Hollywood vibes mixed with winespiration {pretty sure I made that term up myself tbh}. This one displayed tipwear a little sooner than expected; but overall held up pretty well considering how many kindergarten art projects it survived. Bonus: the littles complimented it over and over again. Perfect for Thanksgiving week. Highly recommend! This is 2 coats.

Ryder is a Redwood Brown Creme. This brown though...such. a. stunner. Ryder is a milk chocolate-esque redwood brown creme that gives me all of the M&Ms vibes. Seriously. I legit cannot get over how beautiful this babe is - that natural shine, rich color, dreamy formula. All I can say is...chef's kiss. This is 2 coats.

Sylva is a Dark Teal Creme. A problematic polish fact? There is simply not enough teal in lacquer collections. #isaidwhatisaid. Sylva is a bold dark teal creme that brings Fair Isle knitwear, marshmallow-topped hot cocoa, and skiing in the Swiss Alps to mind. This one could easily have been a OCW, but I added a second layer to bolden up the color, and it built beautifully! Loving this beauty paired with, perhaps, a silver accent nail. If you want to add a unique touch to your vampy varnish collection, do not sleep on this bad boy! This is 2 coats.


AVAILABILITY: ZOYA.

PRICE: $12.00 for each full-size bottle



xx

Disclaimer: Cat Eyes & Skinny Jeans occasionally receives vendor/ brand sponsorships for mentioning their products and services.
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12.05.2022

NOTD: OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Sleigh Bells Bling

Two coats of OPI Jewel Be Bold Nail Lacquer Collection in Sleigh Bells Bling. Metallic Gold.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling ring ting tingling too...Yes, I immediately started singing that song after applying this shade to my nails. True story.

Sleigh Bells Bling is a glamorous metallic gold with an out of this world formula. It legit applied effortlessly, and dried ridiculously fast {without brushstrokes!}. I'm obsessed. The color is ideal for chic holiday soirees during this time of year; but would also work as a pumped-up neutral year-round. Loving it!

xx
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12.01.2022

BOOK REVIEW: Delphine and the Silver Needle by Alyssa Moon


"Fairy tales have a way of getting softened over the years. The most violent parts are sanded away, the story made safer for little ones."

If I'm being completely honest, let me tell you that, in the tale of Cinderella, it was always the mice that entertained me most. Jaq and Gus, Perla and Suzy...They were an enchanting mischief of mice that added so much to the beloved fairytale; so when I stumbled upon Alyssa Moon's Delphine and the Silver Needle, I was quite intrigued - and not just because of that gorgeous cover. Y'all, this is one of those fairytale retellings that you never knew you needed, starring an endearing MC {Delphine I'm looking at you!}; an exhilirating quest; an ages-old history of the Threaded; a treaty 100 years in the making between mice and rats; and a secret society involving a group of tailor mice. I, for one, cannot wait to get my hands on the sequel, Delphine and the Dark Thread!

Though she lives within the four walls of Cinderella's Chateau Desjardins, Delphine's beginnings are humble at best. Orphaned at birth, Delphine was discovered upon the Desjardins doorstep, nestled beside one mysterious object: a tarnished, human-sized sewing needle. Despite her rocky start, Delphine has flourished under the love and care of Meline and Maman {the mouse who first found her, and the one who raised her, respectively} spending her days at Desjardins caring for mouselings and completing other miscellaneous chores; and dedicating her nights to her true passion: sewing and creating brilliant dress designs in her workshop. When her work catches the eye of Princess Petits-Oiseaux, requesting her dressmaking services at the castle, Delphine is beside herself. But what begins as her chance to share her talents with the world, sets an unexpected adventure and quest of a lifetime in motion - with Delphine at the forefront!

Upon her arrival at court, Delphine's eyes are opened to a lavish world that seems like a dream; along with curious characters who she would have never met had she remained at Desjardins. The most intriguing one being Alexander - a noblemouse with the scoop on everyone. It is through Alexander that Delphine learns of her destiny. While scampering around the castle together, Alexander introduces Delphine to a tapestry depicting a silver needle much like hers, and a group of tailor mice known as the Threaded. It does not take long for Delphine to determine that she is an ancestor of those very mice, and the silver needle? A dangerous object to have in her posession. You see, King Midnight, an evil rat, has been hunting down the Threaded's silver needles for decades, and he has 0 intention of allowing Delphine's to slip through his paws. And so the quest of a lifetime begins.

With Alexander at her side, Delphine does everything in her power to stay one step ahead of King Midnight, protecting the silver needle that he covets so much; while unraveling the truths that will save the kingdom that she loves so dearly. But with enemies popping up in the most bizarre of places, Delphine can't be sure if she and Alexander will be able to stop the rampaging rat before it's too late.

While Delphine and the Silver Needle is a retelling of sorts of Cinderella, do not expect to see much of the popular princess or her evil stepmother and wicked stepsisters. Though I remember a fleeting mention of them, that is where their presence in the tale ends, which I, personally, was more than okay with.

Delphine is a charming character who effortlessly carries this story with the help of Alexander. The two have an endearing companionship from the getgo - despite Alexander's penchant for some pompous behavior. The ease of their friendship is one of the things that makes the story move so quickly. For me, as a cat lover, I found the character of Cornichonne to be one of the best additions of the story - though she arrived near the end, I am holding out hope that she will return for the sequel, as she was positively brilliant! Yes, there are some dark moments within these pages; but overall, it is a fantastic, fairytale-based fantasy that can easily be enjoyed by readers of all ages.


Star Rating: ****


xx
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