China Glaze Up & Away collection - review

February 16th, 2010 in beauty & fashion, reviews by Alyssa

photos: we heart this

Dear Winter,
I’m done with you. You and your blustery wind, freezing temperatures and gloomy skies, while once welcome, have grown tiresome. I live in Texas for a reason. Please go away.
Hugs and Kisses,
Alyssa

Okay, while I can’t make winter go away by just the force of my will, I can bring a little of spring and summer’s fun into my life right now. I got to sample the nail polishes from the Up & Away collection by China Glaze and I can tell you that they are definitely a bright spot in the midst of winter’s gloom and doom. Creamy opaques and pastels that just scream balloons, birthday parties and fun.

If you’ve been to a salon recently, you of course recognize the name China Glaze. Its professional-grade nail polishes and treatments are used regularly and are highly prized due to its formula that resists thickening in the bottle. As their website states, China Glaze’s balance of resins and polymers create a product that hardens, resists chipping and gives great color with long wear. Plus, it’s DBP/Toulene and added-Formaldehyde free. Bonus! But the real star of China Glaze’s features is the array of colors. They’ve got sheers, crèmes, glitters, opaques, pastels, shimmers – you name it! It can also be found online for as low as $2.60 a bottle. That makes those of us who wince as we plunk down ten bucks a bottle on more upscale brands very happy.

Before I get to the shades I received to review, just a quick note. Grape Pop, you will be mine…(I agree, everyone needs this. Look how pretty! ~Stef)

Heli-yum is a deep raspberry pink; I used this color on my hands…and then spent the next few days happily glancing at my pretty pretty nails. I gravitate towards colors like this anyway, but this one is definitely my favorite. It’s bright, but still somehow grown-up and sexy. Like princess socks underneath your sensible shoes, this color is fun without being obnoxious.

Four Leaf Clover was fun, but not for me. I’ve seen it described as a creamy green-teal, but I think it leans more to the straight green side. It’s definitely creamy; it made me want to finger paint with it! I’ve got this one on my toes and while it’s fun, my coloring is too olive to make it work. When your husband asks, “What’s up with the witch’s toes?” you know you don’t have your right shade..

Both colors applied easily without gunking, with the drying time comparable to most polishes. They were also very saturated. I almost only needed one coat! It’s long-wearing, but I’m notorious for doing dishes without gloves and using my nails to open soda cans and scrap stickers off of things, so I did have some chipping. If you’re someone who actually takes CARE of their manicure, this is perfect for you.

The 12 piece collection includes:
(top row)
Heli-Yum
Re-Fresh Mint (creamy light green)
High Hopes (bright coral/red)
Sugar High (bright bubblegum pink)
Grape Pop (bright, pure purple)
Four Leaf Clover
(bottom row)
Something Sweet (light pastel pink)
Lemon Fizz (creamy light yellow)
Flyin’ High (vivid turquoise)
Peachy Keen (light to medium apricot/peach)
Happy Go Lucky (vibrant banana yellow)
Light as Air (light lavender)

I definitely recommend trying any of the colors in the Up & Away collection to banish those winter blues. So, if it’s warm next week; you’re welcome. Review team; do you agree? And let’s here from the other China Glaze fans out there as well…

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Alyssa is kinda geeky, kinda girly and all the way in love with her cowboy husband who can say words like, “ornery” with a straight face. She live in Texas and is working on her Masters, being a good cook and starting a blog. One day. Eventually. Sometime soon. She promises.

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also contains an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

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