nude – The Nail Architect

Gelish Secrets Collection From Nail Harmony UK – Part 1 Pastels, swatches, comparisons, matte and lighting differences. Hidden Identity, Kiss Kiss, Once Upon A Manicure, Picture Perfect, I’m A Wildflower, Made About Mint, A Tribe Called Cool, Sun Kissed Bliss

Hi all.

Here’s the a few of the Secrets collection only currently available in the UK. It was first released on the 1st July with singles being available straight away through educators. The entire collection of 16 is now available online but only as a whole collection. As per usual the lighting pictures are indoor, led and outdoor but are on Prohesion L&P extensions.

The collection comprises of 16 colours created especially by requests from UK nail harmony techs. What this means is there are some fantastic colours available. I haven’t purchased the entire collection yet but did buy the pastels along with sun kissed bliss. The results of which you can find below. With these new Gelish colours only just released that means there are currently no Morgan Taylor or All That Jazz polish matches.

A Tribe Called Cool – 3 coats

This is what we’ve all been waiting for a pastel yellow. It does need warming but applies well in 3 coats.

A Tribe Called Cool Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Mint madness – 2 coats

This colour applied beautifully in 2 coats. It’s much lighter then mint of Spring and is like a mix between my one blue love and kiss me I’m a prince.

Mad About Mint Indoor, LED, Outdoor

I’m A Wild Flower – 2 coats

This is a beautiful pastel blue. It’s slightly darker then my one blue love, but its application is far superior. Do warm up whilst prepping though.

I'm A Wildflower Indoor, LED, Outdoor — I’m A Wildflower Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Kiss Kiss – 3 coats

This is the latest pastel pink, I do recommend you warm though as I have had it wrinkle on me, so super thin coats are needed. It’s a bit like light elegance but more opaque.

Kiss Kiss Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Once Upon A Manicure – 3 coats

This is a baby pink with a hint of purple. Again this one needs to be warmed and applied super thin as it did have a tendency to wrinkle. I’m not overly happy with the pictures here so will update them when I have a chance. As a result I’m including a simple set taken in natural daylight.

Once Upon A Manicure Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Once Upon A Manicure Outdoor

Hidden Identity – 2 coats

This is a beautiful frosted light brown. It applies superbly in 2 coats and would be excellent for those who want to keep their nails neutral.

Hidden Identity Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Picture Perfect – 2 coats

Another must from the collection. A dark lilac with no fading. It comes across quite dark in the official pictures but is much lighter in the sunshine. A definite must.

Picture Perfect Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Sun Kissed Bliss – 2 coats

This burnt coral is a dream to apply in 2 coats and is just simply stunning.

Sun Kissed Bliss Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Swatches

Top it off vs matte – to give you an idea of how easy the application was on most. My 3 year old daughter swatched all of the matte ones and a couple of the top it off ones.

Secret Collection Pastel Swatch Stick Comparisons Matte vs TIO Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Colour comparisons

Hidden Identity Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Once Upon A Manicure & Kiss Kiss Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Picture Perfect Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

I'm A Wildflower & Mad About Mint Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor — I’m A Wildflower & Mad About Mint Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

A Tribe Called Cool Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Sun Kissed Bliss Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Summary

These colours are beautiful and most apply really well. I have a feeling that once I am used to applying once upon a manicure and kiss kiss that the wrinkling issues I experienced would be ironed out. As with all the colours by Gelish, every single on is made differently so we as good techs have to learn how to adapt. And after all it’s much cooler here in the uk as opposed to California so a bit of warming is to be expected.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your pictures from this collection.

29th October 2015

Urban Cowgirl Collection Review

Hi everyone. Here are my swatches of the Gelish autumn collection from Nail Harmony UK. With this collection I have completed all the “colour in the spotlight” blogs so I should be able to give you some really useful information. You will find the colours in different lights so you can get a truer reflection of the colour and there is no editing effects or smoothing, just my nails painted with the legitimate colours. Let me know if there’s anything else you want to know or see.

The Urban Cowgirl collection consists of 6 core colours and 2 trends. It was launched in the UK on the 4th August 2015 with singles released on the 29th August 2015.

Tan My Hide – 3 coats

A light tan with pink tones in a crème consistency and a subtle shimmer. As it’s a crème consistency it applied a little more thickly so make sure it’s nice and warm when applying. I had no problem with shrinkage or sliding. There has been some mention of fading but personally I didn’t have a problem. This is my favourite colour of the collection and a definite must for your collection due to the unique colour.

Holy cowgirl – 2 coats

This sage green crème has a beautiful subtle gold shimmer and grey tone, it’s another brand new colour to Gelish and I love it for autumn. The application was perfect and I have absolutely no complaints about this colour at all.

From Rodeo to Rodeo Drive – 2/3

This a creme taupe has quite a grey tinge with a hint of purple to, along with a subtle silver shimmer to it. This is the only core colour in the collection with no matching Morgan Taylor polish.

Personally I didn’t experience any problems with removal or fading with this colour but some people have suffered with fading. There is also a possible batch problem with it causing it to lift and peel after only a few days. If you do think you have one of these bottles then contact nail harmony.

Pumps or Cowboy Boots – 3 coats

This is a black brown crème colour with burgundy / red tones. It has a smooth application but it is really highly pigmented so thin colours are a must and make sure you dry brush otherwise it can run. It is similar to black cherry berry and love me like a vamp but I don’t have either of these.

Plum Tuckered Out – 2 coats

I love this colour, a dark purple crème which can look almost black but outside you can see it’s true plum colour. It’s so smooth and creamy, not to thick and not to thin, Gelish nailed this one. Diva is very similar but with the perfect consistency and application this one will make your life so much easier.

Texas Me Later – 2 coats

A coppery pink with a frost finish, it’s smooth and fluid so easy to apply. There aren’t any similar Gelish colours so a nice addition.

Trends – neither of these are “toppers” but colours in them selves.

Seal the Deal – 2/3 coats

A dark burgundy which nail harmony portrays to have pink and purple flecks in. It does have them but I would say when it’s on you notice more orange, gold and red flecks. Unless in a very specific light, which wasn’t that often. Out if all of the collection I had the most compliments about this one. The application was good but make sure it’s not too thin. If you like who’s cider you on you will love this one.

Chain Reaction – 1/2 coats

A pewter silver, so on the mid to dark side of what we have seen before. It has a frost finish and a great application so is perfect for art as well. So if you are looking for value for money this is the silver for you.

Colour comparisons

Summary

I love this collection, with good applications and several really new colours it’s a great buy.

29th August 20153rd October 2015

Colour in the spotlight – Tan My Hide

Name: Tan My Hide

Collection & UK launch date: Urban Cowgirl, 4th August 2015 (singles 29th August 2015)

Description & personal opinion: A light tan with pink tones in a crème consistency and a subtle shimmer. Personally I group it with my pinks. (For pictures see lighting variance.)

Matching nail polish: Yes, Morgan Taylor Tan My Hide launches 1st September 2015

Viscosity: It’s a crème based colour so applies a little more thickly. Simply keep the layers thin and smooth to avoid any wrinkling by warming before application. If your salon is cool you could do this by standing the bottle on a warm wheat bag, placing it in a bowl of warm water or any other warming method you may prefer. I didn’t have any problems.

Application: Good application in 3 coats.

Lighting variance:

I think it’s clear to see why there has been so many differing opinions on what colour this is, but hoping this helps a lot of you out.

Sparkles & Trends:

Top: lots of dots, escargo to Paris, grand jewels, June bride,

Bottom: Vegas nights, am I making you Gelish? Rough round the edges and izzy whizzy.

Longevity: I had no issues with any lifting, chipping or cracking with this polish

Fading: I have read that this colour is a fader, personally I do not think it is. Here are my nails after a week in the 3 different lights and you can make the decision for yourself.

Removal: I did struggle a little with the removal of this colour, so re-wrapped for 5 minutes and it came away fine.

Similar colours: I think this is a new colour for Gelish and a must have. Closest non Gelish match is IBD I’m no damsel.

Artwork: Liquid stones using “holy cow girl” and “plum tuckered out” with nail space glitters.

Gold french glitter tip fade.

My verdict: You need this colour, it applies nicely and is unlike any other colour. I love it 🙂

Next week: Holy cowgirl