Author Archives: Mary S.

Blog News: Recap Posts

During my blogging journey, I’ve had many wonderful opportunities to attend exclusive beauty-related events. Sometimes they involve going backstage at a runway show, and other times, they are for new products that haven’t officially launched yet. (You’ve probably seen several on here, if you have visited Swatch And Learn frequently.)

My favourite events include meeting people who I have admired because they inspired me with their talent, innovative spirit, and solid work ethic.

When I am fortunate to attend events, I enjoy ‘bringing you along’ by sharing photos and/or short video clips on my social media.

Sometimes, I post them on all of my social media: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest, and Snapchat (username: swatchandlearn), but other times, I choose to post only on select accounts.

Since not all of my readers are on social media, I like to publish recap posts on the blog from time to time. (Some examples: OPI, Contessa Awards, KISS, Juicy Couture, göt2b, Dial, INGLOT, Nicole by OPI, etc.)

It has been a while since I shared a recap post with you on here, but I have continued to attend events.

I’m going through my computer and rounding up photos because there are a few key events that I want to highlight on the blog. Some are from very recently, and some are from further back.

My main blog posts will continue to be in-depth reviews, quick looks at upcoming collections, and swatches, but sprinkled occasionally will be a few recap posts in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned!

I hope that you all are having a wonderful weekend so far! 🙂

OPI Got Myself into a Jam-balaya Swatches & Review

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OPI Got Myself into a Jam-balaya Swatches Review

I’m stuck on OPI Got Myself into a Jam-balaya from the New Orleans Collection!

When the mercury rises, coral nail polishes spring to mind like a Slinky making its way along the stairs.

While I embrace wearing the rainbow regardless of what is ‘seasonally appropriate,’ I get coral cravings the most at the tail end of winter and continuing through to the final lazy, hazy days of summer.

The way OPI Got Myself into a Jam-balaya appears pink one moment and then orange-leaning the next is what entices me and maintains my interest in it throughout the day. Plus when some pinks clash against my skin, a captivating coral rarely lets me down. Ole Dependable!

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CND Vinylux Aqua-intance Swatches & Review

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CND Vinylux Aqua-intance Swatch Swatches Flirtation Collection

Get acquainted with CND Vinylux Aqua-intance from the Flirtation Collection that officially hits stores in March! (Click on the above link to see swatches of all 12 shades in the collection.)

It’s all blue skies, and things are looking up when your manicure or pedicure consists of this creamy, dreamy nail polish.

Wear it by itself for sweet simplicity, or add bedazzling glitter or elegant nail designs on top. No matter which way you choose to sport it, CND Vinylux Aqua-intance is a beautiful, versatile nail polish!

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OPI Show Us Your Tips! Swatches & Review

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OPI Show Us Your Tips Swatches Review

The OPI New Orleans Collection is full of fresh shades that will make you long for patio weather. (Click the above link to see the blog post I did that includes swatches of all 12 shades.)

A handful of colours really stood out to me amidst the sea of nail polishes. OPI Show Us Your Tips! is certainly one of them, and it’s not just because of the cheeky name!

Play ‘Show and Tell’ with OPI Show Us Your Tips!

Periwinkle is serene and conjures up images of a sleepy moon decked out in starry pajamas. However, it’s not yawn-inducing.

I get excited whenever I see a periwinkle nail polish because you don’t see it too often. There are plenty of sky blues and light purples, but a true periwinkle seems to be overlooked often.

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Pretty Serious Stud Muffin Swatches & Review

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Pretty Serious Stud Muffin Swatches Review

Forget the gym cutie, the charming cobbler, and the handsome local grocer when you have Pretty Serious Stud Muffin! 😉

Lately I was craving red nail polish, and even though I have my favourites, there was an untried one in the mix from the Pretty Serious Well Meaning But Ultimately Quite Awkward Pet Names Collection that was calling out to me in sweet tones. (What kind of nailphile would I be, if I didn’t answer the call?)

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OPI Hello Kitty Collection Swatches

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OPI Hello Kitty Collection Swatches

Since readers enjoy round-up posts that contain swatches of entire collections, I’ve put together this post where you can see all of the OPI Hello Kitty Collection swatches in one place.

It’s similar to what I did for the OPI New Orleans Collection post not long ago, except instead of a preview, for the OPI Hello Kitty Collection, I’ve already done in-depth reviews on all 12 shades!

I’ve included the photos of each colour in this post, but if you want to read more about the colour, formula, and finish, as well as multiple swatches of each colour in natural light and artificial light, be sure to click on the links, which will take you to my separate reviews.

Although the whole collection is cute, the colours I enjoyed the most are the ones seen in the lower half of the above collage. Those had me swooning!

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Zoya Ireland Swatches & Review

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Zoya Ireland Swatches Review

Who needs a shamrock? You can bring the luck of the Irish in manicure form with Zoya Ireland from the Whispers Collection!

I consider this to be an ‘entry-level green’ because it’s a safe choice – not ‘too’ green (if there is such a thing), and it’s muted enough that it can blend in comfortably with an elegant, neutral outfit.

A ‘quiet’ colour like this sneaks up on you. It doesn’t need to knock on your door violently or bring the local one-man-band to your workplace to get attention.

It has a tranquil confidence that I can appreciate, and it’s especially wonderful to wear during the transition from winter to spring.

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