Author Archives: Mary S.

Zoya Yves Swatches & Review

Some things that are fast: Usain Bolt as he gloated towards the finish line, buttery popcorn that sounds like mini fireworks in the microwave, and Zoya Yves, a too-cool-for-school blue nail polish from the Matte Velvet Collection!

If you’re ever in a pinch and need to slap on some quick colour that dries quickly before you rush out the door, Zoya Yves is a good choice. (It’s designed to be worn without a top coat.)

There’s just one thing that you should be aware of. What’s that? Find out later in this post!

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Pray for Paris & Pray for the Entire World

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Pray for Paris

In the wake of the Paris attacks that continue to cause devastation, tearing apart loved ones suddenly and unexpectedly and bringing fears of uncertainty to the surface, my heart and prayers go out to the families who are picking up the pieces. (You are strong, even if you don’t feel like you are.)

Violence against innocent civilians goes against a cardinal rule of life – The Golden Rule. It reminds us that we are vulnerable and that we are mortal.

This tragedy affects the entire world, not only the Parisians who were hit the hardest. It’s a time when people may begin to question their faith, their future, and their fears.

Terrorist attacks scare me because you never know when or where they’re going to happen or even if the casual passerby will be behind some evil scheme. But you can’t mentally torture yourself with these thoughts on a daily basis, or you’ll become paranoid and blind to living your life.

There are an alarming number of fatalities, people who were injured, and many who are in critical condition. It’s enough to make your head spin because innocent lives were destroyed.

At times like these, it is incredibly challenging to see any silver lining, but we must push ourselves.

Now, more than ever, it’s important for us to promote love and peace because we should try to never let go of hope. (Hope is one of the few things that can help us survive even the worst situations. It’s like a secret weapon that’s not-so-secret because we all have the power to tap into it.)

Even when corruption runs rampant, a kernel of light will always exist. For instance, it touched my heart when I read about the brave and loving Parisians who lined up for hours to donate blood, even though the French government instructed civilians to remain indoors for safety.

I believe that these are our everyday heroes, the people who selflessly make a difference in the lives of strangers. They don’t get medals or awards. They don’t need or want those. They’re doing it because they feel that it’s the right thing to do, and that unconditional love is a miraculous gift we need to appreciate and seek inspiration from.

The power of the human spirit to rise above adversity is a real-life story that I always want to hear and, if possible, participate in.

Even if you don’t donate blood (some can’t, due to their health condition), you can still promote the message of love and peace.

We all must do our part to ensure that hope’s flame continues to burn brightly.

Pray for Paris, but also pray for the entire world.

Zoya Hannah Swatches & Review

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Zoya Hannah Swatches & Review

When I went to the Contessa Awards 2016 on the Sunday that just passed, I wore Zoya Hannah from the Focus Collection. (Yes, 2016, not 2015. No, I didn’t go ‘back to the future,’ Marty McFly…although just drop the ‘t’ and you’ll get MARY McFly. It has a ring to it, don’t you think?) 😉

Red is a nail colour that isn’t my first pick in the bunch, but I’ll occasionally get the strong urge to wear a spicy red, especially closer to Christmas.

If you followed me on my social media, particularly Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat (under the username ‘swatchandlearn’), you’ll remember that for the Contessas, I wore all black, except for my gold statement necklace.

I reserved the pop of red for my lips with MAC RiRi Woo (which is extremely close to MAC Ruby Woo), and for my nails with Zoya Hannah.

As I get older (“Hand me my cane there, Sonny Boy!”), I find myself enjoying the combination of black and gold in my wardrobe a lot because wearing bright and bold lip and/or nail colours becomes more dramatic!

While in the car in the parking lot, about to walk over to the Westin Harbour Castle for the Contessa Awards, my friend, who I invited to join me, noticed my red nail polish. Haha, he’s not the type of guy to comment on nail polish (at least not with me), so I was somewhat surprised that Zoya Hannah caught his eye. (I say ‘somewhat’ because the colour red is psychologically known to attract attention. That’s why you’ll notice it strategically used for call-to-action prompts in marketing campaigns.)

He grabbed my hand and inspected my nails suddenly and unexpectedly. (Whenever people do that, whether they’re friends or strangers, I always feel shocked. I’ll never get used to that, and I never grab people’s hands, unless I’ve asked first.)

After studying each nail at an unforgiving three-inch distance, he asked me if they were press-on nails! Hahahahahaha! I laughed so hard and told him that they are my natural nails. He replied, “But they’re all so perfect!” He looked at me like I was telling a tall tale before carefully inspecting my nails again.

I told him that there are most definitely imperfections. And, as I always tell my readers, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being happy, trying your best, and learning how to get better! 🙂 (I don’t really believe in anything being ‘perfect’ because I don’t believe that anyone should stop trying to improve.)

I’m sure that if he were to look at the photos in today’s blog post that are magnified to larger-than-life proportions, he’d easily see the flaws on each nail…and I am totally comfortable with it.

P.S. If you haven’t already entered, you still have until Friday November 13, 2015 at 11:59 pm EST to participate in my Canadian giveaway for your chance to win 12 Hard Candy nail polishes!

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Nail Vote on Twitter: Do You Prefer Short or Long Nails on Yourself?

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Hey everyone!

I just published a new poll on Twitter about nail-length preferences.

Log into your account to vote before time runs out, and come back to see what the results are. (Any predictions?)

Which nail length do you prefer on yourself? #NailVote #SwatchAndLearn

— Swatch And Learn (@SwatchAndLearn) November 11, 2015

Pretty Serious Rae’s Rainbow Swatches & Review (Layered Over Pretty Serious Pookie)

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Pretty Serious Rae's Rainbow Swatches & Review

Pretty Serious Rae’s Rainbow is a limited-edition multicoloured glitter lacquer that’s like the Spice Girls reuniting and performing their greatest hits on your nails.

Perky and punctuated with personality, it’s flashy like a funhouse!

Although you could wear Pretty Serious Rae’s Rainbow on its own and build up the coverage with more layers, I decided to put it over Pretty Serious Pookie, which was the manicure I was already sporting.

How can you not feel happy when your nails are supercharged with a supernova? 😉

I purchased this nail polish when it was still available. Unfortunately, it’s discontinued now, but I still wanted to share it, since you never know if it’ll be re-released. *Fingers crossed*

P.S. There’s still time to enter my Canadian Hard Candy Nail-Polish Giveaway for your chance to get 12 lacquers! (Ends November 13, 2015 at 11:59 pm EST)

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My Exclusive Interview with Canadian Nail Artist, Valerie Ducharme (Contessa Awards 2016 Finalist)

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This evening, I’ll be attending the 27th Contessa Awards at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. Hosted by Noah Cappe (from Food Network’s Carnival Eats) for a second consecutive year, the special gala honouring creative Canadian talent: hairstylists, colourists, salon teams, makeup artists, and nail artists!

Check out Salon Magazine’s list of all the finalists on their website. Also, during the event that begins today at 7 pm EST, you can watch the live webcast here.

Follow me on social media because I’ll be sharing some photos and videos. Mainly, I plan to share them on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat (username: swatchandlearn), but in case I also post them on Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest, I’m including those links, too.

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Valerie Ducharme, a Canadian nail artist from Quebec who’s a Contessa Awards 2016 finalist and last year’s winner! (Good luck to her tonight!)

She took the time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions I had, and it was fun to get a closer glimpse into the nail industry.

Below is just one of the many intricate nail designs she’s created.

Check out the rest of this post to read her responses to all my questions and to see more photos of her inspiring nail art!

Valerie Ducharme Canadian Nail Artist

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