Etude House Fashion Queen Nail Collection #1

Finally getting down to business and beginning to review items in my Korea haul :)

Etude House Fashion Queen Nail Collection #1 Hey! Jeanie (2013 S/S Collection)
7ml x 3, 7,500 won (~$7 USD)

Rating: 4/5
Packaging: 5/5
Uses:  manicures & pedicures

This was one of my best buys at 4,500 won (~$4.50 USD) for the set due to Etude having a sale. *big cheesy grin*  The cute packaging (as expected from Etude) immediately jumped out at me in the store because it's not pink! (At least from the front).  Click here for stock photos from the Etude website.

Packaging of this nail set is stellar.  I like to keep packaging as new as possible, so it really annoys me when I open a new box and the top flap will crease when you open it for the first time.  Etude was really thoughtful about this with the dome cut-out in the middle, making it easy to open the flap without ruining the box.  A good amount of product in each bottle with a long handle for easy application.

Cute zipper nail art stickers are also included to go with the jean theme.  Usually these are just thrown in at the back of the box, but Etude slipped it in a film cover, probably because the stickers need some cutting.  You can't just peel it and slap it on, which is a gripe for me since I'm lazy.  The rows of lace also aren't long enough if you want the same one on every finger.  The lace designs are really gorgeous though and a nice touch of girliness for an otherwise not-so-girly set.  I've never used nail art stickers before though so I don't know how long they'll stay on.

The gist of of the back packaging (may be some mistranslation..I'm not native Korean >_<):

"Pretty blue colors and zipper details.  The lace nail stickers that give a realistic effect of denim.  Denim Fashion Shop nail set.

How to Apply Denim Nails

1.  After applying a base coat color the entire nail with your desired color.
2. Use the stickers included to create a real denim look.
3. If you apply a topcoat afterwards it will give a shiny look and make the mani/pedi last longer.

(light to darkest color) #1 White jeans // #2 '70s fresh // #3 Perfect Skinny"

#1 White jeans - A gorgeous milky pastel blue that is why I bought the set.  I love, love the color and the effects of the glitter.  However, this was really difficult for me to apply (admittedly my first nail polish with chunky glitter).  It's hard to balance the right amount of polish with glitter.  The glitter pieces would easily clump on one area of the nail or I would get all glitter, no polish.  If I had too much blue polish on my brush, it would glob on the nail.  You get to put less coats that way, but it makes it harder to clean up as the polish will easily run into the edge of your nail.  Also if you try to use the brush to adjust the glitter chunks on your nail it will cause uneven coat (like below).

One coat of #1 White jeans

After some trial and error I learned that with this bottle the fewer strokes the better effect.  If you do too many strokes in one coat the color becomes very uneven (thick on the outer edge, thin in the middle).  If it looks imperfect or streaky, just let it dry and fix it up with another coat.  Below is a pic with two coats.

#2 '70s Fresh - At first I felt the middle color is very bland.  In a row of colors, that color would definitely not catch my eye.  However, after applying it I completely changed my mind.  It complements my skintone quite nicely and I see this as a great fall color to wear paired with gold or silver to keep it interesting.  The quality of the polish is very nice too; very smooth and only one coat is needed.  It doesn't look really smooth in the picture because of the glitter from the lighter color that I layered it on top of.

#3 Perfect Skinny - What a great name for this black polish with fine blue glitter for a shimmery effect in the light.  It has a slightly grainy texture after it's dried, giving the color more depth and a semi-matte topcoat look even though it's glittery underneath.  If you feel like using black on your nails is too dramatic/extreme/emo/gothic whatever, this would be a good substitute. Shows off character without frightening everyone away.

You'll definitely want to use a base coat when playing around with this nail set.  The glitter slides off the nail a little easier with the base coat.  I don't think a topcoat is necessary though as it will ruin the effect of the darkest shade.  Conclusion? Love this set! A buy if you can still get your hands on it :)


Dislike

• Stickers need to be cut and tailored for each nail
• #1 White Jeans difficult to apply

Like

• Gorgeous shades with awesome names
• Thoughtful packaging
• High quality nail polish
• Very affordable price (3 full-size bottles for $7.50?  Cheaper than Sally Hansen!)