I have a new list.
Because, you know, what I really needed in my life was a new list to go with the many lists I already have.
Some of my other lists…
This new list is called my “Beauty Bucket List,” and only beauty-related things that border on outrageous and/or far-fetched are allowed to go on it.
That’s because it’s a bucket list, not a grocery list, so I figure the things I add to it should be a little out there, ya know? I mean, what’s the point in daydreaming, if we aren’t going to dream big?
Today I’m adding my first item to it…
1. To wear the five new Dolce & Gabbana nail polishes from the Love in Taormina collection actually in the town of Taormina
And that means holiday in Sicily! 🙂
I’m still working out whether I should wear one color per day while I’m there (this is still in the fantasy planning stages, BTW) or all five colors on my fingers at the same time.
I do know that I don’t want to mix colors on my toes, because whenever I do that I look like I have monkey feet…
Ideally, the trip would take place in summer, since the Love in Taormina collection was inspired by flowers that are supposed to bloom in the summertime there.
I’d try to find a sun-dappled garden somewhere, and look for flowers in the same shades as my freshly painted nails.
And eat gelato…
Lots and lots of gelato.
Ideally, my hair will also look great, and I won’t be dressed like a 12-year-old skater boy.
It’s a floral affair
What lovely colors.
I really can see the floral influences in the shades, and when I see them on my nails, I almost feel like I’m there, in Taormina, standing on the sidewalk by a cobblestone street to admire a lush garden, and take a break from my busy Italian holiday…
But unlike gelato, these colors aren’t necessarily sweet, not like the desaturated pastel florals you’d find on Laura Ashly prints or Jessica McClintock dresses from the 1980s.
No, these aren’t exactly the kinds of colors one imagines herself wearing for a chaste peck on the cheek. I think these are more intense than that, like when your lover grabs your hand, and a jolt of electricity shoots up your arm. Bzzzz! And you feel like jumping his/her bones right there.
These vibrant, energetic colors are a little on the lusty side, but that’s Dolce & Gabbana. 🙂 They aren’t known for prim and proper.
These pigments are CAH-RAY-ZAY!
I realized just how pigmented these polishes are last night after my nightly shower…
Yeah, who paints their paws right before bed? Answer: this girl.
With these as pigmented, opaque and smooth as they are, you could probably get away with applying a single thick coat or two lighter ones. Either way, though, you’re covered. Your nails should be completely covered.
Like a trip through the seasons from spring to summer and fall
If you look closely at the colors together, doesn’t it seem like they were made with the three warmer months in mind? You can see a progression from spring to summer and fall.
Light pink Oleandro and rosy Ibisco seem like classic springy shades, fuchsia Bouganville and coral Camelia remind me of summer, and Iris makes me think of fall.
The brush picks up plenty of product
I feel like I spend a lot of time removing excess lacquer from the brush that comes with these, and I don’t know if it’s because the brush is denser than most, or if it’s purely the formula. Whatever the reason, I find myself spending a little more time than usual unloading the excess before it touches my nails.
Like clothing on certain beaches, a top coat is optional…
All five of these polishes shine like a spelling bee champion, so if you’re feeling lazy or just don’t have time for a top coat, you could probably skip it.
I probably wouldn’t skip the base coat, though, because it seems like this formula closely adheres to my nails, highlighting any ridges.
Taormina awaits! When are we leaving?
I simply adore these vibrant, elegant, fun colors, even if I think there is something a little goofy going on with the brush. At least I don’t feel like I’m wasting polish when I use it, you know?
PRICE: $24 each
AVAILABILITY: Coming to Dolce & Gabbana counters next month
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: A
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Sunny says
Ahhh Camelia is so fab! I’ve been more obsessed with creme nail polishes than anything else, so these are right up my alley!
Karen says
Love that shade!
virginie says
I need them in my life!!!!!!!!
Karen says
Yes you do, Virgine! Which colors are your faves?
virginie says
ALL!!!!! ;-)))
sahana says
I especially love bouganville color. Thanks for the great photos :*
Karen says
You’re welcome, Sahana. Have a nice day!
Cynthia says
Beautiful colors! You did a great job of presenting these. I’m putting Ibisco, Camelia and Iris on my list 🙂
Karen says
Thanks, Cynthia. I hope you love the polishes. 🙂
Happy Wednesday!
Zoe Gruss says
What a fantastic collection of shades! Your manicures are flawless as usual. The shade Iris 169 is exceptionally beautiful – definitely a shade I would like to own!
Karen says
Thanks, Zoe Gruss.
What nail brands are popular out in your neck of the woods?
Kim says
It’s too bad they’re a little finicky (brush) but they look fab on your nails. I’m totally in for a trip to Taormina. I might even wear (gasp) brightly colored polish for the occasion. 🙂
Karen says
BEAUTY BUCKET LIST!! We should go during the summer. I’ve been looking at pics of the water and it looks very clear. Gah, I need to go swimming.
You can do Iris on your toes and Bouganville on your tips. 🙂
Kim says
Deal! We need to add a quick stop in Amalfi, too. 🙂 I had a much longer, funnier reply typed but, when I posted, I got the error message that I’d forgotten my Name and Email. It deletes everything and there’s no going back. You’d think that I’d remember that since it’s happened about 10 times since you switched to the new blog format. Sometimes I worry about early onset Alzheimer’s. And by “sometimes”, I mean “all the time”!
meredith says
Wow, Iris!
Karen says
Yeah. It’s so striking, isn’t it? Can’t you see it on toes?
Lorraine says
Who paints their paws before bed? Everyone, since SV was invented. No better time for it. LIke the Polish Insomniac says on her banner. “It’s never too late to start a new mani”
My vote is for Ibisco. Most unique of the bunch. I was severely tempted at Neiman D&G counter last week. Found one called Soft which is just up my alley. But I had been looking for Anise, so I passed. I really need to try one of their lacquers. Soon.
Lorraine says
oops, make that Saks, not neiman’s.
Olivia says
Looks like a fab line!
Nadine says
Ibisco is my perfect summer shade.
I live 20 minutes from Taormina. It’s even more beautiful than any picture could capture. If you are ever in Sicily, let me know. I lived in Monterey/Carmel for 30 years (age 7 to 37) and I can say Sicily is even prettier.
Ashley says
I LOVE the look of Iris! I think its the way the shade and the name go together. Beautiful!
Ann-Marie Robinson says
How gorgeous!! LOVE Iris!! I can totally see this is August & September!! Beautiful!:))
xoxo
Ann-Marie
Lisa says
Oh gosh, I am totally head over heels in love with Camelia and Ibisco!!
One question though – how much product is actually in each bottle? I tried searching around but my google skills seem to be failing me at the moment…