Ash’s Polish Corner


What I love most about Spellbound is its versatility. The shifting colors create a dynamic effect that catches the light beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a striking color for a night out or just want to elevate your everyday manicure, Spellbound delivers on all fronts. I can see this polish quickly becoming a staple in my collection, and I’m excited to experiment with different nail art designs using this enchanting shade. Overall, Spellbound is a standout polish that deserves a spot in every nail enthusiast’s collection!



Cursed Pumpkin has quickly become my new favorite orange polish. The vibrant hue is not only eye-catching but also versatile enough to transition from casual daywear to festive Halloween manicures. I can already envision using this color in my upcoming Halloween nail designs, where it will undoubtedly stand out. The combination of the rich orange and the sparkling gold flakies adds a touch of elegance, making it a perfect choice for any seasonal celebration.


Whether you’re planning a Halloween look or simply want to embrace the warm tones of fall, Cursed Pumpkin is an excellent option. Its smooth application and beautiful finish make it a joy to wear, and I can’t wait to incorporate it into my next nail art creation. Keep an eye out for this shade in my upcoming Halloween mani—it’s sure to be a standout!


The vibrant color of Cabochon is perfect for those who love bold, eye-catching nails. I can see it being a favorite for summer or any season when you want to add a pop of color to your manicure. Overall, I’m thrilled with my choice, and I can’t wait to show you more from this collection!


The quality and presentation of the polishes are impressive, which only adds to my eagerness to get started. I can’t wait to share my thoughts and experiences with my audience, showcasing the colors and finishes that MBA Cosmetics offers. This PR package feels like an affirmation of my passion for nail art and blogging, and I’m looking forward to documenting my journey with these polishes in the coming days. Stay tuned for some fabulous swatches and nail designs!

For my selections, I chose four stunning polishes: Cabochon, Cursed Pumpkin, Spellbound, and Shadows in the Night. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy they were to work with. The formula is fantastic, and each polish self-levels beautifully, making the application process a breeze.


In terms of application, I found that it took three coats to achieve full opacity, but the process was smooth and easy. The formula is well-balanced, allowing for even distribution of the glitters without clumping. Each coat builds beautifully on the last, ensuring a vibrant finish that showcases both the base color and the shimmering glitters. Overall, Just Add Sun has quickly become a go-to brand for me, and I can’t wait to explore more shades in their lineup.

Despite being an older polish that has thickened a bit over time, I found that it applied surprisingly easily. The consistency was still manageable, which made the application process quite straightforward. Even though the polish has been sitting in my collection for a while, it didn’t present any significant challenges, and I was able to achieve a smooth, even layer on my nails. One thing to note is that it took about five minutes to dry between coats. While this may seem like a bit longer than average, I didn’t mind waiting. The polish dried to a beautiful finish, allowing me to appreciate the color and glimmer before adding additional layers. I believe the drying time is worth it, especially for the end result. Each coat built upon the last, providing a lovely depth and richness to the color.


Overall, the experience of working with this polish reminded me that even older products can still deliver quality results. It has encouraged me to revisit more polishes in my collection that I may have overlooked due to their age. I’ve learned that with a little patience and the right application techniques, even thicker formulas can provide a beautiful manicure.

Even after applying three coats of Just Add Sun, I noticed that there was still a slight visible nail line. While this can be a bit frustrating, I have a personal rule about not applying more than three coats of polish. For me, three is the magic number; it strikes the right balance between coverage and not overwhelming the nail with layers. Despite the lingering nail line, the polish covers well enough that it only becomes apparent in bright light. Under normal lighting conditions, the color appears rich and vibrant, making the slight transparency less noticeable. I appreciate that the overall effect of the polish still looks stunning, even with the minor imperfections.


This experience has reminded me that sometimes, a little imperfection can add character to a manicure. After all, not every polish needs to be completely opaque to make a statement. I’ve learned to embrace the unique qualities of each polish and how they contribute to the final look. Plus, the shimmering glitters and color shifts in Just Add Sun are truly beautiful and draw attention away from any small flaws. In the end, I’m pleased with how it turned out and enjoy the character it adds to my nails.

Of course, I couldn’t resist taking some shots outside to capture the polish in natural light. The outdoor setting really showcases the beauty of Just Add Sun, highlighting its nudish base and the silver and white glitters that shimmer in the sunlight. While I must admit that the color shift isn’t as prominent as it was when I first purchased the polish, it still holds a certain charm that I appreciate.


The initial vibrancy and maroon shift that captivated me have softened over time, but this doesn’t detract from its appeal. Instead, I find that the subtler transition adds an elegant touch to the overall look. In bright light, the polish twinkles and reflects light beautifully, creating an almost ethereal glow. The silver and white glitters dance across the surface, adding depth and dimension to the manicure.


Starry Eyed is packed with shimmering flakes that shift colors as they catch the light, creating a mesmerizing effect on the nails. When layered over the textured base of Double Time, it transformed the overall look into something truly special. The iridescent quality of the flakes not only complemented the blue of the crème polish but also introduced an exciting contrast that made my nails pop.


The application of Starry Eyed was smooth and effortless, and it adhered beautifully to the underlying texture of the crème polish. I loved how the iridescent flakes created depth and dimension, adding a stunning visual interest that caught everyone’s eye. This simple addition turned my manicure from ordinary to extraordinary, making it a fun and refreshing change.



While Double Time is a true one-coat wonder, I often find myself applying two coats out of habit to achieve maximum coverage. The first coat provides excellent pigmentation, but I enjoy the reassurance that comes with an extra layer. The application process is smooth and effortless, allowing for a quick and satisfying experience. Once applied, I appreciate how the textured finish captures light beautifully, creating depth and dimension that draws the eye. The demi-matte effect adds a modern touch, making it versatile for both casual and more polished occasions. Overall, Double Time is not only a joy to wear but also a conversation starter, showcasing a unique blend of color and texture that is sure to elevate any nail look.

I’ve had Sinful Colors Double Time in my collection for quite some time now, and I absolutely love it. The unique blue texture is what initially drew me to this polish, but I often find myself adding a glossy top coat to smooth out the finish. I know what you might be thinking: why would I top coat a textured polish? Well, there are a few reasons behind this habit. Firstly, it’s simply a routine I’ve developed over the years. I’ve grown accustomed to the sleek, shiny look that a top coat provides, and I appreciate the added dimension it brings to my manicures. Secondly, I must admit that I don’t particularly enjoy the textured feel after a couple of hours of wear. While it’s intriguing at first, the roughness can become bothersome, and I prefer the smooth finish of a glossy top coat.


Finally, I’ve noticed that without a top coat, textured polishes like Double Time tend to chip more easily. By applying a glossy layer, I not only enhance the overall appearance but also provide an extra level of protection against wear and tear. This combination of texture and gloss allows me to enjoy the best of both worlds while keeping my manicure looking fresh and vibrant.




Using Pueen’s Black Jack stamping polish, I carefully picked up two pumpkins from the plate. The transfer process was smooth, and the detail in the design was impressive. I love how the black polish contrasts beautifully against the Believe Beauty Nine to Five base, allowing the pumpkins to stand out vividly. The image was clear and well-defined, which made my job much easier.


Stamping with this plate not only added a festive touch to my manicure but also showcased my growing skills in nail art. As I worked, I found myself getting more excited about how the pumpkins would enhance the overall look. Once I had my pumpkins ready, I set them aside to dry while I prepared for the next steps of the reverse stamping process. I can’t wait to see how everything comes together in the end!

After successfully picking up the pumpkin images, I moved on to adding some color to my decals. For the leaves, I used KleanColor Metallic Green, which provided a beautiful, vibrant hue that perfectly complements the fall theme. To fill in the pumpkins, I opted for Sinful Colors Coral Craze, a lovely shade that brings warmth and brightness to the design. Using a dotting tool made this process precise and enjoyable, allowing me to easily apply the colors to the intricate details of the stamped images.
Once I completed the filling process, I made sure to let the decals dry thoroughly. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the colors remain intact when I peel up the decals later. After the decals were dry, I applied a regular top coat over the images. It’s important to use a standard top coat instead of a quick-drying one for this step, as quick-dry formulas can crack when you try to lift the decals from the stamping plate. By using a regular top coat, I ensured that the decals would remain flexible and intact for application.


The combination of the colorful leaves and pumpkins adds a playful yet sophisticated touch to my manicure, and I’m excited to see how they will look once applied to my base color. This reverse stamping technique is turning out to be a fun and creative way to enhance my nails for the season!

As you can see, I still have room for improvement, but I’m pretty pleased with how my first attempt at reverse stamping turned out! Transferring the images was a crucial step, and I carefully peeled the decals off the stamper. To ensure they adhered well to my nails, I applied a thin coat of regular top coat before placing the decals where I wanted them. This technique helped the designs to sit seamlessly against my base color, allowing for a cohesive look.


What I find most stunning about this polish is its understated elegance. The matte finish gives it a sophisticated look that feels modern and chic, making it an excellent choice for both everyday wear and special occasions. The way the color shifts depending on the light adds an intriguing depth, giving the nails a dynamic appearance that is sure to catch the eye.
Application is also a dream, with a smooth formula that glides effortlessly across the nail. I appreciate how quickly it dries, allowing for a quick manicure without compromising on quality. Whether you’re looking for something understated for the office or want to make a statement at an evening event, Nine to Five fits the bill perfectly. Overall, this polish has quickly become one of my favorites, and I can’t wait to incorporate it into my nail art and everyday looks!

To achieve full opacity with Believe Beauty Nine to Five, I applied two coats, which provided excellent coverage. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the polish dried, allowing me to complete my manicure in a relatively short amount of time. This quick-drying formula is a significant advantage, especially for those of us who often find ourselves short on time but still want to achieve a polished look.


The paddle brush that comes with this polish makes application a breeze. Its wide shape allows for smooth, even strokes, making it easy to cover the entire nail surface without any streaking or pooling. I appreciate how user-friendly this polish is, even for those who may be newer to nail art or at-home manicures. The combination of the easy application and the beautiful color makes for a winning product in my book.


In the pictures below, you can see the result of two coats without a top coat. The matte finish showcases the stunning green-leaning grey color beautifully, highlighting its unique hue and depth. I find that the absence of a top coat allows the true character of the polish to shine through, emphasizing its elegant matte texture. Overall, Believe Beauty Nine to Five has impressed me not only with its gorgeous color but also with its performance, making it a fantastic addition to any nail polish collection.




As I examined the polish in the store, I was struck by how the holo particles caught the light, creating a mesmerizing effect that changes with movement. It’s the kind of polish that not only makes a statement but also has a certain elegance to it. Whether you’re looking to elevate your everyday manicure or want something special for a night out, Flash Dance seems to have the versatility to fit any occasion.
I can’t wait to try this polish on my nails and see how it performs in terms of application and wear time. Based on my previous experiences with Salon Perfect polishes, I anticipate a smooth application and great coverage. The holographic elements are always a delightful surprise, and I’m excited to see how they translate on the nail. Stay tuned for my swatches and thoughts on how this beautiful polish turns out!

I’m not sure if I received a bad bottle of Flash Dance or if this is a common issue with the formula, but I found the polish to be quite thick and challenging to work with. Upon starting my application, I quickly realized that it didn’t glide smoothly onto the nail as I had hoped. To achieve an even application, I had to continually shake the bottle every few nails to ensure that the polish would mix properly.


This constant shaking was somewhat frustrating, as it interrupted my flow and made the application process feel more tedious than enjoyable. Despite the gorgeous color and the allure of the holographic shimmer, the thick consistency was a significant drawback. A more fluid formula would have made the application much easier and more satisfying.


As I continued to work with the polish, I tried to adjust my technique to compensate for its thickness. I found that applying thinner coats helped a bit, but I still had to be mindful of the application to avoid uneven patches. While I appreciate the beauty of the final look, I wish the formula had been more user-friendly. I’m hoping that this was just an isolated issue and that others may have a better experience with Flash Dance. Overall, I love the concept of this polish but would recommend checking the consistency before diving into your manicure.

Aside from the thickness of the polish, Flash Dance is truly an incredible color that I can’t get enough of! The rich dark grey, with its subtle holographic shimmer, creates a captivating depth that looks stunning in various lighting. Honestly, it’s so beautiful that I’m hesitant to stamp over it, even with the amazing stamping plates I just received from Sandra of Nail Stampology! I find myself wanting to leave it as is to fully appreciate its stunning appearance.
In my attempts to capture the beauty of Flash Dance, I took several photos, but, as is often the case, the images simply don’t do the polish justice. There’s something about the way it reflects light and how the holographic elements dance on the nail that is hard to convey through a camera lens. The combination of the deep base color and the holo sparkle creates a dynamic effect that shifts as you move your hands, drawing attention and admiration.
Despite my desire to keep it unadulterated, I know that the stamping plates will offer a unique opportunity to enhance the look further. I’m torn between showcasing this polish’s natural beauty and experimenting with some creative nail art. Regardless of what I decide, it’s clear that Flash Dance has made a strong impression, and I’m excited to explore how to complement it with my new stamping designs!


To refresh my look, I decided to layer KleanColor’s Almost Good as Gold over Smoky Palo Santo. This stunning polish features beautiful gold holographic flakies that really enhance the underlying color. The addition of Almost Good as Gold brought out the rich brown tones in Smoky Palo Santo, creating a captivating contrast that catches the light beautifully.


The flakies added depth and dimension to my manicure, transforming the dark base into something eye-catching and luxurious. I love how layering can change the overall vibe of a polish, and this combination is no exception. While I plan to do a full review of Almost Good as Gold in the future, I couldn’t resist sharing how well it pairs with Smoky Palo Santo. I’m looking forward to sporting this refreshed mani until my new package arrives, and I can’t wait to reveal what’s coming next!


For today’s mani, I chose Smoky Palo Santo from Sinful Colors’ Essenchills collection. This polish is beautifully described as a glimmering dark brown that leans toward black, reminiscent of the warm, earthy tones of wood incense. The rich color instantly drew me in, and I was eager to see how it would look on my nails.


Even though Smoky Palo Santo is known to be a one-coater, I opted to apply two coats for added depth and richness. The formula glides on smoothly and offers excellent coverage, creating a stunning, reflective finish that catches the light beautifully. Each swipe enhances the warm tones and shimmers that give this polish its unique character.
As I applied the polish, I found a sense of calm in the process, making it a therapeutic experience amidst my struggles. I’m really pleased with how my nails turned out, and I feel more like myself again. Taking the time to care for my nails has not only brightened my day but also reminded me of the small joys in life.

Smoky Palo Santo applied beautifully and dried quickly, which I really appreciated during my manicure process. The formula is smooth, allowing for easy application, and it provides excellent coverage even with just one coat. The scent is delightful and adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience. While it’s not as strong as some other fragrances from the Essenchills line, the aroma is still noticeable and enhances the overall appeal of the polish.
The brush is a small, flat square design, which some might find challenging, but I didn’t have any issues with my application. It allowed me to maneuver the polish precisely, even around my cuticles, ensuring a clean finish. Overall, I found the combination of the fast-drying formula, pleasant scent, and easy application made for a truly enjoyable manicure.


This polish has become a favorite in my collection, not just for its stunning color but also for the sensory experience it offers. Every time I glance at my nails, I’m reminded of the warmth and comfort that this shade brings, making it a perfect choice for the fall season. I’m excited to wear it and show it off!


For the stamping, I chose Pueen’s Black Jack stamping polish, which has excellent pigmentation and opacity—perfect for making detailed designs stand out against the vibrant gradient. I selected two stamping plates from Buitee: JQ-14 and JQ-25. Each plate features an array of intricate designs, which allowed me to customize my manicure to reflect the autumn theme I was aiming for.


As I began the stamping process, I was excited to see how the black polish contrasted with the bright gradient beneath it. The designs transferred smoothly, enhancing the overall look of my nails. I loved how the combination of colors and patterns created a unique and artistic finish, truly embodying the essence of fall. This entire process has been a rewarding experience, and I can’t wait to show off the final results!

From the JQ-14 stamping plate, I chose to use the whole leaf image to create a bold statement on my nails. For a bit of variation, I also pulled designs from JQ-25, where I alternated between different leaf images on each finger. I decided that the thumbs would feature the full leaf design, while I used the larger leaf on my index and ring fingers and the smaller leaf on my middle and pinky fingers. This way, the manicure has a balanced yet playful look.
When it came to the stamping process, I applied the images as I normally would, using the scraper to remove any excess polish from the areas I didn’t want on my nails. This technique allowed me to customize the design and ensure that only the desired portion was stamped onto my nails. I love that stamping allows for such creativity and personalization!
After finishing the stamping, I floated on a coat of top coat to seal everything in. Once that layer dried, I followed up with a more precise application of top coat to ensure a smooth finish. Overall, the end result was decent. While I don’t absolutely love it, I don’t hate it either. It’s a nice nod to the fall season and a great first attempt at integrating stamping into my nail art. There’s definitely room for improvement, but I’m excited to keep experimenting and refining my technique!

I have to share that this is my very first attempt at creating a gradient manicure, and I’m pretty excited about how it turned out! Once the initial layer of Metallic Yellow was fully dry, I decided to dive into the gradient process. Using a cosmetic sponge, I painted a line of each color—Metallic Yellow, Metallic Mango, and Metallic Orange—in the order that I wanted them to appear on my nails.


To ensure a smooth and blended effect, I repeated this application to the sponge as needed. I applied two coats of polish to the sponge, making sure to load it up enough with each color for adequate transfer to my nails. The key to a successful gradient is to ensure that each color blends into the next seamlessly, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well the polishes worked together.


As I began dabbing the sponge onto my nails, I could see the colors merging beautifully, creating a stunning transition from the bright yellow to the vibrant mango and finally to the rich orange. This technique took a little practice, but the results were worth it. The gradient effect added depth and dimension to the manicure, capturing the essence of fall in a way that feels fresh and fun. Overall, I’m thrilled with my first attempt at a gradient and can’t wait to experiment more with this technique in future manicures!

Once the gradient polish dried completely, I applied a quick-dry top coat to seal in the colors. Using a quick-dry top coat is crucial, especially since I planned to do some stamping next. The advantage of this top coat is that it creates a protective layer over the polish, allowing me to easily remove any mistakes with acetone without disturbing my carefully applied base colors. This way, I can correct any errors or smudges without worrying about ruining the gradient I worked hard to create.


For this look, I chose three polishes from KleanColor’s Metallic collection: Metallic Yellow, Metallic Mango, and Metallic Orange. Together, they create a bold, eye-catching gradient that captures the spirit of autumn. Each of these shades has a beautiful, reflective finish that adds a bit of extra flair. The metallic effect makes them really pop, especially in bright lighting or direct sunlight, where the shimmer and shine bring the whole mani to life.
However, a quick warning about these KleanColor metallics—they can stain! The pigments in these polishes are intense, and if you skip on nail prep, you might end up with stained nails that stick around longer than you’d like. To help prevent this, I made sure to double up on my base coat before applying the colors. Using two coats of base really helps to create a barrier and protect your natural nails from any potential staining.


After my base coats, I applied each shade strategically, blending them slightly to create a seamless transition from one color to the next. The result is a striking fall gradient that’s vibrant yet sophisticated. The gold, mango, and orange hues complement each other beautifully, giving the impression of changing leaves or a warm autumn sunset.
I’m thrilled with how this first fall mani turned out—it’s bold, seasonal, and has just the right amount of metallic shine to make it stand out. And now that I’ve started, I can’t wait to experiment with more fall looks and incorporate deeper, richer colors as the season progresses.
I began this fall manicure with Metallic Yellow as my base color, letting it dry fully before moving on to the next step. Right from the first stroke, I could tell that Metallic Yellow is a standout polish. The pigment is bold and rich, delivering impressive coverage even with just one coat. Often with metallics, you have to layer them to get a vibrant look, but this one doesn’t hold back on intensity.


The color itself is a striking, warm yellow with a beautiful metallic sheen that catches the light in a captivating way. It’s not a shade for the faint-hearted, as it really pops, but that’s what I love about it. The metallic finish adds dimension and gives the polish a smooth, reflective quality that elevates it from a regular yellow to something eye-catching and luxurious.


One of the great things about this polish is its smooth formula. It glides on easily and self-levels, so you don’t end up with any visible brush strokes—a common issue with metallics. After one coat, I already had a solid, even base to work with, and the color was rich enough that I didn’t feel the need for a second layer. Metallic Yellow really sets the stage for a bold, autumn-inspired look.

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Before heading off to school, he looked through my polish collection and carefully chose a new color for me: Sinful Colors Low-Key Lavender. So now, here I am, waiting for my base coat to dry so I can start a fresh mani that has my son’s seal of approval.


Low-Key Lavender is part of Sinful Colors’ Essenchills collection, and one of its unique features is its lavender scent, which becomes noticeable once the polish is dry. For me, the scent usually lingers for about three or four days, which I find both subtle and refreshing. Scented polishes can be hit or miss, but Sinful Colors really managed to balance this one nicely—it adds a little something special without being overpowering. Plus, the polish has a fantastic formula that makes application smooth and easy, and it dries fairly quickly, which I always appreciate.


As for the color, Low-Key Lavender is a beautiful, soft lavender with a hint of darker purple shimmer that’s visible in the bottle and translates well onto the nails. I love that extra dimension the shimmer provides; it gives the polish a slight glow and makes it more interesting than a flat lavender shade. However, despite the lovely formula, I did find that it took three coats to achieve full opacity. After two coats, I still had a bit of visible nail line, so the third coat was necessary to get that solid, even finish I prefer.
Purples like this one always hold a special place in my heart. I have a lot of favorite colors, but there’s just something about purple that draws me in every time—it’s classic yet versatile, and it works well in any season. Sinful Colors is a brand I really enjoy; their polishes are affordable, easy to work with, and have a nice range of shades and finishes. If there’s one thing I wish they’d change, it would be their brush design. I’d love to see a wider, paddle-style brush in their bottles, as I find it gives better control and helps with smoother, even application.


Once I finished applying the three coats of Low-Key Lavender, I made sure to add a top coat for shine and durability, as I want the mani to last through the party and beyond. And, of course, I always finish with a little cuticle oil to keep everything looking fresh and hydrated. Cuticle oil really brings out the color and adds a nice polished look to any mani.


So now I’m all set for the party with a shade my son specifically picked for me—a color that’s soft, versatile, and smells like lavender. It feels sweetly fitting for the occasion, and it makes me happy knowing he had a hand in choosing it. This little mani switch-up is a reminder of how even small moments, like painting your nails, can be a way to connect and share special memories with family.





However, I did run into some issues during application, which made it a bit of a challenge. Whether it was the fan running in my room or a quirk of the polish itself, Dragonfly seemed to dry faster than I could work with it. This rapid drying caused some difficulty in achieving a smooth finish, as the polish would start to set before I was done with each nail. It’s also supposed to dry matte, but the finish seemed more like a “plastic matte” to me, lacking the soft, velvety look I expect from a true matte polish. While I appreciate a quick-drying polish, this one almost dried too quickly, creating some frustrations in the process.


To reach full opacity, I applied two coats, though the coverage is pretty good even with one. For comparison, I’ll show it in one coat, then in two coats before applying a top coat, and finally with my preferred matte top coat from OPI. This OPI top coat gives it a smooth, even finish that lasts longer than the matte effect of the polish alone. In my experience, even with polishes branded as “matte,” applying a shiny top coat first and then layering a matte top coat on top helps the manicure last longer and look more polished. Matte finishes alone, unfortunately, don’t tend to be as durable as glossy ones.


One tip to keep in mind: make sure Dragonfly is fully dry before you start applying top coat. Even though it appeared dry, I found that applying the top coat too quickly caused the color to transfer onto my top coat brush, which could lead to staining. To avoid this, I had to “float” the top coat on very carefully, applying it in a light layer rather than pressing down with the brush as I normally would. This way, I could keep the vibrant color intact without disrupting the polish underneath.


All in all, Dragonfly is a unique polish with a striking color, but it does require some extra care and attention during application. If you’re willing to work with its quirks, the final result can be well worth the effort. The combination of its complex color and matte finish offers a look that’s both bold and elegant, perfect for anyone who wants their nails to make a statement.