Hiya guys! I'm back and with some swatching to show for it. Yup, actual nail polish swatches here to rock your socks off and I couldn't be more excited too. Spring and Fall are like my go-to seasons for nail polish colors and luscious creams are my weakness. So for today I'm sharing swatches for the gorgeous Calm Spring 2020 Collection by Zoya. I've had these ready for so long that my nail IRL right now are like three times the length. Which reminds me how badly I need to file them before I have a break. Knock on all the wood! If nothing else this quarantine period will give us nail ladies plenty of time to go thru our untried nail polish. And if you don't have this collection in your collection then this might be the time to add it. Good polish speaks for itself so let's go ahead and get right to the swatches!
The Calm Spring 2020 Collection by Zoya is now available for purchase online. Each full-size bottle retails for $10 or you can grab the entire collection for $60. There is also a limited edition Spring Treatment Box that includes the entire collection plus Zoya's Gelie-Cure System with Mini Travel LED light, Naked Manicure Pink Perfector, Naked Manicure Glossy Seal, Fast Drops, and the new Smart Spa Oylie Body Oil for $89.95.
Emerson can be described as a modern baby blue cream. Whew. We are starting this review off with a stunner and one of my personal favorites among this collection. Not shocking it's a blue, but hey if nothing else I'm consistent in what I love. And boy do I love the tone of this particular blue. Although at first glance it doesn't feel like the most unique cream, I failed trying to find a dupe match in my collection. There is just something about the tone that gives it an extra bit of pop from the typical 'baby blue' creams we get for the season. And of course it's one of those winning colors that just looks stunning against any skin-complexion.
The formula has a really smooth and opaque application that could almost be considered a one coater. It builds-up so nicely that a more heavy handed coat could have this done in one. The consistency is right on par with what to expect from Zoya at this point. It doesn't lean either too thick or too thin and has perfect self-leveling. It dries down to a high shine smooth finish on its own prior to topcoat. And because it's a blue shade I'd like to mention that I experienced no staining on removal to either my cuticles or nail bed. Shown here in two coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
Colleen can be described as a delicate pink cream with a warm undertone. And of course what's a Zoya collection without some pink. I do like that this pink tends to be a little different than the typical powder pinks we see during this season. And I'm so glad about that! Normally I would steer far away from a pink cream, but this one has such a unique hue that I dare say I love it. Rose loves a pink, please mark this on the calendar. Even though the tone of color brings out a lot of warmth from my skin-tone I don't hate it at all. Basically it's not enough warmth that it makes me feel like I have lobster fingers or something, haha.
The formula has a bit of a sheer application especially when compared to some of the other creams in this collection. That said, it does build up really well for a fully opaque finish without any issues. Self-leveling is completely on point too. The consistency feels well balanced throughout the application, neither being too thick or too thin. It dries down to a smooth high shine finish on its own prior to adding any topcoat. Shown here in two to three coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
Vee can be described as a muted French lilac cream. Out of all the creams in this collection I would have to say this is my least favorite. There is just something about this tone of lilac that doesn't appeal to much to me once I'm wearing it. Like in the bottle I'm all like 'girl yes work', but then I wear it and I instantly turtle shell. I have yet to find a lilac cream that makes me scream. That said, the polish itself looks so good on my skin-tone. Definitely a surprise as I was expecting this kind of light shade to bring out a lot of warmth. I do want to note how this cream also feels like it has a much more 'squish' to the finish compared to the others. I'm not sure if it's just me or not, but the finish just comes across a little different than the rest even though it's also considered to be a cream.
The formula has a sheer application that needs a bit of layering to become fully opaque. It does layer easily though and you achieve full coverage without concern. There is great self-leveling throughout as well that helps the layers blend together nicely. Consistency wise it felt like it leaned a little on the thin side, but not enough to be considered runny. The application is perfectly manageable and still has some easy smooth layering throughout. It dries down to a smooth high shine finish on its own prior to topcoat. Shown here in two to three coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
AJ can be described as a subtle, sparkling blush with a gorgeous copper micro-shimmer. Although the polish combination itself is super beautiful, this is one that I can't really get behind on. I feel like the tone clashes really bad against my complexion and brings out really harsh yellow undertones. It's a shame because the combination could have a had a lot of wow factor. I do also wish that the shimmer had a little more kick to it. Most of the time it feels like the shimmer blends to much with the blush tone and comes off as plain - which is never something a polish should be. Perhaps on another skin tone the finish could really be bought to life, but unfortunately it's just not a color for me.
The formula has a sheer application that builds up quite well for full opacity. It has great self-leveling throughout the layering which makes it really easy to work with. Well balanced consistency as well, not too thick or too thin. The shimmer, as I mentioned before, is on the subtle side. Removal is super easy though as the shimmer does not cause a fuss or stick whatsoever to the nail bed. It dries down to a smooth high shine finish on its own prior to adding topcoat. Shown here in two coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
Leif can be described as a gentle and harmonious light sage green cream. Oof this green is the definition of Spring in polish form and I'm here for it. It's really odd though because the photos from Zoya make it look a tad more slate than it really is. The light sage tone is perfection and I'm so happy with how it looks against my skin complexion. Greens tend to be hit or miss for me and this one - thankfully - is one heck of win. The shade brings just enough warmth to give my skin a touch of glow. I mentioned before how my weakness is a luscious cream, well this is exactly what I'm talking about.
The formula has a really good opaque consistency that built up with ease. It's not quite enough to be considered a one coater, but the layers are minimal and light. The consistency felt like it leaned on the thick side, but it's manageable enough to have smooth coats. I had a really odd experience during the application, it looked like little bubbles or bumps built up in the finish. I re-swatched it multiple times on different days and the same thing happened. Although it's not noticeable in the swatches after they've been coated with topcoat. I'm not sure if it was a reaction to the cream I was using (also from Zoya) or if it was a body chemistry issue but it's worth noting. Shown here in two coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
Laura can best be described as soft pink toned ivory cream. Now Laura is a simple kind of color that ends up knocking my socks off and makes me fall in love. Seriously. There is nothing lackluster about this one! It's such a perfect neutral hue and one of my favorites from this collection. It actually might be my favorite neutral from Zoya and that's saying quite a lot considering the broad range in selection. This one just struck such a cord with me and it helps that it compliments my skin tone to perfection. If I have to pick a must-have from this collection (without the predictable pick of Emerson) then this one has my stamp of approval all of it.
The formula has a similar application and coating as Emerson feeling very opaque on a first coat. I tend to use a light hand when applying, but I could see this being a one coater if applied differently. It has a well balanced consistency as well, not too thick or too thin. Super easy and smooth application, it gave me no issues whatsoever. Like all the others, it dries down to a high shine finish on its own prior to topcoat. Shown here in two coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
And that's a wrap on the Calm Spring Collection from Zoya! Whew. It's been quite some time since I've done a long swatch post like this, have you missed it? I have definitely missed swatching collections like this, but at the same time this was a lot of work. Like how did I do this every day for years? Haha. It feels like a lifetime ago, but of course now I'm sounding super old as if I'm talking about yesteryear or something. Like back in my day I used to swatch 20 polishes a day without breaking a sweat, haha. Anyway I hope you guys love this collection as much as I do and hope you enjoyed the swatches as well. Let me know your favorite down in the comments. Stay safe and healthy, catch you next time xoxo Moonbaes.
The Calm Spring 2020 Collection by Zoya is now available for purchase online. Each full-size bottle retails for $10 or you can grab the entire collection for $60. There is also a limited edition Spring Treatment Box that includes the entire collection plus Zoya's Gelie-Cure System with Mini Travel LED light, Naked Manicure Pink Perfector, Naked Manicure Glossy Seal, Fast Drops, and the new Smart Spa Oylie Body Oil for $89.95.
Zoya - Emerson
Emerson can be described as a modern baby blue cream. Whew. We are starting this review off with a stunner and one of my personal favorites among this collection. Not shocking it's a blue, but hey if nothing else I'm consistent in what I love. And boy do I love the tone of this particular blue. Although at first glance it doesn't feel like the most unique cream, I failed trying to find a dupe match in my collection. There is just something about the tone that gives it an extra bit of pop from the typical 'baby blue' creams we get for the season. And of course it's one of those winning colors that just looks stunning against any skin-complexion.
The formula has a really smooth and opaque application that could almost be considered a one coater. It builds-up so nicely that a more heavy handed coat could have this done in one. The consistency is right on par with what to expect from Zoya at this point. It doesn't lean either too thick or too thin and has perfect self-leveling. It dries down to a high shine smooth finish on its own prior to topcoat. And because it's a blue shade I'd like to mention that I experienced no staining on removal to either my cuticles or nail bed. Shown here in two coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
Zoya - Colleen
Colleen can be described as a delicate pink cream with a warm undertone. And of course what's a Zoya collection without some pink. I do like that this pink tends to be a little different than the typical powder pinks we see during this season. And I'm so glad about that! Normally I would steer far away from a pink cream, but this one has such a unique hue that I dare say I love it. Rose loves a pink, please mark this on the calendar. Even though the tone of color brings out a lot of warmth from my skin-tone I don't hate it at all. Basically it's not enough warmth that it makes me feel like I have lobster fingers or something, haha.
The formula has a bit of a sheer application especially when compared to some of the other creams in this collection. That said, it does build up really well for a fully opaque finish without any issues. Self-leveling is completely on point too. The consistency feels well balanced throughout the application, neither being too thick or too thin. It dries down to a smooth high shine finish on its own prior to adding any topcoat. Shown here in two to three coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
Zoya - Vee
Vee can be described as a muted French lilac cream. Out of all the creams in this collection I would have to say this is my least favorite. There is just something about this tone of lilac that doesn't appeal to much to me once I'm wearing it. Like in the bottle I'm all like 'girl yes work', but then I wear it and I instantly turtle shell. I have yet to find a lilac cream that makes me scream. That said, the polish itself looks so good on my skin-tone. Definitely a surprise as I was expecting this kind of light shade to bring out a lot of warmth. I do want to note how this cream also feels like it has a much more 'squish' to the finish compared to the others. I'm not sure if it's just me or not, but the finish just comes across a little different than the rest even though it's also considered to be a cream.
The formula has a sheer application that needs a bit of layering to become fully opaque. It does layer easily though and you achieve full coverage without concern. There is great self-leveling throughout as well that helps the layers blend together nicely. Consistency wise it felt like it leaned a little on the thin side, but not enough to be considered runny. The application is perfectly manageable and still has some easy smooth layering throughout. It dries down to a smooth high shine finish on its own prior to topcoat. Shown here in two to three coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
Zoya - AJ
AJ can be described as a subtle, sparkling blush with a gorgeous copper micro-shimmer. Although the polish combination itself is super beautiful, this is one that I can't really get behind on. I feel like the tone clashes really bad against my complexion and brings out really harsh yellow undertones. It's a shame because the combination could have a had a lot of wow factor. I do also wish that the shimmer had a little more kick to it. Most of the time it feels like the shimmer blends to much with the blush tone and comes off as plain - which is never something a polish should be. Perhaps on another skin tone the finish could really be bought to life, but unfortunately it's just not a color for me.
The formula has a sheer application that builds up quite well for full opacity. It has great self-leveling throughout the layering which makes it really easy to work with. Well balanced consistency as well, not too thick or too thin. The shimmer, as I mentioned before, is on the subtle side. Removal is super easy though as the shimmer does not cause a fuss or stick whatsoever to the nail bed. It dries down to a smooth high shine finish on its own prior to adding topcoat. Shown here in two coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
Zoya - Leif
Leif can be described as a gentle and harmonious light sage green cream. Oof this green is the definition of Spring in polish form and I'm here for it. It's really odd though because the photos from Zoya make it look a tad more slate than it really is. The light sage tone is perfection and I'm so happy with how it looks against my skin complexion. Greens tend to be hit or miss for me and this one - thankfully - is one heck of win. The shade brings just enough warmth to give my skin a touch of glow. I mentioned before how my weakness is a luscious cream, well this is exactly what I'm talking about.
The formula has a really good opaque consistency that built up with ease. It's not quite enough to be considered a one coater, but the layers are minimal and light. The consistency felt like it leaned on the thick side, but it's manageable enough to have smooth coats. I had a really odd experience during the application, it looked like little bubbles or bumps built up in the finish. I re-swatched it multiple times on different days and the same thing happened. Although it's not noticeable in the swatches after they've been coated with topcoat. I'm not sure if it was a reaction to the cream I was using (also from Zoya) or if it was a body chemistry issue but it's worth noting. Shown here in two coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
Zoya - Laura
Laura can best be described as soft pink toned ivory cream. Now Laura is a simple kind of color that ends up knocking my socks off and makes me fall in love. Seriously. There is nothing lackluster about this one! It's such a perfect neutral hue and one of my favorites from this collection. It actually might be my favorite neutral from Zoya and that's saying quite a lot considering the broad range in selection. This one just struck such a cord with me and it helps that it compliments my skin tone to perfection. If I have to pick a must-have from this collection (without the predictable pick of Emerson) then this one has my stamp of approval all of it.
The formula has a similar application and coating as Emerson feeling very opaque on a first coat. I tend to use a light hand when applying, but I could see this being a one coater if applied differently. It has a well balanced consistency as well, not too thick or too thin. Super easy and smooth application, it gave me no issues whatsoever. Like all the others, it dries down to a high shine finish on its own prior to topcoat. Shown here in two coats and sealed off with a glossy topcoat.
And that's a wrap on the Calm Spring Collection from Zoya! Whew. It's been quite some time since I've done a long swatch post like this, have you missed it? I have definitely missed swatching collections like this, but at the same time this was a lot of work. Like how did I do this every day for years? Haha. It feels like a lifetime ago, but of course now I'm sounding super old as if I'm talking about yesteryear or something. Like back in my day I used to swatch 20 polishes a day without breaking a sweat, haha. Anyway I hope you guys love this collection as much as I do and hope you enjoyed the swatches as well. Let me know your favorite down in the comments. Stay safe and healthy, catch you next time xoxo Moonbaes.
Lovely. Emerson and Leif :-D
ReplyDelete