My Picks From China Glaze Hologlam

There has been a buzz about this collection since last summer...and it's finally at Sally Beauty Supply!  I scrambled to go get it before it sold out.  They're not the boldest holo finish, but a softer holo flame on an almost metallic base.  There are twelve shades, but I only got three.  I went typical and got the darkest three.  All of these photos are without topcoat, but I did try topcoats over Galactic Gray.  Neither of the two I tried ruined the holo effect entirely, but they did diminish it a little at first.


Galactic Gray has a charcoal gray base.

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Easily my favorite of these three!  The formula on all of them is a little tricky.  You have to be very careful not to go over the same spot twice per coat or you'll get balding.  It takes two coats, and you have to be careful with the second or the first will smear.  I wound up with a slightly thin spot on one nail, but nothing too bad.  I know a lot of people who are bothered by the more subtle holo effect with this collection, but I love it on Galactic Gray!  There's a slight, soft rainbow in low sunlight.

sunlight through a window

And it's a little more noticeable in incandescent lighting.  One of those 'there if you look for it' things, but not in-your-face.  The upside is that they're not nearly as frosty and flat as some holos can be at times.

incandescent

...and when they have the light, they do dazzle...

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Strap On Your Moonboots has a dark gray-blue base.

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This just would not photograph true-to-color!  It's darker than it looks in most of these photos.  It has the same touchy formula, but it was the third one I wore, so it went on more easily.  You do get used to it.

sunlight through a window

The effect is the same, but I think it shows up more delicately on Galactic Gray.

incandescent

The overall look is frostier than I expected.  It's still an improvement of the dullness of a lot of holos in low light.  ...and again, it *is* radiant in bright light...

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When Stars Collide has a deep red-violet base.

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Same formula issues and this shade seems to really vary with the skin tone of the wearer.  I was expecting more of a plum/purple, but the result on me is more of a deep rose.

sunlight through a window

Combined with the somewhat frosty look in lower light, I don't feel like it's terribly flattering on me.  It's a shame, because it looks great in other people's photos and the swatch on the display was gorgeous.

incandescent

I can't call it a total failure, I just think it's not for me.  Damn.

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I can't give the China Glaze Hologlam collection a glowing review, but I can't give it a negative one either.  I really like the toned-down holo flame effect on Galactic Gray, but I don't think it works as well on the other shades.  When Stars Collide looks very different on me than in the bottle, so watch for that if you're also warm-toned.  Bottom line, if you want a bold holo, these aren't for you....but Galactic Gray is lovely if you're not as picky.  Did you get any of these shades?  If you did, how do you feel about them?


I couldn't bring myself to shorten my nails any more than this!  I think it's an ok compromise length.  What do you think?