Monday 9 December 2013

Manic.Monday: Haute Chocolate

Not only is it a Monday, it's Manic as usual, but it's also in the run up to Christmas so the mania is worse than ever. I thought I was fairly well prepared but I still feel as if time is running away from me. Well if it is, then at least may nails can look fab while the mania is increasing. I've shown a couple of polishes from Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Formula previously and today we have another true winter beauty. As I've mentioned before this formula combines five different nail care products in the one formula; base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, top coat and of course whatever beautiful color you've bought which in this case is the very wintery Haute Chocolate (£6.99) that makes me think of decadent hot chocolate with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped roasted hazelnuts.

The first times I tried this polish I still felt sceptical about how well all these claims worked and I used to use both a separate base and top coat, however having tested this a few times without the separate products I am now completely comfortable and trust this formula to be long lasting and high shiny without having to use anything extra. I was most worried that not protecting my nails with a base coat would cause discolourations, but it hasn't, not even when wearing very strong colors like e.g. Fiery Island. I've also mentioned before that the brush is one of the best ones you can use. It's very wide and you easily get great opaque coverage without having to use lots of strokes, which I find usually causes some streaking in the finish. Even though you do get a lovely opaque look using just one coat, to me sticking to just one coat depends entirely on which shade I'm using and when it's more metallic or shimmery I like to wear two coats. In the photo I've used two coats as a base to really bring out the metallic almost mirror like effect in the finished look.
From left to right (in natural light):
Sally Hansen - Haute Chocolate
Sally Hansen - Haute Chocolate with Nails Inc Snowflake effect
Sally Hansen - Haute Chocolate with Ciaté Snow Globe
 From left to right (in artificial light):
Sally Hansen - Haute Chocolate
Sally Hansen - Haute Chocolate with Nails Inc Snowflake effect
Sally Hansen - Haute Chocolate with Ciaté Snow Globe 
 
Today's shade Haute Chocolate is a wonderful warm and discrete slightly plum tainted metallic chocolate brown and it's not just the name that is perfect for the season. To me this shade is a muted and sophisticated option to the traditionally very bright Christmas shades that also works well with different effect top coats. In the photos I've applied one coat of my current absolute favourite - Nails Inc Snowflake for that powdery, newly fallen snow look and also Ciaté's opalescent light catching Snow Globe and I think they are both suitable for lovely and subtle party looks.

This formula is very long lasting and on me it'll definitely last without any need to retouch for about 5-6 days and it's also easy to remove, even with the different effect top coats. I can't mention enough what a great nail polish this is and I would highly recommend that you try one of their amazing shades. All of a sudden I'm in the mood for some hot chocolate... I wonder why?

58 comments:

  1. Really like this. It's such a warm shade for Christmas.

    I was wondering if you were interested in entering my Lacoste perfume giveaway?

    Kate | A British Sparkle xx

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    1. Thanks a million - I'll go and have a look! Xx

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  2. Ooooh looks pretty with the snowflake effect!

    Brittnee
    http://beautyproductaday.blogspot.com/

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    1. I really like it too, but then again I think I'll like almost anything with Snowflake on it :o). Xx

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  3. I always love waking up and reading your posts over breakfast and this has made me want chocolate for breakfast haha xx

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    1. LOL- and now you've put me in the mood for it.... with lots of cream and toasted hazelnuts.... yum! Xx

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  4. The color is so pretty and goes well with the season :) xo's

    Laura
    Pink Frenzy

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    Replies
    1. Hello Laura, thank you very much! I agree it something to warm you up when it's cold and horrible :o). Xx

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  5. Hej Charlotte

    Hvor er de smukke de lakker :)

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    1. Stort tack, jag tycker bäst om kombinationen med Snoflakes :o)! Xx

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  6. I love this shade and it looks fabulous with different top coats!!! *_*

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    1. So do I actually - I prefer the Snoflake effect - no surprise there, but even with the opalescent top coat it looks great, which is good to know so I can wear it all year around :o). Xx

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  7. love the formula of these polishes! I just realized I don't own a warm brown polish! I think it's time I do haha

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    1. It's amazing isn't it? It's quickly turning into one of my absolute favourites :O). Xx

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  8. The color the brand all so beautiful.
    http://tifi11.blogspot.com

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    1. They have such a lovely range of shades and it's worth every penny! Xx

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  9. Replies
    1. Thank you, I love the shine and depth of it :o). Xx

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  10. The shade looks marvelous. Perfect for this time of the year. Can't wait to try it :)

    xx Mira

    www.glamdevils.com

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    1. It's so lovely and warming in a way and the formula is brilliant! Highly recommend it :o). Xx

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  11. amazing !! and I'm in love with your blog.
    Maybe can we follow each other?
    Please let me know on my blog!

    http://fetish-tokyo.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you that's very nice of you! Follow you now. Xx

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  12. I love Sally Hansen. Today I bought and soon the varnish my blog but nex color :)
    www.antymarka.blogspot.com

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    1. It's an excellent formula for sure and I'm so impressed with it! Xx

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  13. This colour looks amazing! I always use base coat, I am not sure if I am brave enough to try these nail polishes without a base coat!
    http://beautylovesbooks.com

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    1. I felt exactly the same way, and it took me a little while to get used to the idea, but with this formula and I just apply and go these days :o). Xx

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  14. Gorgeous colour, love the snowflake over too
    I've yet to try Sally Hanson polishes xx

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    1. Oh, they are really super value for money - can't recommend them enough :o). Xx

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  15. Wow the colour is lovely! I brought my first one of these nail polishes last week in a nudey/pink colour I am so impressed with the formula, brush, lasting power they are excellent! Its great they include base and top coat too it makes life alot simpler!

    Your blog is brill ive just had a good read through, I will subscribe.


    http://itschristiefriday.blogspot.co.uk/ Subscribe to win a Lush gift set :)

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    1. Hello Christie and thanks for visiting! That's so nice of you, thank you very much and hope to see back here again soon :o). Xx

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  16. These are so lovely, I love the rich colour of it and the snowflake effect ones are so pretty :) xx

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    1. Thank you - I'm glad you like it. For some reason Sally Hansen doesn't seem to get many mentions in blogiverse and they really deserve some attention :o). Xx

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  17. This colour is so gorgeous! Need to get my hands on it!

    Ineffable Beauty

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    1. I don't think you'd regret it, it's lovely and so versatile :o). Xx

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  18. Oh I really like the detailing on the nails and the color. I need to practice with my nails.

    -Vogue&Heels
    www.vogueandheels.com

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    1. With either of these top coats it's so easy to create a different effect and I think they would both look good on most shades :O). Xx

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  19. I need to start being more creative with my nails, this looks so pretty :) xx
    http://insaneaboutmakeup.blogspot.co.uk/

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  20. So great color. It looks really like a chocolate and and snowlakes´ effect is perfect. :)
    fashionhappenss.blogspot.sk

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    1. Thank you - I really like the combination too :o). Xx

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  21. Simply stunning nail polish!!! outstanding color-love it!

    http://rosdays.blogspot.co.il/

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  22. Oh, my gosh, the "Snowflake Effect" is my favorite by far! It has a very Wintry effect, which, of course, is the point of the product, I'm sure. Lol. I think it would look beautiful on a navy blue base as well.

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    1. That's a very good suggestion, I'll definitely try that :o). Xx

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  23. OMG Charlotte, I not only love the brown SH polish but the effect polishes are both amazing too! I have to get them :-) Snowflake effect is really really pretty and goes so well with the brown!

    xoxo

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    1. It's such a quick and easy way to snazz up the nails :O). Xx

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  24. WOW what a gorgeous combo! Deff want to pick this up now. Thanks for sharing! :)

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    1. Thank you very much, hope you enjoy it :o). Xx

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  25. This looks gorgeous - especially with the frosting. Wonderfully Christmassy.
    Vicky
    http://aroundandaroundandupsidedown.blogspot.co.uk/

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  26. That is a pretty brown! I love Sally Hansen's Salon Complete, its one of my favorites. The formulas are always great.

    Whimsical Allure

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    1. Completely agree, they never disappoint :o). Xx

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  27. Replies
    1. That's so sweet of you - thank you :o). Xx

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  28. The polish and the designs are beautiful! The snowflake effect is my most favorite! So pretty for the holidays! Thank you so much Charlotte for sharing this with us! xoxo

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    1. That's very nice of you - thank you :o)! Xx

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