Zoya nail polish ~ Noel

In this month's Birchbox, one of my deluxe samples was Zoya nail polish in Noel.  According to the insert, "This shimmery denim shade from Zoya's holiday 2011 collection fits just right - kind of like your favorite blue jeans."

Although I had never heard of the brand, Zoya products apparently have a positive reputation, according to my mom. Doing a little bit of research, they pride themselves of being free of toluene, formaldehyde, DBP (phthalates) and camphor. The absence of these ingredients, makes for a safer product.  (Formaldehyde is a well-known carcinogen - yikes!)

Sans-chemical status aside, I was a little hesitant about the shade of my Zoa nail polish sample.  Would it be "too wild?" but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved the color once I put it on! I did a quick swipe on my pinkie finger and it is a pretty metallic aquamarine, almost blue-green shade.  I'm excited to give myself a full manicure before the holiday festivities as I know that this shade will look awesome with a white sweater and jeans or black pants.  Definitely a nice "pop" of color amidst the winter white.

That said, I don't know if this would be a color appropriate for everyone.  I'm still in my 20's, so it's still within reason for me to paint my fingers with more "outrageous" shades.  I don't know if anyone over the age of 35 could really pull this off without looking a little silly.  But of course, that's just my opinion.  I enjoy it, though, and I'm planning on bringing it over to my parents' house next time I visit to give my little sister a manicure, as I know that this will be a fun shade for her to enjoy as well.

Overall rating: A-

Noel may not be for everyone, but Zoya makes a wide range of colors to suit everyone's needs and in the end - it's not the color that really matters, but the quality of the product, right?