the perfect {last-minute} NYE accessory.

With less than 2 days until New Year’s Eve, I won’t tempt you with any gorgeous dresses or irresistibly sparkly shoes.

{Although – there is always overnight shipping}

This little treat comes in with a much lower price tag, and best of all – it’s entirely manageable for Friday. In fact, I’d put money on the fact that you’re likely already paying a visit to the nail salon in the next day or two. You won’t find me there, of course, because last week I (finally!) tried the new gel nail polish everyone has been raving about.

There are several different brands, but the one I went with was OPI‘s new line called Axxium. I went this route because I’m slightly psychotic about my fingers matching my toes exactly, and since the other lines don’t have regular polishes to match each of their colors, I went with OPI.

Review of the color:

This color you see pictured is called “Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous,” and you can get it by way of their regular polish – it’s part of the Swiss Collection – or their new gel nail polish, Axxium. A win-win for me because I can use the gel for my hands and the regular for my toes. Now, I must preface this by saying that I’ve never been a fan of sparkly nail colors in the past; this color, however, I love. I can do glitter as long it’s not a slight shimmer, or worse, frost. That would be gross.

It’s full-on glitter, and full-on perfect for New Year’s Eve. There is also a gold glitter version called “Glitzerland” for any of you who are going for the gold via your accessories this Friday.

Review of OPI Axxium:

I had this done one week ago, and so far, so good. It’s supposed to last for up to 3 weeks, and I’m not even close to one sign of a chip. I have heard some complaints that the color lifts on some people, so we’ll see if I run into that problem. I will be back with a full update after my 3 weeks is up, and I’ll also be trying the other brand my salon carries, so be on the lookout for that.

The cost (at my salon) was $30. If this lasts the full 3 weeks, it’s a total bargain – not to mention the time you’re saving for weekly manicures. It does take more time to do the gel – it took about 45 minutes start to finish for me – and you also need to soak it off when you get it re-done. You can, however, soak off while getting a pedicure.

I think the idea of a polish that lasts for 2-3 weeks is absolutely brilliant, especially for things like vacations, or better yet – busy schedules. Clearly the only negative I can think of so far would be for those who like to change their color frequently, which is the first thing my manicurist said to me. I may have been one to get bored from week to week in the past, so we’ll see if I can make the switch to a one-color kind of gal. At least for a few weeks, that is.