Orly Needs Better Writers

When it comes to upcoming beauty collections, companies need either great pictures to share and promote or an out of this world description to really grab the consumer's attention. So, Orly, I'm looking at you. What on earth were you talking about when you released this description of your Fall 2010 Plastix collection?

"ORLY, the company that continually pioneers the Nail Lacquer arena with the most cutting edge colors, technology and textures, introduces the Plastix Collection. Complementing the Fall 2010 runway looks that featured bright neon colors amid shiny black plastic, latex, and rubber reinventions of vintage must-haves, Plastix evokes the vintage classic trend with four new lacquers and a unique new formula that coats the nails with a smooth glossy matte “plastic” finish. The exclusive finish and texture is a first in the nail category, delivering a monochromatic, shiny and rubbery look that takes experimentation to an entirely new level, with the focus being on both the distinctive nail surface, as well as the latest in color trends. The unique look can not be achieved with color alone as the finish is a must for recreating the true “plastic” statement."

Let's take a peak in the Webster dictionary shall we?

Matte: : lacking or deprived of luster or gloss: as a: having a usually smooth even surface free from shine or highlights (matte metals) (a matte finish) b : having a rough or granular surface

Glossy: 1 : having a surface luster or brightness (rich glossy leather)

Through these definitions, we can determine that matte, while capable of being either rough or smooth, is the opposite of glossy. Matte: without shine. Glossy: with shine/brightness.


Orly's contradictory description of their Plastix collection is intriguing but leaves me utterly bewildered. How will this polish be both glossy and matte? What "vintage class trend" does Plastix evoke? I'm not sure anyone ever seriously donned plastic on their nails. The idea of plastic or rubber being a fall fashion trend sounds a bit terrifying but I guess only time will tell. Finally, since when is Orly the pioneer of "cutting edge colors, technology, and textures?" Don't get me wrong, I do think Orly makes quality polishes but this bit of self flattery is hilarious. Note the description of the two of the colors: Retro Red is a "traditional red" and Old School Orange is "classic orange."* This whole write up is a complete mess and isn't helping the company's reputation as a sort of runner up in salon nail brands. Come on, Orly, get it together!

Perhaps, the "Plastix" finish will be similar to frosted glass. Now, that's something I could go for. Hopefully Orly will send out a follow up description or swatches soon to clear up the confusion. Never a dull day in the nail world!


*The other two colors are a little more unique with Viridian Vinyl, a "glossy blue green," and Purple Pleather, the "shiny purple" of the bunch.

Thank you to Temptalia.com for the write up, descriptions, and photograph. See the link for yourself: http://www.temptalia.com/orly-plastix-collection-for-fall-2010

Bad Benefit Mascara: BADgal Plum Mascara

Benefit is most easily recognized by their fun, retro inspired packaging and quirky product names. Though the line might seem a bit gimmicky at times, I have a few favorites including the Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows/Liners, Coralista blush, and Silky Finish lipsticks. Since I've had good luck with Benefit so far, I figured I'd like their Bad Gal mascara as well. I decided to be adventurous and test the "Plum" shade.

The Bad Gal Plum Mascara features a big, thick brush coated in a deep plum shade. Benefit's website describes the mascara on their website, saying, "Our rich, luxurious plum mascara intensifies your natural eye color while lushifying your lashes." Lushifying?


The color may look a little scary to some but I thought it would be flattering for my hazel eyes. Typically colored mascaras do not look as intense when applied as they do in the tube and Bad Gal Plum is no exception. In fact, it doesn't look plum or purple at all. It just looks like a cheap black mascara! Very disappointing. I didn't find that the mascara brought out the colors of my eyes or had any flattering effects.


I also have a bone to pick with the wand and formula of Bad Gal Plum Mascara. The wand is big, which is usually better for creating volume than length. I prefer small wands as length is my issue but that's a personal preference. However, it's just too big to really coat your lashes. Little volume is added and I found the formula way too drying. Not "lushifying" at all! Overall, I was disappointed in this mascara. It's a decent price for a higher end mascara ($19) and seems like a fun addition to any makeup collection. Yet the product doesn't do what Benefit promises and hardly measures up to even cheap drugstore mascaras. My hunt for the perfect mascara continues! This one's going in the trash.

Overall Rating: 1 out of 5 stars
Pros: Nice packaging, Doesn't flake
Cons: Drying, Doesn't create much volume, Doesn't live up to claims
Price: $19
Size: 8.5 g, Net wt-.30 oz

ETA: After wearing this mascara all day, I found that it left little violet smudges and rings all around my eyes. I looked like a raccoon on its way to a rave and that's just what I'm going for these days.