Reptile-like, ever-changing and a dash of Culture Club.

"...red gold and green, red gold and green."

This song popped into my head as I was taking pictures of my nails last week. The sun was shining and the light was reflecting off of my nails, which displayed a spectrum of colours.

I've been absolutely addicted to Essie's Shine of the Times and I think it looks far better on darker shades; but, what I was really going for was Deborah Lippman's Ray of Light as seen below. The flakes are mixed throughout the dark blue polish, whereas my concoction was layered.

However, after seeing swatches on Vampy Varnish and Temptalia, I prefer the layered look. The flakes have an increased opportunity to play with the light; meanwhile, Deborah Lippman's formula restrains the holographic flecks. I realise Deborah named her polish after Madonna's single "Ray of Light" released in 1998; perhaps, she was looking to capture the ethereal luminescence conveyed by the theme and lyrics.

For me, my mani wins. It lasted really well; Janice painted one coat of Midnight Cami and one coat of Shine of the Times. And, I love the fact that a girl who works for Kit Cosmetics told me my nails looked "friggin awesome."

Friggin awesome indeed.