100 Posts Giveaway!!! Illamasqua Raindrops and Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air Combo!!!!

So I had heard on Makeup Alley (MUA - an online forum for beauty junkies) that Raindrops by Illamasqua was on sale for 5GBP (about $8), but it didn't entice me enough to buy based on history alone.  This polish made a big splash when it came out in 2010 as one of the winner of Illamasqua's Nail Varnish Competition.  The promo shots of it and the story behind the inspiration sent the internet a-buzz with excitement.  When the polish actually came out, some were disappointed, which is probably why it ended up in the bargain bin on Illamasqua's website.  Something made me change my mind (find out below), and just before the end of the sale I caved.  Now that I have it, I can not fathom for the life of me why people are not in love with this polish.  I sure am.  The color is so beautiful, it's got a wonderful jelly consistency, and the soft silver flakes are just....so...beautiful.  I think this polish may have earned a spot in my top 5.

Anyway, the polish was never released in the US, only in the UK (Illamasqua is a British company).  So while I thought it was pretty, I wasn't into polish enough to order it from overseas.  Then 2 weeks ago, I saw this post on Spaz & Squee and immediately went to order Raindrops online.  Have you looked at the post yet?  No? GO LOOK! :) I'll be here when you get back.

So there I am, scrolling through Cilucia's pictures, marveling at the soft blue-ish grey jelly, dazzled by the small silver floating flakes, secretly pinning for perfect nails like hers when BAM!!!! What?!?! Use Raindrops and the most perfect backdrop EVER (in my humble opinion) for Deborah Lippmann's Glitter in the Air?!?!??! Hell Yeah!  I have Glitter in the Air and I love it, but I never know what to wear it over.  I usually go with the general baby blue everyone does, but you loose some of the contrast with the blue glitter when you do that.  Anyway, at this point I've ordered 3 Raindrops, one for me, one for my lovely friend Courtney, and one for one of you.  I rushed over to Zappos and did a mini Butter London haul, threw in another Glitter in the Air (you wouldn't think I'd let mine go now would you!) and a giveaway was born.  Just in time for us to turn 100 :).  

So let's first start off with my pictures of Illamasqua's Raindrops on it's own.  It's 100 times more gorgeous in real life you guys.  I promise :).  The darker shot was includes because if you click to enlarge it, you can see the flakes better.  This is 3 coats to opacity.  I've heard others say they needed 4, but I do tend to do thicker coats than I should.  I had no issues with drying, smudging or bubbling.  Perfect formula for a sheer.

Illamasqua Raindrops

Illamasqua Raindrops

Illamasqua Raindrops

Now it's time to celebrate the 100th post, throw some "glitter in the air", and top off my mani.  Here are the shots of 2 coats of Glitter in the Air over my 3 coats of Raindrops.  I think next time I will only do one.  Here is a hint on using Glitter in the Air - dip the brush in the polish, wipe one side of the brush off inside the bottle, before you apply look at the other side, if you aren't happy with the variety or quantity of glitter, do it again before applying.

Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air over Illamasqua Raindrops 

Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air over Illamasqua Raindrops

Super extreme close-up! Can you see how soft and pretty this is?  You can also see the flakes from raindrop peaking through.

Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air over Illamasqua Raindrops

If you must have these and don't want to wait for the giveaway to end, Raindrops is still available on Illamasqua.com, but it's back to full price (13.50GBP or $21.50!!!) plus international shipping!  Glitter in the Air is $18 and can be found online at Beautybar.com, DeborahLippmann.com, Zappos.com or Nordstroms.com.

So now that you know the story behind my new love - it's time to give away some polish.  I've got one brand new in box Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air, and one brand new in box Illamasqua Raindrops.  Both of these puppies will go to one lucky winner.

Shiny and New!
Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air and Illamasqua Raindrops

Win these!

Contest rules and information:

1. You must be a public follower using Google Friend Connect (GFC).  New followers are welcome.  To follow, click the Join this site icon on the left hand side of the blog.  Make sure you opt to follow publicly.  If you are not a public follower, you will be disqualified.
2. To be a contestant of this giveaway you must fill out the contest form below.  One contest form per person. Required information is your GFC name and email address (for contact purposes only).
3. One entry is automatic for all contestants.  A second entry can be earned by linking to this contest.  A valid link to your twitter posting, facebook post, or blog post linking back to this giveaway page must be entered on the contest form to earn this second entry. 
4. The giveaway will close on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 at 10:00PM E.S.T.
5. The winner will be selected using random.org.
6. The winner will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to respond.  If the winner does not respond a new winner will be selected.
7. The contest is open internationally.

Good luck everyone!!!

The giveaway is now closed.  Thanks to everyone who entered, and GOOD LUCK!!