Tag: Nexus

Another month of Espionage Cosmetics Nexus has arrived!  This month’s theme was, “Keeping Track,” and I honestly had no idea where that was going.  The spoiler image teased a set of tally marks on a chalkboard, but you really never know until the shiny black mailer shows up in the mailbox.  Both wraps are definitely right on track with the theme though and make for awesome designs, and I’m going to have a hard time picking a favorite for voting this month!

• Tally Marks – These feature a clear background on glossy nail wraps so you can layer your favorite color nail polish underneath.  They also have a glow in the dark feature beyond the black tick marks, and as usual, these glow crazy bright.
• Abacus – This is a glossy nail wrap with a foil accent on the abacus bars.  I just love the bright colors on these and how the foil accent makes them really stand out.

I like the black and white simplicity of the tally marks, but the colorful abacus is so neat.  I’m still torn!  The month-to-month subscription cost is $15, and since each wrap goes for $10 on the website, the value definitely exceeds the cost, plus, subscribers get first crack at new designs.  Subscribers then vote on their favorite design, and the winner of the Nail Wrap Battle Royale goes on to be sold on the Espionage Cosmetics website while the loser gets locked in the vault.  Next month’s theme has already been released, and it’s, “They See Me Trollin'” which you know is just going to be amazing, coming from the geniuses at the EC team.

I have one extra note since today is a big day at Espionage Cosmetics for makeup.  Preorders have launched for the anticipated Colovaria Collection and RPG Collection! The company started with loose mineral shadows and now they are releasing pressed eyeshadow palettes. This is huge for the world of #NerdMakeup.

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter or The Magicians (or anything magical), definitely check out the Colovaria Collection. If you’re more on the gamer side (World of Warcraft, League of Legends, Dungeons and Dragons, etc.) you’ll definitely be partial to the RPG Collection which is packed with super pigmented colors.  Or, you know, grab both of them because they’re both made of awesome.

You can check out the preorder launch and find out more information on the palettes at espionagecosmetics.com/nerdmakeup.

Another edition of the Espionage Cosmetics Nexus has arrived!  This is April’s shipment that arrived yesterday, so it’s right on time.  The theme this month was, “Birds of a Feather,” and from a spoiler, I knew there would be a Edgar Allan Poe themed wrap, but had no idea what the other one would be!

Nevermore – This glossy nail wrap features ravens and black feathers against a cloudy sky background, with a reference to  that famous poem, “The Raven.”  You could almost double purpose this for a little Hitchcockian birds, so it’s got a little bonus content, I think.  Even better is that I love both Poe and Hitchcock, so this one is right up my alley.

Flight of the Moonfallen – This is a nail wrap with a pearl finish and bonus glow in the dark content.  I didn’t recognize this one at all, but thankfully someone on Instagram mentioned that it was a reference to the  Saga comic book series.  It’s a really lovely design, taken from the wings of one of the characters, and now that I’ve read up about it, the series sounds like something right up my alley, so I’m going to have to put it on my reading list.

This is an easy month for me since I have a soft spot for Poe, so my vote is definitely going to Nevermore in the epic nail wrap battle.  I’m still pretty fond of Flight of the Moonfallen since it’s a beautiful design, but.. POE!  Either way, I still received both of these and get to wear them, but only one will go on to victory and end up on the website for sale to the public.  The month-to-month subscription cost is $15, and since each wrap goes for $10 on the website, the value definitely exceeds the cost, plus, subscribers get first crack at new designs.  Next month’s theme has already been announced, and it’s, “Keeping Track.”  In case you’re thinking about subscribing and want to send me some love, hit up my  referral link!

I’m lumping these two months together since they arrived together.  Espionage Cosmetics had received a damaged shipment that included the nail wraps for these two months, so unfortunately the Nexus shipments were delayed, but we were given notice by email at every turn.  More unfortunately, the entire shipment for both months couldn’t completely be delivered to every customer, so some of us (including myself) received one of the official wraps for the month, a bonus wrap that fit the theme, and a $10 credit for each month to make up for the missing wrap.  Some people were lucky enough to get their full shipment of both wraps and a bonus wrap (and I have to assume, no credit), so I’m a little bummed that I missed making the cut in the lottery.  It looks like there won’t be any voting on these, and customer service told me  that the missing wraps won’t be available for purchase as they’ve done in previous months, nor will they be replaced at a later date.  I know making tough decisions like this as a small business is really difficult  – someone is always going to be unhappy – and it’s probably even tougher given that the damage on the shipment of products to EC was completely out of their control and not any fault of their own.  So, given all that, while I’m still bummed that I’m teased with wraps on the product card that I love (DUDE, CONNECT FOUR!) but will never actually have, I feel like they managed things as best they could, kept us in the loop about the delay, and provided appropriate compensation to those of us that didn’t receive the full shipment.

Sorry, that was long!  But I wanted to be clear about why this post is different from the previous ones and why there’s been Nexus radio silence around here.  And now, on to the wraps!

February’s theme was, “Tainted Love,” and featured two designs that fit in with the big February holiday, Valentine’s Day.

• Queen of Hearts – These are SO SO pretty.  They’re gloss with the red bits being a foil finish and they’re just perfect.  Definitely something I could see the queen herself wearing.
• Crazy In Love – (not included)  I love the subtlety on these, but it’s easy to tell they’re inspired by Harley Quinn.  It looks like the diamonds were probably filled in with glitter, so I bet these are awesome.
• Harlequin – (bonus wrap)  It’s one I already have, but it’s a favorite, so adding an extra to my stash is totally fine!

March’s theme was, “Game On!”  Two genius nail wraps were included in this one, and it looks like we got a peek at some new packaging!

• World 1-1 – THIS IS AWESOME.  Inspired by Super Mario Bros., this wrap features a genius glow in the dark accent.  These are absolutely spectacular, and timely since we just put together our RetroPie system and have been playing the game constantly.
• Go For One More! – (not included)  CONNECT FOUR!  I’m just sayin, if anyone who got this one wants to trade for some discontinued wrap I have, I’m down.
• Dice – (bonus wrap)  Shockingly, somehow a wrap that I didn’t already own!  It does fit in with the gaming theme, so this works.

April’s theme has been released already and is, “Birds of a Feather.”  The one spoiler image looks to be Edgar Allan Poe inspired (ravens, maybe?), so I’m going to keep up with my subscription!  I think these two months were just a blip, and I hope that going forward, they’ll continue with stellar deliveries!

In first before the New Year is Espionage Cosmetics Nexus!  January’s theme is, “Serenity Skies,” touted as being, “the NEXUS all Browncoats have been waiting for,” so you’ know it’s going to be Serenity and Firefly themed!  They just recently  discontinued the Cunning Hat nail wraps, so it’s great to see that there will be a new nail wrap for the  Browncoats once the epic nail wrap battle voting has concluded.  I couldn’t pass up the chance to photograph these on the hat I knitted, so here they are in all their glory!

• ATMO – Showing a planet on a backdrop of stars, these glossy wraps have a foil finish to the stars, creating a beautiful wrap.  I love how this is a subtle inside thing – you may never know there’s a Serenity reference in the wraps unless you’re part of the secret nerd nail wrap club which I think makes it all the more special.
• Fireflies – Featuring little fireflies  on a night sky behind some tall grasses, this is a really pretty glossy wrap.  I’m pretty sure you can figure out which parts are the glow in the dark bits!  Of course, this is a reference to the class of the ship from the series and movie, and  again the subtlety makes this all the more fun – it’s either aww cute fireflies, or GORRAM, Fireflies!

I’m finding it hard yet again to choose a favorite!  I really love both of these for different reasons, and I think maybe ATMO is edging out just a little bit, but there’s still time to think it over and get my vote in.  Both wraps fit the theme perfectly and would cost $10 each on the Espionage Cosmetics website, so the value definitely exceeds the $15 month-to-month subscription cost.  I’m eager to see what they’ll come up with for next month!!  In case you’re thinking about subscribing and want to send me some love, hit up my  referral link!

Another round of the Espionage Cosmetics Nexus has arrived!  They get here a little ahead of the month, so this is for December’s theme, “Twisted Holiday,” with two nail wraps to fit the theme!  I expected probably something with string lights based on the theme image, but like always, had no idea where they might take the theme!

• Holiday Lights – A glossy nail wrap with a glow in the dark accent that is hinted at in the subtitle, “When Phoning Home Can’t Do The Job.”  It’s a pretty clever way to incorporate Stranger Things  into a holiday theme, and the nerd value here is subtle, but will no doubt be super popular.
• Patron Spirit of Halloween – This is a glossy nail wrap with black and white stripes that are reminiscent of Jack Skellington’s tuxedo.  I honestly really dig the simplicity of these and  Nightmare Before Christmas is a favorite, so it’s going to make voting super difficult this month!

I have to admit that I’m still undecided!  While I love Holiday Lights, I have a soft spot for Patron Spirit of Halloween and really love those classy but still spooky pinstripes.  Both nail wraps fit the theme perfectly!  The nail wraps each cost $10 on the Espionage Cosmetics website, so the value exceeds the $15 month-to-month subscription cost.  Voting has started, so if you’re a subscriber, go and vote now (if you can choose a favorite!).  Public voting usually opens in a week or two, so keep an eye on the Espionage Cosmetics Twitter for details!  The winner goes on to fame and glory for sale to the public once voting has ended, and the loser remains a Nexus exclusive.  In case you’re thinking about subscribing and want to send me some love, hit up my  referral link!

November’s Nexus shipment arrived on October 21st and had two nail wraps that fit into the theme, “Gemology.”  I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as usual, but I assumed it would be something along the lines of the super popular Turquoise from the June BOOM!Box.  One of the wraps definitely is and the other has the unique EC nerdy twist!  On to the contents!

• Amethyst – This is a gorgeous glitter print of that lovely purple gemstone, Amethyst.  I have to admit this is easily my favorite of the two.  My maternal grandmother’s birth stone was amethyst, and I remember her talking about it when I was younger, so there’s some sentimental value attached to this wrap as well.  Plus, it’s sparkly and purple and a little abstract which is just perfect.
• Rebel Rose – Okay, so here’s where I turn in my nerd card because at first, I completely missed the reference and wondered why there were roses in a gemology theme.  After I Googled it, I found it’s for the cartoon, Steven Universe, and is a nod to the character Rose Quartz!  Quick video here if you’re as unfamiliar with that cartoon as I am – and hey, EC just expanded my horizons a little today, and that clip is really uplifting and beautiful.  Anyway, pink is not my thing, so I’m going to share the love and pass these off to someone who will appreciate the rosy pink, silver foil, glow-in-the-dark nail wraps since they really are lovely, just not a good fit for me.

As usual, the theme is totally on point (even if I missed the Rebel Rose reference at first!), and both wraps are gorgeous, but Amethyst is the easy choice for me this month.  The nail wraps each cost $10 on the Espionage Cosmetics website, so the value exceeds the $15 month-to-month subscription cost.  The voting is already underway, and the winner will go on to fame and fortune for sale to the public once voting has finished while the loser will be a special Nexus exclusive.  In case you’re thinking about subscribing and want to send me some love, hit up my  referral link!

OH!  Did your favorite not make the cut?  You can still grab extras!  As a Nexus subscriber you can purchase past ‘losers’ through the EC website.  Check out their blog here with links to each month’s nail wraps including past losers while supplies last!

The theme for October’s Espionage Cosmetics Nexus shipment was, “Clever Girl,” which promised, “designs perfect for the adventurer gearing up for the ride of their lives through the age of the dinosaurs!”  I’d say they absolutely nailed it this month, and while the designs both feature a nod to the Jurassic period, they’re completely different which is going to make deciding which is  my favorite this month pretty hard.

• Hatchlings – With a subtitle of, “Not The Mama!” from a show I remember and love, these glossy wraps feature lizard eyes and claws breaking out of a brown eggshell base.  The details are fantastic from the crack lines to the colors of what lies inside.  Really a fun way to show off the theme!
• This Land – Another glossy nail wrap with a variety of flora and fauna, and a play on a scene from Firefly.  I love the bonus subtle nerd content that goes beyond the actual dinosaurs on the wrap!  Little Tyrannosaurus Rex and Stegosauruses march across the nail wraps with an accent wrap of green and purple leaves and flowers.

I’d say the EC team proved themselves as the ultimate Clever Girls this month – the tie in to Firefly was phenomenal and I didn’t see that one coming at all (though, DUH).  The nail wraps cost $10 each on the Espionage Cosmetics website, so the value far exceeds the cost of the $15 month-to-month subscription.  Subscribers then vote on their favorite of the two and the victor goes into regular sale on the website.  That means that the other nail wrap ends up being a Nexus exclusive, never to be produced again!  In case you’re thinking about subscribing and want to send me some love, hit up my  referral link!

Whaaat?!  It’s not even September yet!  I love it when boxes ship early and exceed my expectations!  The crew at Espionage Cosmetics shifted the shipping schedule around a little for the Nexus shipment which now ends up shipping between the 18-27th of each month and renews the 28th of each month for the following month, so September’s shipment went out on August 24th for me, and arrived today, the 30th.  I loved getting the heads-up about the change, and being a newer subscription, I’m glad they’re keeping us in the loop as they fine tune the process.  SO!  This month’s theme was, “Ancient Mau,” and I had a pretty good idea cats and egypt would be involved, but as usual, you never know what sort of magic will tumble out of the glitter cloud.

• Peek-A-Boo Cats – Little black cats peek around the edges of an orange-red glossy ombre base.  There are even glow in the dark accents on the cats.  Too cute!  I have to admit that I’m more of a dog person (we have two), but I spent my youngest years being herded around by two cats, so these are absolutely welcome here!  I have a feeling these are going to be saved for October so I can show them off around Halloween because the colors paired with the black cats are purrrfect (sorry, had to be done).
• hieroglyphics – Okay, so the cats are cute, but this is DEFINITELY without a doubt the nail wrap I’ll be voting for this month.  It’s a glossy nail wrap with gold foil accents featuring hieroglyphics and the eye of Horus.  I’m a history nerd in general, but Ancient Egypt has always held fascination for me, so I am positively over the moon for these!  They’re just stunningly beautiful and I cannot wait to wear them.

The nail wraps usually cost $10 each on the Espionage Cosmetics website, so the value  definitely exceeds the cost of a month-to-month subscription at $15 per month.  Subscribers then vote for their favorite of the two, and the winner goes on to regular sale on the website.  That means Nexus subscribers get a super limited edition nail wrap that will never be produced again!  As usual, I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with for next month and I’m LOVING this subscription – I get two brand new nail wraps before they’re released to the general public, and I get to vote for my favorite and hope it wins.  This whole thing is ridiculously exciting.  I’m not sure any other subscription box does something like this!  In case you’re thinking about subscribing and want to send me some love, hit up my  referral link!