Inktober - Gift

I've got 4 more days of Inktober to catch up on, so let me "gift" you with day 28. Since it's not Halloween-time anymore, here's a little sneak peek into a holiday look you could try for winter!

Over a base of Marshmallow (essie), I created some wrapping paper with Toast It Up! (China Glaze) and Snap Happy (essie). I was going to do all of my nails as presents, but I liked the bow accent on just one, so I added the dots to spice it up a little.

Inktober - Expensive

What is it they say? All that glitter is gold? And isn't gold one of the most valued elements? I paired this "expensive" element with tedious, hand placed glitter on a rich, luxurious blue from lakur called Beau of the City. Inktober day 22 certainly looks "expensive" doesn't it?

Inktober - Tranquil

I thought that all of Inktober was spooky-themed...I clearly didn't read it all. Today's prompt is "tranquil."

After talking to some clients today about the prompt, I decided to embrace the zen and om and peace of tranquility. I even shared the nail art in action on Instagram Live today, zenning out to my kind of music. Feeling the flow of it all, I did some wavy nail art surrounding the om symbol.

The beautiful off-white base is Murray Me (lakur), the beautiful blue is 1977 (lacc), and I needed to accent something with a great gold, Mega Bite from China Glaze.

Check out the live video (available until October 3rd) if you want to get an idea of how the waves were created, and stay tuned for tomorrow's prompt, "roasted."

Snow White Gets a Manicure - LVX Spring 2016 Swatches & Review

A Little Love

I want to start this post with something a little serious. I want to thank those of you following me on my blog here. Not my Facebook, not my Twitter, and not my Instagram, which is going to soon make things so that my posts are less likely to be seen. But those of you that read this, are getting all the details first hand, and quite frankly, this is where the juiciest stuff happens. (Read below for my unabridged thoughts on this collection.) So once again, thank you!

Snow White Gets a Manicure

I've decided to label tonight's nail art as "Snow White Gets a Manicure". Why? Well the colors of the LVX Spring 2016 collection spoke inspiration to me that included feminine details like my little birdie in the cage and itty bitty florals. Obviously Snow White got a little hood and added some gold bling, but other than that, she kept it pretty aligned with her morals.

I tried to pose a picture with a little bird sitting on my fingers, but birds don't flock to me like they do in the movies. I've tried...more than once.

LVX Spring 2016 Swatches

I liked this collection, because depending on which colors you pair with which other colors from the collection, you get an entirely different feel. If you put Fleur, Blush, Aria and Azure beside one another, it feels bright and happy. If you put Icon, Aria, and Azure beside one another, it's more serene and coastal. 

LVX - Aria

Aria (2 coats) is the color of sage before it's deliciously fried up in sweet sweet butter. It's about as creamy too.

LVX - Azure

Maybe I'm taking crazy pills, but I feel like LVX really missed a great naming opportunity with Azure (2 coats). Personally, I think it should be called...Blue Steel.

 

Source

Gold Chain Born Pretty Store Review

Remember my chain nail art tutorial? Well that's a 2D look that you can get with any two colors.

But if you want the true chain effect and you really want it to pop off your nail, then you might consider getting an actual chain to attach to your nails!

Born Pretty Store (BPS) offers several varieties of chains, and today I'm reviewing the 1.6mm gold chain for you!

This chain is 100cm long (about 40 inches), and quite small (1.6mm), running at $2.99 (and their always-free shipping). Use my coupon code, C10X31, for 10% off!

The chain comes in a teeny ziplock bag, but it doesn't come out all tangled like necklaces tend to be.

To apply it to your nails, I recommend using a dab of nail glue, at least on the ends of the chain. To place it, apply it to still-wet nails (I prefer to apply it to the top coat layer rather than the polish layer) so you can position it properly. When it has dried, to being almost tacky, carefully lift the each end with tweezers and dab a bit of nail glue. This will keep your chain in its position, but you can always use more glue if you plan on roughing up the design. And let's face it...this kind of look is begging to be roughed up a little. Rawr!

I'm obsessed with letting the chains hang off my nails in different ways like I've done for this look. It's odd, and not necessarily appropriate for all occassions, but damn...it's awesome!

The colors I used for this look included Sun of a Peach (China Glaze) and Stranger Tides (OPI) with lines of Black Onyx (also OPI). I also did some cutouts of my bare nail.

Which finger do you like the most? How would you wear chains? I've seen some fabulous designs, including Sammy's looks, Lexi's take, and Whitney's! I have another review of a silver look coming soon too.

Thanks BPS for the chains!

Pick your's up here, and don't forget to use the coupon code for 10% off.

 

These products were sent to me by Born Pretty Store. The reviews are based entirely on my experience with the products and were in no way influenced by anyone.

Another Cult Cosmetics Kit...Shiny Double Accent!

I've had an amazing time creating videos on my new YouTube channel!

It's been an experience, trying out the different techniques to create and edit a movie. I'm pretty happy with the results, and I hope you've had a chance to see them. It's been a little awkward listening to my voice playback, but what're you gonna do?

My latest video is a tutorial for one of my most popular looks, the Shiny Double Accent, available at Cult Cosmetics.

Like the other Cult Cosmetics kits, this one includes everything you need to get the look. The gold glitter, the stunning blue, and the easy striping tape is all together.

You can pick up the kit at CultCosmetics.com for 10% off with the code NAILEDIT.

And, for your viewing pleasure, you can listen and watch me design the look for you! Be sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel too!

Color Society - Ruby Wing Color Changing Polish - Pink & Gold

Click the icon to visit the Color Society page.

Ah sunshine! It brings flowers, Vitamin D, chirping birds and now, color changing polish!

Ruby Wing polishes are unique, in that they change colors. However, unlike the temperature-dependent polishes that you regularly see (that change when you stick your hand under cold water), the Ruby Wing collections require real sunlight to change. How does it work?

MAGIC!

Not really. It's super secret technology, called SolarActive® technology.

But it really does seem magical! The colors all look one way when you're indoors. Then, as if by some sorcery, they instantly begin to transform as soon as you're in the sunlight. It happens quickly too, with full effect in direct sunlight seen in under one minute.

I was really impressed with the transformation. Let's take a look. Disclaimer: I am taking pictures of the same bottles in the indoor and outdoor shots. I have not switched bottles. Like I said...magic!

Indoor

Indoor

First up is Poppy. I use two coats for this swatch, which was surprising since it's a neon pink! But then...stick it in the sun and...

Outdoor

Outdoor

It goes to a dark, vampy deep magenta. WHAT?! I think the coolest effect is when one side is more exposed than the other, and you get the most perfect gradient look. Too bad you can't lock that in as it's happening!

The bottle colors as they mixed were pretty rad too.

 To complement this pink, Color Society sent along an awesome gold, Sunflower. 

Indoor

Indoor

Indoors, you can see that's it's a bit of a soft, yellow gold. The mix of glitter is amazing too. I used two regular coats to get the level of glitter in this swatch. Now moving outdoors...

Outdoor

Outdoor

It goes copper! Not quite full copper, but copper-gold. And it's soooooo shiny! (See the reflection of the polish on my pinky reflecting off my ring finger?)

Now what happens when you pair them together? I just did a simple stripe down the center of each nail, to watch it go from pop princess party mani, to sultry and rich mani.

Indoor

Outdoor

My first experience with solar polish was awesome. This stuff surprised me, and I want to wear it in the wild to experience it in real life! Awesome work Ruby Wings, and thank you for the polishes Color Society!

Interested in applying to be part of the Color Society? Fill out the application here to apply!

These products were sent to me by Color Society. The reviews are based entirely on my experience with the products and were in no way influenced by anyone.

Cartwright's Blouse

I'm back! And I missed sharing things with all the readers.

For example, did you know that I'm shamefully running out of room for polishes as my collection grows larger and more colorful? Did you also know that I'm looking for a new pad for the summer? That means that my ever-growing collection will soon have a desk to live on, and an area to be stored in.

I've seen so many beautiful polish rooms, and so many great ideas for storage and organization of polish. Do you have a clever solution to your lacque-clutter? Tell me about it, I'd love to hear!

Tonight's look was inspired by an outfit I saw Karen Cartwright wear during a beautiful performance on "Smash" (a television show in the U.S.) Her red skirt had a gold embellished belt, and her blouse was a white silk number with black polka dots. It's almost a literal translation!

The colors I used include Peterhof Palace and Carmen (Zoya), and Alpine Snow and Black Onyx (OPI).

Gold Romance

The colors in tonight's manicure just seem very romantic. I'm sad I didn't do a floral pattern with them, but really mesmerized by the gold.

I guess you could call this...Goldfinger.

Each nail, with the exception of the middle one, has hand-placed glitter from BornPrettyStore.com. The colors I used include My Vampire is Buff and Sparrow Me the Drama from OPI, Fade Into Hue from China Glaze, Blue My Mind from H&M, Goldie from Zoya, and two layers of Five Golden Rings from My Nail Graffiti.

It's so delicate, and getting in the spirit of the upcoming green and gold holiday! I'm excited to get that manicure together to share soon as well.

Angled Onyx

Quick post as I get ready to go out!

An angled french, with a base of the light and delicate You Callin' Me a Lyre? (OPI). Freehanded Black Onyx (OPI) tips create a cool effect on my nails, and that's all accented with some gold striping tape.

Kind of love this look, and I wish I could gush about it further, but I've gotta go! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Born Pretty Store Matte Top Coat Review

Do you have a matte top coat?

Do you want a matte top coat?

Do you know where to find a matte top coat?

Well, here's one from Born Pretty Store you will enjoy! It does exactly what you think...it turns the mani into a matte mani. It's pretty great. Nothing special, but I don't think any matte top coat would be. It works, dries quickly, and you can get it for under $5 (plus 10% off with the code C10X31).

Here's the mani I did with the matte top coat:

And here is the same mani with a shiny top coat:

See the difference? I really like the effect on glitter and shimmers! I used Bending Over Backward from China Glaze as the base, and Set the Stage from Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear.


This product was sent to me by Born Pretty Store. The review is based entirely on my experience with the product and was in no way influenced by anyone.

A Rich Experiment

Zoya's little black box with three lovely little bottles has been staring me down every time I sit on the couch. Tonight, I finally decided to confront it.

 The result is a pearly pink golden beauty of a manicure!

I used Heavenly (Savina) as a base, and painted on a lovely light layer of Electrical Storm (Sation) over it. Then I topped it with the golden Gilty from Zoya.

I used some different lighting to capture all the beautiful colors, but those are still my hands!

Shiny Double Accent

I feel like I'm somehow rooting for a football team that's playing with these nails.

Then again, I also just feel happy because there's so much shiny to the whole manicure. Shiiiny!

I may cause a fire if I dance around...

Source: http://www.gifbin.com/983103

You're being blinded by I'm Not Lion and Man Hunt. Pretty huh?

Dysfunctional RV

Last night's manicure showed you one of the Sation Nailstock colors, but it definitely didn't glorify it. I had to give RV There Yet? another try tonight, with some complementary colors and accents to really help it pop.

Isn't it gorgeous? That almost antique jade color works perfectly with the ill pink color of Decades of Dysfunction (ORLY) and the gold striping tape. I love the way the colors and the design makes my fingers look. Elegant but definitely not ordinary.

Have I convinced you to get your Nailstock collection yet? I think I have, but for those who aren't sure, check out the Nailstock supply at the Miss Professional Nail store for all the colors you're missing out on.

I've also added this manicure to a contest hosted by Birchbox. If you have a moment, I'd love your vote! Click here to be taken to the entry on Facebook.

Blog Crush: heartNAT & pshiiit

I have a few schoolgirl crushes on the ladies of the lacquer. My man would not be happy to hear about the dates I've dreamed of with some of these girls. Oh the polish we would share...the designs we would make...

I've combined the forces of inspiration behind from two polish crushes to create this shocking pink manicure (Flip Flop Fantasy from China Glaze, Goldie from Zoya and Sashay My Way from ORLY.)

The design's lifted almost directly from heartNAT's most recent manicure. After I took the pictures and uploaded them, I wasn't getting the same beautiful shine she had, so I decided to apply a filter or two, drawing from the overwhelming popular styles of pshiiit. Her pictures are adored by everyone, and obviously I didn't hit that target in quite the same way with my difference in lighting and background choice, but I liked this softer effect nonetheless.

The bows are just for femininity. I was certain that hot pink and gold wouldn't be nearly enough girly bling flair. Definitely needed bows.

Inspiration comes from everywhere, but it's commonly found among fellow bloggers. Just today, Salla at OMG! Polish 'em! drew inspiration from one of my posts for her own geometric jewel.

Sometimes the butterflies in my stomach when a lady crush's post makes its way into my feed won't be silenced, so I need to lay them down by just showing some love where I click 'Love'.

Electric Feel

This week will prove to be sparse for Nailed It posts, so I apologize for that. The schedule holds two concerts, a double-header kickball game and some visiting friends. Nail polish has no choice but to take a backseat. I've set up my VCR to record my bottles' favorite shows so they don't get lonely while I'm away. The automatic feeder is set to dispense every twelve hours so they don't go hungry. I've also put a few extra blankets out in case the weather gets cold and the bottles start to clatter as they shiver.

No, not really.

I will be busy though, so here's a manicure that may have to tide you over until the weekend or beginning of next week. Both polishes are China Glaze: Flip Flop Fantasy and I Herd That. I added the chevrons with Black (Color Madric). Gotta love the trigger pistol accent!

Again, I'm so sorry that I'll be missing in acetone-action for a bit, but I promise I'll be having fun, and there are good things to come!

Goldie Had a Little Lam-Lam

Hnnnnnngh! I worship this color! It's Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam, and not only did I nab this Nicole by OPI at an uber-discount, I instantly knew what I wanted to do with it. I gave striping tape another try (last time it failed almost immediately) and I'm so glad I did! Enjoy!

Stamping Shelby

One of my favorite pinks, if not my favorite pink, is Shelby from Zoya. It's the best mix of pigments to create the prettiest color. Plus, it's really easy to work with. Usually when I want to use it, I don't want to use anything else with it. I thought the best way to use it and still keep it the star would be to stamp on top of it.

The stamp is from BM-209 and I used Passion (China Glaze) for it. Isn't Shelby gorgeous?

The Glitter So Nice, I'll Show You Twice

Yesterday's speedy little manicure left some unanswered questions, so I wanted to show the glitter I used today as well. I was not upset about having to put the glitter on again because I LOVE it. Love it. Please please indie brands out there, give us more tiny glitter-chunky glitter variations.

This is Crow from Polished Perfection. What else is there to say about it besides how fantastic it is? You get some gold pieces with holographic reflection and the matte black tiny glitters. It adds something beautiful to any manicure, but I liked yesterday's color, Decades of Dysfunction, more than today's A-Taupe the Space Needle (OPI).

Chevrons for Chloe

I got to do another lady's hands today! Special occasions always call for a special treatment, and my good friend Chloe wanted her treatment for the eve of her birthday to be a manicure done by yours truly. Ever eager to paint on canvases that aren't my own, I gladly accepted!

She wanted something to the tone of Marina's tribal nails, using three of her favorite colors. If you know her, you already know what those three colors are: coral, teal, and gold. As I was sketching up an idea, we both liked the way chevrons sans-tribal print looked that we decided to do that as the trigger pistol accent. Have a look!

The nude base is Did You Ear About Van Gogh? (OPI), the peach is Peachy Keen (China Glaze), the greenish teal is Jade (Avon), the gold for the tips is A Show at the Palladium (Wet n' Wild Chrome), and the gold chunky glitter for the base of the three nails is Set the Stage (Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear). We loved it!