Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Manicure Monday

So after my first [pitiful] attempt at a v-gap manicure I was both embarrassed and driven.  Embarrassed that I had posted it even though I knew it looked horrible and driven to try again and be successful:)

So along came Revlon Plum Night and my second attempt...

I must admit that this try turned out MUCH better than the first.  I know that a manicure such as this one take practice & refining.

Will you be trying the V-Gap Manicure this fall?  What do you think of this style of manicure?

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Zoya's Latest Promotion

FREE shipping AND FREE Summertime/Sunshine collection when you order the Zoya Color Lock System ($48)!

 Check it out: http://zoyanailpolish.blogspot.com/2011/06/celebrate-summer-free-sunshine-or.html

Zoya is my favorite.  I could spend HOURS on their website every day.  They have the BEST website.  Their colors are gorgeous. The formula in their polish is toxin free and safe for mothers, expectant mothers, and those who are nursing.  (<--None of which are me yet)

Zoya polishes *seem* expensive in comparison to your average drugstore brand but it's an AMAZING deal ($8 per polish, and $6-ish shipping) for such a stellar product.  Zoya is also always running different promotions to make their product more accessible & cheaper.  They're awesome.  You should totally give them a try.

*I am new to Zoya Nail Polishes but I am in love with the 3 that I own as of now:)

Mermaid Manicure

Yesterday's Sinful Colors Open Seas manicure was beautiful.  I really love the sea foam green.  I'm normally a "boring" polish kind of gal.  I prefer to use red, light pinks, or nudes on my fingernails.  I don't know why, but other colors make me feel like I have funny looking hands!

Alas, I decided to be bold and try something I would not normally do.  I added Sinful Colors Nail Junkie to my Open Seas mani.  I sponged it on with a cheap sponge tip applicator (the lame ones you get with eyeshadows-I never use them so this was a wonderful way to use and not waste!).

I don't know if there really is such thing as a "mermaid manicure."  If there is, I apologize for stealing the name. I decided on the name because it reminds me of something mermaids would wear, especially the colors:)

I guess I forgot to clean her up before taking her picture.  I apologize for the stray glitter everywhere:)

Here is the tutorial for this manicure.

Manicure Monday

...on Tuesday!

I'm sorry that this is a day late.  I moved this past weekend and I'm still trying to relocate/organize everything.

I've been looking for a green polish that will flatter my pale, cool complexion.  The hunt for Sinful Colors "Mint Apple" has been going on for MONTHS.  I have yet to hold that pretty little bottle in my hand.  However, while in Rite Aid I located the ADVENTURE ISLAND display for Sinful Colors and fell in love with Open Seas.  Here she is:
Review:
Application: easy, smooth the polish is on the thicker side, but it is not goopy, sticky, or lumpy.  It was also fast drying.
Opacity: full coverage in two coats
Color: sea green cream, not minty green definitely more blue-grey, would recommend using a basecoat (just in case)
Finish: glossy finish
Durability/Wear: long lasting

Many polish lovers are comparing Sinful Colors Adventure Island Collection to the OPI Pirates of the Caribbean (POTC) Collection.  What is your opinion?

The "V-Gap" Manicure

I was browsing online today looking for awesome nail inspiration when I found the "V-Gap."  Apparently this will be a trend this fall, we shall see.  It's definitely tricky.  I saw it here and immediately tried to think of how to do this.  I decided to attempt it as a scotch tape mani.

It didn't go so well.  It looked messy.  It didn't look like the one in the picture by the professional manicurists.  I thought: maybe I should just give up, maybe this just isn't for me, maybe I picked the wrong color, I wish I would have used scotch tape rather than packing tape (I'm moving this weekend and it was the only tape I could locate), maybe I should have put another color underneath...

Negative thoughts plagued my mind.  It really didn't look that great, but that means I can DEFINITELY improve it for next time.  Next time I will pick a darker color and  try it free hand cleaning up with a small paintbrush (just like the pros in the picture).

ANYWAY, here is my first attempt at the V-Gap Manicure in Zoya Kate:)

 

Maybe I'll post a tutorial on how I attempted this look in a couple of days.  Let me know if you're interested!

I'm taking a day-trip into NYC tomorrow, so I will not be posting.  Hopefully I will be able to squeeze one in on Friday before I move!  Yikes, there is just to much to do!  Enjoy your evening & stay beautiful:)

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Source: everythingfab.com via melancia on Pinterest

Manicure Monday: NYC Pink Promenade Creme

Here is the first picture of a manicure that I have done!  I'm definitely not a pro at this.  This color has been my "go to" summer color for a while now (actually I don't remember when I got this-gasp!).  I usually sport this color on my toes.  Here she is:

This is ONE coat of polish and without a topcoat.  

Please excuse the poor picture quality & the messy mani, remember I'm a newbie:)

Review:
Application: easy, smooth the polish is on the thicker side, but it is not goopy, sticky, or lumpy.  It was also fast drying.
Opacity: full coverage in one coat but I usually do 2 just for the sake of longer wear.
Color: bright pink almost reddish coral neon cream, would recommend using a basecoat (just in case)
Finish: glossy finish
Durability/Wear: very durable (I go running a lot and it has yet to show wear due to it) and  long lasting. It can last at least 2 weeks on my toes and look brand new!

If you think of a better system or of better qualities to review let me know!  Thanks!

The Ultimate Nail Polish Test & Freckles

I'm back from the beach.  It was wonderful.  I still have to take the pictures off of my camera.  I hope to share them when I finally do that.

I did the ultimate nail polish test: SAND, SALTWATER, and SUN.  I wore Zoya Maya on my toes and Zoya Jane on my fingers (swatches coming soon) they lasted the entire time with only minor scratches & chipping.

On another note, I wore so much sunscreen I felt like a pale greasy blob the whole time.  At the same time I knew I was saving myself from future foes such as skin cancer & wrinkles.  Since I don't get tan I have to ritually apply sunscreen every hour to defend my milky fair complexion against UVA & UVB rays.  I don't tan, but I get freckles.  Lots and lots of beautiful freckles.  This is a saying that my mother loves and always told me growing up:

Source: etsy.com via Kate on Pinterest

Now my tan husband lovingly repeats this phrase to me:)  Embrace your differences & quirks!
Enjoy your weekend!

Vacation

So, my husband is in medical school.  This means he studies...A LOT.  But it's all for a good reason:)  Today he is taking his Step 1 USMLE Board Exam.  This basically defines what kind of doctor you can become and you basically have ONE SHOT to take it.  Yikes!  So upon his completion of this massive milestone we will be heading to the beach.

Since this will be an escape from our lives just to relax, this blog will also go on a vacation.  Don't worry you won't miss me too much.

Overly used/cliche poster, GO...

  

Bored & need something to do while I'm gone??? Make your own poster: http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/default.aspx#createposter

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Welcome to Words of Wisdom Wednesday.  Wednesdays are usually a difficult day for most people working a traditional schedule.  It is affectionately referred to as "hump day" as if the week were a mountain or a hill and you are finally getting to the "down hill" portion of your week.  So as a celebration of the  middle of the week, you will find small little inspirational quotes & pictures to help you get through your day and week.  Because you are absolutely beautiful:)

WORDS of WISDOM

Source: etsy.com via Dominga on Pinterest  

Life is beautiful $25.00 from magalerie