Messy, Messy, Messy...

A while back I received Nicole by OPI Turquoise Shatter.  I was excited to try a shatter polish, eventhough everything I had seen failed to impress me.  Many shatter/crackle polishes just seemed thick, chunky, and messy.  

Many bloggers however, have a wonderful gift of making them look lovely & intriguing.  I knew I needed to try one at least ONCE.  The following picture is not a picture of my first, second, or even THIRD attempt.  It was well beyond that...

I followed the directions, I read multiple blog posts, I tried SO hard to make NOPI Turquoise Shatter work.  I TRIED to love it, but instead just made a mess.  Maybe some day I will drag her out again, or find a more loving home for her.  Until then I will be reminded of my many fails with this polish.

Has anyone else been more successful with this?

I'm sure glad that this year we've seen the orange, green, and flakie trends emerge this year.  In my humble opinion, shatters/crackles can continue to be "so last year"  I'll be very ok with that:)

V-gap Tutorial

Many of you have seen the progression of my success in emulating the v-gap manicure.  My first try was done with one polish and painstakingly cut scotch tape strips.  My second attempt was again with one polish color, but it was free-handed.  My latest attempt was accomplished with 2 polish colors (which helps with the contrast & makes it look cleaner) and a nail art brush.  In the end, do whatever works best for you.  Here are the instructions and photo-tutorial from my latest attempt.

V-Gap Manicure Tutorial 

This is what you will need:

-base/background color

-another color of polish to create your design

-small old makeup brush or paintbrush (mine was from this brush kit with for $1.99)

-topcoat

 Optional:
-basecoat

-remover pen for cleanup

Step 1: Prep your nails, use your basecoat, etc. Let dry completely.

Step 2: Paint your nails in your base color.  I used Zoya Jules ($8 from zoya.com).  Make sure you achieve the desired opacity in as few coats as possible.  I used 2 coats. Let dry completely.

Step 3: Get your fine brush.  Unscrew the lid of your layering polish (I used Zoya Vanessa) and scrape the polish off the brush onto your brush. Pick which finger you are doing first and draw 2 parallel lines down the middle of your nail.  Make sure the lines are close together and make sure lines do not go the entire length of the nail.  The lines should only take up about 3/4 the length of the nail.

Step 4: At the ends of the lines you just created, continue the line to the "corners" of your nail.  You are finished with the nail art brush and you can clean it (or "line" the rest of your nails before proceeding to Step 5).

Step 5: With the same color you "lined" your nail with, and the brush from the bottle of polish, paint down each side of the nail carefully in one steady stroke.  If your polish is not a one-coater then you should wait a couple of minutes before applying another coat to each side of the nail.

Step 6:  After it completely dries. Finish with your favorite topcoat.  This not only helps your manicure to  last longer but it also tends to even out the texture.

The result:

There is absolutely no right or wrong way to do create this design, do whatever you're most comfprtable with & what works for you. I would LOVE to see what you come up with!  If you end up doing this link, facebook, or email me your picture! I cannot wait to see where you take this:)

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Source: twitter.com via Kate on Pinterest

Kiss Nail Dress

Press Samples

The latest Influenster Vox Box was the "Love" Vox Box.  This luxurious box contained a Stash Herbal Tea Sampler, a sample of Truvia, a Ghiradelli milk chocolate bar, a Gillette Venus & Olay razor, and a box of Kiss Nail Dress.  This was my favorite box yet!

Kiss Nail Dress was easy to use and apply.  The 28 strips peel easily off of their backing to apply to clean nails.  The variety of strip sizes is good.  I ended up cutting off the excess strip with manicure scissors and then filed the tips to make them smooth.  These also peeled off easily when I was finished wearing them.  I cannot wait to use these for date nights, special occasions, on my toes, and even as an accent nail.  Since there is no mess involved, these can be used anywhere, including in the car as a last minute manicure:)

Here is additional product information:
Introducing Kiss Nail Dress, ultimate nail fashion for tips and toes! Just peel, apply, and shape for a manicure that lasts up to 10 days. On in minutes, off in seconds without remover. Nail Dress is available in 18 different styles, many of them featuring 3-dimensional jeweled designs. Check out Peplum, a deep black with multi-colored gems for a pop of color, or Babydoll, for a golden and glamorous jeweled look. Skip the topcoat, Nail Dress has it built in.

With 28 strips in each package, you can cut up your extras to create designs that can be used on top of polished or artificial nails. Nail Dress doesn’t dry out the way other polish strips can, so you can save them to use on your next DIY mani. A nail design booklet is included in each package, just in case you need a little inspiration.

And don’t forget about your feet! Nail Dress looks awesome on toes, too – just use the square side of the sticker for a perfect fit.

Where to Buy

Nail Dress’ suggested retail is $6.99 and is available in all major drug chains and mass retailers like WalMart, CVS and Walgreens.

Visit KissNailDress.com to learn more!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Influenster provides products for review through their VoxBox program to innovative trend setters in the industry. http://www.influenster.com

Venus & Olay Razor

Press Samples

The latest Influenster Vox Box was the "Love" Vox Box.  This luxurious box contained a Stash Herbal Tea Sampler, a sample of Truvia, a Ghiradelli milk chocolate bar, a Gillette Venus & Olay razor, and a box of Kiss Nail Dress.  This was my favorite box yet!

I am a razor snob.  Gillette Venus razors have never disappointed me, so I was excited to try this new, not-yet-released product.  Let me tell you, this product is like a dream come true!  I don't think shaving could get better than this.  My legs felt so moisturized and silky.  I noticed a difference after the first use (and so did my husband).

Here are some details about this great razor:
Venus’ five-bladed razors shave you close and adjust to women’s curves for a smooth and comfortable shave, even over tricky shaving areas like knees and ankles.

Olay Moisture Bars contain skin-enhancing elements found in Olay products: Petrolatum helps lock in skin’s moisture for less dryness and Glycerin helps offer that goddess glow! Just wet the razor to release a light lather – no separate shave cream required.

As with most Venus razors, new Venus & Olay also features a rounded, pivoting head designed for women’s curves, and a soft-grip ergonomic handle for confident control, even in wet and soapy environment

Once you try this amazing razor you will NEVER go back to your old razor.  This is going to be incredible this summer and it is a must-have for traveling and vacations.  Check out their website for more information: www.gillettevenus.com

Where to Buy

A refillable Venus & Olay with one replacement cartridge sells for approximately $8.99-$10.99. Packages of three replacement cartridges are available for about $14.99 - $19.49.  Venus & Olay will be available starting March 15, 2012 at food, drug, convenience and mass merchandise stores throughout the United States.  

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Influenster provides products for review through their VoxBox program to innovative trend setters in the industry. http://www.influenster.com

Zoya Jane

Confession: I love classic neutrals.

Sometimes I find myself resorting back to my old polish habits.  I've always had an affinity for nail polish, but like many of you know I haven't always embraced my girliness.  I am quite girly.  So much so that traditionally I reach for pinks, reds, and French shades.  While in college, if I somehow miraculously had time to do my nails, I gave myself a french manicure or just used a few coats of my favorite French manicure shade.

Last year I purchased what would become my first of many Zoya nail polishes.  My first Zoya was Jane.

Zoya describes Jane as "Very light warm, milky peach-pink with subtle orangey undertones in a sheer creme base."  As you can see from the bottle, she is a very loved polish:)


The Verdict:
She is beautiful.  I have never worn Jane as a French manicure shade, I normally just paint 2-3 coats of her sheer creaminess onto my nails for a classic, timeless look.   Perfect for work, every day wear, and especially special occasions such as weddings.  Everyone should have a favorite sheer French shade, and I think that Jane is a must-have.  


You can purchase Zoya Nail polish from their website for $8 each.


The following are some examples of nail art showcasing Jane with an opaque white polish: lace and chevron.

Ruby Kisses Jellicious

A while ago I was lucky enough to get my hands on a Ruby Kisses Jellicious gloss when they were first released.  This was my first Ruby Kisses product, and it sure won't be my last!

This gloss was plump and moisturizing.  Most glosses are rather sticky, that is not the case with these beauties, it was smooth and silky.  AND it didn't dry out my lips!  My lips were moisturized and looked "incredibly delicious" according to my husband:)

The Verdict:
The pinky gloss was subtle but noticeable (to me at least).  The gloss contains a small amount of shimmer that is only evident in direct sunlight.  Crushed Strawberries smelled divine and was the perfect color for my pale skin.  I cannot wait to get my hands on more of these lovelies.  This may just be my favorite lip gloss ever!

Playing with Polish--Nautical

When boredom strikes, classy gals play with polish!

The other day, I was just playing with navy blue & white nail polish.  I enjoy nautical themes & inspiration in the spring, so I decided to play around a bit.  I love just having fun and painting whatever you want, regardless of the result.  Here it is, "nautical" nail art:

I love navy blue and white.  It's one of my favorite combinations.  It just makes me smile:)

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Source: Uploaded by user via Kate on Pinterest

Mixing It Up!

Yes, I have done it.  One day while eyeing up an old polish, I decided to play with it rather than to throw it away.  I just went to town mixing a few different colors & polishes together.  It was fun.  Now I'm seeing why so many of you have a fascination with frankening.

I started with an old discontinued champagne colored polish with coppery flecks.  It sounds pretty, and it was at one point, until it got too gloopy to apply correctly (and yes "gloopy" is a word...at least in my vocabulary!).  A few newer polishes added, some renewing drops, & it turned into this:

I did this out of my curiosity and creativity.  It was great.  I had fun.  I can't say that I see myself continuing to do this much, if ever again.  But it was a great way to experiment with an otherwise discarded polish that was headed for the trash.

Hope your week is going well!

Zoya FEEL Collection

When I first saw the Zoya Feel Collection I was ecstatic.  This collection is packed with colors that I love.  All winter I was obsessed with pastels and this collection was a dream come true!  Zoya always does a phenomenal job describing their polishes, and this collection is no exception.  These are *almost* 1 coat cream polishes, a second coat is needed only to even it out & ensure complete coverage.  Without further adieu, the Zoya (I) Feel (Pretty) Collection... (darn, now I'm humming songs from West Side Story...)

Avery "can be best described as a full coverage, blond-beige cream." 

Kennedy "can be best described as a full coverage, pale, french beige cream"

Kendal "can be best described as a lavender, beige cream nail polish shade"

Megan "can be best described as a full coverage, taupe gray cream"

Carey "can be best described as a periwinkle gray"

 

 Kristen "can be best described as a gull gray nail polish with a mild bluish hue"

The Verdict: 
Neutral toned pastels, having a grey or nude base, are a must-have for your collection.  They're SO versatile and can be worn during any season.  These are 2 coat conservative classics that add elegance to any look.  My instant favorites from the collection were Kennedy, Kendal, and Megan.  Kristen surprised me as it is the only non-navy blue that I own, and was my go-to shade this winter.  Carey was beautiful, though not one of my favorites.  Avery is a polish that I want to love.  She's just not suited for my wintry complexion.  I'm hoping that she will be more suited for my skin tone in the summer.

You can purchase the Zoya Feel Collection for $48 dollars from their website.  All Zoya nail polishes can be individually purchased from their website for $8 each.

Zoya Beach & Surf Collections Summer 2012 Press Release

Announcing Summer 2012 nail color by Zoya!
BEACH and SURF dive into the color...

New nail color - coming soon to a salon near you and Zoya.com!

Summer 2012 is going to be a super stylish season for nails with the latest offering of nail polish collections,Beach and Surf, from the new color of fashion, Zoya! This new splash of color, designed by the Zoya color experts, is kissed by sea and sand translating beautifully onto the nail in the famous, full-coverage Zoya formula.

Dive into the creamy shades of the Zoya Beach Collection or the shimmering sea foils of the Zoya Surf Collection. The choice is yours – this color palette is sure to be a splash!

Zoya BEACH Collection

• Reagan (ZP614) - deep cerise pink cream
• Lara (ZP615) - vivid cerise pink cream
• Shelby (ZP616) - soft pinky pink cream
• Arizona (ZP617) - soft coral orange cream
• Tracie (ZP618) - sea grass metallic
• Wednesday (ZP619) - soft aqua cream

Zoya SURF Collection

• Rory (ZP620) - lotus pink foil metallic
• Carly (ZP621) - thalia purple foil metallic
• Kimber (ZP622) - magenta pink foil metallic
• Myrta (ZP623) - coral orange foil metallic
• Meg (ZP624) - mermaid green foil metallic
• Zuza (ZP625) - aquamarine foil metallic

Zoya is the new color of fashion... 

The Zoya BEACH and SURF collection was designed and inspired by resort runways and tropical get-a-ways.

Ultra long-wearing, glossy nail lacquers by Zoya are free of harmful industrial chemicals like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, resin, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that are known to cause cancer and birth defects. 

Find Zoya BEACH and SURF as well as over 300 other ultra high-fashion Zoya shades at www.zoya.com. As always, each and every Zoya color is made for women so we name them after women. 

Sug. Retail $8.00 per 0.5 fl.oz. bottle (US) www.zoya.com


The Verdict:
WOW.  Zoya, you've done it again!  I'm obsessed with this collection.  I want to try every last one of these lovelies!  I've REALLY got my eye on Arizona, Tracie, and Wednesday from the BEACH collection and Myrta, Meg, and Zuza from the SURF collection!  April 1st can't come soon enough!

Irish/Gaelic Themed Nails

As many of you can see from my nail art, I have a LONG way to go:)  I have trouble coming up with new, classy nail art that I can wear.  My latest dilemma was seeing everyone's stunning St. Paddy's Day manicures & not having any great ideas of my own.  Worse yet, I don't own any true green polishes! I have a golden green (Barielle Green Opal), a teal (Diamond Cosmetics Don't Teal My Heart Away), a seafoam green (Sinful Colors Open Seas), and a blue-toned sage green (Zoya Bevin) (AND Zoya Edyta, which I forgot about, now that would have been a lovely green to use!!!!!).

I gave it my best effort with what I had & came up with 2 lovely designs that I wore at different times this week:)  Take a peek:

I hope you enjoyed another attempt of wearable nail art from me:)  I know it's not the best, but I did my best with what I had.  Enjoy your weekend & don't forget to smile!

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Source: mrandmrsjonathanbutler.blogspot.com via Amber on Pinterest

NEW Shades from Barielle

Press Samples

Recently Barielle announced their release of 90 NEW shades.  Here is a video showcasing their newest shades with an artist's rendition of how the shade will look on the nail.

Barielle sent me 4 of their new shades with a top and base coat.  The packaging was cute and they sent a little key chain as well.  Take a peek:

The four shades I was sent were Shannon's Attitude, Eli's Magic, End of the Rainbow, and Starry Sky.  Now for the swatches...

Barielle Eli's Magic

Eli's Magic is simply called "hot pink."  This bright glossy medium pink cream polish took only 2 coats.  This polish was a tad thicker than other Barielle cream polishes I have, but it was not goopy or hard to work with.  The finish was quite glossy, even before a topcoat.  Although this polish is not a neon shade is is bright, with a slight hint of a coral undertone.  While not extremely unique, it is an essential color to have and is perfect for summer!

Barielle Starry Sky

Starry Sky is described as "jelly clear w/ silver foil flakes."  This polish does indeed have a clear  base with sparse, silver, hexagonal glitter.  This glitter built up easily as you can see 4, 3, 2, and 1 coat on my index, middle, ring, and little finger respectively.  This polish, though it may not be unique, is also an essential.  The layering possibilities are endless.

Barielle End of the Rainbow

End of the Rainbow is rightly called a "sheer aqua green w/ shimmer."  This polish is rather sheer.  I showed you how the polish can be built up, and by the fourth coat there are no more visible nail lines.  Once again you can see 4, 3, 2, and 1 coat on my index, middle, ring, and little finger.  The application of this beauty was a tad thin (not streaky or watery), and did not prove to be difficult to work with.  This polish glowed and was quite mermaid-like.  I had trouble capturing a picture of this lovely polish without my camera throwing a fit.  I cannot wait to see how this polish looks layered over different polishes.  This is definitely my favorite polish of the bunch.

Barielle Shannon's Attitude

Shannon's Attitude is said to be a "jelly purple w/ foil flakes."  This magenta purple jelly has holographic microglitter and holographic bar glitter.  It was slightly thick to apply, but not difficult.  When applying this polish it is very important to wait until the first coat is completely dry before adding a second.  This shows a picture of this lovely in the shade (my camera freaked out because of the glitter) and 4, 3, 2, & 1 coat from left to right.  It IS possible to build this polish up enough to get rid of the nail line, but it takes patience.  Here's a sunny shot of this beauty...

Barielle Shannon's Attitude (sunlight)

(Sorry about the weird glare on the nail.) Look at that glitter sparkle:)  I think it looks like the bar glitter is swimming in a purple pool on my nail, LOVE it!  This is clearly the most unique polish of the bunch.  And given the name, Shannon must be a crazy awesome person.  I am dying to meet her or know the back-story to this beauty;)

***Every swatch is shown with a basecoat of Barielle's Nail Rebuilding Protein and a topcoat of Barielle's Ultra Speed Dry Manicure Extender***


The Verdict:
Barielle is definitely bringing their "a" game with their newest polish additions.  The first two, Eli's Magic and Starry Sky aren't the most unique polishes in the wide world of polish, but they are great staples to have in your collection.  My favorites in this collection are Shannon's Attitude and End of the Rainbow because I do not have any other colors like them.  I'm planning on wearing End of the Rainbow for St. Patrick's Day...the name is wonderful for it.  Now I just need to figure out what to do to showcase it!  

I hope you'll check out their new shades.  And while you're at it, sign up for Barielle's email list then you'll know when special offers occur:)

These new shades can be found at the Barielle website and retails for $8.00 each.  

Disclosure: The product(s) in this post were provided to me by the manufacturer or their PR company for consideration.  For more information please visit the tabs below the header.