Four for the Fourth #1

Red, white, & blue?

Yes, please!

I have 4 new 4th of July manicures here for you this week. I apologize in advance to my non-American readers for these posts. Truth be told, many can be adapted to ANY country's flag's colors. Some are rather "stars and stripes" while others are more abstract bringing in the colors only.

Today's manicure was actually a "fail" but isn't unwearable. I was inspired by a colorful, summery chevron print I saw and I thought it would look pretty cool as a tricolor patriotic manicure.

 

This ended up being very sloppy in its execution. I was rushed due to the constraints of naptime. I'm sorry that I skipped clean up (it's rather embarassing actually). I like the idea though, maybe sometime I'll have to redo this.

Polishes used: Zoya Genesis (base), Sailor, Oceane, Demetria, and Aphrodite

Autumn Alternative French Manicure

I love cream finish polishes. Some think its boring, I like to think it's classic. That being said, sometimes I paint my nails with a polish and get bored. Sometimes a plain cream finish is enough, other times you yearn for a little more pizzazz. This manicure started out completely satisfying me. I wore it for days on its own. It complimented my outfits, made my nails look lovely, and was an understated classic. Then I wanted more. I added a metallic tip and gave this manicure new life.

Polishes used: Sally Hansen So much Fawn and Gilty Party

Gilty Party might be my favorite fall metallic. What do you do to spruce up a manicure that you're tired of?

Playing with Polish-- My First Striping Tape Manicure

So a while back I got striping tape for the first time (crazy, right?). I sat there staring at it trying to decide what to do first. I decided to use it as painting guides for a chevron design on a well-worn manicure. This was simple and ended up turning out pretty well. I am still trying to get the hang of placing striping tape, making sure it sticks well on the edges, and removing it at the perfect time.

Not too shabby for the first try at using striping tape to help with nail art. I would love more ideas or suggestions for using striping tape. Thanks, loves!

Polishes used: SinfulColors SinfulShine Rendezvous (week-old, chipped manicure) and Zoya Purity

Aztec Tribal Chevron Manicure

Following the 4th of July festivities, I decided to cleanse my polish palette with one of my go-to neutral polishes. So, I painted my nails with Revlon Grey Suede. Well... I managed to mess up my manicure. This is not at all surprising. Instead of reaching for the polish remover, I decided to revamp my current manicure with some nail art to match the sweltering temperatures. When summer is in full swing, I love tribal inspired prints, polka dots, and chevron. Yes I combined these three loves in this Aztec tribal chevron manicure.

What do you think? I really love it. But now that I've been looking at it, the chevron reminds me of angry eyebrows... So much for a neutral palette cleansing manicure;)

Have you ever "fixed" a manicure by adding nail art? 

Polishes used: Revlon Grey Suede, Sinful Colors Black on Black, Barielle Pink Diamond and Green Apple Chew

Happy Independence Day!

Happy Independence Day to all of my friends in the USA! I hope you enjoy the many freedoms that you have and exercise daily. Today is a day to be grateful, to reflect, and to celebrate the heritage of our country.

To celebrate such a fine occasion, I created ANOTHER patriotic manicure (this is #3 for this year alone!). This one could definitely be considered the "preppy" 4th of July manicure. It incorporates bobby pin polka dots and a scotch tape chevron design to emulate a flag.

Despite the smudging on my index finger and the lack of crisp points on my chevron attempt, this turned out quite well. I love the combination of chevron and polka dots, I cannot wait to try this again in other color combinations:)

Polishes used: Zoya Song, Elisa, and Purity

What did you wear on your nails for this holiday? (Feel free to post photos on my facebook page & I will share them!) In the meantime, check out all of the beautiful patriotic nails at Groupie Glam!

Zoya Maya

May I introduce you to one of my very first Zoya nail polishes, Zoya Maya.  I was almost certain I had already done a post on Maya.  Well I apparently took the pictures but never actually wrote the post.  I hope you will enjoy these "throwback" photos.

 Zoya describes Maya as "Semi-opaque bright pink coral with tangerine undertones. A bright tropical coral for a translucent jelly-like finish on your manicure or pedicure."

The Verdict:
Maya is still one of my favorites.  She is shown in 3 squishy jelly coats.  This universally flattering coral is perfect year round.  I you don't have a coral jelly that you love & are still looking for your "holy grail" this might be it (or Zoya Kate from Birchbox).

Here she is in one of my very early attempts at nail art:

REMINDER:  Zoya is having its 3 "free" nail polish promotion right now!

Zoya nail polish is available for purchase through their website and retail for $8.00 each.  Sign up for a Zoya account today and receive points that can be redeemed for promotions and discounts.

Monday Manicure

This Monday Manicure is FULL of firsts:

• My first time doing a Polish-aholics Anonymous Monday Manicure theme
• My first manicure with scotch tape
• My first manicure using decorative scissors (pinking shears)

 I think it's a pretty good first shot.  I thought that ALL of my nails might look a little crazy so I only did 3.  Not too sure I like it.  Next time I'll have to add lots of color.  Sometimes I think my nails look goofy & overwhelmed when I do nail art on all of them in lots of color.  I need to get over that.  But that's what I'm here for, learning.

Have you ever done a scotch tape mani?  What are some of your "tips"?