Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Black

Technically it is still autumn...but as soon as Thanksgiving is over I go into Christmas mode. It makes focusing on fall for the remainder of this nail art challenge a tad difficult, as seen with my silver manicure. Without further ado this week's manicure for...

Black

Just some skittles in black polishes:) Simple and fun. (Sorry about the snowflake ornament, I couldn't help it!)

Polishes used: Zoya Dahlia, Willa, Imogen, and Dovima

Take a look at the other black manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448838

Playing with Polish--Contemporary Color Block Edition

Yesterday Zoya announced a new feature on their website, a trend guide. I was very excited since it also boasts of tutorials for each trend. The trends are inspired by none other than the runways of New York Fashion Week. While perusing this new feature I was intrigued by the "Contemporary Color Block" manicure mentioned. I began conjuring up other fabulous trios to try. Below you will see three other ideas (along with the original color suggestion). I came up with a red, mint/sage, and ivory/neutral version. I haven't decided which one to wear for a full manicure yet. I might just have to try something new! I could have created so many other pairings, I might have to have a sequel to this post sometime!

Polishes used: (base, moon, stripe)
Index: Neely, Bevin, Vespa
Middle: (original) Genevieve, Ryan, Dahlia
Ring: Jacqueline, Jules, Bar (Godiva or Tomoko would also look gorgeous with this. I had trouble deciding)
Pinkie: Livingston, Pepper, Oswin

I do realize that I forgot to make the "moon" portion curved, maybe next time:)
What other combinations would you like to see? What do you think of this trend?

Check out Zoya's new Trend Guide for Fall 2014!
Also check out their new promotion/sweepstakes #MyNameMonday

Once Upon a Midnight Dreary...

Yes, lovelies, I created a manicure inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's well-known poem, The Raven. I think this is a very classy way to wear "Halloween Nails" without being too grotesque or juvenile. If you've never read this poem (or the Tell Tale Heart) it is a great, seasonal read. In the poem the mysterious bird repeats "nevermore" as the narrator wrestles with himself. I chose to focus on the eerie message of the raven and use the bird's words as inspiration. Since I am no expert in the field of nail art, I chose to keep it as simple as possible. Here is my take on this haunting poem...

I have to admit, I really love this look despite it having no semblance of a bird. Maybe some day when I have a steadier hand I will be able to create a silhouette of a raven. Until then, this is as good as it gets. I think I will have to recreate this for Halloween, perhaps replacing Dahlia with Dhara:)

Polishes used: Zoya Purity, Dahlia, and Claudine (CONFESSION: I used a Sharpie to write the word "Nevermore")

Fall Favorites: Unconventional Black

It's the season for dark vampy colors. That includes the mysterious black nail, however there is a right way to do a black fingernail. If you do it the right way, black nails can come across as mysterious and glamorous. If they are done the wrong way they come across as adolescent, grunge, and goth not that there is anything wrong with these.

If going for a conventional, black, creme nail it must be high-gloss, on a mid-length nail (not nail-bitting short or talon long), and on well-manicured/shaped nails. To pull the black nail off without being so high maintenence, it is advised to pick a nearly-black color OR a black polish with pizzazz. One such unconventional polish is the lovely Zoya Dahlia.

Zoya Dahlia is a sugary, sparkly, textured black polish. She has enough character and beauty to come across as a stand-out while still maintaining neutrality. The application was 2 flawless coats and drying time was not excessive. I highly recommend Zoya Dahlia as an alternative to a black polish.

Other fabulous blacks/near black:
Zoya Claudine
Tuff Scent Hope
SinfulColors Black on Black (as seen in this nail art/manicure)
Revlon Plum Night

(Not to jump the gun on holidays, but she's make beautiful "coal" in Christmas nail art)
Zoya nail polish is available for purchase through their website. PixieDust polishes retail for $9.00 each.  Sign up for a Zoya account today and receive points that can be redeemed for promotions and discounts.