Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Red

I was invited to join the "Blogger Bragger Autumn Nail Art Challenge" (via a facebook group). I enjoy participating in challenges as they encourage me to think outside of the box while providing some sort of inspiration or theme for a manicure. This is perfect timing as I have been in a bit of a nail art rut lately. The challenges are once a week for the next twelve weeks. They all have an autumn theme and incorporate one particular polish color. This week the challenge is...

RED

I love red polish. I know that many people do not. I was excited to try to incorporate some of my favorite red polishes into one cohesive nail look. I decided to hand paint a maple leaf to add an element of fall into the look.

Polishes used: Zoya Oswin, Jacqueline, Livingston, Pepper, Edyta

I also love looking at all of the great work that comes out of challenges. Take a look at the other fabulous autumn manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448814 

Feel free to join the group on facebook and join the challenge!

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

We're Not in Kansas Anymore...

Yesterday's post inspired me to try my hand at some nail art. I mentioned that Oswin reminded me of Dorothy's ruby slippers so I decided to channel that into a Dorothy manicure. I almost tried to choose something about each character and showcase that in each nail, but I quickly realized I had bitten off more than I could chew. Truth be told, this was my third attempt at this manicure! I was pretty pleased with the result. This might make a great Halloween manicure if you're going as Dorothy...or just drench your tips in Oswin:)

Polishes used: Zoya Oswin, Darcy, Purity, Rocky, and Song

What have you been inspired by lately?

Zoya Ultra PixieDust

Press Samples

Zoya has brought us a variety of textured polishes under the guise of PixieDust. First was the original sparkly texture, then came the Magical PixieDusts with hexagonal hologram glitters. Now we have Ultra PixieDusts which have Mega Hex particles thrown into the original PixieDust formula. The Ultra PixieDusts which are "a gradient of red, wine and plum hues" will have you filling your glass of red wine and watching sappy romantic comedies.

Oswin is a "true red textured PixieDust with crimson Mega Hex particles." Of the bunch, this polish has the most matte finish. This dark, ruby red polish reminds me of Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz. I can see this being a gorgeous pedicure, especially if you want to channel your inner Dorothy or have dreams of visiting Kansas. 

Arianna, a "blue-toned red wine textured PixieDust with Mega Hex particles," has a brighter base than Oswin. She is a more raspberry red, and like Oswin has tone-on-tone matching glitters that float within its base.

Noir is described as a "deep, vampy plum textured PixieDust with red Mega Hex particles." This dark plum is the only one of the collection without tone-on-tone glitter. Her glitter takes on more of a raspberry hue (although I would not be surprised if all three really contain the same glitter).


With topcoat (1 coat, same order as above)...

The Verdict:
For the optimal effect you MUST follow Zoya's directions on PixieDust application as seen here: http://youtu.be/Sm5ZTEtYZmI. These applied with ease in 3 thin coats. They do take longer to apply as they need to dry completely between coats. I loved them with a topcoat as well. If you're into the textured trend, I highly recommend these glamorous, romantic red hues. They are the best red textures I have seen. The nail art/design opportunities with these gradient hues are endless!

ZOYA IS THE HEALTHY COLOR OF FASHION!

$10 (US) Available on Zoya.com and at finer salons and spas.