Brighten Up!

Brrrr! It sure it a chilly one. To heat it up, I created a bright coral manicure with just a little twist. Half moon manicures have been everywhere on runways, red carpets, and in the media. I created a neutral moon by simply taping it off before adding a bright, orangey crelly to my tips. To finish it off I matte-ified it and added a ray of sunshine in the form of yellow, square rhinestones.

I know the edges are a touch messy, that is my own error. I need more practice with striping tape and french tip guides:)

Polishes used: Zoya Elodie and Revlon Matte Top Coat

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

Patriotic Inspiration

First, I want to say Happy Canada Day to my Canadian friends and family! Although you may think today should be inspired by all things Canadian (red & white, mounties, maple leaves, syrup, loons, moose, etc.) but all of my "Canada Day" manicures were bad (read: VERY embarrassing). So we're traveling back to my homeland-USA, my current state of residence-PA, and back over 100 years...

This week is the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg (American Civil War). More specifically, 150 years ago today, this memorable battle began. I created a simple manicure to commemorate this event. It can also be translated to a 4th of July manicure which is also this week.

Polishes used: Sally Hansen unlabeled white, Revlon Delicious, piCture pOlish Orbit (polka dots were created with a bobby pin)

Matte You Look

Press Samples

Today I have a comparison of two matte top coats. I received Barielle Matte-inee (I adore the name) with their spring collection, Sweet Treats. I decided to compare this higher end matte polish with a drug store brand. Take a peek at how Barielle Matte-inee and Revlon Matte Top Coat compare over a glossy polish.

L-R: Barielle Matte-inee, no top coat, Revlon Matte Top Coat

L-R: Revlon Matte Top Coat, no top coat, Barielle Matte-inee

The Verdict:
BOTH topcoats alter the finish of glossy nail polish. They also change the color of the polish ever so slightly.

• Barielle Matte-inee creates a satiny finish (which is what their product claims to do). Application was smooth and very easy. However, this product is rather pricey. This product also conditions nails and does a great job as a ridge filling polish. Would be great for guys or gals who want to condition their natural nails without a high shine polish.
• Revlon Matte Top Coat creates a matte finish. This polish was difficult to apply (maybe it was just my bottle?). It was very thick and was hard to apply evenly, which is very noticeable in the above picture. This top coat was inexpensive and easy to find, but does not claim to have any conditioning ingredients.

Revlon polishes can be purchased at many pharmacies and groceries. I paid $3.99 for my top coat.

Barielle polishes can be purchased online from their website. This matte top coat retails for $16.00.

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.

It's Delicious...

...but you really shouldn't eat it;)

Here is Revlon Delicious (which I picked up a while ago). Last summer I was searching for a vibrant orange/red. You know, the color when you really don't know whether to describe it as orange or red. That is what I wanted. And I wanted it to be BRIGHT not a brick or burnt red. I solved this problem with Revlon Delicious.

The Verdict:
I adore this color and this polish (my camera freaks out a bit though). It's a r-orange crelly and the above pictures show three, high-gloss coats of this beauty (not top coat). I wore this a lot last summer and I plan on wearing it a lot this year too. It's one of those colors that makes your nails look perfectly manicured. My mother-in-law asked me where I got my gel manicure done. That is how professional and beautiful it looks:)

This is the only Revlon Colorstay nail polish that I have tried and I really like it. I would love more recommendations on others from this line that you love.

Playing with Polish--Subtle Fancy Accent Nail

I am aware that many of my "Playing with Polish" posts consist of me dressing up an old manicure. I know that I gravitate toward accent nail designs and glitter.  Someday I will be more adventurous and creative, but that day is not today;)

This lovely manicure was Barielle Soho at Night.  I got REALLY bored with this one, probably  because I wore this medium/dark purple twice in one month for who knows what reason.  I guess I got a little purple happy?  To dress it up I took my dark, nearly black, plum (Revlon Plum Night) and just painted a random loopy, scroll and dots design.

I had just put cuticle oil on & could not get it off my nails so they look smudged.  Also, please forgive the tip wear:)

I love this!  I love how subtle it is.  I adore the elegance.  I think I need to try this in other colors.  Maybe next time I should do this to all my nails!

Purple Glittery Goodness

More purple-icious-ness...

I was wearing Revlon Plum Night, an autumn staple, and it needed an update after a few days.  What makes a manicure better when it starts to chip or lose its charm? GLITTERRRRRRRRRRRR

Please excuse the tip wear <3

I added a glittery accent nail in Barielle Purple Hearts from the Dazzling Diamonds Collection.  This purple glitter is just so much fun.  I love the different shades, sizes, and shapes of glitter that give this polish its character.

If you think this manicure looks familiar from me, perhaps it's because you remember this one.  I recently shared an edition of "Playing with Polish" that featured Purple Hearts over Barielle Soho at Night.

Buddha-Ful Layering

Many of my layering adventures begin with a chipped or worn manicure.  This instance was no different.  I was wearing a fall staple of mine, Revlon Plum Night. After a couple of days and without time to do a complete change, I opted to add a topper.  I ended up picking Barielle Buddha-ful and this was the result...

I love how this flecked peachy pink jelly polish turned a deep plummy purple into navy!  This was incredibly beautiful.  I love how different toppers can completely transform a polish!

Seeking Neutrality--Revlon Gray Suede

Honestly, I was shocked to find out that I had never posted swatches of this polish.  This is a go-to neutral for all seasons.  There are probably hundreds swatches of this from others, but here's another one from me!

Seriously, I adore this.  The taupe-y greige-ish mauved nude changes its hue depending on the lighting, but it's always lovely.  The reason this polish is so incredible is actually the subtle silver shimmer that makes the application flawless while adding dimension to what might otherwise come across chalky.  Seriously, if you don't have this and you like nudes get one.  It's part of Revlon's permanent collection so if you change your mind, it will always be there waiting for you;)

Seeking Neutrality--Revlon Pure Pearl

First off, thank you for your patience with me as I continue to adjust to my new job.

Second, something happens with my body chemistry/seasonally in October that prevents nail polish from lasting on my nails.  I have no idea what it is but the same thing happened last year.  When the "October curse" hits my nail polish takes forever to dry and then if it doesn't dent or get smudged, it chips and peels within 2 days.  Usually my polish lasts 4-7 days before you notice anything.  I'm not sure what it is because I feel like I've been problem solving my brains out.  Does this happen to anyone else???

As a result of this odd phenomenon, I either wear the dark colors and throw caution to the wind, usually changin my polish up after a day OR I stick to neutrals as they are more forgiving.  This week I'll share some of the neutrals in the polish vault of unpublished pictures:)

Today's neutral is Revlon Pure Pearl.

2 coats on nicely shaped, but poorly cleaned-up nails.

This off white frosty sheer is beautiful, if you don't mind brush strokes or frosty finishes.  It actually isn't too bad compared to other pearlescent frosty finishes.  It is a very elegant neutral.  This polish has been prone to bubbling at times, so be careful and wait between coats.

When do you wear neutrals?

Time Warp Challenge--Day 5

Today's challenge is...

We can do it!

This manicure is in honor of an influential woman in history.  As is only natural, names of these women flooded my mind, but I didn't know how to accurately communicate what they had done to change and influence our "today."  In the good old US of A we learn about so many of these women from Betsy Ross, Sacajawea, and Susan B. Anthony to Rosa Parks, Amelia Earhart, and Harriet Tubman.  I looked beyond these history class favorites and chose Irena Sendler.

 Irena Sendler smuggled about 2,500 children out of the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.  She was even nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

I'm pleased with this manicure.  I think it effectively communicates what Irena Sendler did to impact our history and the lives of many children. 

Polishes used: Zoya Purity, SinfulColors Black on Black, Revlon Delicious, SinfulColors Ruby Ruby, China Glaze Champagne Bubbles.

Which woman would you have chosen to showcase in a manicure?

Time Warp Challenge--Day 1

I'm doing another challenge!  Lindsey at the Neverland Nail Blog has done it again with her creative challenge ideas: "Let's do the Time Warp".  Once again there will be 8 days that feature this challenge.  The challenge posts will be posted twice each week, so look out for them over the next 4 weeks!

Today's challenge is...

Should have been born in...

This challenge is supposed to inspire us to channel the year or decade which I wish I could have lived in.  I chose...

The 1950s!

There are so many reasons I should have lived in the 1950s.  I don't even know where to start.  I love the fashion, makeup, and femininity associated with the decade.  I remember at one point, years ago, I took a quiz about what decade I should have lived in and mine said 1950s.  1950s fashion is known for its clean lines and emphasis on creating an hourglass figure with cinched waists, peplum, belts, a-line skirs, and straight pencil skirts (love it all). I tend to gravitate toward a more traditional classic style when it comes to my clothing, styling, and makeup so this is totally me.

I took my inspiration from the iconic Vogue cover that started off the decade (I actually have a couple original Vogue magazines<--LOVE) and the feminine silhouettes of the decade.  Here is my attempt at 1950s inspired nails:

I adore this!  I plan on painting my nails red, black, or navy (possibly with polka dots) and doing that stunning abstract face accent nail.  LOVE.  I'm pretty happy with how this turned out.  I just wish I had a steadier hand:)

Polishes used: Zoya Purity, Revlon Delicious, SinfulColors Black on Black, and SinfulColors Ruby Ruby

What do you think?  What decade would you have chosen?

My Whimsical Blue Frankenbeauty

I recently wore my franken light bluey polish and decided to top it with Revlon Whimsical.  Here is the result...

I think it's rather pretty.  It's just enough glitter and the perfect coloring too.  I kind of wish my franken was a tad more turquoise...I'll have to work on that I guess:)

Revlon Plum Night

It is no secret that I love this polish.  Although I have used it in nail art, I have never formally posted an entire beautiful swatch of Revlon Plum Night.  So here is her recognition post:)

This deep blackened purple polish dries to a glossy finish.  This picture shows 2 coats (should have done 3, but I layered on top so it didn't matter too much).  The application of this deep purple is thin, somewhat watery, but easy.  Also, I had no staining whatsoever with this lovely polish.  I know that dark and highly pigmented polishes can stain at times, but this is not one of them!

The Verdict:
I love this polish.  I love its depth.  Plum Night can be dark, mysterious, and rather vampy OR can come across sophisticated, simple, and elegant it depends on how you wear it.  This was one of my go-to polishes last fall, but I also wore it this spring so it is versatile as well.

Like other Revlon polishes this can be found in many pharmacies, drug stores, and grocery stores.  This is a part of their permanent line, but I urge you to pick up this pretty polish.

I've Got the Blues--Revlon Whimsical

Hello loves!  This week I will be featuring polishes that are my favorite color: BLUE!  Strangely enough, although blue is my favorite color, finding a blue polish I like is a bit of a problem.  Many of you are aware of my cool pale skintone which can morph a blue at times.  And to complicate things, my lovely plethora of freckles are warm toned.  Basically, I'm a picky blue polish wearer.  This week I will share my favorite blue polishes with you:)

Blue #3...

Revlon Whimsical

**I know that everyone and their mother and sister and aunt's friend's first cousin's wife have posted on this polish.  It's one of my "blue" favorites though so you'll have to deal with it one more time;)**

This is a light blue jelly with light pink and light aqua hexagonal glitter suspended throughout.  There is also fine light pink and aqua glitter within this squishy blue base.  The above shot shows 3 layers of Revlon Whimsical on all nails.  And here she is layered over essie barefoot in blue (1 coat):

The Verdict:

This polish is fun and...well...whimsical;)  It's definitely best for layering.  It looks amazing layered over Zoya Kristen (but I forgot to take a picture!).  While I love this polish, I also do not believe that it deserves all of the crazy hype it got in the late winter.  Additionally, it was hard to get the glitter to apply evenly (see first shot).  But nonetheless, I love this concoction as it reminds me of birthday parties and cupcakes.  While this is not necessarily a must-have, it is fun and can be layered many ways.  

Smokey Nail

Thunder is an older Revlon polish and I love the weird grey/purple/taupe/gunmetal color a lot...I just wish it was less frosty and more metallic/foil.  I posted a (not-so-great) swatch of Revlon Thunder before (it was one of my first posts).

A while back I came upon the most wondrous realization that polishes that are frosty are streak-free when they are sponged (duh!).  Like so...

Yup, that's it.  My smokey-nail manicure created with the lovely, mysterious Revlon Thunder:)

Are there any frosty/streaky polishes that you have used in alternative ways?

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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!

Monday Manicure

Here is a peek at my my  nails today!

 

It's safe to say that I'm obsessed with classic suiting prints.  I always have been.  Here is my take on a herringbone manicure.  I hope to do this in greys or lavenders for spring:)

As usual, let me know what you think!

Monday Manicure

Wow.  I haven't done the Polish-aholics Anonymous Monday Manicure Challenge in a while.  Here's to hoping I can keep up with it!

This week the theme was "heart" manicure.  I did my best to brainstorm & prevent my manicure from looking like a Valentine.  I avoided my pinks & reds and decided to go to the opposite end, hence the tealish color palette.  The nail polishes used in this manicure were:

• Sinful Colors Open Seas
• Diamond Cosmetics Don't Teal My Heart Away
• Revlon Plum Night
• Sally Hansen Natural White

I also decided to only include one heart & throw in some plaid nail art:)  I think I will be adding plaid to my list of wearable nail art.  I'm a huge fan:)  Here she is...

How would you incorporate a heart theme into your manicure?

Vintage Lace Manicure

Confession: I enjoy doing nail art, but because I look younger than I am I try to stay away from nail art that can seem "juvenile."  I am forever impressed by the nail art that I see from amazing nail artists.  It's such an amazing art form.  I'm not against wearing nail art, I just prefer to have elegant, classy nails that enhance my style.  You may think  I'm boring, and that's ok.  We're all entitled to our opinions:)

Here is my favorite "go-to" nail art.  My hand-painted lace manicure.  I've done a tutorial on this mani before and it is definitely one of my favorites.  Enjoy:)

What is your FAVORITE nail art design to wear?