Jewel-Toned Stained Glass

This autumn rich, jewel tones are everywhere. I must admit that I adore this trend. Jewel tones favor my complexion and are very flattering on me. Due to the fact that many polish brands have a bunch of this gorgeous tones in their polishes, it has made choosing a polish to wear ridiculously difficult. So what is better than deciding? Why, wearing all at once of course!

I created this lovely stained glass manicure using beautiful, glowing jewel inspired shades. After painting my middle and ring finger nails black I let the polish dry before dividing my nail into random sections using striping tape as painters tape. I then randomly painted the sections with beautiful metallic colors. Before the polish dried, I removed the tape. After it dried, I applied a clear topcoat to level it out. To avoid too much darkness in this manicure, I painted the rest of my nails with a beautiful textured polish.

I like this and think it adds a bit of flair to an otherwise boring autumn manicure. Besides, I was able to wear all the polishes that I could not decide between:) How do you wear jewel tones?

Polishes used: SinfulColors Black on Black and Zoya nail polishes in Mason, Neve, Channing, Giovanna, and Tomoko

Sugar Skull Inspired

This manicure draws inspiration from the Mexican holiday el Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). This early November celebration somehow makes death and dying a beautiful celebration full of bright colors and flowers. Sugar skulls personify these festivities to me. Here is my festive, colorful rendition...

This manicure was fun and very random. It is one of those things that you probably cannot recreate because you just made it up as you went. The whimsy of this is that no two will be the same (my two hands looked different). While this looks complex, it was rather simple in its execution.

What do you think about this bright, festive manicure?

Spooky Trees

Today's festive fall manicure is simple and straightforward. I love seeing autumn trees covered with colorful leaves, however that beauty does not last forever. Eventually the leaves fall off, giving way to trees that beckon toward the winter sky. These spooky trees were the inspiration for my manicure.

While this may not be my most favorite manicure, I really loved the combination of essie Bobbing for Baubles and Bad Ass Polish Dusk. It also made me rekindle my love for essie Bobbing for Baubles. Dusk adds some light and beauty to the manicure while creating mystery and intrigue.

Do you have a favorite topper that adds more character to manicures, like Dusk did for this manicure?

SinfulColors SinfulShine Alfresco

Press Samples

Many of you have probably heard of SinfulColors, a drugstore nail polish brand that is always sending out great colors. I have tried a variety of polishes from this brand and have never been disappointed in the polishes I chose. I know that I have read of others who have struggled with application or wear issues with certain polishes from this brand. 

SinfulColors stepped up to the plate this spring through the launch of their SinfulShine line. This line boasts the same high-gloss finish of a gel manicure without the harmful UV lamps. It contains Gel Tech which is supposed to self-cure the polish to a shine that is five times more glossy than patent leather!

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to receive two SinfulShine polishes to review. Below you will see pictures in the shade and sun featuring Alfresco.

The Verdict:
Alfresco is the most beautiful bright, periwinkle. It, like Rendezvous, has a slight silver shimmer in the bottle. If you look close enough you can kind of see the slight shimmer in Alfresco (it was invisible to the eye in Rendezvous). The photo above shows two flawless coats. I adore the application of these polishes and cannot wait to purchase more from this line. The colors are stunning, the wear time is great, and the finish is high-gloss. Alfresco is my favorite of the two that I tried. It is just the most perfect balance between bright and light periwinkle! I wish I had this years ago when this was my best friend's wedding color! This would have been the perfect pedicure color for the entire bridal party!

Follow SinfulColors on...

Twitter: @SinfulColors_NP

Facebook: Sinfulcolors Professional

SinfulColors nail polishes are made in the USA; Formaldehyde, Toluene and DPB free, never tested on animals. SinfulShine polishes retail for $2.99 exclusively at Walgreens.

SinfulColors SinfulShine Rendezvous

Press Samples

Many of you have probably heard of SinfulColors, a drugstore nail polish brand that is always sending out great colors. I have tried a variety of polishes from this brand and have never been disappointed in the polishes I chose. I know that I have read of others who have struggled with application or wear issues with certain polishes from this brand. 

SinfulColors stepped up to the plate this spring through the launch of their SinfulShine line. This line boasts the same high-gloss finish of a gel manicure without the harmful UV lamps. It contains Gel Tech which is supposed to self-cure the polish to a shine that is five times more glossy than patent leather!

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to receive two SinfulShine polishes to review. Below you will see pictures in the shade and sun featuring Rendezvous.

 The Verdict:

Rendezvous is a pretty, pastel jade green. It has a slight dusty undertone to  it and appears to have the slightest fine, silver shimmer in the bottle. This shimmer does not transfer to the nail but I am sure helps with an even application. The application on this was a dream. It went on so smoothly and effortlessly. I used two coats in the picture above to ensure that it would last me a long time. I love that this polish is so glossy, it makes your manicure look so professional. I cannot wait to try the other color that I was sent to try! I would recommend this as a beautiful, high-gloss option that is very low-maintenance.

Follow SinfulColors on...

Twitter: @SinfulColors_NP

Facebook: Sinfulcolors Professional

SinfulColors nail polishes are made in the USA; Formaldehyde, Toluene and DPB free, never tested on animals. SinfulShine polishes retail for $2.99 exclusively at Walgreens.

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

More Polka Dots

Revamping a boring manicure is natural for those of us who have hoards of nail polish;) We paint our nails and enjoy the minimalism and simplicity of one color for about a day or two, then we start to get bored. Not that our current manicure isn't beautiful, it just doesn't capture our attention the way it did when it was first painted. With all the new textures, finishes, and topcoats you can add no one should ever get genuinely bored with doing their nails.

I recently painted my nails with SinfulColors Easy Going, an uber pale, pinky-peach, cream polish. Well, as it would go, I wore it for a day and then I needed to use another polish (or two) on it. In my defense, they were calling my name. If they stopped calling my name and looking so pretty, I wouldn't have to succumb to their bribery. Initially I added some polka dots as an accent nail, but it still wasn't enough. Then I spotted Barielle Buddha-Ful and realized that the flakies (which shift teal) would be perfect. See...

Awww...my opalescent nails with polka dot accents are so cute. I think they're perfect for spring.

Polishes Used: SinfulColors Easy Going, Diamond Cosmetics Don't Teal My Heart Away, Barielle Buddha-ful

Spring Polka Dots

Along with the Pantone Color of the Year, emerald, PINK is making a huge statement this year. Pink on nails is no exception. Many collections include varied shades, textures, and finishes of pinky polishes. Other than the stripe manicure featured yesterday, polka dots are another fabulous way to transition manicures from season to season. Besides, what classy lady doesn't love cute polka dots???

Polishes used: Barielle Eli's Magic and SinfulColors Easy Going
Nail art tip: Use a bobby pin for dots instead of buying dotting tools:)

Playing with Polish--Art Deco Jewelry #1

Recently I decided to play with polish and started looking for sources of inspiration.  I ended up being inspired by the art deco jewelry that was popping up on my pinterest feed.  I decided to narrow down a couple of pieces to use for manicures.  Well, let's just say these were both "fails" in my book.  But I won't prevent you from staring at the trainwreck;)

Here is #1, which was inspired by this necklace:

Source: http://www.rubylane.com/item/443546-RL1451/Art-Deco-Pendant-Necklace-Rhinestones 

And this is what this ended up looking like...

Not bad, but not exactly what I was hoping for.

How often do you find something to inspire you, but end up wondering "what was I thinking?"

Valentine's Manicure--Take 4

This one really requires no explanation, it speaks for itself...

Valentine's Manicure #4

Xs and Os liven up this manicure as does the glittery pink heart.  Classy and themed enough without being in-your-face.  This is a very simple look to achieve, just pick your favorite polishes and go!

Nail polishes used to create this manicure: SinfulColors Easy Going, Barielle Gold Digger and Cherry Blossom Sparkler

Valentine's Manicure--Take 3

Bouquets of beautiful fragrant flowers, shades of pink, a hint of sparkle, and romantic prints all characterize Valentine's Day.  I tried to pull all of these together in my next themed manicure.

Valentine's Manicure #3

I love a good watercolor manicure.  Unfortunately this one almost did not happen because I kept messing up! I saved this manicure by starting all over and creating an accent nail (a Kate-Belle-Kate jelly sandwich).  In the end I like how this turned out.  I love how soft and floral this manicure feels.  Watercolor manicures are perfect for spring and lovely enough for the upcoming holiday.  

Nail polishes used to create this manicure: Zoya Blogger Collection (Belle, Coraline, Kate) and SinfulColors Easy Going

Time Warp Challenge--Day 8

This is sadly the final day of the "Let's Do the Time Warp" Challenge.  I think this was my favorite challenge ever.  It was so much fun and everyone participating was so encouraging.  Thank you to all of you for making this so wonderful.  And a special THANK YOU to Lindsay from Neverland Nail Blog for hosting and creating this challenge.

Today's challenge is... 

Let's do the TIME WARP again!

This challenge was basically to recreate a manicure of another participant.  This was such a difficult challenge.  The manicures were all so amazing and well executed that I was intimidated to recreate any of them.  However, when I saw the manicure created for Day 4 (Lights, Camera, Action!) by The Polished Squirrel I new that this was the one I wanted to attempt.  Stephanie was inspired by the classic fairy tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses.  Here is her incredible manicure & a bit of the story if you're unfamiliar with it.

The version I grew up with was slightly different from the one Stephanie recounts.  The book I remember is this one:

I always loved the story, but the illustrations in this particular book were to die for.  They were so stunning.  The story I remember is different from the one Stephanie told in that the soldier in her story was a gardener in the above tale AND in the one above the princesses were under a curse.  To solve the mystery, the gardener was given a magical golden flower to put into his lapel that made him invisible unlike the cloak of the soldier.  Due to these differences, I changed the manicure ever so slightly to include the flower instead of the cloak.  Below are the trees of the silver, gold, and diamond forests with the magical flower on my pinkie.

 I adore this manicure.  Thank you so much Stephanie from the Polished Squirrel for your inspiration and your beautiful manicure.  I could never do it justice!

Polishes used: SinfulColors Black on Black, Barielle Granite Glitter, Barielle Gold Digger, China Glaze Champagne Bubbles, NfuOh 61, Barielle Green Opal, OPI Stranger Tides, and marquis rhinestones

That's all.  Thank you to all of you for your wonderful comments and support throughout this challenge:)  Here's a quick recap: 

Time Warp Challenge--Day 7

Today's challenge is... 

You're timeless to me!

Styles that have been popular both "then" and now were supposed to inspire this manicure.  Since certain clothing articles/styles have become part of the style cycle (aka. if you keep something long enough it *might* become stylish once again) and regained popularity, I thought this day would be a cinch!  Well, I had extreme difficulty translating what was in my head or on paper to my nails.  So I took the theme literally and used something that is timeless in more way than one...

Image from Fashion in Motion

What is more timeless than a Rolex anyway???  My husband was traveling when I was taking this picture so I didn't have an actual Rolex to use, but a bunch of other watches works, right?

Polishes used: Barielle Granite Glitter, SinfulColors Black on Black

What timeless style/article would you have chosen?

Time Warp Challenge--Day 6

Today's challenge is...

They sure don't make 'em like they used to!

Today is brought to you by the letter "d" and the number "11."  Ok, but really let's be honest, they really don't make things like they used to.  Today's theme reflects classic toys and games of our past or from history.  This one was so easy to think of ideas for, but so hard to pick one to do.  My top choices of inspiration sources were pick-up-sticks, Parcheesi, Yahtzee, marbles, and dominoes.  Do you want to see which one I picked?

Fun fact: my family still plays this every new year's day!

Polishes used: (too many) Zoya Purity, SinfulColors Black on Black, OPI Skull and Glossbones, Barielle Surf's Up, Barielle Life of the Party, Barielle Sunshine, Essie Fear or Desire, Barielle Lily of the Valley, Essie Barefoot in Blue, PritiNYC Geisha Girl

What game or toy would you have chosen?

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 3

Today's challenge is...

I remember when...

Personal or historical events were the inspiration and focus of this challenge.  I focused on history since I find it more fascinating than my own life:-P So many great historical events flooded my mind.  I listed and sketched so many ideas.  I ultimately landed on what I was most excited to recreate on my own nails...

October 4, 1957

The launch and orbit of Sputnik.

 I'm pretty pleased with my choice of this event and of the final product.  I think it's a pretty neat twist on a galaxy manicure:)

Polishes used: Too many:) Seriously, I don't know if I remember all of them!  Here's my best shot (not in the order applied): SinfulColors Black on Black & Nail Junkie, piCture pOlish mirage & orbit, essie Fear or Desire, and Zoya Purity

What event would you have chosen? (My other choice was the fall of the Berlin wall)

Time Warp Challenge--Day 2

Today's challenge is...

It's vintage, darling!

This time around, we are to draw inspiration from a popular look from the past.  I reflected on my childhood (late 80s & 90s) to try to think of "popular" fashions that I remember.  The problem with that is that I remember things I wore, pictures of what others wore, and things that I remember that I hated.  I actually gave this manicure 2 shots.  I first did this manicure but after the pictures I grimaced at how awful it was, so yesterday I redid it:)  My first popular fashion was going to be jellies, the plasticy, rubbery shoes I remember from childhood.  Like I said that manicure didn't make the cut, so my next inspiration came from fashion I loathed.  Here it is...

In case you have no idea what I'm channeling here, these are Zubaz.  They are zebra print pants that are made to reflect the colors of your favorite sports team.

I remember these as a kid because when I carpooled to ballet class as a tiny 7-year-old, one carpool dads wore these EVERY DAY!  He was a really nice guy, and a friend of the family, but these pants have always terrified me and practically haunted my dreams.  I know this isn't "vintage" but it does qualify as "old-school" and "throwback" so it's ok, right? These crazy pants are something that should never come back in style in my opinion, see...

Images from Squidoo, Sports Illustrated, and Who What Weddings

I must admit multicolored animal print is a fun way to spice up a manicure for game day, especially if your team has something to do with tigers, cheetahs, or jaguars.

Polishes used: Zoya Purity, Barielle Berry Blue, Sinful Colors Ruby Ruby

Do you remember Zubaz?  What popular look would you have chosen?

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?