Four for the Fourth #4

Today's manicure is my Fourth of July manicure for this year. This design was inspired by a geometric ikat print. While today's manicure was more involved and meticulous than yesterdays, it is still easy and can be done with a dotting tool (pin head, bobby pin, etc.).

Easy peasy. Just dot a design and call it a day. I know this isn't super amazing up close, but I love it. I've actually been "stopped" because of it already. 

What will your nails look like on the 4th? Need any inspiration? Check back later;)

Polishes used: Zoya Sailor, Song, Rocky, Purity, Aphrodite, and Demetria

Autumn Nail Art Challenge--Blue

This week's Autumn Nail Art Challenge ended up forming in a very similar manner as last week's green manicure. I took out all of my blues, played around with different combinations and then just decided to go crazy with a bunch of colors. Say 'hello' to this week's manicure for the Autumn Nail Art Challenge...

Blue

 Polishes used: Zoya Rocky, Rebel, Mosheen, Liberty, Song, Remy, Ryan

Not super autumnal, but still beautiful in its own right. :)



Take a look at the other fabulous autumn manicures:
http://new.inlinkz.com/luwpview.php?id=448823

 

Feel free to join in at any time!

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?

Beachy Nail Art

I moved to the Midwest (from the Mid Atlantic) at the beginning of the summer and went into labor the day after we moved! Needless to say, my life has been a busy whirlwind but I love it. My husband and I usually spend a week every summer at his family's beach house on the ocean. Due to finishing jobs, packing, moving over 1,200 miles, having a baby and starting a new job we never got our vacation. That is until our families surprised us and we adapted our schedule. We will be flying to the east coast at the end of this month for our beach vacation and I cannot wait! (Any tips for flying with an infant are appreciated!)

In lieu of my excitement I created a beachy manicure complete with sparkly texture, dry-brushed gradient, and some "scribbles."

Polishes used: Zoya Bar, Song, Rocky, Rebel, and Purity

Share your favorite summer manicure below. Also check out these fabulous summer manicures: http://www.nailpolishcanada.com/summer-2014-nail-art-challenge/ Don't forget to vote for your favorite while you're there!

Fun fact: I was proposed to on a beach 6 years ago today!

Jamberry Nail Shields Peacock

Press Samples

I have been fortunate enough to try another brand of nail wraps/appliques/shields called Jamberry. 

In comparison to the other brands of nail wraps/appliques/shields I have tried, these applied quite differently. Jamberry Nail Shields require you to apply a stiff applique by softening it and molding it to your nails through the use of a hair dryer! Here are the full instructions.

The Verdict:

I love the variety of nail shields offered by Jamberry. If they don't have what you want, you can design your own! How awesome is that?!?! I'm thinking it would be an awesome idea for a bachelorette party;) Now, I must tell you that I received ONE nail shield to review so half of it went on the right hand and the other half went on the left hand. The size of the shield dictated where I put the shield. It actually did not fit any of my nails perfectly, the middle finger was the closest. Also, after completing all of the directions meticulously, I could not get the nail shields to apply perfectly flat against my nails (see below photo). There was some rippling and no matter how hard I tried to fix it, it was there to stay. Perhaps it was user error. These were however the longest lasting nail shields I have used to date, they lasted longer than my nail polish (which was quite impressive considering one polish was a texture polish)! And removal was a cinch! I would totally try these again:)

Jamberry Nail Shields can be purchased online or through a consultant for $15.00 per set.

Polishes used: Zoya Song and Solange

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 Song

I really loved the Zoya Designer, Diva, and Gloss collections from the autumn.  I thought that they included a little something for everyone.  One of my favorites was Zoya Song.

Zoya describes Song as a "Bold, vibrant medium primary blue with silver and blue glittery metallic sparkle."

The Verdict:
My favorite color is blue and I love anything and everything blue.  I adore bright blues.  And although I usually shy away from bright blues and greens on my tips I could not resist this beauty.  Song did not disappoint.  Application was flawless.  If you want a bright medium blue you need to pick up this stunner!

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.