Messy, Messy, Messy...

A while back I received Nicole by OPI Turquoise Shatter.  I was excited to try a shatter polish, eventhough everything I had seen failed to impress me.  Many shatter/crackle polishes just seemed thick, chunky, and messy.  

Many bloggers however, have a wonderful gift of making them look lovely & intriguing.  I knew I needed to try one at least ONCE.  The following picture is not a picture of my first, second, or even THIRD attempt.  It was well beyond that...

I followed the directions, I read multiple blog posts, I tried SO hard to make NOPI Turquoise Shatter work.  I TRIED to love it, but instead just made a mess.  Maybe some day I will drag her out again, or find a more loving home for her.  Until then I will be reminded of my many fails with this polish.

Has anyone else been more successful with this?

I'm sure glad that this year we've seen the orange, green, and flakie trends emerge this year.  In my humble opinion, shatters/crackles can continue to be "so last year"  I'll be very ok with that:)

V-gap Tutorial

Many of you have seen the progression of my success in emulating the v-gap manicure.  My first try was done with one polish and painstakingly cut scotch tape strips.  My second attempt was again with one polish color, but it was free-handed.  My latest attempt was accomplished with 2 polish colors (which helps with the contrast & makes it look cleaner) and a nail art brush.  In the end, do whatever works best for you.  Here are the instructions and photo-tutorial from my latest attempt.

V-Gap Manicure Tutorial 

This is what you will need:

-base/background color

-another color of polish to create your design

-small old makeup brush or paintbrush (mine was from this brush kit with for $1.99)

-topcoat

 Optional:
-basecoat

-remover pen for cleanup

Step 1: Prep your nails, use your basecoat, etc. Let dry completely.

Step 2: Paint your nails in your base color.  I used Zoya Jules ($8 from zoya.com).  Make sure you achieve the desired opacity in as few coats as possible.  I used 2 coats. Let dry completely.

Step 3: Get your fine brush.  Unscrew the lid of your layering polish (I used Zoya Vanessa) and scrape the polish off the brush onto your brush. Pick which finger you are doing first and draw 2 parallel lines down the middle of your nail.  Make sure the lines are close together and make sure lines do not go the entire length of the nail.  The lines should only take up about 3/4 the length of the nail.

Step 4: At the ends of the lines you just created, continue the line to the "corners" of your nail.  You are finished with the nail art brush and you can clean it (or "line" the rest of your nails before proceeding to Step 5).

Step 5: With the same color you "lined" your nail with, and the brush from the bottle of polish, paint down each side of the nail carefully in one steady stroke.  If your polish is not a one-coater then you should wait a couple of minutes before applying another coat to each side of the nail.

Step 6:  After it completely dries. Finish with your favorite topcoat.  This not only helps your manicure to  last longer but it also tends to even out the texture.

The result:

There is absolutely no right or wrong way to do create this design, do whatever you're most comfprtable with & what works for you. I would LOVE to see what you come up with!  If you end up doing this link, facebook, or email me your picture! I cannot wait to see where you take this:)

Words of Wisdom Wednesday

Source: twitter.com via Kate on Pinterest

Kiss Nail Dress

Press Samples

The latest Influenster Vox Box was the "Love" Vox Box.  This luxurious box contained a Stash Herbal Tea Sampler, a sample of Truvia, a Ghiradelli milk chocolate bar, a Gillette Venus & Olay razor, and a box of Kiss Nail Dress.  This was my favorite box yet!

Kiss Nail Dress was easy to use and apply.  The 28 strips peel easily off of their backing to apply to clean nails.  The variety of strip sizes is good.  I ended up cutting off the excess strip with manicure scissors and then filed the tips to make them smooth.  These also peeled off easily when I was finished wearing them.  I cannot wait to use these for date nights, special occasions, on my toes, and even as an accent nail.  Since there is no mess involved, these can be used anywhere, including in the car as a last minute manicure:)

Here is additional product information:
Introducing Kiss Nail Dress, ultimate nail fashion for tips and toes! Just peel, apply, and shape for a manicure that lasts up to 10 days. On in minutes, off in seconds without remover. Nail Dress is available in 18 different styles, many of them featuring 3-dimensional jeweled designs. Check out Peplum, a deep black with multi-colored gems for a pop of color, or Babydoll, for a golden and glamorous jeweled look. Skip the topcoat, Nail Dress has it built in.

With 28 strips in each package, you can cut up your extras to create designs that can be used on top of polished or artificial nails. Nail Dress doesn’t dry out the way other polish strips can, so you can save them to use on your next DIY mani. A nail design booklet is included in each package, just in case you need a little inspiration.

And don’t forget about your feet! Nail Dress looks awesome on toes, too – just use the square side of the sticker for a perfect fit.

Where to Buy

Nail Dress’ suggested retail is $6.99 and is available in all major drug chains and mass retailers like WalMart, CVS and Walgreens.

Visit KissNailDress.com to learn more!

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Influenster provides products for review through their VoxBox program to innovative trend setters in the industry. http://www.influenster.com

Venus & Olay Razor

Press Samples

The latest Influenster Vox Box was the "Love" Vox Box.  This luxurious box contained a Stash Herbal Tea Sampler, a sample of Truvia, a Ghiradelli milk chocolate bar, a Gillette Venus & Olay razor, and a box of Kiss Nail Dress.  This was my favorite box yet!

I am a razor snob.  Gillette Venus razors have never disappointed me, so I was excited to try this new, not-yet-released product.  Let me tell you, this product is like a dream come true!  I don't think shaving could get better than this.  My legs felt so moisturized and silky.  I noticed a difference after the first use (and so did my husband).

Here are some details about this great razor:
Venus’ five-bladed razors shave you close and adjust to women’s curves for a smooth and comfortable shave, even over tricky shaving areas like knees and ankles.

Olay Moisture Bars contain skin-enhancing elements found in Olay products: Petrolatum helps lock in skin’s moisture for less dryness and Glycerin helps offer that goddess glow! Just wet the razor to release a light lather – no separate shave cream required.

As with most Venus razors, new Venus & Olay also features a rounded, pivoting head designed for women’s curves, and a soft-grip ergonomic handle for confident control, even in wet and soapy environment

Once you try this amazing razor you will NEVER go back to your old razor.  This is going to be incredible this summer and it is a must-have for traveling and vacations.  Check out their website for more information: www.gillettevenus.com

Where to Buy

A refillable Venus & Olay with one replacement cartridge sells for approximately $8.99-$10.99. Packages of three replacement cartridges are available for about $14.99 - $19.49.  Venus & Olay will be available starting March 15, 2012 at food, drug, convenience and mass merchandise stores throughout the United States.  

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. Influenster provides products for review through their VoxBox program to innovative trend setters in the industry. http://www.influenster.com