tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24919600406964588872024-03-13T08:06:25.217-06:00Nail Art TuesdayA new design every week on natural nails, plus occasional reviews of nail polish and products.Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.comBlogger224125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-76022793296708301052013-02-16T12:12:00.002-07:002013-02-16T12:12:47.678-07:00Broken Hearts - What Not To DoI know, I know. I should probably just rename this blog "Nail Art Saturday", but it's been Tuesday so long I wouldn't know what to do with that...<br />
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This week has been a bad nail week for me. It all started with a bad break when my hand slipped off a door handle while I was running errands last weekend:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5x8Jm-Yk_Vg/UR_WGA2DFKI/AAAAAAAAEq0/5xZp30dYipQ/s1600/PinkySnap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5x8Jm-Yk_Vg/UR_WGA2DFKI/AAAAAAAAEq0/5xZp30dYipQ/s320/PinkySnap.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I tell you what - the nerves in the tip of the finger are *not* to be messed with. Seven days later, it still hurts on and off...and naturally I'm still bashing it against random things because I'm used to having a long, protective nail there. It's even sore while typing (because normally my nails are so long I type with them, rather than my fingers). I'd highly *not* recommend this experience! Incidentally, in the "nerves are strange" category, whenever I set the nerves off in my poor pinky finger, my middle and ring fingers on that hand start aching too, from the tips to the first knuckle. Ow!<br />
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I wasn't sure how I was going to deal with the foils I wanted to try on that nail, so I'd already decided to just polish that one and use the foils on the others. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmrK4ajU-8A/UR_WASWM4hI/AAAAAAAAEqY/Td0HnVPjT5g/s1600/HeartFoils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmrK4ajU-8A/UR_WASWM4hI/AAAAAAAAEqY/Td0HnVPjT5g/s320/HeartFoils.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
They're rather pretty, but I had a bad feeling as soon as I realized
that they were full nail stickers, rather than thin foils. I don't
typically have good luck with full nail stickers, as it takes a lot of
work to get the wrinkles out. And my fingers were already hurting. But I
tried one thumb, hoping maybe these would go on easily:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2cSNQvJTuY/UR_WAuEAGFI/AAAAAAAAEqc/5X68jjRYf08/s1600/HeartFoils2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P2cSNQvJTuY/UR_WAuEAGFI/AAAAAAAAEqc/5X68jjRYf08/s320/HeartFoils2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Like I said, pretty, but wrinkly. I wasn't really in the mood to mess with it, so I took that off, cleaned off the adhesive, and decided to just polish with heart rhinestones instead.<br />
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I used my favorite dark gray - OPI's "Brand New Skates" for the basic color, with Zoya's "Blair", a dark wine red (not shown) for the undersides. I placed a row of heart rhinestones down the center of each nail, but realized my Seche Vite top coat brush was stiff and basically unusable. So I used Sephora by OPI (or the other way around?) top coat, which was my second (third? fifth?) mistake of the day. <br />
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The rhinestones didn't even make it twenty-four hours before they started falling off. To add insult to injury, my top coat bubbled. *sigh* So today, my poor nails look like this: <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v8D8QGvB1NQ/UR_V_36TQhI/AAAAAAAAEqM/BXM2Vzanw18/s1600/Broken2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v8D8QGvB1NQ/UR_V_36TQhI/AAAAAAAAEqM/BXM2Vzanw18/s320/Broken2.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWIOySQS9fM/UR_WATdseyI/AAAAAAAAEqU/8pyaavr1sEA/s1600/Broken1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DWIOySQS9fM/UR_WATdseyI/AAAAAAAAEqU/8pyaavr1sEA/s320/Broken1.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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So you see why I wasn't exactly feeling the blog post last Tuesday? I really don't have time during the week to do anything with nails, so I was pretty much stuck. At least today my pinky nail is almost grown out enough to cover the raw parts of my finger...so hopefully I'm nearly done with the whole serious pain/sensitivity part. </div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUkTwDJ78gU/UR_V_-Mj77I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/wzw0M83qvWE/s1600/Broken3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUkTwDJ78gU/UR_V_-Mj77I/AAAAAAAAEqQ/wzw0M83qvWE/s320/Broken3.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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I'm not sure what I'll do with 'em tonight, but I'll soak the Seche Vite brush in polish remover so I can at least use a good top coat again. With any luck, I'll have something far nicer to show off next Tuesday...<br />
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Until then, happy polishing...and watch out for those slippery door handles! <br />
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<br />Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-76746574214771033052013-02-09T10:42:00.000-07:002013-02-09T10:42:03.665-07:00Black Hearts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know, I missed Tuesday. It's been a busy week! But I thought I'd post these today, because this coming week I have some pretty heart-patterned foils to try and hopefully they'll turn out to show off for Valentine's Day...<br /><br />I still wasn't really "feeling" the hearts thing last week, so I decided to go a little "Joan Jett" with a black hearts manicure. The base color is Nubar's "Iris Dust" (which I adore), and the hearts were hand drawn (like you couldn't tell, right?) with a black Nubar nail art pen. I actually don't think they turned out too bad for hand drawn art...and the shaky edges kind of fit with the whole "black hearts" thing. ;-)<br />
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I used Zoya's "Suvi" underneath the nails, and that seems to have stopped the tip pull issues I've been having lately...<br />
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These photos are from today - and while there are lots of cracks and wear showing, I think it's worn pretty well considering this is day seven for this manicure. <br /></div>
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Next Tuesday, provided it works as it should, a shiny heart foil manicure provided by <a href="http://www.omgnailstrips.com/" target="_blank">OMG Nail Strips</a>. I'll be playing with those tonight!<br />
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Until then, happy polishing...Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-56706163810951108472013-01-29T20:22:00.000-07:002013-01-29T20:22:30.998-07:00Angora Affair<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05qDGYQ6ySg/UQiQHy_6j-I/AAAAAAAAEnk/v9u-YjYCxzg/s1600/AngA_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05qDGYQ6ySg/UQiQHy_6j-I/AAAAAAAAEnk/v9u-YjYCxzg/s320/AngA_1.jpg" width="234" /></a> </div>
I'm not quite into Valentine's colors yet, so I figured I'd ease my way in with my favorite dark pink. I wasn't quite ready for hearts yet either, but this little heart-leaf stamp pattern caught my eye, and I quite like how it looks stamped on Essie's "Angora Cardi" with Essie's "Secret Affair". <br />
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My stamping technique still leaves a lot to be desired, and I really need to remember to wrap my tips (dang it), but I'm loving this manicure. It's calm and subtle. <br />
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Next week, I suppose it's time to get my red, white & pink on, eh?<br />
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Until then, happy polishing! </div>
Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-47402565299271170672013-01-23T20:51:00.000-07:002013-01-23T20:51:03.923-07:00Snow Crackle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm off by a day this week - probably because I had Monday off from the day job. I did another super-easy manicure this week that reflects our current weather: crackling snow. I like it...it looks a bit chaotic and cold, and that's kind of how January is, I think. <br /><br /><b>Colors Used: </b><br />
Zoya "Natty"<br />
Sally Hanson "Snow Blast" Crackle<br />
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This is the first time I've opened Natty, and I really like it. It's a medium denim-like blue that goes with pretty much everything. Very nice, and excellent smooth formula as always from Zoya. I really like Snow Blast too - Sally Hansen crackles always perform well, and this white is crisp and shiny. As a point of disclaimer, this bottle was provided to me awhile ago. The original review is around here somewhere...<br />
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This manicure really needs no explanation...just two coats of Natty over one coat of base coat, and then one sort of medium-thin coat of Sally Hanson over the top, starting at the base of the nail and brushing up in different lengths. Easy! <br />
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The tip pull this time...I'm not sure. Could be old base coat, could be I didn't get my nail beds clean enough before polishing. I didn't pull the polish up over the tips this time though, so my bad.<br />
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Until next week, happy polishing! Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-5775635934387063232013-01-15T21:10:00.002-07:002013-01-15T21:10:20.085-07:00Mini Purples<div style="text-align: center;">
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This week I decided to delve into some of the miniature Avon polishes I got for Christmas. I've forgotten the names already, but it's okay. As much as I like the colors, I can't say as I'd recommend them, due to the serious tip pull you can see here (the second picture shows it better). And that's after I made sure to pull the polish and top coat over the tips. I don't know whether it's the formula or what, but normally Avon's polish isn't *that* bad for tip pulling...so weird. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8EIxNB-bOL4/UPYlBQGUX9I/AAAAAAAAEmU/ZG8CwcPJ0_M/s1600/PurpleDots2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8EIxNB-bOL4/UPYlBQGUX9I/AAAAAAAAEmU/ZG8CwcPJ0_M/s320/PurpleDots2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Obviously I had some issues with my french tip lines, dang it. I don't use guides because I don't let my polish dry completely before I paint on the tips. But I was pleasantly surprised that the snowflake stamp came out so nicely. Then I just used a dotting tool to finish off the rest, covered with two coats of Seche Vite. <br />
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Still, all mishaps aside, they didn't turn out too badly - I just wish I'd used better quality polish. Ce'st la vie. <br />
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That's it for this week. Until next time - happy polishing!Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-39821724507458536082013-01-15T11:30:00.000-07:002013-01-15T11:30:28.425-07:00Sally Hansen at The Golden GlobesPics of this week's manicure tonight...but in the meantime, I just received this from the folks at Sally Hansen. I'm not big on awards shows myself, but I do confess to always checking out nails & handbags when I see photos making the rounds online. And this particular Sally Hansen formula seems like a pretty good deal, considering base and top coat aren't necessary - just polish and go for $7.99 a bottle:<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><i>Sally
Hansen Complete Salon Manicure is an all-in-one formula that combines
all the 7 benefits of a professional salon manicure—a base coat, a
strengthener, a growth treatment,
rich color, top coat, gel-like shine and chip resistance —in a single
multi-tasking polish ($7.99). </i></span><br />
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I think I might take them up on their offer of samples to show here on the blog...I'm not big on sheers/lights, but I'm digging that Copper Penny color (I'll have to go dig up a photo of Adele's nails now...)!<br />
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Here's their breakdown of shades & manicure styles: <br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Naomi Watts</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Celebrity
nail expert Tracey Sutter created the look for Watts, nominated for
Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture--Drama. Tracey used
Sally Hansen Complete
Salon Manicure in Arm Candy to create a natural effect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">To
get the look, Sutter filed down Naomi's nails very short before
applying Sally Hansen's Cuticle Instant Remover. Next, Sutter applied 2
coats of Sally Hansen's new Complete
Salon Manicure Nail Color in Arm Candy - giving Watts just the right
amount of color she wanted.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LtriT9CmuTM/UPWfXHITMNI/AAAAAAAAElw/DzK6PlmlL6s/s1600/ArmCandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LtriT9CmuTM/UPWfXHITMNI/AAAAAAAAElw/DzK6PlmlL6s/s320/ArmCandy.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Jennifer Lawrence</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">April
Foreman was the expert behind Lawrence's nail look, using Sally Hansen
Complete Salon Manicure in Sheer Ecstasy for the Best Performance by an
Actress in a Motion Picture--Comedy
or Musical nominee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">To
get the look, Foreman shaped Lawrence’s nails “sqound” giving both a
square and round look. Keeping her hands hydrated, Foreman applied
Sally Hansen Smooth and Perfect
Hand Crème before applying 2 coats of Sally Hansen Complete Salon
Manicure in Sheer Ecstasy.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8vacgYgqlGs/UPWfXJ3SWSI/AAAAAAAAEl0/ZN41CahsiLI/s1600/Sheer+Ectasy+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8vacgYgqlGs/UPWfXJ3SWSI/AAAAAAAAEl0/ZN41CahsiLI/s320/Sheer+Ectasy+.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Adele</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Celebrity
Manicurist, Kimmie Kyees used on Adele a sheer coat of Sally Hansen
Complete Salon Manicure in So Much Fawn with two coats of Complete Salon
Manicure in Copper Penny
layered on top. Kyees finished off the look with an exclusive topcoat
created for tonight that had gold in it to help enhance the color in
Copper Penny for the best Original Song, Film nominee. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7SybZAVCZE/UPWfXo1xPSI/AAAAAAAAEl4/3gSN33e9vYc/s1600/copperpenny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7SybZAVCZE/UPWfXo1xPSI/AAAAAAAAEl4/3gSN33e9vYc/s320/copperpenny.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Any of these strike your fancy? </span></div>
Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-85718558791335088872013-01-08T10:00:00.000-07:002013-01-08T10:00:00.368-07:00OMG Nail Polish Strips - Diamonds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I decided to go ahead and post the tutorial for this, since you can't really make a mess with these handy strips. <a href="http://www.omgnailstrips.com/" target="_blank">OMG Nail Strips</a> provided these to me free for review, and I'm very happy they did! </div>
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I was a little apprehensive when I said yes to the review, because the last two nail sticker brands I tried were thick and difficult to deal with. But these look like the earlier Avon polish strips, and while they are slightly thicker than the Sally Hansen strips, they aren't nearly as thick as something like Jamberry stickers, which was a relief. They go on easily, and they work about like any other nail decal. Peel off the transparent cover, find the right size and remove the backing, place the rounded edge at your cuticle and smooth up and over. <br />
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Then fold the excess over the edge of the nail and file it off (stroke downward, not across). It doesn't take much pressure, just the friction from the nail file will do. <br />
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Once you pull the excess off, you can use an orange stick to gently make sure all the sides are pressed down flat. Extra instructions say you can use a hair dryer to heat the decal if necessary to get wrinkles out, but I just used the pad of a finger and good pressure, and pretty much all of the kinks came out very easily. </div>
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Then I covered the decal with a coat of Seche Vite, and called it done. A second coat probably would have been a good idea, as I have a few scrapes on a couple fingers and some tip wear three days later, but all in all, these are wearing pretty well. I like them a lot, and have gotten several compliments already! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KE93dwelMSw/UOul0D42ZII/AAAAAAAAEkM/780j73Z0MCA/s1600/OMGP4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KE93dwelMSw/UOul0D42ZII/AAAAAAAAEkM/780j73Z0MCA/s320/OMGP4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Aside from the general ease of use and really nice (sometimes very complex) patterns, another great thing about these is that instead of the $10 a pack Sally Hansen charges, these are only $4.29 a pack, with free shipping. It's pretty rare that I come across a product I love that's inexpensive as well, but I can wholeheartedly recommend these on all points. You can check out the designs at <a href="http://www.omgnailstrips.com/" target="_blank">OMG Nail Strips</a> - they have polish strips and foils. I have a set of foils to try out as well, but they're hearts so I'll wait awhile for those. I will definitely be ordering more of these though, just to keep on hand because they're easy and inexpensive. <br />
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Thanks to the company for sending me these - excellent product at an excellent price. It doesn't get much better than that.<br />
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Until next week, happy polishing...Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-8335355287312791032013-01-07T11:15:00.000-07:002013-01-07T11:15:14.689-07:00Clean, File, Buff, Polish<div>
It's been awhile, I know. Too long, really. To be honest, I lost
motivation for doing much with this blog when it started to feel more
like an obligation than something fun, and I hate that, because I do
still do a weekly manicure, and I like sharing what I discover, new
things I try (succeed or fail), and new polishes and tools I stumble
across.</div>
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I also got really tired of all the comments on my tutorial photos -
tired of snarky remarks on how messy they are, because that's just how I
work, and it all cleans up in the end. But apparently there are some
people out there who have no stomach for a less-than-pristine creation
process. Which is sad, really. But fighting it just feels like more
work, and sharing my process isn't any fun if people are just going to
fixate on the mess, and not pay attention to the final result.</div>
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I wish I had time to do videos, but I just don't, unfortunately. So
I've been thinking about all these things, and whether I should even
continue the blog or just let it die a natural death...and I was very
close to doing just that. But that just depressed me, really.</div>
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So here's what I'm going to do. Every Tuesday, I'll post my weekly
manicure after it's all cleaned up, without tutorial pictures. If it's a
design that might require a step-by-step, I'll write it out below so
you get the gist of it. Occasionally I'll post a swatch manicure - just a
plain ol' mani without any artwork on it, because sometimes the polish
itself is enough, no need for adornment. </div>
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So starting tomorrow, <strong>Nail Art Tuesday</strong> is back, with a review of some nail decals that were sent to me by <a href="http://www.omgnailstrips.com/" id="" shape="rect" target="_blank">OMG Nail Strips</a>. A pretty favorable review, as a hint - if you like full nail decals, you'll want to check it out.</div>
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Until then, Happy Polishing...</div>
Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-41671237210200573322012-09-11T20:59:00.000-06:002012-09-11T20:59:03.533-06:00Mardi Gras & Comedy of Errors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past weekend wasn't terribly kind to my nails or my schedule, unfortunately. My schedule was off so I didn't have my regular manicure night, and then when I finally did get around to doing my nails, I forgot to take tutorial pics (though as you can see, I just did a super-simple design with a dotting tool). The morning after, I used my thumbnail to open a new makeup container, and chipped the polish right off the end (see below). </div>
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So...yeah. Not a good nail week. Did I mention I very nearly ran out of polish remover before I finished getting last week's polish off (I have more on the way)? </div>
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On a brighter note though, I got a whole set of stamping plates that I'm determined to learn how to use properly. And my polish remover (along with three new Zoya polishes) should be here sometime this week. So next week, we're stampin'. It'll be fun! :-) </div>
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Until then - happy polishing...Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-77727688359804910522012-09-04T23:06:00.001-06:002012-09-04T23:06:16.458-06:00Oops! Sorry nail friends - between the Labor Day holiday and our anniversary today, I plum forgot to schedule this week's post. I'll have it up Thursday...sorry for the delay! Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-3965756237704486142012-08-28T06:00:00.000-06:002012-08-28T06:00:03.233-06:00Mottled Darks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImIZNLBeVFg/UDxcZ1sAo_I/AAAAAAAAEeM/SqGXDRzAJOk/s1600/MD_Final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ImIZNLBeVFg/UDxcZ1sAo_I/AAAAAAAAEeM/SqGXDRzAJOk/s320/MD_Final2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'm sort of getting into "fall" mode...is it too early? I hope not, because even though this manicure didn't turn out exactly as I'd envisioned, I actually really like it for a dark fall look. It's all about layering, right?<br />
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I chose three colors to use - Sinful "All About You", China Glaze "Riveter Rouge" and Misa "When U Say My Name". Good, strong fall colors - AAY is clear polish with gold/green glitter, which I thought would be perfect for blending. I couldn't decide which darker color to use as a base, so I ended up switching colors every other finger. Two coats over Seche Vite base coat. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-715c2Tp-KBA/UDxcXbGwIvI/AAAAAAAAEds/2yrQ-RicD5s/s1600/MD_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-715c2Tp-KBA/UDxcXbGwIvI/AAAAAAAAEds/2yrQ-RicD5s/s320/MD_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My original plan was to do a gradient. So after the base colors were down, I started at the top with the gold. It wasn't really visible enough to make a difference, but it did add a little shine. Then I sponged alternate colors over their counterparts (brown on red, and vice versa. <br />
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That looked...interesting, but it wasn't what I had in mind. So I decided to go ahead and just sponge all three colors on every nail, for a sort of mottled, glittery look. That worked much better. I covered them with two coats of Seche Vite topcoat and did some cleanup. <br />
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My "final" photos were taken nearly a week after the manicure (oops!), but they really don't look too bad considering that's six full days of wear. A little damage/shrinkage at the cuticle is all...very nice, IMO. <br />
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Next week, I go back to summer temporarily...or spring, more like it, with a green & flower manicure. Until then, happy polishing! Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-49820902422106223222012-08-21T06:00:00.000-06:002012-08-21T06:00:00.634-06:00Waning Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDyrVooASdQ/UDMboUlx8KI/AAAAAAAAEc4/nuEO4ZnUYTs/s1600/WS_Final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pDyrVooASdQ/UDMboUlx8KI/AAAAAAAAEc4/nuEO4ZnUYTs/s320/WS_Final2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Summer seems to be on it's way out...or I kind of hope it is, anyway. I'm tired of the hot, dry weather, and all the wildfires that have been ripping through our state this year. So I decided to do a simple gradient with bright colors one more time before heading toward the darker end of the spectrum for fall.<br />
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Always cheerful, Zoya's "Bekka" and "Tansy" are my go-to colors for summer. I started with three coats of Bekka - I don't know what it is about yellows, but it always seems to take three coats to get them smooth.<br />
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Then I sponged a couple coats of Tansy on the tips. They came out a bit darker than I'd have liked, but I was happy with the way it turned out, overall.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oh73MRffHLw/UDMbm1aOSuI/AAAAAAAAEcg/AtWKIfbhbpo/s1600/WS_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oh73MRffHLw/UDMbm1aOSuI/AAAAAAAAEcg/AtWKIfbhbpo/s320/WS_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well, except for that spludge on my middle finger there...but it was less visible after top coat. <br />
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I decided it needed...something more, so I got out some butterfly & flower decals, and added a few to my thumbs, ring and pinky fingers. Much better!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1Ux4bLcONE/UDMbnQ8_-MI/AAAAAAAAEco/uY_L6T9W58M/s1600/WS_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d1Ux4bLcONE/UDMbnQ8_-MI/AAAAAAAAEco/uY_L6T9W58M/s320/WS_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A couple coats of top coat and some clean up, and voila! The last bright manicure of summer: </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0j2ycWSZdmk/UDMbn1JClZI/AAAAAAAAEcw/Pfpp-oH7bfs/s1600/WS_Final1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0j2ycWSZdmk/UDMbn1JClZI/AAAAAAAAEcw/Pfpp-oH7bfs/s320/WS_Final1.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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<br />I liked it. And someone admiring them at a restaurant said they looked like candy corn, which they very well could with a white later underneath. Hmm...</div>
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Next week, a slightly botched but still sparkly fall sponge job. Until then, happy polishing! </div>
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Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-6842689807433851052012-08-14T20:02:00.000-06:002012-08-14T20:02:10.322-06:00No Post This Week...I'm taking a break this week, peeps...but it's for a good cause. In order to be able to post more regularly and earlier on Tuesdays, I'm going to schedule this week's post for next Tuesday, and then I'll be a week ahead from now on. Easier for me, and more regular posts for you. Win-win, right? :-)<br />
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Next week, a summery orange/yellow gradient to finish off the "hot" season (one can hope!).<br />
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Until then, happy polishing! Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-34657844676783742532012-08-07T21:27:00.000-06:002012-08-07T21:27:20.458-06:00Matte Copper Magnetic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8zsJEO1kAw/UCHZ9KAClRI/AAAAAAAAEbk/QJegNNyysLI/s1600/CM_Final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g8zsJEO1kAw/UCHZ9KAClRI/AAAAAAAAEbk/QJegNNyysLI/s1600/CM_Final2.jpg" /></a></div>
I was mistaken last week - I don't have a full set of these, but I like these coppery colors, so I decided to experiment a little with mixed results. And then of course, I decided to matte it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL7BM3Ba7R8/UCHZ5zO7uEI/AAAAAAAAEak/jA3AYs3yBb0/s1600/CM_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL7BM3Ba7R8/UCHZ5zO7uEI/AAAAAAAAEak/jA3AYs3yBb0/s320/CM_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I started with a coat of Kinetic Copper on four nails of each hand, and a coat of Golden Conduct on my ring fingers.<br />
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I'd originally thought to combine these in some way, but the results were...less than impressive on my thumb...<br />
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So, I decided to experiment with magnet positions instead. Sideways, diagonal, and normal...but it didn't work all that well any way but "normal". I think that's really my only issue with these - I want more versatility as far as the designs go. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87TjwX45Yzg/UCHZ7WiQvfI/AAAAAAAAEa8/cOMtOrBlbxs/s1600/CM_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-87TjwX45Yzg/UCHZ7WiQvfI/AAAAAAAAEa8/cOMtOrBlbxs/s320/CM_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Still, I did get a nice, marbled-type effect, so it worked just fine. I'm the only one who really knows it was a mistake (well, all of you do now too...). I put a coat of top coat on, and then used China Glaze Matte Magic to see what it would look like matte. I used my ring and pinky fingers to test:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIEvK9RrbEk/UCHZ7mn2zTI/AAAAAAAAEbE/53yzEvtMRZQ/s1600/CM_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SIEvK9RrbEk/UCHZ7mn2zTI/AAAAAAAAEbE/53yzEvtMRZQ/s320/CM_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I love this look - looks just like silk, in my opinion. Gorgeous! So I matted them all.<br />
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A little clean up and voila! Silky soft nails for the week. All in all, I have no complaints at all. I just need more design magnets!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nL7tiZ9M4d0/UCHZ8zhuKuI/AAAAAAAAEbc/CN04Y7M0ReQ/s1600/CM_Final1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nL7tiZ9M4d0/UCHZ8zhuKuI/AAAAAAAAEbc/CN04Y7M0ReQ/s320/CM_Final1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next week, I'm not sure what I'll do. So it will be a surprise for us all. Maybe a nice fall red?<br />
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Until then, happy polishing! <br />
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<br />Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-53844042545312958582012-07-31T22:06:00.003-06:002012-07-31T22:07:24.388-06:00Magnetic Silver & Burgundy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwIKNMXah6Y/UBioJ6n4JVI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/Zg9xXe9VOfA/s1600/SilBurg_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwIKNMXah6Y/UBioJ6n4JVI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/Zg9xXe9VOfA/s320/SilBurg_Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Look what I got! The folks at Sally Hansen were kind enough to send me a complimentary set of the new Magnetic polishes, and man, these are cool. I'll show the whole set next week, but this week, I just wanted to get a quick manicure done, and this worked great. Nail art really doesn't get any easier than this...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3el34OVckpg/UBioEqiwZ0I/AAAAAAAAEZM/fO_WV4RvyeY/s1600/SilBurg_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3el34OVckpg/UBioEqiwZ0I/AAAAAAAAEZM/fO_WV4RvyeY/s320/SilBurg_1.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
For this week's manicure, I used "Red-y-Response" (which is not red, it's more burgundy/fuschia, and the color in the photos below is pretty true to what I see), and "Silver Elements", which is a great silver all on it's own, but when the magnet pulls the sparklies up, it's stunning. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsASru2maOs/UBioFEVKvUI/AAAAAAAAEZU/jZTSY79fKpQ/s1600/SilBurg_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OsASru2maOs/UBioFEVKvUI/AAAAAAAAEZU/jZTSY79fKpQ/s320/SilBurg_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So the way these work is, there's a larger cap over the normal polish cap. In the top of that outer cap is the magnetic plate, and there's a slight ridge on top to rest on your finger just below your cuticle to put the magnet at the right height above your nail. My picture isn't very good - I'll make sure to get a better one next week.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FsFNMB3EcbM/UBioFhr8ooI/AAAAAAAAEZc/v_o7jfj1LJs/s1600/SilBurg_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FsFNMB3EcbM/UBioFhr8ooI/AAAAAAAAEZc/v_o7jfj1LJs/s320/SilBurg_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I started with two coats of each color on alternating nails over one coat of base coat, just like normal. This formula is easy to control and very nice to work with, but the silver, as with all metallics, gets a bit splotchy if you're not careful. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gppcg84VWNU/UBioHUJS9iI/AAAAAAAAEZk/eKM2RoVqzzM/s1600/SilBurg_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gppcg84VWNU/UBioHUJS9iI/AAAAAAAAEZk/eKM2RoVqzzM/s1600/SilBurg_4.jpg" /></a></div>
To get the magnetic effect, I just brushed on one more thicker coat, and then held the magnet over the nail for 10 seconds. I rotated the cap a bit to get the sides of my nails too, since they're so curvy. Worked great! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GMSU0UEPAE/UBioJPrwJ_I/AAAAAAAAEZs/4-oe_LEJXD8/s1600/SilBurg_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--GMSU0UEPAE/UBioJPrwJ_I/AAAAAAAAEZs/4-oe_LEJXD8/s320/SilBurg_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I did the silver nails first, and then the burgundy. I did make a few mistakes (accidentally touching the magnet to the polish, which just screwed up the polish like putting anything in it would), but overall it was very quick and easy. I'd like to experiment a little more with moving the magnet around, to see if I can make different designs...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ_u6rRXivg/UBioJgtfikI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/8ZI5f0Wm97c/s1600/SilBurg_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ_u6rRXivg/UBioJgtfikI/AAAAAAAAEZ0/8ZI5f0Wm97c/s320/SilBurg_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Two coats of top coat, clean up, and voila! Awesome nails in a relatively short order. Perfect for those 2am manicure nights. :-)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwIKNMXah6Y/UBioJ6n4JVI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/Zg9xXe9VOfA/s1600/SilBurg_Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwIKNMXah6Y/UBioJ6n4JVI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/Zg9xXe9VOfA/s320/SilBurg_Final.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next week, I'll showcase the whole set and see if I can't do something different with the magnetic effects...<br />
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Until then, happy polishing!Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-44987685477535405112012-07-24T23:18:00.002-06:002012-07-24T23:18:50.103-06:00Gone Dotty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bh5pbZ6x5qo/UA9-VcDp0UI/AAAAAAAAEY0/RsyLxOH9A5U/s1600/GD_Final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bh5pbZ6x5qo/UA9-VcDp0UI/AAAAAAAAEY0/RsyLxOH9A5U/s320/GD_Final2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This week, I figured something a little more subtle and simple was in order. I grabbed Zoya's "Gemma" and "Miley" out of my polish box along with a couple of dotting tools.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKiu7njsVuw/UA9-SShKPNI/AAAAAAAAEYM/pSTVCqzEtbs/s1600/GD_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yKiu7njsVuw/UA9-SShKPNI/AAAAAAAAEYM/pSTVCqzEtbs/s400/GD_1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I started with two coats of Gemma (green) and three coats of Miley (purple) on alternate nails. Miley isn't as opaque, so it took one more coat to cover completely.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Dyf2qsFcP8/UA9-S29faQI/AAAAAAAAEYU/WpbnWECvljM/s1600/GD_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Dyf2qsFcP8/UA9-S29faQI/AAAAAAAAEYU/WpbnWECvljM/s320/GD_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then using a medium-sized dotting tool, I just added purple dots diagonally on the green nails...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVSid9nhglg/UA9-TRoHzyI/AAAAAAAAEYc/D_OYGijQVlI/s1600/GD_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oVSid9nhglg/UA9-TRoHzyI/AAAAAAAAEYc/D_OYGijQVlI/s1600/GD_3.jpg" /></a></div>
Followed by green dots diagonally to the purple nails. Super quick, simple and easy.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APl4fhupisw/UA9-UaQz5HI/AAAAAAAAEYk/B-4dvFY030I/s1600/GD_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-APl4fhupisw/UA9-UaQz5HI/AAAAAAAAEYk/B-4dvFY030I/s320/GD_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
On a whim, I grabbed my bottle of CND "Effects" in Raspberry Sparkle, and brushed it over each nail to give them a cohesive pinkish-purple shine. Two coats of Seche Vite top coat, some cleanup, and voila!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRDkbxVCzrY/UA9-VP-jRUI/AAAAAAAAEYo/jMCJMzen374/s1600/GD_Final1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRDkbxVCzrY/UA9-VP-jRUI/AAAAAAAAEYo/jMCJMzen374/s320/GD_Final1.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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I just received a complimentary set of the new Sally Hansen Magnetic polishes yesterday, so I'm *very* excited to try those out this weekend. That will be featured on next Tuesday's post.<br />
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Until then, happy polishing!Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-64842000585461673712012-07-17T20:57:00.001-06:002012-07-17T20:57:37.348-06:00Sheer Beaches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-xSZ5nP2Zw/UAYhWtgxMWI/AAAAAAAAEXc/RDlugXi3Xh0/s1600/SBeach_Final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-xSZ5nP2Zw/UAYhWtgxMWI/AAAAAAAAEXc/RDlugXi3Xh0/s320/SBeach_Final2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The folks at American Apparel were kind enough to send me free samples of three of their new "Sheer" nail polish line to try out and review here on the blog. I love these - even though they're sheer, they're highly pigmented, so they're very versatile. Especially for things like...say...sponge gradients...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNJZ4sMwWmo/UAYhXBWpsOI/AAAAAAAAEXk/jlLVcgl3yG4/s1600/SBeach_polish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bNJZ4sMwWmo/UAYhXBWpsOI/AAAAAAAAEXk/jlLVcgl3yG4/s320/SBeach_polish.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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The three colors they sent me were "Summerland Beach" - light pale peach/nude, "Manhattan Beach" - snappy dark peach, and "Moonlight Beach" - a lovely dark purple. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEvgON56Fms/UAYhXpdEtLI/AAAAAAAAEXs/friNtC_b0LQ/s1600/SBeach_polish2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEvgON56Fms/UAYhXpdEtLI/AAAAAAAAEXs/friNtC_b0LQ/s320/SBeach_polish2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The formula is really nice - not too thick, not too thin, and really nice to work with whether brushing on or sponging. I started with two coats of Summerland for the base:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48QEbrLCq64/UAYhTewO3zI/AAAAAAAAEW0/phjImW4qw7k/s1600/SBeach_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-48QEbrLCq64/UAYhTewO3zI/AAAAAAAAEW0/phjImW4qw7k/s320/SBeach_1.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div>
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Then I sponged on a layer of Manhattan, staying away from the tips. In retrospect, I wish I'd alternated gradient patterns on each nail just to see how they layer differently in different order. But I'll play with that later. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nf-HkLvjv5k/UAYhUDBAG_I/AAAAAAAAEW8/5Y-FuuVJ6xU/s1600/SBeach_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nf-HkLvjv5k/UAYhUDBAG_I/AAAAAAAAEW8/5Y-FuuVJ6xU/s320/SBeach_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Next, I sponged on a first layer of Moonlight. You can really see the sheer quality here, as the peach layers come up through the blue/purple. I thought about leaving it like this, but decided I wanted a bit more pop for the top layer. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xE5xXx8WRc/UAYhUtA_tOI/AAAAAAAAEXE/zTlL-zWj7Tk/s1600/SBeach_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xE5xXx8WRc/UAYhUtA_tOI/AAAAAAAAEXE/zTlL-zWj7Tk/s320/SBeach_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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One more layer of Moonlight made me happier. I just love how these work together - the colors really compliment each other. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKHE27j8QMs/UAYhVUzlvsI/AAAAAAAAEXM/PlyYX-dNN1E/s1600/SBeach_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKHE27j8QMs/UAYhVUzlvsI/AAAAAAAAEXM/PlyYX-dNN1E/s320/SBeach_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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A couple coats of Seche Vite top coat, and voila! A simple summer gradient that actually would work quite well on the beach, methinks. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTimiolUdFA/UAYhV17anEI/AAAAAAAAEXU/JJ1cOfUbeYg/s1600/SBeach_Final1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UTimiolUdFA/UAYhV17anEI/AAAAAAAAEXU/JJ1cOfUbeYg/s320/SBeach_Final1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The only thing I wish I'd done differently is to not brush the base layer so close to the cuticle. I have Summerland sticking out under my Moonlight...and it's bugging me. Ah well. Practice makes...closer to perfect, eh? <br /><br />Until next time, happy polishing! </div>Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-30320120193915518672012-07-13T20:45:00.001-06:002012-07-13T20:45:44.760-06:00Heat Wave<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3EoimEAzFg/UADbE_wvKgI/AAAAAAAAEWE/XHgzBwWISpc/s1600/HW_Final1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E3EoimEAzFg/UADbE_wvKgI/AAAAAAAAEWE/XHgzBwWISpc/s320/HW_Final1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I don't know about where you are, but around here it's been *hot* lately. I've been wanting to do a design with brown and orange, and this happened to be the week. I think it turned out pretty well, though unfortunately I had some tip pull by the time I had a chance to take a photo of the finished design.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4BbTMo6NME/UADbCwraJzI/AAAAAAAAEVk/Lcda5afKt3w/s1600/HW_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r4BbTMo6NME/UADbCwraJzI/AAAAAAAAEVk/Lcda5afKt3w/s320/HW_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
For this week's manicure, I used a gold Nubar nail art pen, Zoya's "Kalmia", and Misa's "When U Say My Name". To start, I layered two coats of WUSMN over a coat of Seche Vite base coat: <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQlMFp-iCPo/UADbDQKgS6I/AAAAAAAAEVs/9V7lr1qUbFU/s1600/HW_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQlMFp-iCPo/UADbDQKgS6I/AAAAAAAAEVs/9V7lr1qUbFU/s320/HW_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Then I made a simple diagonal stripe across each nail in Kalmia. I used two coats to make the copper stand out better against the brown. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ptPy4mtz_g/UADbD1_pJpI/AAAAAAAAEV0/oAEvY1I9XFY/s1600/HW_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--ptPy4mtz_g/UADbD1_pJpI/AAAAAAAAEV0/oAEvY1I9XFY/s320/HW_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Nail pens are awesome for things like squiggles, and that's exactly what I did across each diagonal line. They aren't quite as haphazard as I would have liked - I was thinking something a bit more abstract, but I think it still turned out okay: <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2EnL5OU5nc/UADbEaGLzII/AAAAAAAAEV8/BLF19RL98No/s1600/HW_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2EnL5OU5nc/UADbEaGLzII/AAAAAAAAEV8/BLF19RL98No/s320/HW_4.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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A little clean up the next day, and voila! Heat wave...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtVGRbFfNvI/UADbFs1R93I/AAAAAAAAEWM/-bnWSen-iao/s1600/HW_Final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtVGRbFfNvI/UADbFs1R93I/AAAAAAAAEWM/-bnWSen-iao/s320/HW_Final2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I even managed to work up enough energy to paint a little stylistic sun on my big toes while I was at it:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pjy3TX5G20/UADbGFZPx2I/AAAAAAAAEWU/iXMzZF2bOak/s1600/HW_Toes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1pjy3TX5G20/UADbGFZPx2I/AAAAAAAAEWU/iXMzZF2bOak/s320/HW_Toes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I just received some fabulous samples of the new Sheer line from American Apparel, so next week's manicure will be a gradient with those. Should be fun, I think!<br />
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Until then, happy polishing...Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-32282110084262075472012-07-12T00:16:00.002-06:002012-07-12T00:16:59.831-06:00Review: CVS 6-in-1 Manicure Tool<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>I'm sure by now you're well aware that this week's been busy for me, as evidenced by my missing post on Tuesday (again). It seems like it's more difficult for me to stay on track in the summer, as there are so many things I'm supposed to be doing outside on the weekends and that doesn't leave me much time for photo editing. </i></div>
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<i>In any case, this week will be split into two posts - today's review, and tomorrow's tutorial. Despite the wrong posting days, I hope you'll still find them useful. Now...on to today's review...</i></div>
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The rep for CVS was kind enough to send me one of their 6-in-1 Manicure Tools free for review here, and it showed up just in time for last weekend's manicure. Yay! Of course I ripped it out of the package and proceeded to cut some longish nails with it. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmBW3jidsho/T_5jhgIHZII/AAAAAAAAEUw/t80NRCwJmlA/s1600/Multi1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nmBW3jidsho/T_5jhgIHZII/AAAAAAAAEUw/t80NRCwJmlA/s320/Multi1.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
The manicure tool looks very much like a Swiss army knife for nails. It features a nail clipper, file, buffer, cuticle pusher, cleaner stick. All swivel out very easily, and the silicone comfort grip on the clippers/top is ideal. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ui4pKsX6ds/T_5jiuIZCQI/AAAAAAAAEU0/AhitYmEwAYo/s1600/Multi2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Ui4pKsX6ds/T_5jiuIZCQI/AAAAAAAAEU0/AhitYmEwAYo/s320/Multi2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My one nit about this product is that the nail clipper is really too big to be used on the average fingernail. It would work in a pinch, but it wouldn't be comfortable to use all the time on my fingernails. <br /><br />On the other hand, it's the perfect size for toes, and the grip is nice and wide, so if you need a pedicure tool, this will do that too! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xezWCgJ3mHs/T_5jkZHzFVI/AAAAAAAAEU8/j1jya7JJnaA/s1600/Multi3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xezWCgJ3mHs/T_5jkZHzFVI/AAAAAAAAEU8/j1jya7JJnaA/s320/Multi3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Inside are the cleaning brush, file and cuticle pusher/cleaning stick. All are nice tools as long as you grip the main tool in your palm, and support the smaller implements with your thumb and forefinger. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHAlsXXzcrE/T_5jkjdnVsI/AAAAAAAAEVE/5YAjhdArjeA/s1600/Multi4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHAlsXXzcrE/T_5jkjdnVsI/AAAAAAAAEVE/5YAjhdArjeA/s320/Multi4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A view from the back of the tool. Incidentally, I used this on my toes this weekend to set up the whole manicure. The tools all work very well - great file and buffer that worked well on my rough toes. The clipper is nice and sharp - perfect for pedicures! <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qB9GelKUFrE/T_5jlciMFsI/AAAAAAAAEVM/p4WIto_JFDw/s1600/Multi5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qB9GelKUFrE/T_5jlciMFsI/AAAAAAAAEVM/p4WIto_JFDw/s320/Multi5.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
The last photo is a pic of my thumbnail in relation to the head of the clipper - as you can see, the cutting surface is larger than my nail, which makes it a bit awkward. Men might have more luck simply because their fingers are larger. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1DS-DYcuVZw/T_5jmGp045I/AAAAAAAAEVU/aq3KSl_eNg4/s1600/Multi6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1DS-DYcuVZw/T_5jmGp045I/AAAAAAAAEVU/aq3KSl_eNg4/s320/Multi6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I'll admit, I'm spoiled with all the nifty nail tools I have at my disposal, but this fall when I go on vacation, this will be in my bag, for sure. And as I mentioned above, it's *perfect* for my toes - exactly the right size, and I like the fact that I can angle the file, brush and cleaner stick out from the grip (because they swivel). That really makes it a lot easier to file, buff, clean and deal with the cuticles on my toenails - for me, that's what makes it a winner.<br />
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You should be able to pick one of these up at a CVS near you for $6.99, which may seem a bit steep, but considering the excellent quality and construction, it's a fair price. Even if you don't polish your nails at all, this would be a great set to keep in your purse or daily bag.<br />
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Thanks again to CVS for providing the 6-in-1 Manicure Tool for this review.<br />
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Until tomorrow night, happy polishing!Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-23281090695225587292012-07-04T09:55:00.000-06:002012-07-04T09:55:34.484-06:00Independence Day Grunge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVZXFdxS4RM/T_RlVnoiHTI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/Qthdy0-lpoM/s1600/G4_Final1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVZXFdxS4RM/T_RlVnoiHTI/AAAAAAAAEUQ/Qthdy0-lpoM/s320/G4_Final1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I was kind of bored with the same ol' stars 'n stripes theme I normally do for holidays like this, so I decided to try something different. I think it turned out more as a tribute to the early 90's grunge period, but interesting, nonetheless. It looks completely different matte vs. shiny - I think the matte is what really gives it the grunge-like look...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKRVvN3zKO8/T_RlT0BSoRI/AAAAAAAAETo/KVpPYFlWgCA/s1600/G4_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zKRVvN3zKO8/T_RlT0BSoRI/AAAAAAAAETo/KVpPYFlWgCA/s320/G4_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Obviously I needed a red, white & blue color scheme, so I went with China Glaze "White Out" and "Red Pearl" for white and red, and Zoya's "Indigo" for the blue. I really like these three together - they blend rather well. I started off with two coats of White Out: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0s6E42WKMI/T_RlUMKyvDI/AAAAAAAAETw/bA-m7BlZhCU/s1600/G4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S0s6E42WKMI/T_RlUMKyvDI/AAAAAAAAETw/bA-m7BlZhCU/s320/G4_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> And then sponged on Red Pearl at the base of my nails. It took two coats before it looked more red than bright reddish pink: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTq-mJChpUA/T_RlUqnyHUI/AAAAAAAAET4/h4NWfHyjihI/s1600/G4_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fTq-mJChpUA/T_RlUqnyHUI/AAAAAAAAET4/h4NWfHyjihI/s320/G4_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Then I sponged Indigo on the tips - again, two coats. One just wasn't quite enough...two made a nice "dark denim" look: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx5e_MmLWmc/T_RlU7lK7rI/AAAAAAAAEUA/PP2-G3N7yuI/s1600/G4_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rx5e_MmLWmc/T_RlU7lK7rI/AAAAAAAAEUA/PP2-G3N7yuI/s320/G4_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> I think I should have sponged another layer of white over the center, just to blend the colors better. Next time, eh? Then I added two coats of China Glaze "Matte Magic" over the top, just to see what it would do. the red ran together, so I lost that spongy look - if I were doing it over, I think I'd put a coat of normal Seche Vite top coat on first, and *then* matte it down, to keep the sponged look better: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LBtKcVel-Dg/T_RlVcF4n1I/AAAAAAAAEUI/wdEIuerqgt4/s1600/G4_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LBtKcVel-Dg/T_RlVcF4n1I/AAAAAAAAEUI/wdEIuerqgt4/s320/G4_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> A little clean up, and voila! Grunge nails for the 4th of July. :-) <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EEr2UmJECzQ/T_RlWKF9ZpI/AAAAAAAAEUY/PhpaooXqyJ0/s1600/G4_Final2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EEr2UmJECzQ/T_RlWKF9ZpI/AAAAAAAAEUY/PhpaooXqyJ0/s320/G4_Final2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>For those in the US, I hope you all have a very safe and happy holiday. For everyone else, happy Wednesday...<br />
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Until next week, happy polishing... Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-73814717898659410482012-07-03T15:13:00.001-06:002012-07-03T15:14:11.766-06:00Sally Hansen MagneticsI'll post my Independence Day manicure later this evening, but first...this is pretty exciting, I think. Check out these new polishes from Sally Hansen, and a fun contest as well! I just love these jewel-toned shades...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSE5TVP9c-4/T_NfAk1tbkI/AAAAAAAAETM/NOCiQKHEtso/s1600/SH_Magnetic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BSE5TVP9c-4/T_NfAk1tbkI/AAAAAAAAETM/NOCiQKHEtso/s400/SH_Magnetic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Create a gorgeous 3D nail art effect in just seconds using these magnetic polishes. This unique formula has been specially developed with metallic particles to create a pattern on the nail using magnetic forces. As the magnet is held over the nail, the iron filings in the formula gravitate toward the magnet forming the pattern/design secretly hidden in the magnet for an astonishing finish!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Step 1</b> – Apply 1 coat of base coat. Shake Magnetic Nail Color to activate. Remove overcap with magnet and set aside. Apply 1 coat of Magnetic Nail Color to all 10 nails and let dry.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b>Step 2 </b>– Apply a thick second coat of color to 1 nail and immediately hold the built-in magnet over the nail. Rest the guide just below the cuticle without touching the wet nail polish. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat for all 10 nails and let dry. Finish with a top coat.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; padding: 0in;">FOLLOW THESE BASIC STEPS TO BE ENTERED INTO THE </span></b><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">#GETMAGNETIC</span></b></span><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; padding: 0in;"> CONTEST:</span></b></div><div style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(249, 138, 38); line-height: 16.5pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; padding: 0in;">1) Register</span></b></b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #333333;"><b> your name, e-mail and username on Sally Hansen's Facebook App: </b></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><b><a href="https://apps.facebook.com/sallyhansen/" target="_blank">https://apps.facebook.com/sallyhansen/</a></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(249, 138, 38); line-height: 16.5pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; padding: 0in;">2) Visit</span></b></b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #333333;"><b> the Instagram app, snap a photo of your nail art and include </b></span><span style="color: red;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><b>#GetMagnetic</b></span></span><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #333333;"><b> into the caption</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% rgb(249, 138, 38); line-height: 16.5pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b> </b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; border: 1pt none windowtext; color: #333333; padding: 0in;">3) Show</span></b></b><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white; color: #333333;"><b> the "Love!" for your favorite nail art photos on the Facebook App: </b></span><b><a href="https://apps.facebook.com/sallyhansen/" target="_blank">https://apps.facebook.com/sallyhansen/</a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><b>The contest ends on 9/17 and the grand prize is $1000! </b><br />
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</b></div>Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-82276112788174175362012-06-28T21:20:00.000-06:002012-06-28T21:20:47.091-06:00Wild BranchesAlrighty then! Finally got some time to crop these up and photograph this week's finished manicure. Thanks for your patience - it's been a long and rather frustrating week. I'm more than ready for the weekend!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-fSyxL5Mlw/T-0cbwbknbI/AAAAAAAAES4/qOKwIW8Wh7Q/s1600/WildB_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S-fSyxL5Mlw/T-0cbwbknbI/AAAAAAAAES4/qOKwIW8Wh7Q/s320/WildB_5.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks to <a href="http://www.glamorouscosmetics.com/" target="_blank">Glamorous Cosmetics</a> for providing the black nail art pen I used this week - the formula is lovely to work with, and I do really love the shape of the bottles. Much easier on the hand than some round bottles I've used. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRrPUOdS30g/T-0cZyZfFJI/AAAAAAAAESY/IHYy9xxbNLA/s1600/WildB_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TRrPUOdS30g/T-0cZyZfFJI/AAAAAAAAESY/IHYy9xxbNLA/s320/WildB_1.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted something easy last weekend, so I decided to just start drawing, and see what I could come up with. First though, a nice, shiny base of Nubar's "Wildlife", one of my favorite Nubar duochromes. It looks gold, maroon or green depending on the light. Very cool. Two coats did the job nicely: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSe48tm8ZAc/T-0caJAPVpI/AAAAAAAAESg/PI5XMwLgexQ/s1600/WildB_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KSe48tm8ZAc/T-0caJAPVpI/AAAAAAAAESg/PI5XMwLgexQ/s1600/WildB_2.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Testing the pen tip - looks like it's working great! You might want to squeeze out a little (doesn't take much) and wipe it off on a paper towel a few times just to get used to the flow before using it on your nails...much easier once you have a "feel" for how fast the polish is flowing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSjZw5DpgX0/T-0ca5FprLI/AAAAAAAAESo/3WqgpCL4agE/s1600/WildB_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSjZw5DpgX0/T-0ca5FprLI/AAAAAAAAESo/3WqgpCL4agE/s1600/WildB_3.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started in a corner, and went diagonal, then just kept adding branches. There was something on TV while I was doing these that inspired the little dotty "blooms" on the end of each...I think they're both fun and a little alien too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7irkZdndbc4/T-0cbZz7jEI/AAAAAAAAESw/sfmC6SWSQ0A/s1600/WildB_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7irkZdndbc4/T-0cbZz7jEI/AAAAAAAAESw/sfmC6SWSQ0A/s320/WildB_4.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I topped it off with my normal 2 coats of Seche Vite, and called it good. My "after" pics show a bit of tip pull, and a little chipping a the base, but considering I've been wearing this all week, it's not too bad for the wear, really: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PzDPQ3wLu08/T-0ccegILQI/AAAAAAAAETA/x3PUwgyNxnk/s1600/WildB_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PzDPQ3wLu08/T-0ccegILQI/AAAAAAAAETA/x3PUwgyNxnk/s320/WildB_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Next week, something suitable for the Fourth of July - break out the red, white & blue! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Until then, happy polishing...</div>Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-68394842630416647062012-06-27T14:25:00.001-06:002012-06-27T14:25:38.269-06:00Post DelayMy apologies for the delay in posting this week - a car accident last week put me way behind, and to be perfectly honest, I have other responsibilities that have to take priority over the nail blog when I get behind like that. This blog is a hobby, I don't make any money at it (nor do I need to), so when it comes down to either working on actual work or nail blogging, the paying work takes precedence.<br />
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If (as a recent comment I did not allow through stated) you have an issue with my not posting regularly, or if my nail art isn't something that appeals to you - really, you don't have to hang around. There are many, many other fabulous nail blogs out there that have far more regular posts than mine, and pro-level designs (I never claimed to be a professional - this is just a hobby for me). I'm sure they'd be happy to have you.<br />
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For those still interested, I'll do my best to get this week's photos posted tonight - after my day job, and in the midst of my evening projects.<br />
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<br />Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-60312242137474207242012-06-19T20:24:00.000-06:002012-06-19T20:24:07.260-06:00Sparkly Green & Clear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This week's manicure was great...for the three days it lasted. Unfortunately, some of my polish is getting so old that I think I need to do some cleaning in the polish drawer. But I do want to thank <a href="http://www.glamorouscosmetics.com/" target="_blank">Glamorous Cosmetics</a> for supplying the clear glitter striper polish and rhinestone stickers for this week's design! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heoub8K5fdM/T-ExQp2MALI/AAAAAAAAERA/eOSGPplQDHw/s1600/L8TRG8TR_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-heoub8K5fdM/T-ExQp2MALI/AAAAAAAAERA/eOSGPplQDHw/s320/L8TRG8TR_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Below, you can see the colors and stickers I used. Glamorous Cosmetics was kind enough to send me samples of the clear glitter nail art polish as well as the stickers (hearts, bows, and round stones). The polish I chose is "L8TR G8TR" by China Glaze - one of my favorite holo polishes.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wydfLFbknUs/T-ExREHF-yI/AAAAAAAAERI/58rHHOQJC7Y/s1600/L8TRG8TR_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wydfLFbknUs/T-ExREHF-yI/AAAAAAAAERI/58rHHOQJC7Y/s320/L8TRG8TR_a.jpg" width="181" /></a></div> I should have known something was wrong when it took me three coats of the holo to cover (over one coat of Seche Vite basecoat, of course). But I love the color so much, I had to keep going. How can anyone resist that shine?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IiUSLfqKpuQ/T-ExRrI6BnI/AAAAAAAAERQ/10qoaVvzn3o/s1600/L8TRG8TR_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IiUSLfqKpuQ/T-ExRrI6BnI/AAAAAAAAERQ/10qoaVvzn3o/s320/L8TRG8TR_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Once that was dry, I grabbed the nail art polish. If you haven't see one before, these have two tips - a pen tip, shown below (not all that useful with glitter polishes, in my experience):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gm-llvPiu-o/T-ExR9ZCx5I/AAAAAAAAERY/TOGvgW8QZvI/s1600/L8TRG8TR_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gm-llvPiu-o/T-ExR9ZCx5I/AAAAAAAAERY/TOGvgW8QZvI/s320/L8TRG8TR_c.jpg" width="244" /></a></div> And a long, thin brush inside the bottle, which is what I used for this manicure. Very handy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iwp4seJf5A/T-ExSf4nb5I/AAAAAAAAERg/5xrgpvAGGEo/s1600/L8TRG8TR_d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1iwp4seJf5A/T-ExSf4nb5I/AAAAAAAAERg/5xrgpvAGGEo/s320/L8TRG8TR_d.jpg" width="290" /></a></div> I brushed on a chevron shape to act as a necklace of sorts ("nail"lace?). Two coats gave a nice glitter coverage:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2DkuHNmbds/T-ExS9SZSjI/AAAAAAAAERo/ng1s_JP8vWQ/s1600/L8TRG8TR_e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E2DkuHNmbds/T-ExS9SZSjI/AAAAAAAAERo/ng1s_JP8vWQ/s320/L8TRG8TR_e.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> And then I added the rhinestone stickers as "pendants" in the center. I used the hearts & round stones for this one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYx4zVxoFkQ/T-ExTLvuN5I/AAAAAAAAERw/t6g2QXGQuTw/s1600/L8TRG8TR_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OYx4zVxoFkQ/T-ExTLvuN5I/AAAAAAAAERw/t6g2QXGQuTw/s320/L8TRG8TR_f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Two coats of Seche Vite top coat sealed everything up nicely...or so I thought. My lovely green started chipping yesterday, which was quite disappointing. It's bad enough now I'll need to find some time to redo my nails this week before my normal Saturday manicure. <br />
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Apparently it's time to buy a fresh bottle of L8TR G8TR too...<br />
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Until next week, happy polishing!Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2491960040696458887.post-53412194627907278102012-06-12T20:00:00.000-06:002012-06-12T20:00:17.992-06:00Sponged Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rkdnx1QFQK4/T9fu6QnXRsI/AAAAAAAAEQo/DPQTbQiPb-s/s1600/SpF_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rkdnx1QFQK4/T9fu6QnXRsI/AAAAAAAAEQo/DPQTbQiPb-s/s320/SpF_7.jpg" width="276" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week, I thought I'd try something a little different with the sponged designs. Since I didn't have time to edit video last week, I figured I'd just do another static tutorial this week. It was fun, though it did take quite awhile for this particular manicure... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDeluqeie4Q/T9fu2Ckwj8I/AAAAAAAAEP4/4y_eHP--uPI/s1600/SpF_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aDeluqeie4Q/T9fu2Ckwj8I/AAAAAAAAEP4/4y_eHP--uPI/s320/SpF_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had a French manicure in mind, with delicate flowers just sort of hanging in the design. As usual, it turned out much differently on my nails then in my head, but I don't think it was too bad for a first try. The colors I used are OPI's "My Daddy's the King" and "Bubble Bath" (though I couldn't get BB open, so I substituted Finger Paint's "Well-Cultured Pearl" for the white), China Glaze "Wine Me, Dine Me" and another OPI, "Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow".<br />
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To start, I layered two coats of "MDTK" over a coat of Seche Vite base coat:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHicZQX5zXE/T9fu2lZxtOI/AAAAAAAAEQA/kc46M29JlSM/s1600/SpF_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHicZQX5zXE/T9fu2lZxtOI/AAAAAAAAEQA/kc46M29JlSM/s320/SpF_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I couldn't get my BB open, so two coats of "Well-Cultured Pearl" at the tips, and then one more thin coat of MDTK over the whole nail, to mute the white and blend. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi1SxXxmvMI/T9fu3PiVj2I/AAAAAAAAEQI/v5zCsaqr2Gk/s1600/SpF_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pi1SxXxmvMI/T9fu3PiVj2I/AAAAAAAAEQI/v5zCsaqr2Gk/s320/SpF_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then I used Here "Today, Aragon Tomorrow" applied with a fine paintbrush to create stems and leaves for my flowers: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOVjHud7Xc8/T9fu3x5ZkWI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/yoF6prqkSvQ/s1600/SpF_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOVjHud7Xc8/T9fu3x5ZkWI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/yoF6prqkSvQ/s320/SpF_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And then a small piece of natural sponge dipped into "Wine Me, Dine Me" to apply the flowers. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5_0znfCfv8/T9fu4u0sVbI/AAAAAAAAEQY/g0p0oUnNdH0/s1600/SpF_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G5_0znfCfv8/T9fu4u0sVbI/AAAAAAAAEQY/g0p0oUnNdH0/s320/SpF_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Two coats of Seche Vite top coat to seal, a little clean-up, and voila! Puffy flowers!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG_-IAcqmlA/T9fu5u04FTI/AAAAAAAAEQg/_Lh2etxfHXQ/s1600/SpF_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YG_-IAcqmlA/T9fu5u04FTI/AAAAAAAAEQg/_Lh2etxfHXQ/s320/SpF_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Next time, I'll cut the sponge smaller - the larger sponge tip made it hard to maintain control, but I think a smaller tip will do the job fine. I'll also use a nail art pen or striper brush for the stems...the regular paintbrush just didn't quite give me the control I would have liked.<br />
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Nonetheless, I've gotten several compliments on this one this week, so it's definitely getting noticed. :-)<br />
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I just got a package of goodies from Glamorous Cosmetics, so next week, a manicure featuring those! Until then, happy polishing...<br />
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</a></div>Jamie D.http://www.blogger.com/profile/05486427517423813962noreply@blogger.com2