Arrows!

Hello lovelies!

I have a super simple mani to share with you today :)  One polish, one acrylic paint, one detail brush and one dotting tool (altho a toothpick and bobby pin could definitely be used instead)...

 Colors Used: China Glaze - Friends Forever, Right?, Acrylic Paint

I started with 2 coats of FFR, from China Glaze's new The Giver Collection.  It's a really pretty pale pink polish that surprised me with it's application.  the first coat was quite streaky but then the second coat made everything all better haha.

With my detail brush, I painted vertical lines for my arrows.  Just like I do with dotting, I started with the center and worked my way out, being sure to keep them symetrical.  I was in a bit of a hurry because I had somewhere to be, so the arrows aren't quite as neat as I wanted *sigh*...

I keep wanting to say, "Pew, pew, pew!" lol...

Nailspiration credit goes to the lovely Gianna over at Nailstorming :)  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend...

Until next time!

Stef <3

Pink Lemonade Glitter Gradient

Hello lovies!

Today's post features 2 neon matte-glitter polishes I bought while vacationing with the hubs last weekend!  I know what you're going to say... "You made your poor husband go polish shopping with you while you were on vacation??".  Yes. Yes, I did.  And I have no shame!!

 Colors Used: Urban Outfitters - Pink and Yellow

I love love love Urban Outfitters polishes!  The formula is consistently great, the colors for the most part follow the current trends and at 2 for $8.00... I mean c'mon!!

 Rachel of Nailed Kit commented on a pic I shared of the bottles (via IG) saying that together they looked like pink lemonade.  I just knew I had to combine them in a fun mani.  But nail art with glitter can be difficult/time consuming... and I was really impatient about wearing these beauties haha.  So I went with a glitter gradient :)  This is 2 over lapping layers of the glitter polishes over a white base.  It was that simple!

Neeeooooonnnn!!

I know that Summer is quickly winding to a close, but I will probably be rocking neon polishes for a little while longer.  While Autumn is my favorite season of the year, I need bright colors in my life ;)  Have any of you tried a simillar glitter gradient before?  I am now on the hunt for more matte-glitter polishes :D

Until next time!

Stef <3

A Summery Gradient

Hello lovelies!

I hope your weekend is going well :)  Today I have a simple gradient to share with you.  I did this a few weeks ago and never got around to posting it... oops!

 Colors Used: Colors Club - Flamingo, China Glaze - Son of a Peach, OPI - I Just Can't Cope-Acabana, Spellbound Nails - Pishsalver (Drink Me)

I just love gradients!  I have to resist doing them all the time lol.  There are some really great tutorials on the interwebs for gradient nail art.  I find what works best for me is a good make-up sponge (I prefer the triangles from Target) and being sure to blend the colors; not only overlapping the polishes when applying on the sponge but slightly shifting the sponges position up or down the nail as I dab :)

I started with a white base and let it dry.  Sponging over polish that is still tacky is a nightmare, trust me haha.  I then layered my 3 colors on a sponge and went to work.  I usually go over each nail 3 times to reach full opacity.  After clean-up (the worst part of doing this nail art, even if I tape off my cuticles :\) I applies my oh so favorite white glitter polish from Spellbound Nails, "Drink Me"

Woohoo!

Enjoy your weekend dolls, I know I plan too ;)

Until next time!

Stef <3

Nailspiration with Operatic Makeup

Hello lovelies!

I have a special post to share with you today.  A couple of weeks ago I saw some photos of some gorgeous makeup my dear friend Danielle did on a client.  Danielle is an Orange County/ Los Angeles based MUA that I have had the pleasure of singing/being wild with for a few years and I always blown away by the work that she does.  This particular look she did definitely conjoured up some nailspiration!

 

 

Let's start with the make-up first...

Colors Used: Urban Decay - Electric Palette (Urban and Savage)

I just love that purple!  And the hot pink adds some sass ;)  The palette that she used is filled with brightly pigmented shadows that I just drool over!

Anywhosy, this look got me thinking about the polishes I had in my collection that might be similar in shade and fun to mash up...

 Color Used: B Squared Lacquer - Body Electric and Royals, Color Club - Endless and Jackie OH!

This first polish that jumped to mind what "Body Electric" by B Squared Lacquer.  It's a white crelly with purple and hot pink hex glitters mixed in.

I then pulled out my other favorite B Squared, "Royals".  It's a gorgeous blurple jelly with holo glitters mixed in.  Color Club "Endless" and "Jackie OH!" are the pale and hot pinks I used.  I did a mixed drip/melt mani using a dotting tool and striping brush.

 I love!

I'm hoping Danielle and I can do more mash-ups like this one.  I love the challenge!

If you're interested in seeing more of Danielle's work, you can check her out via Instagram (@operaticmakeup).  If would like to book her for an event, you can email her at operaticmakeup@gmail.com :)

Until next time!

Stef <3

Some Floral Inspiration!

Hello dolls!

Today's post is inspired by a blogger who fueled my obsession with nail art, Chalkboard Nails!  I have admired Sarah's work for a long, long time and I've had her "Hawaiian Floral" nail art pinned to my inspiration board for over a year.  I finally got the perfect polishes (in my opinion) to execute the look...

 Colors Used: Polish My Life - Birthday Suit, Drip Drop Nail Paint - Prototype #211, L'Oreal - Jolly Lolly

Original credit for this idea and design goes to Mr. Candiipants who inspired Sarah and thus inspired me :)  I really love the way this turned out!  

       I used a couple of awesome indie polishes in this mani.  The base is an ivory creme from            Polish My Life and it's amazing; 2 even coats of perfection.  The mustard jelly is actually a prototype from Drip Drop Nail Paint that I received when I purchased a grab bag on her site.  I call it Tampico because that's how it looks in the bottle haha.

 After applying my ivory base, I went thru with my jellies and blotted out some petals using the brush from the bottle.  I then took stripers in 2 different shades of green and brushed on some leaves.  Lastly I went back with my ivory polish and a small dotting tool to apply some dots to the center of my flowers.  I top coated and that's it!  It really is much easier than it looks, I promise ;)

Definitely a new favorite!

I'm trying to slowly make the transition from Spring to Summer with my manis.  The last couple of posts were pretty... bright lol.  I'm so close to just doing a neon overhaul!  Maybe it's time for me to resurrect "Neon Week"?

Until next time!

Stef <3

* This product was purchased by me for review.  I received no payment or other compensation for the review of this product.  The opinions stated here are completely my own.  The contents of this review are based on my direct experience with this product.

China Glaze Shocking Pink

Hello dearies!

Just a quick post this evening featuring a new-to-me China Glaze...

 Colors Used: China Glaze - Shocking Pink, Formula X for Sephora - Blast Off, Sinful Colors - Time Off

I started with my base of Shocking Pink.  I loved how bright it was in the bottle and had just had to buy it.  The formula... it's shockingly bad!  After 3 runny coats it was still quite streaky and I was very annoyed.  I gave up after the 4th coat and threw some black glitter on stop to cover up the bald spots...

Once it all dried, I used striping tape and transparent tape as guides for my tips.  all was topped with my "mystery top coat".  Overall I really love the way this turned out...

But that formula tho!

If you haven't done so already, be sure to check of my 2 year blogiversary giveaway!  It ends at 12:00am PST on Friday :D

Until next time!

Stef <3

Everything's Coming Up Roses!

Hello dolls!

Today I have some water decals to share with you :)  I love using water decals when I'm strapped for time or failing miserably with me nail art.  Such was the case a few days ago when I did these hahaha...

 Colors Used: Spellbound Nails - Watermelon Seeds

I bought this set of decals from Daily Charme, an adorable indie brand that I've become quite smitten with!  This is their "Full Coverage Bright Pink Roses".

I paired it with Spellbound's Watermelon Seeds, the perfect creme pink with black glitters mixed in.  This polish is practically a one coater!  The dotted accents were just to pull everything together.  I recently am growing an appreciation for the color pink and I really like the way this mani turned out!

*le sigh*

In case you haven't heard, I am hosting a giveaway for my 2 year blogiversary!  Details can be found in this post.  With that being said, I bid you adieu...

Until next time!

Stef <3

* This product was purchased by me for review.  I received no payment or other compensation for the review of this product.  The opinions stated here are completely my own.  The contents of this review are based on my direct experience with this product.

Lilacs for Easter

Hello dearies!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter!  I spent that day singing with friends and eating with family; all is well with the world ;)  I decided to forgo the eggs and bunnies this year and just do a simple scene of a lilac field...

 Colors: Mentality - Elizabeth, Sinful Colors Nail Art - Simple but Fun, Sally Hansen - Green with Envy, China Glaze - What a Pansy

I was inspired but an adorable mani I saw by @just1nail on IG.  I thought it was just the thing I was looking for!  I started with 2 coats of Mentality's Elizabeth, which actually is a stunning shimmery pale-pink that dies to a perfect matte finish.  It's one of my faves!

I then applied 2 shades of green with a striping brush for my grass.  Last, I added some purple dotting for my lilac flowers.  Really simple :)

*Sigh* I just love Spring manicures!

Today acutally marks 2 years of blogging for me (yippee!).  be sure to check back in a couple of hours for a "surprise" *hint hint*...

Until next time!

Stef <3

Stairway to Princess Jess!

Hello lovelies!

I have a new-to-me indie to share with you today... Drip Drop Nail Paint!  I discovered this brand via Instagram and had to give it a try...

 Colors Used: Drip Drop Nail Paint - Princess Jess and Stairway to Heaven, Orly - Pointe Blanche, OPI - Love. Angel. Music. Baby.

I had seen swatches of Stairway to Heaven (a white crelly with pink and gold glitter) on IG and fell in love with it (I'm a sucker for white crellys!), so I went to Jessica's shop to purchase it.  While there I scrolled by Princess Jess (a pink creme with gold glitter) and immediately knew I had to pair them in a mani.... soooooo I bought them both lol.

The formula is great with both polishes!  2 coats of Stairway to Heaven over white on my middle finger and 2 coats of Princess Jess on my index and pinky.

 

 I decided a zig-zaggy accent would be most fitting for an accent nail.  I used guides from Nail Vinyls and brushed OPI's gold satin polish (from the Gwen Stefani Collection) over white.  Everything was top coated with a fast-drying topcoat I purchased at a nail supply store in a huge bottle (I have no idea what brand it is because there is just a label from the store on the front lol, but it's seriously the best topcoat I've ever used!)

Heaven... I'm in heaven!

I meant to post these earlier in the week, but I had to bring extra work home and so blogging was put on the back burner.  My photo vault is getting crowded; I really need to go on a blogging binge or something haha :)

Until next time!

Stef <3


* This product was purchased by me for review.  I received no payment or other compensation for the review of this product.  The opinions stated here are completely my own.  The contents of this review are based on my direct experience with this product

Neon Makes Me Happy!

Hello lovelies!!

How is your weekend going so far?  This is the first day I've had all to myself and it feels great!!  My hubby cleaned our home yesterday while I was at work (best present ever!!) so I've just been relaxing and doing my nails :)  I decided to play with some new purchases, gradient style ;)

 Colors Used: China Glaze - Strike A Rose and Flip Flop Fantasy, Julie G - 9 to 5

I started with a base of Jule G's "9 to 5".  I've seen lots of swatches of this neon peach polish and I've always wanted a bottle of my own.  So when I saw it on display while buying Dayquil the other day, I snatched it up haha.  Unfortunately after 4 coats the polish was still a streaky mess... argh!!  

 I moved on to Plan B... sponging!  From top to bottom it's layered CG's "Strike A Rose" (from the new City Flourish collection), "Flip Flop Fantasy" (a neon coral that I've loved forever) and then "9 to 5".  I used a triangular make-up sponge to stiple/blend the colors on my nails.  I then cleaned up my cuticles with a combo of Q-Tips, an angled brush and actetone.

 Totally makes me think of peaches!

Has anyone else used "9 to 5"?  I'm not crazy right??  Streak City bound!  Lol...

Until next time!

Stef <3

Spellbound Nails - Victorian Romance Collection

Hello lovies!

Usually I prefer doing swatch posts on Sunday's, but I just can't resist sharing these beauties with you!  I ordered these polishes mid last week and received them in the mail yesterday. I immediately had to swatch them,  I'm so in love..

The theme of this collection is inspired by Victorian style Valentine's Day cards. Yellowing paper, lace, cherubs, soft colors... adorable right??  In this collection Ashley (maker of Spellbound Nails) has also added the option of Valentine scents (rose, wine, chocolate and strawberry)!  We all know how crazy I am about scented polishes, so I had to try them all lol.

 Cheeks Tinted Red

First up is a gorgeous bright red with subtle scattered holo shimmer.  This is a very pigmented red that is on the thicker side, but application was easy like buttah!  The holo glitter in this polish is beautiful in direct sunlight and so very subtle indoors.  I would definitely categorize this as a "work appropriate while still being fun" polish.  I had rose added to the polish and it is fabulous; floral and powdery :)  This is just one coat with top coat.  It's unlike any red polish I own, I love it!

 Parchment & Lace

This polish ended up being one of my very favorites in this collection!  It's a parchment-yellow crelly base with a mix of red, white, baby blue, and pastel pink glitters.  Application was very smooth with even glitter disbursement.  It's such a great formula for a crelly!  I had chocolate added to this one and it reminded me so much of a chocolate Tootsie Pop; I wanted to eat my fingers lol.  This built up nicely in 3 thin coats.  I used a trick I learned a while back and topped it with a base coat and THEN a top coat to make the glitter super smooth at the finish.

 Love & Devotion

This is a glitter topper mixed with red, white, and pastel pink glitters.  The formula of this polish is thick, but it is packed to the brim with glitter!  No fishing necessary, I used the dab and drag method and easily achieved an even spread of glitter.  I had rose added to this polish as well and again, powdery floral goodness :)  I applied a base coat and then top coat to smooth out the glitter.

 I'm All Aflutter

My second favorite polish in this collection... just look at it!!  Gaahhh!!!  It could be that I'm REALLY into the color blue right now... eeehhh... nope, this one is just a stunner!  This is a baby blue crelly with purple and pastel pink glitters mixed in.  It's surprisingly pigmented for a crelly and the application was a breeze.  The consistency is a little thick so I recommend thin even coats.  I had wine added to this polish and it smelled ah-mazing!!  If grape and cranberry had a baby... yep this would be it!  This is 2 coats topped with base and top coats. 

My Own Sweet Valentine

 

 Last but not least a pretty glow-in-the-dark!  A soft pink color with a golden shimmer, this polish has a thin formula that is easy to build upon.  I applied 4 thin coats to cover my visible nail line and then applied top coat.  I had strawberry added to this polish and the scent reminded me of a strawberry Ring Pop (can you tell I like lollipops? hahaha).  

The glow pigment in this polish is a mix of blue, green, and peach.  I didn't have an opportunity to charge this GITD polish so I am using one of Spellbound Nails' images from her Etsy shop...

Eeeeee!!  I can't wait to try this out myself!!!

I am so in love with this collection!  I seriously want to wear every shade at once... in fact that may just happen at some point before Valentine's Day lol.  These and so many more beautiful polishes can be found in Spellbound Nails' Etsy and Store Envy shops :)

Until next time!

Stef <3

* This product was purchased at discount by me for review.  I received no payment or other compensation for the review of this product.  The opinions stated here are completely my own.  The contents of this review are based on my direct experience with this product