A Distressed Thanksgiving Mani

Hiya dolls!

How's it going??  I know I've been gone for a little bit.  Work got busy and it's Thanksgiving week... you know how it is haha.  Well, I'm taking a amll break from cooking to share my holiday mani with you :)

 Colors Used: Julep - Otte, Brielle and Karmen, OPI - The "It" Color, Rimmel - Black Satin

I really love the way these turned out.  I've been loving the distressed look that Chalkboard Nails rocked back in September and when I saw that she'd posted a tutorial, I knew it would be perfect for my Thanksgiving!

My mother has retired as family chef for the holidays and has passed the job on to me lol.  I love to cook but it is a little stressful preparing a holiday meal so I thought distressed nails would be quite fitting ;)  I followed the tutorial, using camel colored Otte as my base.  It is a super quick and easy nail art look that I'm planning to do again in the future.

Yay turkey day!!

Alright, lovelies!  I'm off to go make some mashed potatoes haha.  Wishing you all a very, VERY happy Thanksgiving!

Until next time!

Stef <3

Watermelon Tribal

Good morning, dolls!

I have a quick post for you today.  This is a mani that I did a couple of weeks ago, because I was in the mood for something bright.  I know it's Fall and the season of dark colors but... it gets so booooring!  Lol I need color in my life!

 Colors Used: Nabi - Pastel Green, Color Club - Flamingo, Sinful Colors Nail Art - Time Off

There is no rhyme or reason to this one.  I just sort of grabbed polishes and painted this was my end result haha.  

I have to say my SC striper is my new favorite nail arting tool.  I've had it for years and only just now am I realizing how fabulous it is!  It's super pigmented and so easy to work with.  I don't know if they're still sold in stores but if you find it, snatch it up ;)

I started with 2 coats of Nabi's Pastel Green.  I am not familiar with this brand at all, but I saw it in a bowl of polishes at this clothing store I frequent and thought it looked so much like pics I've seen of Lime Crime's Pastelchio (a long time lemming).  The formula is ok but the color... I just can't get enough!

I then applied a large stripe of Flamingo using the bottles brush.  After that I just went to town with the black triper.  I used a small dotting tool for my dots.  It was all topped with Color Club Clear.

Watermelon goodness ;)

Alright loves I have to skidaddle!  I have a date with The Doctor and musn't be late :D

Until next time!

Stef <3

Shining Bright Tonight

Hello, lovelies!

I have a new indie brand that I am currently head-over-heels for and I want to share it with you! (*disclaimer)...

Colors Used: Julep -Demi, Spellbound Nails - Carnival Lights, Sinful Colors Nail Art - Time Off

For reals...  I LOOOOOVE Spellbound Nails!!  I stumbled across Spellbound Nails back in May when I purchased the Alice in Wonderland duo set.  I was blown away by the quality of the polishes and I haven't looked back!  I really do feel like Ashley puts out an amazing product...

I started with a dark red base, Julep's Demi.  I then applied one coat of Carnival Lights.  From what I can see, Carnival Lights is a mix of red, pink/fuchsia, black and silver holo glitters (beautiful!).  I then used my Sinful Colors black striper and painted my "V" french tip.  I topped it off with Color Club Clear :)

Oh the excitement !!!!!!!

I'm sorry I've been MIA this week.  I'm hoping things will calm down and I can get back to my regular blogger programing haha.  I have sooooo many pretties I want to share with you :D

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. 

Naughty Nails?

Good morning, dolls!

It's been a crazy couple of days for me (and from the sounds of it, it's only going to get crazier)!  It's the reason i have been unable to post... or do my nails... *sigh*.  So , I'm pulling one out of the vault for you today :)

 Colors Used: Sinful Colors - Whipped and Nirvana, OPI - Goldeneye

This is a really basic mani that I ended up loving a lot.  I'm not a huge fan of animal prints in general, but I've made the exception for nail arting because it's pretty cool lol.  This mix of print and "leather" does feel a bit wild/risque to me ;)

I started with Whipped, which is from the SC Leather Luxe collection.  It is my favorite black matte polish... ever.  Loves it so much!  Anywhosy, there's 2 coats of Whipped applied.  For my ring finger, I did 3 coats of Goldeneye over a gold base.  i then used my dotting tool and striping brush to create my print.  The gold stud was an after-thought and it was applied with a dab of nail glue :)

Rawr!

I hope all is well and I'm sending out virtual hugs :D

Until next time!

Stef <3

Mix It Up!

 Hello, dolls!

Quick post before I rush off to my Friday activities :)

Colors Used:  NOPI - Khloe Had A Little Lam-Lam, Royal Nail Icing - Sweet Concrete, Pretty Jelly - Ghouls Night Out

This one is pretty simple.  Not much nail arting involved haha,

2 coats of polishes for my bases.  One coat of Ghouls Night Out over black on my ring finger.  Used the bottle brush to paint the strip down the center of my middle finger.  I found the square studs in a nail wheel I got at H&M.  All topcoated with Color Club Clear.

Easy-peasy!

I'm sorry this post is so short (I gots to go)!  I hope you all have a fab Friday :)

Until next time!

Stef <3

A Simple Fall Mani

Hello, hello!

A quick post today featuring a  polish that I had no clue what to do with lol...

 Colors used: Julep - Brielle, Spellbound Nails - You're a Virgin??

Sooooo I recieved a polish from Julep that I wasn't really crazy about, but I was determined to make it work.  

 

I started with 2 coats of Brielle, a gorgeous burnt orange that's just not so gorgeous on me haha.  Brielle is practically a one coater, the formula is amazing.  I then painted one coat of You're a Vrigin?? over a black base.  Last I added a small black stud to tie it all together.  Top coated with Color Club Clear.

 

 I like that the glitter and orange ended up complimenting eachother.  It was a good excuse to wear it again ;)

Wishing you all a very happy Thursday!

Until next time!

Stef <3

October Nail Art Society Box

Good morning, dolls!

Today I want to share a new-to-me subscription box that I've signed up for.  It's called Nail Art Society...

 

 Colors Used: Jessica - Black Matte, Love & Beauty - Purple, Zoya - Morgan, Orly - Mayhem Mentality

So, Nail Art Society is designed to send out all of the materials you need to create some pre-designed mani's.  It comes with an instructional card that includes a bio of the nail artist that created that month's design.  Pretty cool right?

My ring finger follows the design pattern for October, but I decided to do some sponging and stickering on my middle finger.  The sticker turned out to be super bumpy and obnoxious, so you only get 2 pic today lol.

 I really love the studs that came in the box.  The matte polish isn't my favorite (not flat enough for me :\).  My biggest issue is that I didn't receive my box until a week into November (even tho I ordered it on the 1st of Oct.).  This was after a SECOND payment got taken out of my account for the month of November.  2 payments and no boxes makes me a cranky lady. 

 I'm hoping to have a more positive experience with this in the future.  A lot of my fellow nail bloggers that I love are on their team of "Expert Nail Artists".

Do any of you receive NAS boxes?  How have your experiences been?

Until next time!

Stef <3

What's A Meow Meow??

Hello, lovelies!

I was going to write a post this morning before I left for work, but then... well I decided to sleep a little longer lol.  So late evening post it is!  I went to see Thor 2 on Saturday with my hubby and 2 good friends of ours.  I have loved Thor since i was a child (one of the many nerdy things my father encouraged when I was growing up lol).  Mr. Hemsworth is great eye candy but Thor... he's just an awesome hero!  Naturally, I did my nails for the occasion ;)

 Colors Used: Rimmel - Black Satin, Savina - Sparkling Water, Love & Beauty - Purple, Orly - Dazzle, Sinful Colors - Nrivana, Sinful Nail Art - Bad Chick (white) and Time Off (black), 

China Glaze - Fairy Dust

Gaaaahhh!!  I love this one!!!  I was so very sad when I had to take it off (no nail art allowed in church choir... booooo!).  I've been wanting to do lightning nails for a while and figured now was the best time.  I searched the interwebs for a good tutorial, but they all looked much more time involved then I thought necessary.  So, I just kind of winged it!

I started with a black base and sponged on a blue holo (Sparkling Waters) and creme purple. I then stippled my lightning with a striper.  Lastly I freehanded the Mulnier (meow meow as Kat Dennings likes to call it) and outlined it in black to give it some definition. As an afterthought I added Fairy Dust to give is some extra sparkle and then topped with Color Club Clear.

I'm quite proud of this one :)

I can't believe the week is almost half over!  It just started!!  Time really does fly, huh?

Until next time!

Stef <3

SAFS: Revlon Parfumerie

Happy Sunday, dolls!

I have some funsies to share with you today:D

I stumbled across this collection while Googling scented nail polishes.  I died!  I love, love, love scented polishes!!  I, naturally, went on the hunt (please note that clicking on the photos will enlarge them for a better view)...

 Bordeaux

I always start with the polish I wore to church and this is it :)  I would describe Bordeaux as berry wine in color.  It was ever so slightly streaky so I applied 3 coats.  This polish has a light scent.  It smells like a deep cranberry.  Does that make sense?  Deep and berry lol.

 

African Tea Rose

Bubblegum pink in color, this polish applied in 2 easy coats.  The color pink is growing on me and this one is definitely a winner.  The scent of this polish was a little stronger than Bordeaux.  Reminiscent of potpourri, it smelled very rosy.

 Wintermint

This beauty right here... I LOVE!!!  Altho I'm not a fan of this type of finish for my hands/skin, I thought this polish was too pretty to pass up.  As with most pearl/shimmer polishes, this one is a bit sheer.  I applied 3 thin coats for full coverage and it was easy to work with.  The scent on this one isn't overpowering.  It remided me of a sweet mint gum that I often purchase.  It also made me think of Christmas :D  I'm wondering if it is a possible dupe for Deborah Lipmann's Mermaid's Dream?  Thoughts?

 

 Ginger Melon

Oh Ginger Melon, how I wanted to love you!  Gorgeous color indeed but the formula and application left a lot to be desired.  This polish isn't quite creme and it isn't quite jelly.  After 3 coats, I gave up on the miniscule balding spots that I saw.  The scent of this polish is extremely potent.  I didn't mind much, but after having it on for about 2 hours I went to rehearsal and it set off the allergies of one of my fellow singers (I felt horrible!!).  It smells like fruity candy.  Think Starbursts or Skittles.

 Wild Violets

I've saved my favorite for last!  This polish was heavenly from the start.  The formula is perfect, the color is gorgeous (beautiful shimmer that I couldn't pick up in photos).  This applied in 2 easy coats.  It smelled so much like violets that I wanted to splatter my whole body in it.  Very floral and powdery.  Even after removal the scent lingered on my nails.  I didn't mind one bit haha ;)

So what do you think ladies?  There are so many more polishes in this new line, but I had to give my wallet a little bit of a break lol.  I'm hoping to have some more to share with you next Sunday tho.  How do you feel about scented polishes?  Love 'em?  Loath 'em?

Until next time!

Stef <3

It's Movember!

Hiya dearies!

It's "No Shave November" or "Mustache November/Movember" and I thought this would be the perfect time to share some cute studs I received from KKCenterHK! (*disclaimer)...

 Colors Used: Rimmel - Black Satin, Daisy Nail Lacquer - White Diamond, Sinful Colors Nail Art - My Day and Bad Chick

I free-handed my designs using stripers and dotting tools.  The suit is a lot easier than it looks (mayhaps it's time for another tutorial?).  After completing my polish designs I topcoated.  I then put a dollop of nail glue in the place I wanted my mustache stud.  With some tweezers and a little fenagling, I applied my stud.  Easy peasy!

This mani makes me feel sophisticated lol. 

Name: N.Nail Studs Lovely Black Beard 8mm X 3mm Nail Art Decorations

Item #: NNAIL-DRN741

Quantity: 5 Pcs

Size: 8mm X 3mm

Cost: $4.50 USD

These studs can be found on KKCenterHK's online store!

 For those who don't know about Movember, it is Prostate Cancer/Men's Cancer Awareness Month.  Prosate cancer is a major killer for men in recent years.  Both my grandfather and father were diagnosed with it.  Thankfully my father's was discovered early (via my mother's persistence that he go to the doctor).  Unfortunately my papa wasn't so lucky.  Ladies, please encourage the men in your life to go and get checked.  What will be a momentary uncomfortableness for him could possibly save his life.  Love to you all!

Until next time!

Stef <3

* This product was provided to 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.

It Might As Well Be Spring

Hello loves!

I decided to do a floral mani a couple of weeks ago because, altho it's Fall, California has not gotten the memo.  It's a shame because this is my favorite time of the year :(  We have been in the mid 70's to high 80's ever since the season started so I figured to heck with it!  Let's do a Spring-time mani!

Colors Used: Julep - Nellie, Color Club - Gingerbread, Daisy Nail Lacquer - White Diamond

I'm not a huge fan of my free-handed flowers, so I decided to use some water decals I had lying around.  I paired it with a Julep polish that I'd received in the mail recently.

2 coats for each base color (technically 3 for my middle finger which had 1 coat of gold base and 2 coats of glitter).  I found the decals while digging thru a bin at my local nail supply store.  All in all a super simple mani!

I think I like it!

Is anybody else experiencing non-Fall weather?  It stinks lol.

Until next time!

Stef <3

I Liked It So I Put A Bow On it

Good morning, dolls!

I have a quick post for you today.  It features a new-to-me beauty,  It's just creamy coral goodness lol...

 Colors Used: Color Club - In Theory, Sinful Colors Nail Art - Time Off, Daisy Nail Lacquer - White Diamond

In Theory is from Color Club's Fiesta Collection.  I picked up the set at Ross over a month ago along with the Kaleidoscope Collection and yea... it's taking me a cool minute to get thru them all ;)

 

I applied 2 coats both of In Theory and White Diamond.  I then free-handed the bow using my Sinful Colors striper and then filling it in with a nail art brush.  The chevrons are actually stickers I got in a mystery box from Julep.  I think it was just a one time thing that they did and I don't think they will be offering it for sale :\  If I hear differently, I will let you all know...

Not the perfect bow but I'll take it haha.

Wishing you all well...

Until next time!

Stef <3