Spellbound Nails' Give Up the Ghost Collection!

Hello dolls!

It's that time of year again when the air starts to chill, the sun goes to bed sooner and the spooky-scary's come out to play.  It's also the time of year when the Indies release their Halloween collections!

I'm pretty sure I look forward to Indie holiday releases more than anything else.  And no other Indie get's me swooning like Spellbound Nails ;)  Last year Ashley just about killed me with her "Hocus Pocus" inspired collection and this year is even better... she chose Casper!!  I have 2 of the Glow-In-The-Dark's to share with you (*disclaimer)...

 

 Spellbound Nails - Instant Primordial Soup Mix

Fist up I have Instant Primordial Soup Mix (you know, the goo that Casper's Father came up with to bring ghosts back to life). This polish is a red-orange jelly with orange holo glitter mixed in.  How perfect is this??!

!

  

I applied 2 easy coats with topcoat.  This beauty glows orange when charged (about 3 minutes)

  

 Love it!

 

 Spellbound Nails - Get An Afterlife

Get an Afterlife was the tagline used in promos for the movie!  This polish is a sheer baby blue crelly with holo blue and black hexes, holo silver squares and fuscia dot glitters.

 

 While this polish is very sheer, application was a cinch.  the glitters dispersed evenly and without issue.  I applied 3 coats with top coat.  Now bust out your sunglasses, because this stunner GLOWS bright blue...

 It's like staring at the sun!! If the sun were blue haha ;)

I know I say this all the time, but I seriously am in love with Spellbound Nails!  The quality of the polishes is always consistent, Ashley's customer service is unmatched and I go gaga for every collection she releases!  Give Up the Ghost Collection is currently available for pre-orders at Spellbound Nails' online store, with the full release being on September 27th. 

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.

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

SAFS: Spellbound Nails Cremes - The Naturals

Happy Sunday dolls!

It's time for another segment of "Sunday's Are for Swatching"!

 I am so excited to finally be able to share this awesome collections of cremes with you.  in the craziness that has been my life, I haven't had the opportunity to put together this post.  I'm sacraficing sleep for this one but it's so very worth it lol.

(Collage courtesy of Spellbound Nails)

As you all know, I have a great love for Spellbound Nails; I think Ashley makes amazing polishes and these are no exception.  This collection of cremes is called The Naturals.  These "are like a vacation around the world. Taking names and inspiration from things like San Pedro Morning (the khaki polish) to the Mediterranean Sky (the blue polish)"...

 Mediterranean Sky

From The Naturals creme collection. Buy the full collection here and receive a free bottle of Holo Back Girl! holographic topper free!
Mediterranean Sky is a perfectly faded blue. Much like the sky above the Mediterranean Sea this polish is pale enough to not overpower but still bright enough not to get lost.
- See more at: http://spellboundnails.indiemade.com/product/mediterranean-sky#sthash.KJS37m78.dpuf

From The Naturals creme collection. Buy the full collection here and receive a free bottle of Holo Back Girl! holographic topper free!
Mediterranean Sky is a perfectly faded blue. Much like the sky above the Mediterranean Sea this polish is pale enough to not overpower but still bright enough not to get lost.
- See more at: http://spellboundnails.indiemade.com/product/mediterranean-sky#sthash.KJS37m78.dpuf

 This is a gorgeous pale blue creme polish that was opaque in 2 easy coats.  I literally put this on right after opening the package.  I then snapped a photo with my phone and posted it to Ashley's FB page like a complete fan girl.  This polish is just perfection!  Easy to apply and such a gorgeous color.

Carribean Sunset

 Inspired by the blend of pink and purple at twilight, this purple really is a natural.  For me and my skin tone, this polish was very subdued.  Even if you are of a lighter complexion, this creme wouldn't be too bold.  This is definitely a pretty, "work friendly' polish.  2 no-muss coats for opacity.

 San Pedro Morning

This polish surprised me.  It's a lovely beige/kahki color that required 3 coats for opacity.  I fell head over friggin' heels for it!  It's an awesome neutral that I can wear to church and I feel like it would be a great base for some nail art.

 Buckingham Gardens

Don't you just love the name??  This olive creme was opaque in 3 coats.  I love the almost faded effect of this color.  I feel like it and San Pedro Morning would make a good camo mani.  Or maybe leopard print?  Either way, it's just as lovely as the others.

 Sunset Boulevard

Last but never least is this stunning coral creme.  This polish was opaque in 2 coats and I was just in awe of it.  Soooo pretty!!  I can attest that sunsets over Sunset Blvd. often times look peachy-coral and are lovely to look at.

What I love most about all of these polishes is that I didn't need to use topcoat for my swatches.  All of these polishes dried to a beautiful shine in less than 5 minutes. Brilliant!

These and many many other stunning polishes can be found on Ashley's new and improved website.  If you have never tried indie polishes before, may I encourage you to put your faith in Ashley?  She is so sweet and very timely with her deliveries.  I've customized polishes with her to add scents even (remember the banana cream pie scent I added to "Leave the Brakes On"... whovians ftw!!).  Either way, I adore these polishes and I especially adore their maker :)

Until next time!

Stef <3

 * These products were 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.

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.

The Spellbondage Collection

Good evening lovlies!

Two posts in one day... wowza!!  I'm feeling inspired and I finally have a little free time, so I'm playing catch up haha.  Tonight I wanted to share a new collection from Spellbound Nails...

Ashley sent me some unbelievably gorgeous polishes for review!  These are from her new Spellbondage Collection.  I had a fabulous time tossing around name ideas with her and I love the tongue in cheek  approach that she took :)

Black Leather Thigh High

This is a stunning black jelly with a mix of blue, black and green glitters.  I pared it with some gold spikes that Ashley sent along for fun ;)  Shown is 3 thin coats with topcoat.

 Red Hot

This is a fabulous bright red jelly with a mix of red, gold and orange glitters.  I took this mani on a girls trip to wine country last weekend because this polish is just soooo pretty!  I paired it with some Fingr's nail stickers that I happened to have stashed away :P  Shown is 3 thin coats with topcoat.

Too Sexy for Blue

My personal fave, this polish is a gourgeous blue jelly with a mix of blue, gold and silver holo glitters.  I'm thinkin' I need to get myself a big bottle of this beauty because I want to wear it all the time!  It's absolutely stunning in the sunlight; perfect for summer :D  I paired it with a simple corset accent nail that I thought was fitting ;) Shown is 3 thin coats with top coat.

The Spellbondage Collection is available in individual bottles ($8) along with full ($23) and mini ($13) sets.  they can be purchased from the Spelbound Nails shop.

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.

OPI Sheer Tints

Hello dolls!

A very happy Saturday to you all!  I finally have an opportunity to sit down and post a mani that I did last week, using the new OPI Sheer tints :)

I stumbled across these beauties while on a blogger meet-up a couple of weeks ago and I had to have them all!  From L to R we have "I Am Never Amberrassed", "Be Magentale With Me", "Don't Violet Me Down" & "I Can Teal You Like Me"...

 Colors Used; OPI Sheer Tints, Spellbound Nails - Pishsalver (Drink Me)

I decided to try out the "watercolor" technique that I've seen being done with these polishes.  First thing I need to mention is that these polishes are thick like gel/jelly.  When I first was playing with them I tried to use a sponge... and ended up with cotton-candy like fly-away strings coming off of my nail beds.  It was a mess lol.  So then I went back to the drawing board...

I started with a white base and then used a nail art brush to start blotching on the colors.  I would soak my brush in acetone and then dip it into the polish on my palette; this allowed for a thinner consistency and easier layering/application.  I did end up with lots of bubble doing it this way tho (and I was about ready to hurl these polishes at a wall!! lol), so I pulled out Spellbound Nails' Pishsalver white glitter topper.  It was a vast improvement!

 So Springy!

Over all I feel like I can have a lot of fun with these polishes, but they are work.  I'll have to play with them some more in the future.  Has anyone else tried these polishes?  What's your experience been?

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

Spellbound Nails Glitter Toppers

Helloooooo my lovelies!!

So it's been about 2 weeks since my last blog post.  "Where the heck have you been??", you might be asking.  Well, I got sick and then I got busy with family and then... I lost my passion for polish... *gasp!!*.  I have no creative mojo right now and I don't know how to get it back.  I'm in need of some serious nailspiration :\  I've decided to go back to basics (polka dots, stripes, skittlettes) in the hopes that I will become adventurous with my nail art once more.  That's enough updating for one post.  Onto the swatches!

Today I have a mix of 5 glitter toppers to share with you.  These polishes are hand mixed with a whole lot of love by one of my favorite indie brands, Spellbound Nails! (*disclaimer)

 Snow White's First Bite

This is a beauty I have been eying for a while.  When Ashley sent it to me for review I literally squealed lol.  Inspired by the Evil Queen (Grimhilde), Snow White's First Bite is a gorgeous mix of green, purple and black glitters.  I layered one coat over a lavender base.  Application was wonderful; the glitter applied smooth and evenly (no muss, no fuss!). 

Fairest of All

 I was surprised by this polish.  In the bottle I couldn't see the potential, but once I tried it on I was sold!  Fairest of All is a mix of  yellow gold and blue dots, yellow gold holographic and blue micro-glitter, red hex and various sizes of white glitter.  There's a lot going on but the glitters compliment each other so well.  Pictured is one easy coat over taupe.

 Purely Purple

Do you love purple?  Well so does the maker of Spellbound Nails, Ashley!  Purely Purple is a lovely mix of dark purple, lavender and lilac glitters in various sizes.  I like this glitter topper quite a bit and am now second guessing the white base :\  Maybe black would have been better?  I did find that the large dark purple glitters were prone to sinking in the bottle.  Instead of trying to fish and make a mess, I turned the bottle upside down for a few minutes.  The glitter piled on the brush after that and made application a cinch!  I used the dab a drag method with this polish, with one-ish coat being applied.

 Glitter Explosion

Another surprising polish that is deceiving in it the bottle.  Glitter Explosion is just that... a crazy-packed mix of holographic glitter and rainbow shimmer in hexes and squares and stars in silver, gold and navy blue.  These weren't my school colors in high school, but that's exactly what it reminds me of haha (go, fight, win!).  I love love love the look of this glitter, especially over yellow!  Application was smooth, no fishing for the stars required.  Shown is one coat.

 Pearls & Pastels

Ahhh my favorite of the bunch!!  I received so many compliments on this polish.  Pearls & Pastels is a mix of pearl white, pastel pink and blue glitters.  Such a delicate and gorgeous mix!  I could not stop staring at my nails... just so friggin pretty!!  Again, application was smooth and easy.  I did a little bit of dab and drag in a couple of places to get an even smattering of glitter. Shown is one coat over black.

I'm absolutely crazy about this indie polish brand; Ashley is such a sweet woman and I'm so thankful for the opportunity she has given me is showcasing her polishes.  If you haven't tried her product or have never bought an indie brand before, I highly recommend checking out her Etsy shop.  Amazing polishes from one amazing gal!

I will be working on some nail art over the weekend, but I'm very much out of practice (it's been about a month of plain polish) so keep your fingers crossed for me!!

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.

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