NOTW: Classy Christmas Skittle

Hello!

I'm excited to share these nails with you today! I absolutely love the burnished, rich colors.

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I started with a base coat of Duri Rejuvacote and then painted two coats of OPI Sleigh Ride for Two, the burgundy shimmer, and Zoya Hunter, the deep green creme. The gold glitter is Sinful Colors All About You, and the silver hex glitter is Essie Set In Stones. I stamped the various gold snowflakes with Orly Luxe from Bundle Monster plates, BM-323 and BM-H01, and then I added individual glitters picked out of Set in Stones. Two coats of topcoat followed that.

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Nicely festive, yet not over the top.

More soon! ^_^

NOTD: Green on Green

Hello!

Here's a quick mani I did in the middle of the week after I removed my Jamberry wear test mani.

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

After my base coat, I used three coats of Fing'rs Meet me in the Green Room, a bright green jelly, with one coat of Sally Hansen Galaxy Green over the top. I topped it off with one coat of Seche Vite. Bright and fun!

More soon! ^_^

Jamberry Thoughts

Hello again!

I've been a bit quiet here lately, which was partly due to my poor planning. I wanted to wear-test my Jamberry sample from this post, but I didn't think to swatch up enough polishes to post while I did so. Once I finally took that off, it was in the middle of the week, and I was too busy for swatching. Onward with the swatches next week, but for now here are some of my thoughts on Jamberry nail wraps.

I think these are a fun way to do a long-lasting mani in a hurry, but they're kind of expensive. Each packet is $15, and they offer a lot of very basic looks. I made sure to pick out very complicated art styles that I wouldn't be able to recreate using nail polish myself. I love how shiny these are on their own - they look like topcoated polish, as far as shine goes. I didn't put anything over mine, and they stayed shiny the entire time I had them on my nails.

Day 8. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I took this picture on Day 8. The wrap still looks pretty good, as does the polish. What you can't see well in the photo is that the polish was starting to crack and was about to chip, but eight days was really great wear on that too. I had mine on for well over a week, so they'll be great for my next vacation. I'm curious to know how they'd hold up on a beach vacation where they'll be in water a lot of the time.

I definitely feel like I need to make these last, so I will probably use them as accent nails, reserving an entire mani's worth for a special occasion. Overall, it's a nice system if they're your thing, but if you have a lot of polish and a little nail art skill, I think they're only a novelty at best and a waste at worst.

More soon! ^_^

NOTW: Jamberry Inspired Skittle

Hello!

This week's look is centered around a Jamberry nail wrap. My sister roped me into trying some of these with her, and this one was a free sample.

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I paired my wrap with two coats of China Glaze Re-fresh Mint topped with Seche Vite. I added some soft and subtle sparkle to my middle finger with OPI Pirouette My Whistle, and to pull the whole look together, I focused on the yellow of the flowers and added some small dots with Sinful Colors Unicorn.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Zoya Dillon

Hello!

Today, I have Zoya Dillon swatched up for you!

Zoya Dillon. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Dillon is a pretty, mint green shimmer. So much shimmer, it's almost metallic!

Zoya Dillon. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I started with one coat of Sinful Colors Basecoat, then added two coats of Dillon. I topped this off with one coat of NYC In a New York Minute topcoat. This has a nice, easy formula. The first coat does go on a bit streaky and sheer, but the second provides a perfect, even finish.

I added one coat of Butter London Matte topcoat to my swatch to see what happened... and I think I like it better!

Zoya Dillon. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I purchased my bottle from Zoya.

Zoya Dillon. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Rainbow Honey Viridis

Hello!

Today's polish is Rainbow Honey Viridis!

Rainbow Honey Viridis. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Viridis is an awesome glitter topper. The base is packed with iridescent shimmer, aqua circles, lilac circles, neon stars, and a few iridescent hex glitters. It created a neat, cartoon-like galaxy look over my dark base polish.

Rainbow Honey Viridis. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one swiped on coat, plus some dabbing, over yesterday's China Glaze History of the World swatch. I used two coats of topcoat to seal in the glitter. I didn't have any problems with application, but I did take care to place the stars where I wanted them.

Rainbow Honey Viridis. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Viridis came in July's Mystery Bag, so I'm not sure if or when it will be available again. Keep an eye out for Rainbow Honey's future offerings as it just might make the cut into a future collection! I purchased my mystery bag from Rainbow Honey, and they offer a monthly subscription service. I think it's really fun to get a little surprise package every month, so I am really glad Rainbow Honey offered it this way.

Rainbow Honey Viridis. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

NOTD: Sushi Nails!

Hello!

Here's my most recent mani! I went out for sushi with some friends recently and thought I needed to paint my nails just for the occasion!

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

After my usual base coats, I put on two coats of China Glaze Be More Pacific. To my pointer and pinkie fingers, I added one coat of Chick Polish Hipster Chick. The stamps all came from FUN IP #3 and were done in Konad Special Black, for the most part. When I bought that plate, I didn't I'd ever use those three stamps! I've since tried sushi and become a bit of a fangirl about it (obviously?!). I made a decal out of the pile of sushi image, so I could color it in. I used China Glaze Glittering Garland for the nori, OPI Toucan Do It if You Try and Color Club Wildflower for the seafood, and a tiny bit of Milani White Out for the rice. It was my first time trying that technique. I thought it was super fun!

Indoors, natural light, no flash.

These turned out better than how I envisioned the mani when I started it! So fun!

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Rainbow Honey Sea Star

Hello!

Today I have a fantastic polish to show you! This is Rainbow Honey Sea Star - June's Limited Edition!

Rainbow Honey Sea Star. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Sea Star is a phenomenal glitter topper in a clear base packed with iridescent shimmer. The glitter mix in this is perfectly aquatic: Aqua and mint hexes, circles, and squares. A few small, yellow hexes are in there as well, and the finishing touch, coral stars. Sea Star brings to mind images of a tropical lagoon and sandy beaches. It's perfect for a cute beachy mani!

Rainbow Honey Sea Star. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one and a half coats of Sea Star over Zoya Chantal plus two coats of topcoat. I applied this by swiping one coat of polish on then going back to dab on and place the stars and larger glitter where I wanted it. The formula is good, and I had no problems with application.

Rainbow Honey Sea Star. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I purchased my bottle from Rainbow Honey, where it is still available.

Rainbow Honey Sea Star. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

NOTW: Blustery Night

Hello!

I wore my combination of Nyx Algae and Aqua Glitter for a few days, then stamped this bushy image from Bundle Monster Plate BM-310 over it with Konad Special Polish Black. This mani reminds me of one of the rare, warm balmy nights when the moon is full and the breeze is tussling the branches about. The night feels alive, and it seems as if anything can happen...

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: NYX Algae

Hello!

Today's polish is one I've had for ages. Take a look at Nyx Algae!

Nyx Algae. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Algae is an aptly-named dusty, teal creme polish.

Nyx Algae. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today started with my usual base coat combination of Duri Rejuvacote and Sinful Colors Nail Hardener followed by two easy coats of Algae and topped with one coat of Seche Vite. This polish applies smoothly without issues.

I purchased my bottle back in Maryland from a rather dumpy independent beauty supply store in a strip mall that wasn't in the greatest neighborhood. Let's just say that I only ever ventured in there this one time.... lol I'm not entirely sure where else to find Nyx nail polish. I've started seeing Nyx cosmetics at Walgreens, so maybe I just need to look harder!

Nyx Algae. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: China Glaze Be More Pacific

Hello!

This is China Glaze Be More Pacific!

China Glaze Be More Pacific. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Be More Pacific is a crazy green creme. I'm not sure what to call this one -- I can see it as a pastel lime or a neon celery. The day I bought it, I thought it looked like the perfect 'celery' colored green, but once I put it on, it was much brighter yet retained the same hue.

China Glaze Be More Pacific. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Today's swatches are one coat of Duri Rejuvacote, one of Sinful Colors Nail Hardener, two coats of Be More Pacific, and one coat of Seche Vite. This polish has an excellent formula. It is very fluid and glides on smoothly.

China Glaze Be More Pacific. Indoors, natural light, no flash.

I purchased my bottle recently from Sally Beauty.

China Glaze Be More Pacific. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

GOT Polish Challenge: Green

Hello!

Today's prompt is green.. my least favorite polish color of all... welp, let's get on it!

I started with one coat of Sinful Colors Base Coat, two coats of Rescue Beauty Lounge Halcyon, and one coat of Seche Vite. Once that was dry I attempted to stamp a floral design in pink (which you can sort of see on my pinkie), but had no luck. I think either my stamping plate isn't etched deep enough or the pink polish I tried to use has gotten too thick. So, I abandoned that idea for the ivy pattern from Bundle Monster plate BM-312 and Cult Nails Nevermore, which worked out much better! I randomly stamped parts of the image around my nails to evoke the sense that the ivy has started to get overgrown on my nails. I think it turned out quite nicely.

Indoors, artificial, light, no flash.

I like the somber look of this. There's something reminiscent of The Secret Garden about it. I like how the pink shimmer in Halcyon adds a bit of interest and intrigue. Okay, Green, you can stay... in small quantities.

Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: China Glaze Glittering Garland

Hello!

Today's polish has been in my collection untouched for far too long. This is China Glaze Glitter Garland!

Glittering Garland is a deep evergreen jelly packed with gold and green flecks. It's lovely.

China Glaze Glittering Garland. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are a base coat of Seche Clear, three coats of Glittering Garland, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. This polish is a bit thin and streaky on the first coat, the second is better, but I did need three coats for the best result. Other than that, this polish had no other issues, and application was easy even with the thin formula.

China Glaze Glittering Garland. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Green still isn't my favorite color for polish, but I have to admit that this is beautiful and festive! It looks beautiful in matte as well.

China Glaze Glittering Garland, matte. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Glittering Garland was a part of the China Glaze holiday collection in 2011 called Let it Snow. I purchased mine from Head2Toe Beauty, I think, where it is still available.

China Glaze Glittering Garland. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Sally Hansen Fuzz-Sea

Hello!

Today I have a fun glitter to show you -- this is Sally Hansen Fuzz-Sea!

Sally Hansen Fuzz-Sea. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Fuzz-Sea is a simple mix of short bar glitter in pastel lime green and teal.

Sally Hansen Fuzz-Sea over Sinful Colors Cream Pink. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are one coat of Fuzz-Sea over yesterday's Sinful Colors Cream Pink swatch plus one coat of Seche Vite. This has a good formula -- it swipes on easily, and one coat is the perfect amount of coverage. I did use a tip I picked up from The Polish Hoochie: wiggle the brush side to side while applying so that all the glitter is not lined up in one direction.

Super cute! I wore this out and about mattified and loved how fun it was.

Sally Hansen Fuzz-Sea over Sinful Colors Cream Pink, matte. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I purchased this bottle from CVS, where I've seen it still for sale recently.

Sally Hansen Fuzz-Sea over Sinful Colors Cream Pink. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Rainbow Honey The Changeling Queen

Hello!

Today I have another fabulous Rainbow Honey creation to show you! This is The Changeling Queen.

Rainbow Honey The Changeling Queen. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

The Changeling Queen is a glitter topper in a clear base. There are large, black circles; small and large lime green squares; green, teal, and blue colored small hex glitters; tiny black bars; and black microglitter. In addition to that, there is shimmer in this that is duochromatic! It shifts from blue to green to yellow.

Rainbow Honey The Changeling Queen. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today started with yesterday's Zoya Hunter. I added one coat of The Changeling Queen and topped it off with one coat of Gelous plus one of Seche Vite. I didn't have any problems with the formula on this polish. It swiped on easily, but I did take care to place those giant circles where I wanted them.

Rainbow Honey The Changeling Queen. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

I am not a big fan of green nail polish, but I love this combination!

Rainbow Honey The Changeling Queen. Indoors, filtered sunlight (window), no flash.

This gorgeous polish is a Rainbow Honey limited edition. I snagged it directly from their website a few months ago. Unfortunately, this polish is long gone. Rainbow Honey does incredible limited edition polishes, adding one or more each month. They're always introduced with swatches on their Facebook page along with release date and time. Keep an eye on it so you don't miss out on future LEs!

Rainbow Honey The Changeling Queen. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: Zoya Hunter

Hello!

I have the fabulous Zoya Hunter on the blog today!

Zoya Hunter. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Hunter is a perfect, hunter-green creme. Aptly named, no?

Zoya Hunter. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are a base coat of Seche Clear, two coats of Hunter, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. Formula is great. This is nicely pigmented and covered to opacity in two coats. Formula was smooth and leveled out easily.

Zoya Hunter. Indoors, filtered direct sunlight (window), no flash.

This polish was a freebie as part of promotion a few months back. I made a qualifying purchase from Zoya's website and this was one of the free polishes in the deal! Zoya runs great promos frequently, so keep an eye on their Facebook page.

Zoya Hunter. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^

Stash Swatch Initiative: KBShimmer Don't Teal Anyone

Hello!

Another KBShimmer for today! This is Don't Teal Anyone!

KBShimmer Don't Teal Anyone. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Don't Teal Anyone has large, satin hexes in yellow and blue; small, satin hexes in pink and teal; tiny teal hexes; and small, thin, pink bars in a lovely teal, jelly base. I love this mix of colors -- it's exotic and tropical.

KBShimmer Don't Teal Anyone. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

Swatches today are a base coat of Seche Clear, two thick coats of Don't Teal Anyone, one coat of Gelous, and one coat of NYC In a New York Minute. Formula was not problematic, and this brushed on easily.

KBShimmer Don't Teal Anyone. Indoors, filtered sunlight (window), no flash.

Along with yesterday's polish, I purchased this bottle from KBShimmer's website. It is gorgeous!

KBShimmer Don't Teal Anyone. Indoors, artificial light, no flash.

More soon! ^_^