Nail Art Christmas: September 2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

Sally Hansen Oxide

Good evening, Dear Reader!

Tonight I have pictures to show you of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Oxide, one of the Tracy Reese shades for Fall 2011 that their PR sent me to review. It's a really gorgeous charcoal along the lines of a darker Chanel Graphite, really the closest thing I've seen to Graphite with respect to finish, although a good bit darker. If you recall, it's the finish in Graphite that made me swoon, and Oxide does the same.

I currently have a pretty big backlog of cool things to show you all set aside together, and Oxide is one I've really been looking forward to trying out. I knew I'd have an opportunity to change nail color this evening, but had been torn as to what I wanted to wear because this manicure will have to stay until Sunday, and tomorrow night a friend of mine, the coolest boss I've ever had, is playing his last live show after a few decades of performing. That's right, an IT-guy rock star. The original plan was to coordinate with cool shoes, but last weekend I really sprained my ankle wearing hideous matronly flats to take out the trash, so I have to wait until I'm leaving to pick what I can wear (I think that was The Goddess of Hot Shoes sending me a warning, which I'll heed in the future). Then I got a surprise when UPS delivered some non-nail-related stuff I'd ordered during a 50% off of clearance prices sale, and when I placed the order I saw a giant black rose rhinestone ring that ended up being under $3 after all the percentages off, so I added it. When I saw it in person today, Oxide seemed like a perfect choice.

For this manicure, I used one coat of base coat, two of Oxide, and one of Lippmann Addicted to Speed since I wanted it to dry really fast and be perfect. After it dried, I went out to take pictures, and had a kind of funny experience. I'm friendly with the ladies who live on either side of me, and both recently had babies. I guess they both came home with their babies in tow at the same time and met in the middle in my yard to chat. I went out with stuff to take pictures, said hello and had a little chitchat including assurance that I didn't mind them meeting in the middle, but it was late and the last of the light would be gone if I took too long, so I just went about the business of taking the pictures with them standing there a few feet away, offering no explanation. One of the husbands came home while I was taking pictures and went up to his wife, so at this point there was a small crowd chatting in my yard pretending that I'm not over in the corner evaluating light and clicking away. They still have no idea why the heck I keep taking pictures of small things I'm hiding in my hand! It was socially awkward enough to be entertaining at the time.

After all of that, I got some good pictures of Sally Hansen Oxide in sunlight.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Oxide Nail Polish, Two Coats

This is a closer look at the shimmer.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Oxide Nail Polish, A Look at the Finish

And just for fun, I took a picture of it with my fabulous cheapo ring.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Oxide Nail Polish & A Fabulous Ring

I love this a whole lot. Admittedly, the overall look is somewhat vampiric, but aside from wearing nothing but pastels all the time, there's not much to be done about that so I go with it. I'm extra happy about having a manicure I love as the start of an ensemble for a fun event tomorrow night. I would have been fine with a blood red that went with anything, but it's always a little more enjoyable to wear something that thrills me.

That's the scoop on Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Oxide, which should be showing up with the other Tracy Reece shades any day now. Until next time, Dear Reader, love and nail polish to you!

Sally Hansen Oxide

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Oxide Nail Polish, Two Coats

This is a closer look at the shimmer.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Oxide Nail Polish, A Look at the Finish

And just for fun, I took a picture of it with my fabulous cheapo ring.

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Oxide Nail Polish & A Fabulous Ring

From First to Last: As Time Passes By Tag

This is a tag that has been floating around for a while and I haven't technically been tagged by anyone but I really wanted to do this one and I'm glad I did because it's been fun (and cringe-worthy at the same time!).

Basically, all you have to do is post a picture from when you started blogging and one from very recently. Like a 'Then and Now' perspective on your life as a blogger.

06/04/10

01/10/11

Boy oh boy can I see an improvement in my nails and the pictures themselves.

My nails are longer, stronger and much more well looked after now than in the first photo.

I've recently started using an artificial light and changed my watermark so the whole thing looks a little more professional. I've also learnt that cropping the picture nice and close definitely works better for me.

Taking pictures of nails is hard and it takes a long time to learn what works for you. It sounds silly, but it's like muscle memory. My fingers can bend in to all kinds of positions now that they wouldn't have been able to two years ago and it's just from fidgeting around attempting to take great pictures of my nails!

I'm really happy with the way I have my pictures looking at the moment and actually take great pride in them. However, I'm sure I'll continue to learn and my technique will keep evolving throughout my time as a blogger.

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Fall / Winter 2011 Makeup Trends

With the great fall / winter 2011 makeup trends play, all you have to do is browse through the new styles and choose your favorites. Looking fabulous has never been easier, so take a look at what is and what is outside so you can see a perfect picture every time!

The new make-up trends autumn / winter 2011 season is set and ready to try the women this year is different. Makeup should be fun, so why be afraid to explore the vast and marvelous world of make-up as the best make-up is that it can be removed and redone many times as you want. Go for a romantic look that is based on a light, pastel colors, go to the cities and to choose the color or shades of makeup to go glam and try the rich, soft tones that scream look-at-me!

Simply superb, the new make-up trends autumn / winter 2011 look great, and is suitable for a variety of styles, skin tones and flavors, so pick your favorite and always make sure you keep up with the latest trends fashionista in real life is always top of the game.

"Au naturel" is definitely the word that does not want to lose the make-up terminology like the beauty of nature can not be completed. If you're in a romantic look that emphasize simplicity and femininity, to select the essential elements, such as foundation, concealer, blush and mascara a few. Perfect skin does not deserve to be hidden, so you get the best out of it, emphasizing perfection. Professional makeup to enhance your eyes and give them a touch unbelievable, or radiation, you can certainly benefit from a white eyeliner applied to the waterline, so use a fine, high quality white eyeliner pencil to brighten the eyes.

Earth tones are a perfect match for fans of urban style, so weigh your look with a little soft brown tones. Brown and blue is "IT" shades of the season so far as the makeup is going to try and give your eyes just the right touch of color. If you are not a big fan of eye shadow, you can just choose a nice makeup eyeliner and enhance your lashes to perfection with a mascara black / brown.

If you like the theater, go bold and dive into the wonderful world of darkness bright as the navy, green and black colors / gray depending on what best suits your style. Colors of the layers of a beautiful eye makeup, the capture of a mystery that adds appeal can not be neglected.

Blush shades that complement your complexion like peach, pink and brown is a must in your kit beauty of this season, while shades of lipstick can be maintained in the area of subtle or bold with colors like nude, the red brick or glamorous.

Winter 2011 Makeup Tips

This season is a time for you to stand out and experiment with bolder styles of makeup. From bold eyeliner and darker shades of Smokey eyes, lips and nails, look at some of the hottest trends, and in winter 2011 Make-up tips you can try. If you're more natural makeup style, do not worry, because there are possibilities for you. You just have to practice looking for a flawless make-up of at least amount of effort.

If until now you were not a big fan of eyeliner for the winter of 2011 that has to come out of his shell, take risks and pay more attention to your eyes. Perhaps it is difficult to apply, but with practice and patience, that will definitely have to do things, especially now that everything is possible, every shape and size. In addition, a Glam lipstick can add and femininity in a moment. Here are some makeup tips to draw inspiration for her makeup looks Winter 2011.

# Eyeliner can be seen as a lifeline for girls with smaller eyes and want to bring depth to them. You can apply the eyeliner on the upper deck just to add expressiveness to his eyes. If you use a liquid liner, make small lines in the interior and exterior corner in the middle, and then connect. For the lower eyelid is preferable to use an eyeliner pencil. For a night out with friends to treat cat eye makeup for a sexy look.

# The famous Smokey eye makeup makes a comeback from the 2011 winter makeup trends that come in so many different versions. This season is the classic smoky eye makeup off and it was reinvented and redefined in an elegant and very creative. You can try version two colors, but be sure to keep the serious tone by using darker shades of brown, gold and taupe. Pair black and gray, gold and brown or gray and blue. Also the soft smoky eye color works well with a makeup nude lips and skin. You can also try a version that bold and innovative spotted at Chanel.

# This is the perfect time for you to play with eye shadow in different colors, if you choose soft shades of pink, beige or brown, or chocolate shades in hand, more powerful and purple or hot. We can not forget that the popular and metal like gold or silver for a shiny look.

For winter 2011 # You have permission to use light eye shadow over the entire upper eyelid, even to his forehead. There is no need to use mascara or eyeliner, but keep the makeup simple as possible. It is fashionable and light, but you must feel it and wear it with confidence.

# Orange is not only the lips. This season turns into a bold version of the eyes too. It is a porcelain doll skin, beautiful orange eyes make-up can be represented by detailed, which brings attention to the look with the addition of light contact, and electrical systems. It 'a great choice for a special evening.

# However, the warm winter to the cries, the colors of the earth, not only in clothing but also on the eyelids. For fall / winter 2010-2011, you can try the purple tones, which are so hot. You may refer to the classic look of the 20's and go for a retro makeup to achieve a specific result and highlights. However, be sure to use in moderation during the day. The best thing to do is draw a fine line at the root of the lashes.

# We all love the eyebrows rebels! We must not forget, because they play an important role in your appearance. This season, keep your eyebrows as natural as possible when it comes to their shape or color. Make a smart investment to buy and eyebrow pencil from the creamy texture to improve a little 'healthy glow. After application, pencil, style them using the gel.

# The natural, healthy and glowing skin is looking so hot this winter. Therefore, it is time to forget the mask effect. The first thing you should do the trick naked is appropriate to treat the skin. This means that all of the following key steps for cleaning and nourishing on a daily basis, applying the mask, and wash once a week and use a special product, if it has to do with specific skin problems. Winter of 2011, the Foundation should become the second skin texture slightly.

# In this season, the nude makeup is not necessarily boring. Instead, choose a bright, fresh makeup with a pearly blush or powder that can reflect light. Choose a blush in a natural color, such as peachy, coral or pink. Do not use it in the middle of the cheekbone, but on the sides, against the temples with circular movements to add a sculptural touch to your look and glamorous. If the color of blush is stronger, avoid using too much eye makeup and lips.

# A minimalist approach when it comes to makeup requires a variety of tips and tricks, and various products such as foundation, concealer, powder and illuminator, which must be correctly applied to the skin to achieve a flawless looking skin .

# Red is passion. 2011 marks the winter of intense color on the lips. It 'time to venture out without a deep lipstick color, even during the day. More sensual, sexy and stylish touch to the overall appearance of choosing a shade red is available in a wide range of this season. Holidays, red lipstick is a retro hairstyle incredibly beautiful.

# The warm color Cherry Lips. It is a flattering shade for as long as the skin looks perfect. This period may follow the rule says that requires a strong color of your lips a natural makeup for eyes and you can try the latest trend in red as the lips and eyes. Do not use colors as well as the need to be darker than the others.

# For those of you who are more into the natural makeup, there is also the opposite trend in the lip makeup dramatic as this winter seems to go too far with a slightly lighter version. To get the look, cover your lips with a soft layer of foundation and apply some lip gloss. The bare lips will enhance your features and bring out the color of your eyes.

Spectrafranken - Purple Haven

Another spectrafranken today, cause I have so much fun creating them I just can't stop myself.

As soon as I created this polish I instantly knew who it reminded me of. Kristy from the Polish Haven. You see Kristy has an addition problem with purple polishes, so I have named this franken after her blog. Purple Haven.

When I went to create this franken, I was looking through all my Ulta3 swatches looking for something dark, but with a jelly finish. I spotted Gooseberry, which is a very dark purply plum, the clear polish and the spectraflair really lightened it up and created this soft dusty purple. I really love it.

This was make using:

2/3 bottle of Ulta3 Gooseberry
1/3 clear polish
3 incy wincy straw spoonfuls (each the size of a grain of rice) of Spectraflair coarse grade

Don't forget to get creative and email me your spectrafrankens and/or colour morphing frankens, and go in the drawn to win three Picture Polishes.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Nail Art Inspired by Robin Moses

Hey yall! I discovered the most amazing nail artist....Robin Moses and I wanted to share some designs that she inspired me to do. You can find her work at the following sites:

Be sure to check out her work and tutorials. They make it very easy to learn to perfect you hand painting techniques!

GOSH Metallic Purple with Konad M60

This idea looked much nicer in my head. It's not that I don't like this mani, I just thought it would come out a bit more striking. I think I had a more 'open' pattern in mind but I couldn't find one in my pile of stamping plates or come up with a freehand one in my brain.

Konad Plate: M60
Base Colour: Rimmel - Black Satin
Konad Colour: GOSH Metallic Purple
Black rinestones from eBay
Top Coat of NYC

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Wet n Wild Fantasy Makers Black Magic

Good morning, Dear Reader!

When I got home last night I changed my nail color to one of the Wet n Wild Fantasy Makers, Black Magic, which I'd shown you bottle pics of but not swatches when I got them. It's a black that's loaded up with very fine glitters, and it turned out to be quite nice.

The tombstone cap wasn't a problem to use as a brush handle, but the brush itself falls short of ideal. It's long and kind of floppy, and mine had some wacky stray hairs. My experience of Wet n Wild is that the quality of the products is generally good, particularly for the price, and that the quality of the packaging is what keeps the cost as low as it is, so I wasn't horrified to discover that the brush wasn't great.

I applied base coat, two coats of Black Magic, which was enough for even and opaque coverage, and a coat of Poshe. The brush only interfered with one nail, my middle left, where the edge of the polish along the cuticle is imperfect, but not enough of a problem to actually do something about it. This morning, after it dried nicely, I took pictures of it in the sun. Here is Wet n Wild Black Magic.

Wet n Wild Fantasy Makers Black Magic Nail Polish, Two Coats

Here's a closer look at the glitter.

Glitter in Wet n Wild Fantasy Makers Black Magic Nail Polish

I absolutely love this polish - it's really fun to wear. Out of bright light, it's clear that there's glitter in it, and then in bright light it's really sparkly and cool. I was definitely worth the $2-$3 I spent on it.

That is what I know about Wet n Wild Fantasy Maker Black Magic, my manicure for the day, so until next time, Dear Reader, love and nail polish to you!