Nail Flavor of the Week: Picasso, Baby

Hey there! This week's nails feature another dry brush design. I call this Picasso because I feel this technique allows me to get creative and "artsy" with the design. The color scheme and brush strokes make my nails look like an art display!

Base color: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Violet Voltage; dry brush design colors: Zoya in Mason and Whet in Facetious

I hope you like the design. Enjoy the rest of your week!

Nail Flavor of the Week: Blue Moon

I immediately knew what I would title this blog post after finishing this manicure, which features a bright pink polish with a navy-colored stamp of the night sky:

with camera flash

with tru-lux lighting

Base color: Essie - Bump up the Pumps; stamping color: Sally Hansen Instadry - Navy Fleet; stamping plate: Pueen Nature Lover Collection

As you can see, the camera flash makes the blue polish appear lighter than it is; however, I thought that shot provided a better look of the details in the stamping pattern. I love the color combo and think the stamping came out well, in spite of small parts of the moon not being filled on some nails. I like the design's appearance of an abstract sketch; I got a couple of compliments on my nails while at work today! This design is a reflection of my itch for spring to arrive. While it's around the corner, it seems so far away! I look forward to mild temperatures and clear skies...perfect for nights spent star gazing!

Nail Flavor of the Week: Black with Confetti Glitter

Hey there! How was your weekend? Mine went well but too quickly because I was busy the whole time! This week won't let up either, given the various events on my calendar...a lady's work is never done!

This week's nail look features black polish, which I just got into in the past year. I typically like wearing bright colors (nails, lipstick and certain clothing items)...but sometimes I like to be a bit vampy and edgy and darken things up a bit.

Base color - Maybelline Color Show: Black to Black in Smoky Black; accent nails - OPI in Where's My Blanket???

I bought the Color Show polish during a random trip to Target (I LOVE Tar-jay); the store had several Maybelline items on clearance. I like this shade of black because it has the consistency of a jelly polish. It takes 3 coats to build it up to this level of opacity; fewer layers make it look more smoky, thus the name. The picture doesn't do the shade enough justice, because the shade still maintains its smoky look with the 3 layers. 

The OPI polish has black flecks mixed in with yellow and pink, adding a bit of dimension to the smokiness.

I am so annoyed that my pointer fingernail is so short. It broke last Friday as I rushed to leave work. The nails on my left hand have been on a growth spurt lately. They usually don't grow too long beyond the summer months (when I am on vacation and not using my hands as much). I guess taking Biotin on a consistent basis has helped to build their strength. I recently started using Nailtiques nail hardener as well...guess I need to go back to adding a coat everyday to make my nails even stronger!

Anybody have any special tips, tricks or products that seem to help build strong, long nails? If so, please share! That's all for now...have a great week!

Nail Flavor of the Week: Mauve and Glitter + Teal & Cocoa Stars

Hey there! So I totally skipped posting last week because I've been busy at work, as is typical for me this time of year. I come home feeling a bit run down and often want to just kick up my feet and relax. I am thankful for the couple of snow days I got recently due to Snow Storm Jonas. Uhh, when did meteorologists start naming snow storms? Do we feel better about these weather events if we address them on a first name basis?

Anyway, here's a look at this week's nail design:

Milani in Mauving Forward; accent nail is Wet n' Wild/Fergie in Flossy Flossy

It is a simple yet elegant look. I like the party on my ring finger. Every time I admire it, I am reminded of a festive occasion, like a New Year's Eve party!

Here is a quick look at last week's design:

Base color: Sinful Colors in Rise and Shine; stamp color: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Cocoa A Go Go; used Pueen stamping plate #100 from the 24M - Make Your Day collection

For the record, Sinful Colors is one of my least favorite polish brands because I usually experience severe chipping and tip wear only after a day or two! I noticed, however, that the polish lasted longer this go-round...probably because I used two layers of top coat: before and after stamping my nails. I liked the color combination and the stamp design; however, I was not pleased with the outcome of the stamps. It's funny because the polishes I have been using for stamping have worked much better with the small stamping plate by Essence. I may need to order some polishes made specifically for stamping to see better results with the Pueen stamping plates. If you know of any other easily accessible brands beside Wet n' Wild and Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri that are supposedly pigmented enough for nail stamping, please share!

Nail Flavor of the Week: Blue Dry Brush Design

This week, I decided to try an abstract graffiti-like design using a dry brush method I learned about on YouTube. I love the way it turned out...especially for my first try! Despite it's intricate appearance, the design was easy to do and took little effort.

Base coat: Zoya in "Rocky"
Design: 
blue - Essie in "Mesmerized"
purple - Revlon in "Bold Sangria" 
black - Wet n Wild in "Black Creme"

Nail Flavor of the Week: Pink Nails & Blue Floral Stamps

This week I decided to try nail stamping again. I did it once before, but wasn't pleased with the results. Since then I have learned more about techniques to make for a pleasant and successful nail stamping experience...and I am happy with the way my mani came out!

The stamp design came from a cute little kit by Essence I randomly discovered during a shopping trip at Ulta. I recently ordered a "real" stamp set...I am excited to try out more designs!

Base coat: Zoya in "Flora" 
Nail stamps: Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in "Navy Fleet" 
Accent: China Glaze in "Go-Glitter"