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: 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: 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"