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Thursday, April 26, 2012

Red Nicole with white orly polka dots

I did this mani last night. It didn't take long. Just 2 coats of polish let dry. Then put a few drops of white polish on a piece of tin foil (learned that from a fellow blogger, Jackie S.) and use a dotting tool, bobby pin, or old pen.

Bad news

I got some bad news...

I had the swatches on my phone and one of the pictures got deleted after I re-did my toes! I was so mad!!!!! I had a beautiful French tip using the ballerina collection and my pictures were good too. But, it was deleted, so I will have to do them again next time... Mean while I have another pedicure to show you. :) I also have the swatches for one of the ballerina collections.

Here's a nice pic of my sandals to go with it. :) I used a pink from the Nicole collection. This is nothing new, just an oldie but goodie from the stash. Then I used an Orly French tip white and an old pen to make some dots.

Sorry the pics are so blurry. The sunny Cali is a little gloomy and rainy so its harder to take good pictures.

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Purple mani

I did this purple mani for a friends birthday party! I love this mani! I did sparkle tips and white flowers on the ring fingers.
Sorry everybody for not posting in a while.  This week has been so crazy! ATandT sent me a text saying I am over my data limit so I had to turn it off for a while.  All my pics for my nails are on my phone and I cant post without internet.  Don't worry I have swaps for a few OPI's New York Ballerina collection.  The swaps will come as soon as my data situation is fixed, should be soon. I also have a new manicure for you!  Look back soon to see if my data is back yet.

Here is a flower to brighten your day!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

2012 Most Swoon- Worhty Nail Polish Trends

I have been checking out the nail world online and found some great spring colors. Some of these are dupes of some old colors in my bag! When I saw this I was "WHOOOH", the new spring trend won't break the bank to mutch if you just look for dupes in your nail polish bag and cheaper brands.



2012's Most Swoon-Worthy Nail Polish Trends
By Megan McIntyre
Buckle up kids — this season's nail polishes are making their big debut and they’re the raddest of the rad. We were having a hard time choosing between all of these fresh new nail trends, so we asked some of our fave nail pros to break it down for us. Here, they share their top polish picks for the shades that are going to be everywhere this spring. We apologize to your wallet in advance: You’re not going to be able to resist stocking up on these cool colors.


"2012 is all about the color green," says Essie founder Essie Weingarten. "There’s something really special about it, so you’re going to see a lot of it." Unlike last season, where we saw tons of hunter hues, spring's iteration is pretty pistachio. Look for polishes that have creamy undertones and lots of opacity — you want the color to really stand out on your nails.

Essie Nail Polish in Navigate Her, $8, available in February at Essie; Priti NYC Nail Polish in Dusty Miller, $12.50, available January 20 at Priti NYC; Yves Saint Laurent Duo Manicure Couture Nail Polish Set in Edition 7, $30, available at Yves Saint Laurent; RGB Cosmetics Nail Polish in Dew, $16, available in March at RGB.

Photos: Courtesy of Essie, Priti NYC, Yves Saint Laurent, RGB

Blame Pantone and 2012's color of the season, Tangerine Tango, for all the bright orange nails you're going to be seeing this year. "Offbeat orange and retro mod brights straight out of the swinging '60s [will be big for 2012]," says CND founder Jan Arnold. Adds OPI Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, "Orange will be a big color for next year, and bright corals (orange with red pigment) will also be popular."

Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour in Tango Mango, $4.99, available in March at Target; Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in Paisley Attention To Me!, $9.50, available in February at Sephora; Le Métier De Beauté Nail Lacquer in Not So Safe Orange, $18, available late January at Bergdorf Goodman; CND Colour in Electric Orange, $9,CND for salons.

Photos: Courtesy of Sonia Kashuk, Sephora, Le Métier De Beauté, CND

Glitter gets an update for spring with new shapes, colors, and sizes of sparkles. "The glitter craze is continuing, but will be transforming into new variations — the latest versions are 3D holographics, but shiny shimmers still continue to rule," says celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann.

Sally Hansen Gem Crush Nail Color in Be-Jeweled, $4.50, Sally Hansen for retailers; Nicki Minaj by OPI Nail Lacquer in Save Me, $8.50, OPI for salons; Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquer in "Fabulous" Is My Middle Name, $7, available in February at Walmart; China Glaze Nail Polish in Techno, $7, available in February at China Glaze.

Photos: Courtesy of Sally Hansen, OPI, Nicole by OPI, China Glaze

Ditch your highlighter hues and try a new kind of bright. "This isn’t old-school, '80s neon," says Butter London creative director Nonie Creme. "It's a grown-up, modern interpretation; the result of a neon mixed with pure white pigment to create a beautiful, pulled-back look. This is an evolution of neon — still bright and in the same color family, but more sophisticated and subdued."

Butter London Nail Colour in Slapper, $14, available at Butter London; Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in It's Totally Karma, $9.50, available in February at Sephora; China Glaze Nail Polish in Gothic Lolita, $7, available in February at China Glaze; Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Pink Graffiti, $23, available at Saks.

Photos: Courtesy of Butter London, Sephora, China Glaze, Dior

Mannequin nails make their return this spring, but this time around, the focus is on matching your skin tone, not making your nails look like a Barbie doll's. "Beige is the new sheer pink and its popularity is rising," says Lippmann. "I've been doing nude nails season after season because it gives the illusion of skin continuing and really lengthens your finger — it feels modern. We're shifting to warmer, foundation-inspired hues because who doesn't love the idea of never-ending skin? Skin has become so important to our culture — we're always after that glowing, dewy, gorgeous effect."

Orly Nail Lacquer in Prelude To A Kiss, $7.50, available in March at Orly; Sonia Kashuk Nail Colour in Sugar Rush, $4.99, available at Target; Sally Hansen Smooth & Perfect Color + Care in Linen, $5.49, Sally Hansen for retailers; Sephora by OPI Nail Colour in Neutral Beauty, $9.50, available in February at Sephora.

Photos: Courtesy of Orly, Sonia Kashuk, Sally Hansen, Sephora

Feeling blue? Your nails sure are: Shades of blue will rule your digits all year long. "Different hues of blue — baby blue, turquoise, and navy — will be big this spring. It will definitely be a lasting trend seen into fall as well," says Lippmann.

SpaRitual Nail Lacquer in Undercurrent, $10, available in February at SpaRitual; Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in On The Beach, $18, available in March at Deborah Lippmann; OPI Nail Lacquer in I Don't Give A Rotterdam, $8.50, OPI for salons; China Glaze Nail Polish in Kinetic Candy, $7, available in February at China Glaze.

Photos: Courtesy of SpaRitual, Deborah Lippmann, OPI, China Glaze

Pastels don't have to be tea-party twee — the latest dreamy shades are actually quite chic and sophisticated, provided you stay away from cliches like cotton-candy pink. "Think more along the lines of pistachio green and butter yellow," says Creme. "I'm seeing a move toward this color palette for spring — taking a fun, light-hearted, youthful trend and translating it into a more high-fashion look."

Essie Nail Polish in To Buy Or Not To Buy, $8, available in February at Essie; RGB Cosmetics Nail Polish in Vellum, $16, available in March at RGB; Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in May, $26, available at Chanel; Rococo Nail Apparel Nail Colour in T-Cup, $16.50, available in February at SpaceNK.

Photos: Courtesy of Essie, RGB, Chanel, SpaceNK


Demure nails these are not: Hot pink and fuchsia replace light pink as the go-to girly shade of the season. Expect to see versions with contrasting glitter, pearlescent undertones, and straight-up opaques for a bold, edgy finish with just the right amount of femininity.

Butter London Nail Colour in Disco Biscuit, $14, available at Butter London; MAC Nail Lacquer in Toco Toucan, $15, available at MAC; Nails Inc. Neon Polish in Notting Hill Gate, $9.50, available in March at Sephora; Kat Von D High Voltage Lacquer in No Regrets, $12, available at Sephora.

Photos: Courtesy of Butter London, MAC, Nails Inc., Sephora



I have some of these and I'm sure I can find some dupes!

Which spring color is your fav?

Courtesy of Bazar Magazine online

Guess what Bazar says is really in right now? That I have a bunch of!

Yup Nudes!

Here is the article from Bazar Magazine clearly stating that Jackie S is a mind reader because she gave me some nude Zoya's for my collection. I totally needed some! Okay, we'll it doesn't say that exactly but pretty close :) (maybe)

Here's the article for you to read;


THE BEST SPRING 2012 NAIL TRENDS
The big news with nails this season: nude is in. After an excess of neon and oddball colors, the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction with an emphasis on pretty, wearable shades of cream and beige. That’s not to say there aren’t bold patterns and bright moments to be enjoyed—this is spring, after all—but it's all about classic reds, chic corals, soft pastels, and mellow yellows mixed in with cool ombre and metallic designs. Welcome to your most flattering manicure season yet.

New Neutrals
Minimalist colors made the biggest statement of all. Creamy shades of gray, white, pale pink, and soft beige looked refreshing on models fingers, contrasting against the many printed clothing and accessories. Perfection is key with these shades, though—no chips, scuffs or slacking on the upkeep—and a rounded shape helps elongate your hands.


The glitter one is obviously not nude but I think I goes great with the make up and I had to show you guys!

Zoya Beach Collection

I'm sure you have all heard about the new Zoya beach and surf collection. I am so excited for this to come out! I want these colors so bad! I'll have o keep an eye out for these colors! I checked Sally's Beauty Supply (aka Sally's, for future reference) and they don't carry the Zoya brand! I was so sad, I am new to the nail polish world and I didn't know you had to buy online because where I live doesn't seem to have it! :( But oh well, it's probably a good thing because if it were sold up here I might be broke.

Which colors are you looking forward too?
I can't wait to get my hands on this collection and where them in my favorite state, where the weather is always nice, California. I have my eye on a certain blue and pink that will match with a few bikinis in my closet.

New York City Ballet

The New York City Ballet collection was released as you all know. :) And I was lucky enough to get a few bottles for myself from a fellow blogger. (Thanks Jackie S.) I'll have some swatches for you soon.

Really?

I read this article today and was very surprised! Here is the article that I read:



Women often get professional manicures as a way to relax and do something nice for themselves. They shouldn't have to worry about the safety of the products that are being used while they are getting their nails done. Unfortunately, getting a manicure may expose women to a host of dangerous and untested chemicals.

OPI Products, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of nail polish and nail treatment products in the world. Headquartered in California, their distribution spans over 70 countries including the United States and countries throughout Europe and Asia. Their products are sold primarily in nail salons, beauty supply stores and specialty spa salons.

Although OPI Products, Inc. claims to be the "leader in professional nail care," they lag behind other major manufacturers of nail polish and nail treatment products in eliminating the use of dangerous chemicals in their products. Some of these chemicals are known or suspected to cause cancer or reproductive harm. According to the Environmental Working Group's report Skin Deep, the world's largest database of chemicals in cosmetics, some of the most toxic products of the more than 14,000 products listed are made by OPI.

OPI still uses in their products three industrial chemicals--dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde and toluene--that have been linked to cancer and reproductive harm. Although OPI has reformulated their nail polish to comply with the European Union Cosmetics Directive, thus removing dangerous chemicals from the products they sell in Europe, they refuse to sell those safer, reformulated products here in the United States.

Representatives from the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics met with officials from OPI and asked them to remove these harmful ingredients from their products but company officials have repeatedly refused to do so.

This article doesn't have me convinced just yet but I will start watching out for those chemicals on the labels. I feel a bit like a curtain was draw over my face with their advertisements and cute colors not realizing it was hurting me (according to this article). I had no idea there were chemicals that could potentially hurt you in nail polish.

I don't think this article has made rethink doing my nails every couple days but it's something I'll watch our for.

I do like the OPI nail polishes but maybe I pull back a smidge with the OPI and find another brand thats better for me but still has exceptional performance.



Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Day 2 of blue pure ice!

This is the second day of wearing the pure ice blue. I am very happy with this color. It went on so easily and there is minimal damage today. It survived a shower too!

Mermaid nails!

I saw this on someone else blog but thought it was so cute so I replicated it. I think it turned out really nice and I would definitely do it again. The only down side is it takes a long time to do the "scales".

I started off with a pure ice blue and applied 2 coats. Let dry.

Then I used a bobby pin and painted dots randomly with each color until it looked full.

I applied a top coat to all of the nails.
(Hint* Wait a while before you put the top coat on the scales or it will smudge the polish.)

Monday, April 16, 2012

New patterns!

I tried a new patter on my nails yesterday and I was wondering if its a keeper or not. Please leave comments telling me if you like it or not!:)

First, I did a sparkly dark grey from love and beauty and let it dry.
(2 Coats)

Then, I took a pink from my selection and painted a little square just with the brush. Waited for it to dry and then went over it.

Next, I repeated the step above with a different color pink in a different section.

I took a detailing brush with silver and painted lines separating the colors (and it also hides any little mistakes made while using the bigger brushes) and then put a top coat on.

Each nail is different. And sorry for blurry pics, the light want great and it was dark out.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

No label polish?

I have a nail polish but it has no label on it. I haven't ever used it do I did yesterday and I found that its a cool color so watch out for this bronzish kind of color. I did some nail art on it and I think I like the gold! The gray is just okay but it was worth a shot.

More nails to do!

I also did my friend Karen's nails. She wanted blue and white so I used a UK blue (I forget the name right now) and an OPI French tip white that I picked up at Sally Hansen's Beauty supply shop. We did a black crackle from Pure Ice to give "Penguin colors". Then I put ocean stickers on the blue for the ocean. I think it came out so cute! And she was so happy with them too!

Makeover time!

My friend is a real Tom-boy and NEVER does her nails, so I forced her to stay still while I gave her a hand makeover. I clipped, shaped, buffed, and put base coat, nail polish (2 coats), crackle, and a tip coat on her nails and they look fabulous!!!

OPI light purple

I painted my nails with this purple from OPI. I did a different design on each one.

Share your favorite on the comments!:)