Saturday, June 25, 2011

Pretty in Pink

After much deliberation and a phone call to my sister, I decided to purchase OPI Rally Pretty Pink & Red Shatter.  These colors came together and are part of the Serena Glam Slam collection.  I wanted the Rallly Pretty Pink and Katie wanted the Red Shatter, so it worked out perfect.  Here is the Rally Pretty Pink and Red Shatter.  I just love the pink with gold sparkles and it reminds me of Zoya Faye, which I considered ordering online until I found this.

I ended up changing the pictures because my mom came over and took some fabulous pictures with her camera.  They turned out much better than mine.




My mom's beautiful hand.  (The Photographer)









Friday, June 24, 2011

Newspaper Print Mani

I was inspired to try a Newspaper Print Mani after seeing it "repinned" about a million times on Pinterest.  If you aren't familiar with Pinterest it's site where people "pin" pictures of beautiful things.  I could spend hours on it looking at anything from cupcakes to furniture to fabulous couture gowns!  If you haven't checked it out, you must.  Soon.  I mean it.   I digress.....the newspaper manicure is pretty easy, just takes a little time to get it right.  All you need is newspaper and alcohol.  I used Rubbing Alcohol, but I've read people use vodka as well.  So ladies, mix up a dirty martini and save a few shots for this mani!  First, I cut out the desired section of newspaper print.  I used the classified ads of our local newspaper for this manicure.   Then, I painted my nails with Revlon's Siren lent to me by my sister.   It's not my favorite formula to work with, but it made me feel like a fabulous 1960's housewife drinking cocktails in the afternoon.   Once the nails are completely dry (this is crucial otherwise when you press the paper on to the nail it will smudge), dip one finger in to desired alcohol for 5-10 seconds.  As soon as you pull it out be ready to press the cut newspaper on to the finger.   If the nail is not completely soaked from the paper, just cover it with a little more alcohol and hold down.   After about 10 seconds peel away slowly and behold the beauty of what you have created!   I recommend a high shine top coat such as SV or Essie's Good To Go - it really makes the print pop!   There is a lot of room for creativity.  I have done these manis with the Sunday Cartoons and it's super cute!  I will post some more soon.  Give it a try!

Water Marbling

This was my second attempt at water marbling.  I checked out a few blogs and youtube videos, then attempted to try it on my own.  I used OPI Alpine Snow, Sinful Midnight Blue, and China Glaze Unplugged.  It turned out okay for my second try.

Scotch Tape Manicure

Good evening!   This is a Scotch Tape Mani, which I in no way take credit for coming up with!  My favorite Nail Polish Blogger - Chloe @ www.Chloesnails.blogspot.com is the Queen of Scotch Tape Manis - she is magical and inspired me to attempt this fun idea!  Scotch Tape is fun and makes nice clean lines.  The possibilities are endless.  I'm still pretty new to this technique, but I gave it a shot here.  For my base color I chose OPI Show it and Glow it from their 2010 Holiday collection and for the tips Chanel Khaki Braun.   The color contrast is pretty ferosh in person and Khaki Braun is one of my favorite Chanel colors of all time.   Have you tried a Scotch Tape Mani?  I'd love to see your creations!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Smooth Sailing

Here is the first swatch for Polish Sisters!  This is Essie Smooth Sailing.  The blue has a light sparkle to it.  There will be many more to come.