Let Me Pick Your Brains...

I love Halloween. I love the dressing up, the candy, the scares, the spooks, the pumpkins, everything. It's always ranked fairly high on my list of awesome holidays. Sadly, this year I was supposed to be out of the country 2 weeks before Halloween, so I didn't think about it that much, and I definitely didn't prepare for it. Little did I know I'd be experiencing so much trouble getting out of the country, and would be in the states to celebrate the holiday of Caspers and cavities. The problem is, I usually start thinking about Halloween sometime around August, I don't do Halloween half-assed. :-D So, in an effort to celebrate the holiday, I painted my nails with Halloween goodness. I chose to do Zombie nails, because who doesn't like zombies? (unless they're being chased by them, of course)  Pardon the small piece out of the middle nail. I managed to break the nail before I got a picture of this manicure! :(

I used OPI Stranger Tides as a base, with American Apparel Raccoon brushed over it on a dry paper towel to dirty it up a bit. When it wasn't completely dry (mostly dry, but still dentable) I used my nails to gouge, scratch, and wrinkle the surface. The holes, dents, and scrapes I created were then filled with a mixture of Zoya Carmen and American Apparel Raccoon, then highlighted with Zoya Carmen on its own. To shade around the wounds, I mixed American Apparel Raccoon with OPI Stranger Tides, and to highlight, I mixed American Apparel California Trooper with OPI Stranger Tides. I topped everything with a coat of Essie Matte About You, then topped the bloody spots with Seche Vite top coat to make it glossy and sticky looking.

Happy Halloween!!! :)

In addition to the nails for today, while I was home visiting my family, my Aunt Roxanne expressed that she'd love for me to paint her nails, and that she really liked the Reverse Rockabilly design. I never really paint other people's nails, but I really like how they turned out. :)

Zoya Gems and Jewels: New Holiday - Winter Nail Polish Collection

PRESS RELEASE:
'Tis the season to think about festive nail color and Zoya has it...

Holiday Nail Polish by Zoya
Gems and Jewels
jewelry for nails!

Zoya Nail Polish presents 3 new jewel toned metallic shimmer polishes and 3 glitzy, bar glitter glazes (featuring unique bar glitter) for an extra special holiday and winter 2011 season!

Zoya Gems and Jewels Collection

Rina (ZP576): Full coverage, rich green metallic shimmer.
Holly (ZP577): Gorgeous green glitzy, glitter glaze (with unique bar glitter).
Kissy (ZP578): Full coverage, party pink metallic shimmer.
Izzy (ZP579): Vivid pink glitzy, glitter glaze (with unique bar glitter).
Twila (ZP580): Full coverage, icy blue metallic shimmer.
Noel (ZP581): Bold blue glitzy, glitter glaze! (with unique bar glitter).

Mix it up... The Zoya Gems and Jewels color assortment allows
for multiple layered nail polish looks! Have fun...

• Wear the full coverage, jewel toned shades alone for a classic metallic shimmer look!
• Wear the glitzy, glitter glazes alone for a hint of glitz.
• Wear several layers of the glitzy, glitter glazes for a unique textured glitz nail look.
• Layer the glazes over the shimmers to a totally glam nail jewelry look.
• Layer the glitzy, glitter glazes over other colors to create a totally unique look that is
all your own (hint - hint: silver, gold, white and black totally rock under the glazes!).

Ultra long-wearing, glossy nail lacquers by Zoya are free of harmful industrial chemicals like toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, resin, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) that are known to cause cancer and birth defects.

Find Zoya Gems and Jewels as well as over 400 other ultra high-fashion

Zoya shades at www.zoya.com. As always, each and every Zoya color is made for
women so we name them after women.

Zoya is the new color of fashion...


NOW AVAILABLE

Sug. Retail $8.00 ea. (US)

Yoshi!

As promised, this is my homemade Halloween costume of this year.

Photo courtesy of www.fanpop.com.

I am Yoshi, and my boyfriend Andy is Mario. No...he did not ride around on me.

It took me a day to go out, buy everything, and put it together. I think it's worth it though, and it's something I won't outgrow, so if I ever get lazy when it comes to costumes, I'll be set already.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Two Free Zoya Polishes

If you haven't done so already, make sure you get your two free Zoya polishes today. You get the polishes for the price of shipping ($6.95). Make sure you enter the code ZOYATREAT at checkout to get the discount. Make sure you get your order in before 11:59PM EST.

Thanks to my sister for telling me about this!

China Glaze - LOL

This purple prismatic polish from China Glaze was the perfect choice for today. I was in a rush, so I slapped on two easy coats of LOL (no base/top coat) and quickly took a picture before I left home. Indoors it may look kinda boring, but outside in the sun? Absolutely breathtaking. 

Thanks for watching!

Halloween Nail Polish from Zoya!

Happy Halloween!

Witches, vampires, skeletons and ghosts. 
Sexy pirates, french maids and haunted house hosts. 
We have your color, 300 at that; 
this Halloween Zoya's where it at!

Colors featured in the Zoya Happy Halloween Nail Polish video are Zoya Raven (black nail polish) and Zoya Tanzy (orange nail polish).

Zoya is the new color of Fashion (and Halloween)... 
We've got the color to complete any look (costume)!
http://www.zoya.com

All Zoya Nail Polishes and Treatments are free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate and camphor.

© 2011-2012 Art of Beauty Inc. All rights reserved.

Ozotic Mish Mash 531

I know quite a few of you have been waiting to see this one :) Ozotic Mish Mash 531. The truth is that I just wasn't feeling this one in the bottle and chose to wear the other blue ones first.  I didn't think I was really going to love this polish, I don't know why, but I just wasn't getting the vibe! 

I put this on and wore it to a wedding on Saturday and I don't know if its because it complimented my outfit so perfectly or what, but WOW was I soooo wrong.  I love this one so much.  It's my favourite out of the bunch of the Mish Mash polishes - hands down!

Ozotic 531 is the holographic version of Ozotic 502.  I'm certain it is 502 and not 520, because when you check the acute angle, it shifts to the bright yellow of 502, rather than the orange of 520 as can be seen in this comparison post.

The sun was also out on Saturday, so I was able to get some sun shots of this, as well as indoor ones.

The strong shimmer of the golden tones makes it a little hard to see the holographic rainbow at this angle.

OMG I love this next photo angle.  This shows what this polish looks like most of the time.  The spectraflair in the polish has toned down the maroon base and made it appear more brown or copper bronze.  The colour reminds me of our old 1c piece (a little like a US penny).

I love how the spectraflair can tone down the colours in a polish.  It seems to work like a blue/violet hair toner used on blonde hair that has a brassy look to it.   There have been so many times when I have been frankening and I think, 'this colour is a little to strong, it needs some white in it', so instead I add a little spectraflair and it's perfect.

Indoors, near the window, using the LED macro light on the camera.

Like all the other swatches, this was two coats over a black base.  So which is your favourite?  Are you going to buy any of these? Which one/s?

I did the comparison swatches yesterday (comparing my franken of spectraflair mixed 505 vs Ozotic 532 vs 505 + holo top coat.  The outcome is very interesting.  I also did a quick swatch of each of the Mish Mash polishes without the black base.  So pop on by tomorrow for those.

Seeing Spots

Sorry for the missing posts the past few days. Halloween costume making took up all day yesterday. When it was time to hit the bars, I was barely finishing the costume. It turned out great though, and I'll post pictures of it tomorrow.

For today, I painted something I've been thinking about for a while. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out as well as I had hoped, which I partially blame on having short nails. I also blame it on taping the wrong side of my nail. Oh well, here it is.

As you can see, it got a little blotchy at the base of my nails. I'm wishing I had just left it with the stamp, and not the additional black bottom. It was a little too ambitious.

In the picture below, you'll see my nails painted in the opposite way. The top half of my nails are adorned in black on my right hand, which looks a little more sexy. As I'm typing this, I'm favoring my right hand. If I had done it on my left hand, it would've looked better for sure. I'm not ambidextrous, but I'm working on that.

Should've wrapped those tips huh?

It still turned out okay though, I can't beat myself up too much. You're seeing Black on Black (Sinful Colors) as the stamp on top of Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Lightening. (It actually is spelled that way...not like lightning that comes during tumultuous thunder storms.)

Overall, pretty tasty, but it looks a little too leopard print. The image on the plate (BM 211) doesn't come across that way, but it's probably the color combination that's turning it into that. Oh well, enjoy, and keep an eye out for my costume post.

Fun Sunday: dog pictures

Hello my lovelies! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend and a relaxing Sunday. The weather is sunny and pretty warm over here. For today's Fun Sunday post I have something for all the dog and animal lovers out there: my doggy. His name is Freddy and he is 3 years old now. 

He resembles a border collie, but his legs are much shorter. Of course he's an important member of the household, he's full of energy and everybody loves him.

It's very hard to keep him still for a picture though. Here's one from last year. I made a flower crown and this picture is about how long I managed to keep it on his head before he started shredding it to pieces. 

Hope you enjoyed my doggy spam. Have a nice Sunday!

Ozotic Mish Mash 534

More pretty Ozotic holographic multichrome goodness today.  This is Ozotic 534, which is the holographic version of Ozotic 504.  The base colour for this polish is a rich blue it then shifts through purple to red tones on acute angles. 

This next photo is probably the only one where I managed to catch the red tinge on the middle and index fingers.

This one really is beautiful.  I prefer it over 533, and like it about the same as 532.  Same excellent formula and application as I have come to expect from Ozotic polishes.   This was two coats over a black base with Seche Vite top coat.

No other chit chat tonight, it's been a stupidly busy weekend and I can't believe it's Monday already tomorrow. I feel the need to stop and look around, just as Ferris said, 'Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.'

Spooky Halloweeen tutorial: creepy creatures

Hello my beautiful polish lovers! I've promised you another Halloween design and tutorial so here I am with these scary faces. I didn't really know how to call them, but I guess that's not very important. Here's how they look:

the light kept reflecting on my ring finger and there was nothing I could do about it

You don't need a lot of colors for this design and the glitter is totally optional. I just thought it would add a little something and add to the creepiness of the nails. Let's get this manicure started!

what you'll need

You will need a black polish and an orange polish for this design. For the glitter I've used ELF Golden Goddess, but you can use a silver glitter also if you want. You will also need a base and a top coat. I have used a detail nail art brush, that can be easily replaced by a toothpick. 

Step 1: Paint all your nails a dark color. You don't have to use solid black for this. Remember to put a base coat underneath because dark colors can stain your nails.

Step 2: Using the orange polish, draw two small square or triangular shapes for the eyes. 

Step 3: Draw two lines for the eyebrows

Step 4: Draw the mouth. To do this easier draw two parallel curved lines and connect them at the edges. Then fill in the space. 

Step 5: Using black draw some lines on the mouth to separate the teeth. Draw these lines in a diagonal manner, so they create orange triangles between them. Then do some black dots for the pupils. 

Step 6: Wait for everything to dry and then add a coat of glitter. If you don't want glitter you can just add top coat and you're done! Another great idea would be adding some glow in the dark polish to the eyes and teeth before the top coat. Sadly I don't own such a polish, but I'm sure some of you do.

I hope my explanations were clear enough and you will try to recreate this fun and easy look! If you aren't that good at nail art you can still use the combination of black with glitter like I did on my left hand. I think it still makes for a pretty halloweeny look. 

I wish you all a very fun and happy Halloween!

Chunked Shawn

Hmm, I think my nails never looked this weird. Two coats of Zoya - Shawn, one coat of Kleancolor - Chunky Holo Black and a layer of matte top coat (I'm loving the matte texture these days!). I kinda like this mani in all its weirdness.. Tell me, what do you think?

Thanks for watching, enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Ozotic Mish Mash 533

Hello lacquer lovers.  Here is another of the new Mish Mash polishes.  Ozotic 533.  This is the holographic version of Ozotic 506, which is a cyan blue, with a purple multi chrome shift.

This one really does look similar to 532, just as 506 and 505 are very similar too.  

One thing I noted with these polishes that I didn't say yesterday is that because of the Spectraflair in these polishes, the base multichrome colour is paler than the original non-holo version.  Anyone that has played with Spectraflair would know  how that it lightens your polish when you add it.  They have the balance just perfect though, and it only lightens the base slightly.

All these pictures were taken next to the window with diffused overcast skies, using the LED macro light on my camera.  They are all two coats over a black base with Seche Vite top coat.

Also, Amy X asked if I could do a comparison swatch of one of these Mish Mash polishes vs a Spectrafranken holographic multichrome vs a multichrome with a holo top coat applied.  Great idea, I will do up a comparison swatch this weekend.

OPI Partners with Platinum Recording Artist Nicki Minaj to Launch Limited Edition Lacquers

OPI Partners with Platinum Recording Artist Nicki Minaj to Launch Limited Edition Lacquers


OPI announces the launch of six new limited edition shades inspired by hip hop sensation Nicki Minaj, including a purple Shatter! Inspired by Minaj’s unique style, love of bright colors, and her debut album Pink Friday, the Nicki Minaj by OPI promotion will feature an array of bold hues, from neon lime green to pink.

“OPI is so excited to work with Nicki in releasing these six new nail lacquers,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Nicki has taken the hip hop world by storm, but her music is only part of the equation. She’s also become a fashion inspiration, noted for her daring costumes and hair color both on and off the stage.”

Nicki’s eclectic look made including a new hue in OPI’s bestselling Shatter coat a must for this collaboration. The purple Super Bass Shatter (a record-setting purple that “shatters” before your eyes) is inspired by graffiti art and works when painted over any dry OPI hue. Adding top coat takes Super Bass Shatter from matte to glossy in seconds.

The line features five nail lacquers in addition to Super Bass Shatter, ranging from fantastic pink, rainbow confetti glitter and charcoal sparkle hues to two green shades in lime and teal:

                                                   Pink Friday
                 Kick off the weekend with this pop! of bubblegum pink.
 

                                                     Metallic 4 Life
                   This charcoal sparkle flies with the stars in the skies.

                                                        Save Me
                       I drove for miles just to find this silver-rainbow glitter.

                                                            Fly
                          I came to win, to fight…and to wear this aqua.

                                                  Did It On ‘Em
                      A lusty little lacquer that loves the “lime”-light.

Nicki Minaj by OPI nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. This limited edition promotion will be available beginning January 2012 at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($10.95 CAN) suggested retail for each nail lacquer.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

ABOUT OPI

As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.
 
info sent by pr


Until next time please have a great nail polish day. (✿◠‿◠)

Ghost Fingers

Does anyone reading this believe in ghosts? Do you think those little orbs that show up in photos are spirits trying to communicate? Do you spook yourself when the lights are off? Do you get nightmares for days after watching a scary movie?

Well try not to get nightmares after viewing these horrifying nails. Truly...terrifying.

Rotated to be upside down for better viewing. Awkard?

See? Terrifying? Not in any way adorable or cute.

For this one I used China Glaze's Secret Peri-Winkle as the base, Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Whirlwind White for the stamp (BM plate 223), and Time Off from the Sinful Colors Nail Art brush for the outline. It was tedious to say the least. And my right hand suffered. But it's worth it, and I'm happy to share it with you all.

Who's ready for Halloween?

Ozotic Mish Mash 532

Finally, here is a swatch of one of the new Ozotic Mish Mash polishes.  I got all four and will post a new one each day.  They are all holographic multichromes and they are all of the same high quality as the other Ozotic polishes.   But I do have a couple of things to say about these up front.

Firstly, any long term readers of my blog would know that a holographic multichrome isn't a new or original idea. Why? Cause I did it first, nearly four months ago.  I added Spectraflair to Ozotic 505, which I tell you is exactly what Ozotic has done with this polish, and the others in the Mish Mash range.  Given that all the Ozotic polishes are made with JDSU Chromaflair pigments, I reckon I could say rather confidently, the holographic pigment in these is also a JDSU product, specifically Spectraflair.

Next, tell me, if you were selling a product, would you do everything in your power to present it well and find out exactly what it was?  I know I would.  That's why I found it really strange to read on the Picture Polish facebook page a reply from the lovely ladies at Picture Polish to an excellent question asked about these polishes

Q: So are these a mixture of multichrome AND hologrpahic?

A: You will have to tell us Davina all we know is that they are a mish mash of ozotic's finest ingredients however we think you are pretty spot on!!

Seriously, you're selling these and you don't even really know what they are? And sorry, but what is with that swatch, how the hell is that suppose to help us choose which polishes to get?  Why not try a nail wheel at least?

Now onto the swatch, which I know is what you really want to see.  These are not my best swatches I'm sorry to say. It's been overcast ever since I got these in the mail, so they are taken indoors, with diffused light from the window, with the macro LED light on my camera.  These polishes are also a little tricky to photograph because, holos look best in lots of light, yet multichromes look best in the shade.

Mish Mash 532 is the holographic version of Ozotic 505.  That is, it shifts from a turquoise green base to purple. But of course, this one also has the rainbow prism across the nail.

All these show two coats over a black base.  Wear was excellent. These swatches were taken on day two, and the macro shows a little tip wear, but that is usually for me.  Formula on these was just like applying the multichromes, perfect. 

So if you love 505 and holo polishes, your gonna love this one.  But if you already have 505 (or Sally Hansen Turquoise Opal) and you have some Spectraflair, you could always franken up your own bottle and save the $14.

Come back tomorrow for 533.