Showing posts with label Savina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Savina. Show all posts
iPhone-ing
Thrilled about my new iPhone and a bit too preoccupied with it to post properly, here's a mobile post ft. my new phone, case, and Connect the Dots (Lynderella) and Caribbean (Savina).
A Bit of Glit
February 14th is just around the corner ladies, so it's time to start gearing up with some festive manicures.
Valentine's Day is probably the easiest holiday to prepare manicures for for several reasons. A) I can't think of a single girl who owns nail polish that doesn't have a pink, red, or purple in her collection. B) Hearts are the easiest thing to create, besides dots. They're basically just three dots, strategically placed. C) Cute is easy to do.
My first act in this series of pinks and cutes is a simple stamp over some girly glitter.
I started this off with Heavenly (Savina), and then added one thinnish layer of Candy Cane (Color Club). After sorting out the stamping plates that would go well with the colors and theme, I finally landed on one I was almost sure I'd never use, but actually quite like. Bundle Monster's BM09 plate has this sort of tattered "LOVE" stamp, so if any imperfections arose as a result of the transfer, no one's the wiser. It also grits up this glittering manicure a bit. Black on Black (Sinful Colors) stamps lovely though, so I imagine there aren't too many issues.I should have stamped it facing the other way for photographic purposes, but the unusual post-production rotation will have to suffice.
Valentine's Day is probably the easiest holiday to prepare manicures for for several reasons. A) I can't think of a single girl who owns nail polish that doesn't have a pink, red, or purple in her collection. B) Hearts are the easiest thing to create, besides dots. They're basically just three dots, strategically placed. C) Cute is easy to do.
My first act in this series of pinks and cutes is a simple stamp over some girly glitter.
I started this off with Heavenly (Savina), and then added one thinnish layer of Candy Cane (Color Club). After sorting out the stamping plates that would go well with the colors and theme, I finally landed on one I was almost sure I'd never use, but actually quite like. Bundle Monster's BM09 plate has this sort of tattered "LOVE" stamp, so if any imperfections arose as a result of the transfer, no one's the wiser. It also grits up this glittering manicure a bit. Black on Black (Sinful Colors) stamps lovely though, so I imagine there aren't too many issues.I should have stamped it facing the other way for photographic purposes, but the unusual post-production rotation will have to suffice.
Such a Pansy
Pansies have always been one of my favorite flowers. The contrast between the purple and the yellow and the white is so yummy! I've been wanting to do a manicure featuring pansies for a while, and this is the first attempt. I think I should've picked a different background color, but I also blame the camera for silly contrast problems. (I haven't mastered manual mode yet.)
The base is OPI, Stranger Tides. The purple petals are Kieko from Zoya, the white petals are Load from Illamasqua, and the stamens are Savina's Grape. Finally, the center yellow pollen is Color Madric's Design Yellow.
Not bad for a first attempt, but not the best.
UPDATE: 2/3/12
I've created a tutorial for this manicure. Enjoy! (I'm also trying a new layout for my tutorials, and I must say, I love it.
The base is OPI, Stranger Tides. The purple petals are Kieko from Zoya, the white petals are Load from Illamasqua, and the stamens are Savina's Grape. Finally, the center yellow pollen is Color Madric's Design Yellow.
Not bad for a first attempt, but not the best.
UPDATE: 2/3/12
I've created a tutorial for this manicure. Enjoy! (I'm also trying a new layout for my tutorials, and I must say, I love it.
Secret Agent Lila
Sometimes a manicure can completely flop. The vision in your head is cool and will surely produce some cool results, but then you finish one whole nail and ask yourself what the heck you were thinking. You try and try to come up with a clever solution to salvage the disaster while still remaining close to your fantasy, but no matter which way you shake the 8-ball, it's an inevitable failure.
That is not the case for this manicure.
It was almost the case, but I salvaged it.
Originally, I wanted to use Lila (Savina) and Secret Peri-Wink-Le (China Glaze) to create a cool gradient under a white stamp that would cover my whole nail. However, the obviously visible line created by the two polishes was absolutely visible under the white polish. It looked terrible.
I wanted to scrap everything and start over, but I had already painted on both Lila and Secret Peri-Wink-Le and felt bad ripping up the foundations. I searched through my stamping plates, and BM 11 saved the day. Using black (Black on Black, Sinful Colors) instead of white, I created "Secret Agent Lila".
It appears more purple than periwinkle, but that's expected since there's a few layers of that hot pink living underneath.
Saved the day today, but I'm sure I won't be able to avoid a complete disaster for too long.
That is not the case for this manicure.
It was almost the case, but I salvaged it.
Originally, I wanted to use Lila (Savina) and Secret Peri-Wink-Le (China Glaze) to create a cool gradient under a white stamp that would cover my whole nail. However, the obviously visible line created by the two polishes was absolutely visible under the white polish. It looked terrible.
I wanted to scrap everything and start over, but I had already painted on both Lila and Secret Peri-Wink-Le and felt bad ripping up the foundations. I searched through my stamping plates, and BM 11 saved the day. Using black (Black on Black, Sinful Colors) instead of white, I created "Secret Agent Lila".
It appears more purple than periwinkle, but that's expected since there's a few layers of that hot pink living underneath.
Saved the day today, but I'm sure I won't be able to avoid a complete disaster for too long.
Color Club Foiled Collection Swatches
Today's a little unusual for me. Today is just swatches of the Color Club Foiled collection, including a comparison of using the included top coat and not using the top coat with these colors.
You've probably seen it around on other blogs and in stores, so I won't drag out any descriptions. This post is for color comparison, and a bit of stamping testing. Enjoy!
Antiquated
Perfect Mol-Ten
You've probably seen it around on other blogs and in stores, so I won't drag out any descriptions. This post is for color comparison, and a bit of stamping testing. Enjoy!
Hot Like Lava
Foil Me Once
Antiquated
Lumin-Icent
Perfect Mol-Ten
Cold Metal
This is Hot Like Lava, with and without a top coat. My pinky and middle finger have the included top coat, and the ring finger does not.
As you can see, not too much of a difference. These colors do fine without top coats, but for protection of the manicure, I recommend it.
Finally, here's Foiled stamped.
From thumb to pinky, using Konad plate m65:
From thumb to pinky, using Konad plate m65:
- Lumin-Icent on Black Creme (Wet n' Wild)
- Hot Like Lava on Heavenly (Savina)
- Cold Metal on Light Mist (Savina)
- Perfect Mol-Ten on Neon Yellow (Savina)
- Antiquated on Get in the Expresso Lane (OPI)
Birthday Nails
Yesterday was my 24th birthday, so I needed to do a manicure I would love, regardless of what some readers might think of it. I've always loved bright colors, and pastel shades of those colors hold a special place in my polished heart. So I did a simple skittle manicure consisting of some of my new pastels from China Glaze's Up & Away collection. I love them all, but these won out, making a sweet little rainbow of colors on each hand.
I used:
I used:
- Sugar High from China Glaze on my thumbs
- Lemon Fizz from China Glaze on my index fingers
- Re-Fresh Mint from China Glaze on my middle fingers
- Light Mist from Savina on my ring fingers
- Something Sweet from China Glaze on my pinkies
Damask Tapestry
I've been searching for an off-white color for a long time that I like, and can easily access. The bottle I truly long for is Illamasqua's Load, but in lieu of that, I got myself a little Insta-Dri from Sally Hansen that's a nice placeholder: Beige Blast. Under the right light, it looks like your run-of-the-mill white, but paired correctly, the muted, more natural beige appears.
Pairing it with Savina's Grape really brings it out, and makes me so happy! The design is from the Red Angel plates, #109. The combination reminds me of a fancy wallpaper. I see gold accents and orchids adorning the room. And there is probably a maid required to keep the place so spick and span.
Perhaps more approprietly, the manicure today matches my free beauty bag I ordered from Target. It was full of samples (body wash, shampoo, styling cream) when it arrived, but now it houses all of my nail tools (files, stampers, scrapers, clean up brushes).
Pairing it with Savina's Grape really brings it out, and makes me so happy! The design is from the Red Angel plates, #109. The combination reminds me of a fancy wallpaper. I see gold accents and orchids adorning the room. And there is probably a maid required to keep the place so spick and span.
Persian Rug
I love this design. It's so fun and makes everything look classy. It took me a long time to get the pattern mostly straight but that's my own damn fault. Pretty gold is the Sally Hansen Color Quick color pen Gold Chrome. Pretty blue is Savina's Caribbean. The plate is Red Angel's #120. It makes me think of a Persian rug.
The blue isn't quite as bold in real life. It appears much deeper, much more navy. Still gorgeous though!
Nailectricity
Your wait is over. The manicure I bring you today comes with inspiration from Jane at Nailside and her killer tutorial on how to tape off and paint on a lightning bolt, and my newest nail plate collection (RA-110) from Red Angel.
A dubious task for anyone to undertake, this manicure requires three things: patience, topcoats, and steady hands. Of course, you'll need your essentials to actually create this electric look too. I chose Savina's Neon Yellow, Sinful Color's Black on Black (with striping brush Time Off), and my first Zoya, Ginessa. The foursome come together in an electrifying way, and may just remain on my nails for longer than one day.
I warned you yesterday, these plates are awesome, and their out-there designs will surely provide the backdrop for some gorgeous manicures from girls all over. I bought them with no idea how well they would work or how much I would like them, but I assure you, there are no regrets.
A dubious task for anyone to undertake, this manicure requires three things: patience, topcoats, and steady hands. Of course, you'll need your essentials to actually create this electric look too. I chose Savina's Neon Yellow, Sinful Color's Black on Black (with striping brush Time Off), and my first Zoya, Ginessa. The foursome come together in an electrifying way, and may just remain on my nails for longer than one day.
I warned you yesterday, these plates are awesome, and their out-there designs will surely provide the backdrop for some gorgeous manicures from girls all over. I bought them with no idea how well they would work or how much I would like them, but I assure you, there are no regrets.
Housesitting Haul
They see me haulin'
They hatin'
Patrolling they tryin' to catch me spendin' money
Patrolling they tryin' to catch me spendin' money
That was my first attempt at blog rap. It probably won't be my last, but it will probably be the worst. Don' hate!
I told you I'd show you my amazing haul from this weekend and show you I will. In fact, this may be the only picture post for today. I had to work late and after not being home for several days, I mostly feel like relaxing and doing nothing. After looking over my wins from this weekend though, I may have to try something.
First up is the polishes I scored, all under $10. The most expensive of the polishes was the 4 pack of mini Essies, which was $9.99 before tax (a surprising find at TJMaxx.) They also had a mini 4 pack of the wedding collection, but those colors didn't scream at me like these did.
The other part of my haul (that is worth mentioning) is a little different. Definitely not your typical manicure essential, but after seeing Sam at The Nailasaurus use something like these for her Inspired by Fashion post, I knew I needed some. I headed over to Michael's and found some in the scrapbooking/memory book section. At first, I only saw the Martha Stewart version which was twice as expensive, but then I saw these for $6.99 per package and literally started smiling. Nice try Martha! You can bet that there will be plenty of posts with these.
They are SUPER itty bitty. I tried pouring a few out on my backdrop to get a closeup, and when it came time to clean them up, I gave up and used some tape to get them all corralled.
It was a fun mini-challenge, but I honestly can't wait to try these babies out! What would you guys like to see most?
I also have three collections of polish I want to use for a giveaway when I gather some more followers, but I won't post those yet.
Pastel Blue with Gold
Late post tonight! Or...early post for the morning? I haven't decided.
I don't have a name for today's manicure, but it reminds me a lot of basically every piece of jewelry available at Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and Anthropologie. All those pastels and golds. It's something we see everywhere, but I honestly can't remember seeing something like this one someone else's nails. I absolutely love it though. I think is my favorite manicure so far. You'll see some of its sister manicures in upcoming entries. Pastel pinks and teal will both be mixing with this gold glitter, Set the Stage, from Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear. Is it stupid that I forgot Rite Aid was a good source for the cheaper polishes (Revlon, Wet N' Wild, Sally Hansen). This XTREME polish is one that I picked up today there. XTREME!
Seriously love that. You're looking at Savina's Light Mist under that XTREME glitter. Mmm mmm pretty!
I don't have a name for today's manicure, but it reminds me a lot of basically every piece of jewelry available at Urban Outfitters, Forever 21 and Anthropologie. All those pastels and golds. It's something we see everywhere, but I honestly can't remember seeing something like this one someone else's nails. I absolutely love it though. I think is my favorite manicure so far. You'll see some of its sister manicures in upcoming entries. Pastel pinks and teal will both be mixing with this gold glitter, Set the Stage, from Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear. Is it stupid that I forgot Rite Aid was a good source for the cheaper polishes (Revlon, Wet N' Wild, Sally Hansen). This XTREME polish is one that I picked up today there. XTREME!
 |
| Click for better quality. |
Pink and pinker
Hey guys.
So today I started watching The Walking Dead for the first time. Somehow, it managed to inspire today's manicure. There is a lot of...pink...colored things in that show.
Ok ok. I really just wanted to try my new pink polish from Savina, Bubble Gum. Aptly named. On top of that is Electra Magenta. All polished off with Essie's Good to Go.
Also, helpful tip I just figured out. I was the base of my nails on my left hand, the switched to my right. In the process I screwed up my pointer finger and had to take the polish off. In the meantime, I topped the base color (Bubble Gum) with some Good to Go. It worked great with the scotch tape I had. No peeling up of the base color. EXCEPT for my pointer, which I forgot to apply Good to Go on. So after I taped it off and put on the Electra Magenta, peeling lifted up half of the Bubble Gum. So I had to redo it again. Frustrating, but also a good lesson. When doing a taped off manicure, apply a top coat to your layers as you go, so subsequent layers don't lift up.
Hope that helps someone, if it wasn't already common knowledge.
Also...WEEKEND! What're your plans? My boyfriend, Andy, and I are going with some friends to see Wolfgang Gartner. He's an awesome DJ and I can't wait to dance my ass off. It's in town too, so we can walk no problem. Watch this video, turn up your speakers, and picture it. Picture dancing to it. Yup...it's gonna rock.
So today I started watching The Walking Dead for the first time. Somehow, it managed to inspire today's manicure. There is a lot of...pink...colored things in that show.
 |
| Click to expand and see some better holo effects. |
Ok ok. I really just wanted to try my new pink polish from Savina, Bubble Gum. Aptly named. On top of that is Electra Magenta. All polished off with Essie's Good to Go.
Also, helpful tip I just figured out. I was the base of my nails on my left hand, the switched to my right. In the process I screwed up my pointer finger and had to take the polish off. In the meantime, I topped the base color (Bubble Gum) with some Good to Go. It worked great with the scotch tape I had. No peeling up of the base color. EXCEPT for my pointer, which I forgot to apply Good to Go on. So after I taped it off and put on the Electra Magenta, peeling lifted up half of the Bubble Gum. So I had to redo it again. Frustrating, but also a good lesson. When doing a taped off manicure, apply a top coat to your layers as you go, so subsequent layers don't lift up.
Hope that helps someone, if it wasn't already common knowledge.
Also...WEEKEND! What're your plans? My boyfriend, Andy, and I are going with some friends to see Wolfgang Gartner. He's an awesome DJ and I can't wait to dance my ass off. It's in town too, so we can walk no problem. Watch this video, turn up your speakers, and picture it. Picture dancing to it. Yup...it's gonna rock.
The Only Holo I Know
One of the most sought-after polish any girl (or awesomely flamboyant guy) can own is a really good holo nail polish. The China Glaze OMG collection immediately comes to mind...then disappears...because at this point no one is willing to spend $225 for this collection. Seriously. There's an eBay auction that starts the bidding for a 12-piece set of the OMG collection at $190, with a Buy It Now price of $225.
Ouch. That collection will remain a pipe dream.
BUT! In the meantime, I find myself totally satisfied with my $3.97 polish from Savina (at Nordstrom Rack) called Fairy Dust. It's so pretty, and so sparkly. And so perfect over everything. This is it over black (Black on Black from Sinful Colors).
See? Brilliant! It really is just like a fairy came to my apartment while I was doing my nails, sneezed and covered my very boring black manicure. Thanks Fairy!
So if you're ever looking for a holo you can afford and adore, I recommend this as a good start! Like I said, I found mine at Nordstrom Rack. They also sell a ton of OPI there if you're looking for those polishes.
Ouch. That collection will remain a pipe dream.
BUT! In the meantime, I find myself totally satisfied with my $3.97 polish from Savina (at Nordstrom Rack) called Fairy Dust. It's so pretty, and so sparkly. And so perfect over everything. This is it over black (Black on Black from Sinful Colors).
See? Brilliant! It really is just like a fairy came to my apartment while I was doing my nails, sneezed and covered my very boring black manicure. Thanks Fairy!
So if you're ever looking for a holo you can afford and adore, I recommend this as a good start! Like I said, I found mine at Nordstrom Rack. They also sell a ton of OPI there if you're looking for those polishes.
 |
| Click to Expand |
 |
| Click to Expand |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
