Adventures In Stamping: zebra mani

Hello my beauties! Happy Sunday! I wanted to post this earlier but it's still in time for this Sunday's challenge. I haven't done the challenges for two weeks because my nails broke and I didn't have the appropriate plates. But I really wanted to get back in the game. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's this facebook group where we have a theme every week and we stamp accordingly. There's also a lot of talking there about stamping, nail art and nail polish in general. So you must join in because it's an awesome community! Ok, on to the nails!

This week's theme was black and white. Well, I realized it's not easy to do a black and white mani! White is not forgiving at all if you do any mistakes and black is a very messy color. I wanted to do a houndstooth pattern but I don't have a plate and there was no way of me finding the Konad plate in town although I tried. So I went with the less original zebra. There will sure be a lot of zebras this Sunday on the group. 

My base color is Farmec 50 and the stamping color is China Glaze Liquid Leather. I'm so happy to have found a good black for stamping! The plate is m69 from Born Pretty. Sadly, my top coat totally smudged it. These photos are all before top coat. I'm beginning to think that I need to get Seche Vite for nail art. The other top coats all drive me crazy with smudging. I also have some new plates on the way and I'm very excited! There will sure be a stamping galore when those arrive!

The red adventure part one: Sleek Geisha's Seal

Hello my beauties! Another beautiful spring day is a good opportunity for me to show you some reds. I have two posts in store for you. But first I want to apologize again for not commenting on blogs and not replying to your comments. I'm really behind, again and I have to catch up. It gets old, I know, but what can I do. 

The first red that I will show you today is one by Sleek MakeUp. I've had this polish since December and I've used it as underwear for my China Glaze Ring in the Red mani that I posted about here. When I first bought it I expected it to be more blue-toned, but I was disappointed to see it's not. It actually pulls very orange on me. 

Sleek Geisha's Seal, indoors, artificial light

This picture makes it look even more orange than in reality, but it still looks awful on me. I hate how my hands look when I have such a polish on. I wore this immediately after I nubbinized my nails, so you imagined how bummed I was about my nubs with such a color on. I really don't know what I was thinking. 

The formula on this is a little thick. I remember I had trouble applying it the first time so I added a few drops of Seche Restore. It's very opaque but it looked patchy after one coat so I did two. Drying time is average, I guess. Here's a picture of it in direct light that is a little more accurate. 

I'm sure this doesn't look this orange on somebody else, but on my cool skin tone it just turns horrible. So to make it better I tried a little stamping using my m60 plate and China Glaze Liquid Leather. I did like how it turned out and I wore this combo for around 2 days. Not bad considering the color. 

I think I'm gonna give this away because I really don't see myself wearing it again. I'm ok with this brand just not with the color. Maybe I will try others in the future. 

Blue Alley Deals

For today I've got a glitter gradient gradating from a magenta glitter up toward a royal blue. I pulled out two somewhat dusty, unused colors from my Helmer to get this manicure. They both live in the same drawer, which is a hodgepodge of Essie, OPI, Wet n' Wild and a few other mismatches that don't have enough family members to buy their own Helmer drawer. Don't feel sorry for this drawer though, it's quite a party in there. The Kleancolor Chunky Holos and the entire Wet n' Wild Color Icon collection live in there. Solids and neutrals beware, this drawer's trouble!

I love the combination of these two royal, jewel toned colors paired together that comes across even more stunning in real life. Back Alley Deals and Saved by the Blue both come from Wet n' Wild. Saved by the Blue is one of those polishes that's always on the shelf, but you'll be lucky to find anymore Back Alley Deals. That collection was a limited time assortment of glitters only available at Walgreen's, and of course, only for a limited time. It's cruel how companies insist on creating the best polishes for only a limited time, and leave their less inspiring shades out year round.

Leopard print mani using Max Factor Fantasy Fire

Hello my lovelies! Hope you are all doing great! Some of you might remember my posts featuring the amazing Max Factor Fantasy Fire. If not you can see the shiny version here and also the matte one here. After I posted these I was contacted by a lovely lady who asked if I was interested in doing a leopard print nail art using Max Factor products. I said yes, naturally! Here's the final result. 

Purple Leopard in the sun

This is the first time I do a leopard print on my nails. The reason: I don't like leopard print. I always hated clothes with this print on. So this proposition came as a challenge to me. I love challenges! Little did I know I was going to like the end result so much! 

This look was designed by nail artist Zarra Celik using the widely acclaimed Max Factor Fantasy Fire. She also made a step-by-step tutorial that makes it very easy for anyone to achieve it. 

My nails were not that long but I still tried to file them to a more squoval shape. I used 3 coats of Fantasy Fire   on its own. Since it's the first time I've used it without underwear, here's a photo of it by itself. 

Max Factor Fantasy Fire in the sun, 3 coats

 I then used the nail art pen I was provided with to draw the leopard spots. It was the first time I've used the point of such a pen and it was very easy. I finished with one coat of China Glaze Fast Forward top coat. The manicure dried very fast, despite the many coats. 

Purple Leopard in the sun

I just love how Fantasy Fire sparkles in the sun! Back when I wore it for the first time there wasn't much sun, but now it's stunning. 

Purple Leopard, indoors, artificial light

This also looks amazing indoors. I was really surprised that I liked it that much. I think the leopard look is a lot more subtle on the nail than in clothes and the purple underneath makes it look so cool. Plus the sparkles in Fantasy Fire are divine. Can't wait to explore this polish a lot more! 

*Disclaimer: Some of these products were sent to me for review. For more info see my official disclosure policy.

Xhilarated Nails

I haven't mentioned this yet, but this weekend, I'm going to Vegas with some friends and Andy. We'll only be there for two days, but I'm sure we all expect to pack as many adventures into those days as we possibly can.

Ramping up for Vegas required some serious accessorizing, from sunglasses to bathing suits to outfits. One of the dresses I bought was actually designed as a coverup for a bathing suit, but the way it fits on me makes it a sexy dress.

Awesome striped zig-zag patterns totally inspired be when I walked by my closet today, so with White On (Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear) and Four Leaf Clover (China Glaze), I created this manicure.

I'll keep working on my free handing abilities, if you keep promising to be so kind! Seriously, I had a less than glamorous day yesterday but reading the kind comments for the past couple of posts, seeing the amount of reposts and Likes, really brightened up a dreary day. I know I hardly ever respond to comments, but it doesn't mean I don't love them. I'd like you all to know that I read each and every one of them. So thanks guys!

St. Patrick's Day mani

Hello again! This is my second post today and I'm very excited. I just love the green overload in my Google Reader. That's because I love green! Here's my modest nail art for the occasion. 

First of all I would like to say that I haven't done freehand in a while. I've really lost my mojo and need to start doing more. This nail art is very simple and I think anyone can do it. The base color is OPI Don't Mess with OPI (here's my previous blog post with the swatches). I usually do the same thing on all my nails but this time I went for sort of a skittle look. 

My ring finger and my thumb have one coat of ELF Golden Goddess. I've previously shown this and stated that it has a terrible smell (definitely not 3free as they claim) and the larger hex glitter lays on the bottom and is impossible to get out. I even turned the bottle upside down before I used it but I still could only get one or two pieces of larger glitter on each finger. 

here's a lousy shot that shows my thumb (excuse the shadow and the weird angle) 

I used Golden Rose Nail Art 108 (the only gold I have) and some dotting tools for the four leaf clovers. On my middle finger (the leprechaun belt) I used a black striper and a nail art brush with the same gold. I really like how this came out. My left (dominant) hand only has the glitter accent fingers and still looks great. 

As I've stated before, I love green and I particularly enjoy this OPI green. I just hope to see it more in the landscape, now that the snow has melted. Happy St. Patty's Day to you all!

Modern Leprechaun

Without even thinking about what tomorrow is, I made today's manicure St. Patrick's Day appropriate! I'd been thinking about the combination of these two polishes for a while, originally hoping to make a reverse gradient using the colors. When I finally got around to painting my nails last night though, I realized how much thinner Set the Stage (Sally Hansen) was in its glitter formula. It wouldn't have worked nearly as well as Crown Me Already did for my mermaid nails. (I think that post is actually my most popular.)

I didn't feel much like creating a huge, gloppy blob of glitter near the base of my nails, trying to reach the correct consistency, so I decided to paint the whole nail with the gold. It's done over Essie's Sew Psyched. I have a teeny weeny little sample bottle of that, and it's just about the cutest size I've ever owned. Unfortunately, after about 2 manicures with it, it's half empty. In the literal way, not the pessimistic way.

When I was putting the polish away, I noticed Glitter in my Stocking in the same drawer, and kind of kicked myself for not using that for the gold gradient. It has more reds than I'd like to go with the green of Sew Psyched, but it still may have been pretty cool. Next time!

Colors in the Face of Cancer

Jackie Clark, a writer and outreach contact for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance reached out to me several weeks ago, extending an invitation to partner and present a touching and inspirational story to the readers of my blog.

Please enjoy her insightful words below, detailing just one of the tough issues women face when diagnosed with a tragic and sometimes fatal prognosis.

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Colors in the Face of Cancer
By: Jackie Clark

Are you a woman struggling with a cancer diagnosis who feels like she can use a new paint of coat on life? Or are you a daughter whose mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer? Why not try nail polish and enjoy having some cute cuticles, despite the circumstances you may be under.

As inconsequential as it may seem, a manicure can really brighten up your perspective. Let’s face it there is nothing fun about cancer. Yet, in the midst of your darkest emotions, brightness can be found in the form of gorgeous, silky nails. A simple act like painting her nails can refocus a woman on her femininity and innate beauty.

When facing a daunting diagnosis and the subsequent treatment options, it is easy for a woman to feel overwhelmed. One of the first things a woman allows to fall to the wayside is her personal upkeep and beauty. Yet maintaining ties with current trends in fashion and beauty can serve as a wonderful way for a woman not to lose herself as she faces the biggest battle of her life.

If the idea of a full makeover is overwhelming, there are small and simple ways for a woman to maintain a sense of style. The reason why a manicure is such a wonderful idea is because it an easy and time efficient way to pay a little attention to your own needs. A manicure may be the absolute last thing a woman has on her mind while battling cancer, yet it may be just the thing she needs to renew her sense.

Being pampered is a great way for a woman to ease back and allow herself to be treated as a princess, even as she struggles with one of the many cancers woman are faced with including mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.

If a trip to the salon for a manicure simply isn’t in the budget, then a woman can still enjoy the same blissful pampering at home. All it takes is a simple drug store bottle of nail polish and her husband, friend, or children to elegantly apply the nail polish as she sits back relaxes. The soothing human touch paired with adding bright, beautiful colors can be a truly transforming and healing experience. After endless appointments with doctors and treatments following the cancer prognosis, hands that provide a beautiful touch can be a refreshing change.

Painted nails are a sign to the world that a woman no matter how many struggles she may have faced, has not given up on herself or her fight against cancer. Remembering the importance of beauty no matter how small an act proves that she has not lost count of her value as a woman.

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Painting your nails, getting homegrown manicures, and creating details on your nails truly is effortless with today's tools. As all of you know, I'm a huge fan of dotting tools, but an even more effortless tool available at low prices to almost every country are stamping plates. From Konad to Red Angel to Bundle Monster, these patterns take about two tries to master, and then you too could be creating beautiful designs such as this.

Confidence is key, and a beautiful manicure can empower anyone.

Jackie, thank you for your insightful, inspiring and beautifully written post!

Outlined Flowers

I was originally inspired for today's manicure by Gully Nails's post, Polka Dot Flowers. After looking at her design again, I know I kind of missed the mark, but I'm still sort of giddy about my own design. Sort of seems kind of Spongebob-esque.

The base color here is Secret Peri-Wink-Le (China Glaze), overlaid with Whimsical (Revlon).  The petals are a combination of Feeling Great (Sinful Colors) and Lightening (Sally Hansen Insta-Dri). Finally, I drew the inner pollen spots with Time Off (Sinful Colors).

I will try this again to get it closer to Becky's design, because I absolutely love it.

Teal Tuesdays...Revlon Top Speed *Ocean*

Hi Guys,

Missy from Gnarly Nails has started Teal Tuesdays.   If you want come and join in on the fun and also there is a Facebook Page for Teal Tuesdays.

Today is the first day for Teal Tuesdays for me.  Yay, I'm excited because I love the color Teal.  Looking through my stash trying to find a teal that I haven't swatched.  I came across Revlon Top Speed Ocean.  I love the color it has a slight duochromey look to it from the bottle and on the nails in  the shade.  Colors switching from green to blue.  As far as the formula goes not so good.  I know it's disappointing because it's so beautiful.  Maybe it was user error.  I got lots of bubbles and of course macro makes it look worse. Lol!  Next time I'm going to apply really thin coats and make sure it dries thoroughly between coats.

Used 2 coats

Ocean is a Teal Shimmer Foil

Facebook Teal Tuesdays challenge: Stripes

White stripes: SinfulColors Nail Art, Bad Chick

Yellow stripes: Folk Art acrylic paint, Sunny Yellow

*See other bloggers Teal Tuesdays:

Gnarly Gnails
Geeky Owl 
Mandys Polish 
Fancy Phalanges 
ColorSplash Nails 



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

Basketball and Nail Polish: 30 Day NBA Challenge Day 8 *TRAILBLAZERS*

Today's challenge: Portland Trailblazers
Team colors:White, Silver, Red, Black

Hi Guys,

Sorry again for another late posting.  I have been so busy but I finally had the time to do this manicure for you.  I'm happy the way this turned out.  I hope you don't get dizzy looking at the swirls. Lol! 

I used Stamping plate DRK-A I thought my swirl design was the closes I could get to the logo

Red: SinfulColors GoGo Girl the texture is like an inky red jelly if that makes sense

Black: SinfulColors Black on Black

White: SinfulColors Snow Me White used 2 coats

Silver:  Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Silver Sweep.  It's fantastic to use for stamping!

Before stamping I applied 2 coats of white, 1 coat for the red and black

History

The Portland Trail Blazers, commonly known as the Blazers, are an American professional basketball team based in Portland, Oregon. They play in the Northwest Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Trail Blazers originally played their home games in the Memorial Coliseum, before moving to the Rose Garden in 1995. The franchise entered the league in 1970 and has been based in Portland throughout its existence. The franchise has enjoyed a strong following; from 1977 through 1995, the team sold out 814 consecutive home games, the longest such streak in American major professional sports.^[3] The Trail Blazers are the only sports team in the "Big Four" sports leagues located in the state of Oregon. After the Vancouver Grizzlies and the Seattle SuperSonics left and relocated to Memphis and Oklahoma City respectively, the Trail Blazers are also currently the only NBA team based in the binational Pacific Northwest.
source


*Other Bloggers taking the 30 Day Basketball Challenge
The Exotic Lacquer
Lovin Nailz

See Challenge Day 1 *Lakers* HERE
See Challenge Day 2 *Thunder* HERE
See Challenge Day 3 *Spurs* HERE
See Challenge Day 4 *Clippers* HERE
See Challenge Day 5 *Mavericks* HERE
See Challenge Day 6 *Rockets* HERE
See Challenge Day 7 *Grizzlies* HERE


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

Polka Dots

Last week I was doing two of my favourite things: drinking tea and nomming M&M's. Easter M&M's to be precise! They're so adorable. And delicious of course.. I ♥ M&M's! I wanted to use this colour combination on my nails. Now, I don't have the exact same colours (see? You can never have enough polishes ^^), so I picked four polishes in the same colour range. I think they look awesome together! As you can see I also covered all nails with white dots (a polka dot mani was on my to-do list for ages). I love how this looks! Gives quite an 'Easter vibe' don't you think?

Normally when I'm doing a skittle mani the nails of my right hand get the same look, but this time I used the colours more randomly. It looks very playful, try it some time. :)

My right hand debut on the blog!

Thanks for watching!

products used yellow: Catrice - Bye Bye Birdy!; pink: Barry M - Bright Pink; light blue: Models Own - Bloobloo; green: Catrice - Run Forest Run! (2nd version); dots: Catrice - Snow Motion.