Sunday Stamping Challenge

Good morning beauties! Just a quick post to share a mani I did for the Sunday Stamping Challenge. The theme was black and white and I used my new Cheeky XL Image Plate C. The image plate looks similar to the ones sold by Mango Nails and Chez Delaney but they don't appear to be grooved as deeply. When I scraped the plate there was a lot of nail polish left behind, but when I scraped twice I couldn't get a good stamp (see ring and pinky nail). The bundle is a great deal but I don't believe the images are as precise as Mango Nails. I guess with practice you could make them work.


For stamping I used Color Club's Where's the Soiree, my favorite black for stamping, over Nicole by OPI's Lights, Kim-era, Action!


That's all for today. I'll announce the Nail Art Contest Winners very soon. Until then, Happy Polishing!

NOTD: Golden Rainbow Flowers

I wanted to share yesterday's mani with you. I started out with a muted green but wanted to make it more vibrant. I added a nail foil on top then stamped with Cheeky image plates, the 26 bundle, using Sally Hansen insta-dri in Pronto Purple. The ring finger is accented with Claire's glitter crackle polish.

A closer view to show details. The foil crinkled slightly but still looks good underneath the stamping. It reminds me of the foil used to wrap Hershey's kisses.

I hope you like this design. Until next time, Happy Polishing!

Blue Me Away

Hello beautiful! I hope you're having a great weekend so far. The weather is beautiful here and Spring is in full effect. While I've been enjoying the great weather, I can't say that my eyes have been having a good time. My daughter and I have been sick all week due to the high pollen counts. I guess beauty doesn't come without a price :D

Today I have a quick mani to share with you done using the DRK-A Image Plate. I'm not sure what the design is exactly but I thought it was interesting. I stamped using Where's the Soiree over Nothing Kim-Pares to Blue.

This was super easy to do and only took a few minutes. I hope you like it :)



Thanks for stopping by. Happy Polishing!

OPI New York City Ballet (NYCB) Softshades Collection Swatches & Review

Hello beauties! Today I have the OPI NYCB Collection to share with you. The shades are designed to be sheer but I applied various coats to achieve an almost jelly opaque finish.

You Callin' Me A Lyre? This was my favorite from the collection of sheers because it looked the most natural on me. It's a soft shade of pink, not quite baby pink, but more of a dusty hue. Four coats were required to make it opaque. You can still see some visible nail line though.

Pirouette My Whistle over You Callin' Me A Lyre? I'm so in love with this topcoat. Its similar to Nubar White Dots but much more beautiful. It has tiny sparkling silver glitter and medium white, almost sheer, hex glitter in a clear base. A simple yet gorgeous combination.

Don't Touch My Tutu! Milky white sheer that required 4 coats to become opaque.

Pirouette My Whistle over Don't Touch My Tutu! Gorgeous combo.

Care To Danse? Soft lilac sheer. Also required 4 coats.

Pirouette My Whistle over Care To Danse?

Barre My Soul. Very soft beige. I also used 4 coats here.

Piroutte My Whistle over Barre My Soul.

My Pointe Exactly. Another favorite from the collection. Soft grey sheer with a hint of blue.

Piroutte My Whistle over My Pointe Exactly.

All of the shades are sheer but I applied them to be opaque. At first I didn't think they would build up at all but they turned out well. A lot of coats are required to make them opaque though. This set is ultra conservative but the sparkling top coat brings the glam to the collection. Overall I like them but they are sheer, I usually prefer more opaque formulas and less coats. They are definitely elegant and you can without a thought wear them in any setting. I really love the glitter topcoat, it's dazzling without being over the top. All of them, except My Pointe Exactly, would make great bases for French manicures. My favorites from the collection are You Callin' Me A Lyre?, My Pointe Exactly and Piroutte My Whistle.

The New York City Ballet Collection will be available April 2012 but have started to appear online already.

~Sent for review by PR~

Last Day for Stamping Nail Art Contest!

Just a quick reminder. The Spring Stamping Nail Art Contest ends today! Thanks to everyone that entered so far. And here's a little spring-like stamping I did a few weeks back.

Thanks for stopping by :D

Zoya Beach & Surf Summer 2012 Collection - Press Release

New nail color - coming soon to a salon near you and Zoya.com!

Summer 2012 is going to be a super stylish season for nails with the latest offering of nail polish collections, Beach andSurf, from the new color of fashion, Zoya! This new splash of color, designed by the Zoya color experts, is kissed by sea and sand translating beautifully onto the nail in the famous, full-coverage Zoya formula.

Dive into the creamy shades of the Zoya Beach Collection or the shimmering sea foils of the Zoya Surf Collection. The choice is yours – this color palette is sure to be a splash!

Zoya BEACH Collection

· Reagan (ZP614) - deep cerise pink cream

· Lara (ZP615) - vivid cerise pink cream

· Shelby (ZP616) - soft pinky pink cream

· Arizona (ZP617) - soft coral orange cream

· Tracie (ZP618) - sea grass metallic

· Wednesday (ZP619) - soft aqua cream

Zoya SURF Collection

· Rory (ZP620) - lotus pink foil metallic

· Carly (ZP621) - thalia purple foil metallic

· Kimber (ZP622) - magenta pink foil metallic

· Myrta (ZP623) - coral orange foil metallic

· Meg (ZP624) - mermaid green foil metallic

· Zuza (ZP625) - aquamarine foil metallic

Zoya is the new color of fashion...

The Zoya BEACH and SURF collection was designed and inspired by resort runways and tropical get-a-ways.

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 BEACH and SURF as well as over 300 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.

BEACH and SURF by Zoya Nail Polish - 12 new colors:
Available April 1, 2012 (USA)
www.zoya.com

Sug. Retail $8.00 per 0.5 fl.oz. bottle (US).

NOTD Nabi Magnetic in Navy Blue

Hello everyone! Sorry for my lack of posts over the last few days. I've been working diligently on my Senior Project. Today I have another Nabi Magnetic polish to share with you. I was excited to receive this color because it's so unique, but soon disappointed after I applied the topcoat.

Here is an inside view of Navy Blue. Unfortunately the color is so dark the lines do not show up very well. I really like my lines to pop. The lines created were just "okay" and very hard to view indoors and outdoors.

It looks worse when a topcoat is applied. The lines turn into a purple jelly-ish color and blend right in with the base color. After awhile it's hard to notice them at all. I tried with 3 different topcoats: Poshe, Seche Vite and Wet N Wild. I expected it with Wet N Wild because its so thin, but didn't expect to see them disappear with the thicker top coats.

So Navy Blue is a no go for me. Its the only Nabi polish I've had problems with applying so far, very thick and goopy. I added thinner which helped but the lines are still barely noticeable. The color is really pretty though, so I may try to use it as a stamping polish or just a regular base coat.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Polishing!

Layla Flash Black Hologram Effect Swatch

Caution while driving! Should be written across this amazing holographic. Today I'm wearing my new Layla polish in Flash Black. It's actually more charcoal indoors, but in the sunlight, or any light, it appears more black with a rainbow center.

I used 3 coats which were enough for full coverage. For base coat, I used GOSH Fix Base #565. I believe it has been discontinued, unfortunately, but I've read that other holographic base coats work well.

I'm very excited to have Flash Black in my collection! I can't stop staring at my nails :)

I purchased Flash Black from Aveyou.com for about $15. At the time they had a coupon for 20% using code ALLCHIC, or $25 off $100 using code GIMME25. You can also order it directly from Layla's website or Ebay.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Polishing!

NOTD - Icing Magnetic Polishes in Pink and Green

Today I'm wearing Icing Magnetix in Pink with Green accent nails. I don't believe the polishes are named but they also come in blue and silver. If you missed swatches of the blue magnetic click here to check it out!

The pink polish comes with the wavy magnet and green comes with the straight line magnet. I switched it up and created straight lines on my right hand. I must say that I'm happy with the results. The magnets were fairly easy to use and the design covered my complete nail. I topped off the look with Seche Vite fast dry top coat.

I tried the straight line magnet on my right hand. It's nice but I prefer the wavy lines.

These are my favorite magnetics so far. In the sunlight they sparkle and indoors they are appear more metallic. I'm on day two of wear and they're holding up nicely. I can't believe I almost returned them due to frustration. If you're having problems keep trying, there's definitely a technique involved. The best tip I can provide is to work like lightening. The polishes dry fairly quickly, so its best to identify the lines on the magnet prior to beginning. I used a fine tip permanent marker to draw line directions on top of the magnets.

I purchased the Magnetixs from Icing in my local mall for $9 but they usually have a BOGO 5o% sale.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Polishing!

Nicole by OPI Texture Top Coats - Press Release

Nicole by OPI Introduces NEW Limited Edition Texture Coat Shades for Instant Nail Art

Nicole by OPI announces the launch of four new limited edition Texture Coat hues: Opal, Quartz, Amethyst and Aquamarine. This line of graffiti-style nail art products offers a simple way to create an edgy, two-texture effect on nails with quick, at-home application.

In addition to the two-texture element, these four new line additions feature high-shine finishes. Opal Texture is a metallic, mother-of-pearl shade with chameleon-like properties that takes on a different look depending on the color over which it’s applied. Quartz Texture has a unique taupe/pink metallic hue, while Amethyst Texture and Aquamarine Texture are packed with sparkle – purple and blue respectively – for an added glittery effect.

Opal Texture, Amethyst Texture, Aquamarine Texture and Quartz Texture

“Nicole by OPI fans not only follow trends – they create them. Texture Coat has been such a big hit with our consumers because it’s completely customizable, with endless design possibilities,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “The high-shine finishes of these metallic, opalescent, and glitter Texture shades is perfect for creating a fun look this spring and summer.”

To use this product, start with Base Coat Plus, followed by two coats of any Nicole by OPI nail lacquer. Let the lacquer dry completely before applying Texture Coat. Complete the manicure with Top Coat Plus for a high-shine finish. Texture Coat is also currently available in Gold, Silver, Red, White, Turquoise and Black.

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality. Opal, Quartz, Amethyst and Aquamarine Texture shades will be available April 2012 for $7.99 each at select retailers including CVS, Duane Reade, Fred Meyer, HEB, Meijer, Sears and Target. In Canada, this line will be available for $10.99 each at select Jean Coutu, Loblaw, Shoppers Drug Mart and Walmart Canada locations.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

Nicole by OPI Kardashian Kolor Nail Lacquers - Press Release

Nicole by OPI Introduces NEW Kardashian Kolor Nail Lacquers, Inspired by Kim Kardashian

Nicole by OPI announces the launch of Wel-Kim to My World, a collection of new nail lacquers inspired by Kim Kardashian. The line features six pastel-hued shades in white, pink, blue and honey tones that give nails a subtle pop of color. Lacquers Lights, Kim-era, Action! and Here Kim’s the Sun feature glitter and opalescent shimmer to create an added element of glitz.

“These six new lacquers really showcase Kim’s flirty, feminine side,” explains Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Kim often wears pink, white and other softer-toned shades; these colors are great for creating a classic, elegant look that works day or night.”

The Wel-Kim to My World shades include:

Here Kim’s the Sun Brighten up your day with this opalescent sparkle.

Kim KonfidentialA honey-nude so stunning, it should be "klassified.”

Up & Kim-ing Pink Get in line! This cotton candy pink is THE pink of the season.

Nothing Kim-pares to Blue There just isn’t another hue like this lovely lilac-blue.

Lights, Kim-era, Action! A screen-stealing shimmering pearl.

Others Pale By Kim-parison This breathtaking white is the fairest of them all.

“Spring is the perfect time to add lighter tones to your look,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “Candy-coated colors in pastel shades are always popular during this season. These ladylike hues look great with the blousy tops and frothy dresses that walked the runways for spring.”

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Nicole by OPI formulas are long-lasting, fast-drying, and salon-quality. Wel-Kim to My World will be available April 2012 for $7.99 each at retailers including CVS, Duane Reade, Harmon, Sears, ULTA and Wegmans. In Canada, this line will be available for $10.99 each at Jean Coutu, Loblaw and Shoppers Drug Mart.

For more information, visit nicolebyopi.com. Follow Nicole by OPI on Twitter @NicoleByOPI and become a Facebook fan!

OPI New York City Ballet SoftShades - Press Release

OPI Partners with New York City Ballet to Reveal Six New SoftShades Nail Lacquers

OPI announces the launch of six new additions to the SoftShades collection, inspired by the New York City Ballet (NYCB), one of the world’s premiere dance companies. New York City Ballet by OPI features five sheer shades lightly tinged in hues of beige, pink, white, lilac and gray, as well as a silver sparkly lacquer. With various sized glitter particles, this hue can be worn alone or layered over any of the other colors for added shine and dimension.

“OPI is so excited to work with the New York City Ballet,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “NYCB is rich with artistic history and has a renowned reputation that brings people from around the world to see NYCB performances. The dancers, choreography and costumes provided a wealth of inspiration for a range of soft, feminine hues. The beige, pink, and white lacquers bring to mind classic ballet slippers, tutus and leotards, while the sheer lilac and gray add muted color to ballet’s traditional pink.”

“One of our goals at NYCB is to make ballet accessible to the widest possible public,” remarks Katherine E. Brown, NYCB Executive Director. “We are thrilled to be partnering with OPI on this exciting new endeavor, sharing the beauty and elegance of NYCB with a new audience.”

The six lacquers in New York City Ballet by OPI include:

Barre My Soul
This sheer beige is gorgeous, and that’s the “naked” truth.

You Callin' Me a Lyre?
This ascending pink hits all the right notes.

Don't Touch My Tutu!
Hands off this wispy white -- it's all mine!

Care to Danse?
This lilac is up-to-the-minuet in fashion.

My Pointe Exactly
See? This gorgeous sheer gray has been right all along!

Pirouette My Whistle
Drink up! This silver sparkle is just what you need.

All SoftShades nail lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

New York City Ballet by OPI will be available April 2012, at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for $8.50 ($9.95 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!