lasoledaddelpinchadiscos

paula abdul

2012-01-31T18:43:00.000-08:00

paula abdul

Hot Trend In 2012

2012-01-31T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hot Trend In 2012

Hot Trend In 2021

Hot Trend In 2012

The Tortoise and the Hare...

2012-01-29T09:25:00.000-08:00

So it's been a while. I know. I apologize. It was part laziness, part exhaustion, part lack of inspiration, and part internet at home not working for a while. Enough excuses though, it's nail art time. I almost put off posting until tomorrow night, I've been on a 'Six Feet Under' kick today, but I promised my colleague Prob that I would post this weekend, and so I shall. :)

Today's design kinda popped in my head the other day, and I knew that I had to try it out. I tried a combination of using a crumpled paper towel and a brush to apply to get the effect that I wanted. It's not exactly how I pictured it, but I'm reasonably satisfied with how it turned out. :)

I used H&M Rust as a base, with a mixture of Seche Vite top coat and American Apparel Raccoon to create shapes on the background color. For the next layer of shapes, I used a mixture of Seche Vite top coat and MAC Rich, Dark, Delicious. Finally, I used a mixture of Seche Vite top coat and American Apparel Hassid. I topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Square Dancing

2012-01-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

You know me, I love my mod, geometric patterns. This puppy is no different, with its brightly colored square outlines over black. I actually wore this one day, then redid it. This is v2.0. The first version had looser, bigger squares, but I prefer the smaller, more tightly woven squares I think.

I was going to post these last night, but I made marinara sauce instead. From scratch. I've made sauce from 'scratch' to an extent before, meaning canned tomatoes, and the rest from scratch, but this time I used fresh tomatoes. Truth be told, it's kind of a pain in the ass, but man was it worth it! I blanched the tomatoes to remove the skin, then diced them, cooked them down, and added them to garlic, mushrooms, olive oil, and onions and simmered them til all the flavors melded. I was actually pretty stoked the recipe I was using didn't include basil (I hate basil). It DID call for carrots, celery, and bay leaves, but I didn't have those, so out they stayed. All in all, it was a total success, and much better than paying $5 for a jar of Ragu, which tastes like a monkey's butthole. Best part? Enough food for the two of us for two meals, and one more serving left! (all for the low, low price of $3.50- yes, that includes the 3 lb of fresh tomatoes!) Next time I make it, I'm definitely doubling or tripling the recipe so I can freeze some for easy meals. Can you blame me? ;)

BTW- Wanna hear about my New Year in India? Read all about it on Just Another Day in India...

On to what you came here for... the nails. ;)

I used American Apparel Hassid as a base, with white acrylic as a base for the design, covered with American Apparel MacArthur Park for the green, and Zoya Robyn for the turquoise. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Homer New Year!!

2012-01-01T12:14:00.000-08:00

My buddy Homer wanted to wish you all a happy 2012, so he asked me to paint my nails for the occasion! He donned his best party hat and posed for his nail portrait, and away I went to painting him!

My first new year celebration in India was certainly an exciting one- I'll share that on the 'Just Another Day in India' blog tomorrow, complete with video, so keep an eye out for it! :)

Homer and his nail art likeness. He looks worried or sad. Maybe he doesn't like them. :(

I used Zoya Robyn as a base, with white and black acrylic paint for homer, a mixture of Lotus Herbals Brownie Glaze and American Apparel California Trooper for the ears, and a little American Apparel California Trooper for his cheeks (he's a rat terrier, so he has tan spots on his cheeks). For the milk bones on the other 4 nails spelling out '2012', I used American Apparel Trenchcoat with American Apparel Raccoon to shade. Topped all nails off with a coat of OPI Rainbow Connection, and 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

I wish you all the most amazing 2012, and to quote a friend, 'May your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions!'

Why this Kolaveri Di?

2011-12-27T08:09:00.000-08:00

For those of you not aware of this song (probably most of you outside of India), it is the most ADDICTIVE song ever. I can't get it out of my head. It's SUPER popular here in India, and is somewhat of a joke now. 'Why this Kolaveri di?' in Tamil means, 'Why this Murderous Rage, Girl?' Check out this song here. Be warned, it's a SERIOUS earworm. To date, the youTube video of this song has gotten over 27.5 MILLION views. Insane.

Today's nails are my tribute to India, my new home for the next 2 years. :) I did the Indian flag!

Some goofy pictures from Christmas Day, just goofin' around. (and our Chinese Christmas dinner, lol)

Black and White and Red All Over

2011-12-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

Wow. It's been a while. Sorry about that. Turns out packing up all yer shit, then moving to the other side of the world is a lot of work! :-D I've missed the blog and interacting with all of you!! I'm finally on the other side of the world and starting to adjust to everything (except the fact that the biggest nail polish remover I can find is 30mL). I'll admit, things were difficult at first, and I questioned WTF I got myself into, but then, things got better, and I started to acclimate to my new surroundings. I'll admit, there are times when this country is maddening, but that's everywhere. If you want to read about my India adventures, I've started a new blog, Just Another Day in India....

Anyway. Now that we've gotten that out of the way, on to what you actually came here for. :)

This nail design was inspired by a kurta (shirt) that I wore the other day. I'm definitely loving the Indian attire, though I still maintain a bit of my American style–can't give up my jeans! I love all the patterns of the clothing here, so many colors! This particular kurta is basic colors- black, white, and red! :)

I used white acrylic paint for the design over the black nail polish base. It's the first time using acrylic, and I'm not sure I like the outcome, it didn't seem to 'stick' well, and left jagged edges.

Our typical picture- me with my tongue sticking' out, and Chris giving me a dirty look :)

My friend Sheba and I

I used American Apparel Hassid as a base, with white acrylic paint for the design, and Nicole by OPI Redy to Runaway Love? for the red. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

In the 'Mod'

2011-11-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

Hey there!! Sorry for the lack of posting, since my visa hasn't been approved yet, I'll try to post a little more until I start the moving process again. Unfortunately right now it's a bit awkward doing my nails, I have no nail table, no kitchen table, and a lot of my polishes and tools are en route to India. OK, enough excuses, on to the nails!!

I was stir-crazy the other day, so I decided to go out in public and walk around the outlet mall. On a whim, I stopped by the American Apparel outlet store, and to my astonishment, they had a ton of new colors!! I was shocked, I hadn't heard anything about them, and some of them are AMAZING!! (not that the others aren't cool, they're just something similar to what I have already, or something I probably wouldn't wear, i.e. pink) One of the colors I am seriously head over heels for (I bought 2), is Lopez Canyon, an awesome red-orange color that is insanely cool. In addition to its awesome hue, its also quite opaque, which, obviously, is a huge plus in my book. I knew that I wanted to use this color in a nail design, and I had a design I'd sort of been picturing in my head for a while, so i went for it. It didn't turn out like it did in my head, but I don't mind the outcome. I'm always a fan of patterns on the nail, sometimes even more than nail art I've done like the Smurfs, Finding Nemo, or stuff like that.

I used all American Apparel polishes for this design (other than my topcoat). For the base, I used American Apparel California Trooper, for the black, I used American Apparel Hassid, and for the red-orange accents, I used American Apparel Lopez Canyon. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

And, because I find it amusing... cat bed. I am cat-sitting right now, and I found it amusing when I went in the bedroom the other day, and all three cats were on the bed–even the hermit cat that rarely comes out! Don't mind the unmade bed. lol

Hunter is the grey one, Molly is the hermit-cat near the headboard,
and Queequeg is the one standing up, I disturbed her slumber. :-D

Let Me Pick Your Brains...

2011-10-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

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. :)

Blog Sale update

2011-10-09T13:19:00.000-07:00

I want to write a note letting you guys know that your stuff is coming if you've paid for it, and I'm trying to respond to all the emails, but I'm getting hundreds, and between moving and doing everything I need to do before leaving the country, things aren't getting responded to ask quickly as I'd like. Please be patient with me! :)

-Melissa

Think Different.

2011-10-05T22:59:00.000-07:00

A truly sad day for people around the world, myself included. Whether you are a 'Mac' or not, you've no doubt benefited from this man's genius and innovative spirit. (His pushing of technology made others scramble to keep up, therefore furthering your choice of technology)

I think I like what Obama said about his passing best...

"The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented."

and also, a great comment on from one of my coworkers from Apple, Jason G.....

"Go build a the most awesome heaven ever. Thank you."

Much of my life is affected by something from the brain of Steve Jobs, I've been an Apple devotee for over 12 years now, and I see no sign of that ever changing. The technology that has passed through the doors of Apple is the most innovative, user-friendly, stylish, and enviable technology that I've ever had the pleasure of using, learning about, buying, informing people about, and ultimately, selling. Apple is one of the most amazing companies I've ever worked for, and some of my hours there have been the most entertaining and interesting hours I've had in the past few years. I'm thankful for that, and all that Steve Jobs has done for the world, may he rest in peace.

Everything MUST Go!

2011-09-26T23:17:00.000-07:00

OK, not everything, but all the stuff listed in this spreadsheet!

As you know if you've been reading this blog, I'm moving to India. This means that I need to seriously pare down my polish collection, hence, a blog sale!! I'll be adding a few more things at a later date, but you get a few hundred polishes to choose from today. :-D

A few things:

All polishes listed for sale were purchased by me.

Shipping is $2.00 + 50¢ for each additional item for US and Canada. Contact me for international shipping.

Feel free to make offers, I'll happily consider them!

Email offers to: sales@thedailynailblog.com

See the blog sale list HERE!

lasoledaddelpinchadiscos

2011-09-24T09:24:00.001-07:00

lasoledaddelpinchadiscos

The Daily Nail is Moving!

2011-09-21T01:02:00.000-07:00

Yep, not the website, that will stay right here where you sit reading it now. Nope, ME, Melissa, the quirky nerd girl behind the nails.

I really wanted to explain why I've been sort of MIA right now on the blog, and this is why. I'm packing up my entire life and getting the hell outta dodge. This is no ordinary move, I'll be in a time zone and country far different than I'm used to. A country I've never been to, and I'm MOVING there! Don't get me wrong, I'm delighted and eager to start my new adventure (and yes, I TOTALLY plan to keep posting on the blog- the inspiration from where I'm going is going to be AMAZING!!), but I'm overwhelmed, terrified, worried, anxious, and well, scared shitless to go. I'm moving to India! Yes, you read that right, I'll be moving to the country that is the home of Bollywood, curry, henna, and Ghandi! (not the state between Michigan and Illinois)

I'll be leaving somewhere in the neighborhood of October 20th, and I'll be living there for 2 years! I can't wait to share my adventures in my new home with you, and hope for your patience while I get moved and settled! I'll be writing a blog that is specific to my Indian adventures when I get over there, and once I get it up and running, I'll be sure to post the address!!

If I have any readers in Chennai, let me know! I'd love to meet some people with like interests while I'm there!!

My presence will definitely be maintained while I'm there on twitter, Facebook, and the blog, just keep in mind that my AM will most likely be your PM!

Yay!! I hope you all follow me in my newest life adventure!!

Enter the Dragon!

2011-09-21T00:49:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all! For today's design, I started off with a different idea, but when I started the design, it was already way late, so I only got the base color of white done before I HAD to go to bed! At lunch, I managed to snag the new Wet & Wild black glitter polish 'Tangled in my Web,' and decided to check it out, painting one nail over the white. Little did I know, it was going to look AWESOME!! However, it DID keep on reminding me of dragon fruit, so I decided to add another layer of the glitter, and then added the fuchsia tip for the peel of the dragon fruit! It ended up being a very simple manicure, but I like it! :)

I used American Apparel Cotton for the base, with 2 layers of Wet & Wild Tangled in my Web over it. For the tip, I used China Glaze Heli-Yum with OPI Houston We Have a Purple over it, then mixed with Zoya Anja for the darker fuchsia. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Retro Geometric Smoke

2011-09-07T23:04:00.000-07:00

So I have to admit, I created this nail design for Cosmoprof, and I hate that I'm just now posting it, but there were other designs that I was more excited to post the day I did them! This manicure was done at 11 PM when I was sick and had a fever, I wouldn't have done them had it not been Cosmoprof, but I hardly felt like a nail blogger if I hadn't. For this manicure I used 2 of the colors from the Zoya Smoke collection, too! This design was inspired by a rug pattern! :)

I used Zoya Codie as a base, with Zoya Dree for the green shapes, then I mixed Zoya Dree with American Apparel Cotton for the lighter green. For the Orange Shapes, I used butter LONDON Minger for the lighter orange, and Finger Paints Cordur-Orange for the darker orange. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche vote top coat.

Urban Stripery

2011-09-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

The other night (which was the rotten cherry on top of a hellish day), I felt a need to 'reward' myself for not killing anyone, so I headed to LUSH to check things out. I went there originally with the intent of checking out the Shark Fin soap they're advertising, but they didn't have it at the store I went to, luckily for me (and unfortunately for my wallet) they DID have an Each Peach massage bar, Turkish Delight body smoothie, and the King of Skin body butter, all of which smell amazing. As I was walking back to my car through the shops at Mandalay bay, I decided to stop at Urban Outfitters, I mean, what the heck, they usually have SOMETHING on sale. Little did I know, they changed their nail polish! They have a few new (and REALLY awesome!) colors! They had a fun lavender/pink with holo glitter, some other colors, and then two that I bought, which are called Dust (a glitter that reminds me of Deborah Lippman Today Was a Fairytale, though I've never seen that one in person), and Barstool, which is an amazing powdery slate blue jelly. I'll be posting swatches, etc. soon! :)

I tell you all this because I actually used Barstool in today's manicure. I also used 3 of the colors from the Fall Essie collection that I bought the other day. :) When I sat down to do this manicure, I had a semi-basic idea of what I wanted to do, but I really let whatever came to mind happen when I got to each nail, which is why each one is a different shape. :) I really like how this mani turned out, it brings to mind fall, which I would LOVE to come here to Las Vegas. :)

As an added bonus, you get a picture of my manicure helper, Homer. :) (he's not very helpful, but he's super cute. :))

and also a picture of the badass new ring I bought - it arrived in the mail today! I <3 it!!

Cosmoprof 2011 - China Glaze Preview!

2011-08-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

If you're like me, you're super eager to check out the upcoming China Glaze collections, right?

Check 'em out at The Daily Nail: Reviews!

Cult Nails Hypnotic Collection

2011-08-29T22:51:00.000-07:00

Curious about Cult Nails Hypnotic collection?

Check them out on the The Daily Nail: Reviews!

Cosmoprof 2011 - CND Shellac

2011-08-27T00:05:00.000-07:00

Curious how Shellac fared with the horrific stress I put on my nails?

Check out the results at The Daily Nail: Reviews!

Reverse Rockabilly

2011-08-26T23:16:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had one of those ideas that you have to do, even though you have almost no time, and in that time, you should probably be doing something else? I had one of those today. It, in a way, is kind of a throwback to one of my designs I did for Cosmoprof 2010 (yes, last year's Cosmoprof!) The design was called Between a Rockabilly and a Hard Place, and it was a leopard print nail with a red moon. Today, for some reason, it struck me to try the reverse of that design. In my mind, it was something that was a tad more subtle than the full-on leopard print, perhaps even a tad more office-friendly? In any event, it was awesome in my head, and pretty much the only way I'll wear red. I have to admit, I love it. I keep looking at my hands. lol I hope you like it too!! I also got to use Zoya Carmen, which I got to try at Cosmoprof this year! It's a really great true red. Very fiery and retro.

I used Zoya Carmen as a base, with American Apparel California Trooper for the moon. For the leopard pattern, I used OPI San Tan-tonio for the tan blobs, and American Apparel Raccoon for the darker brown. Topped everything off with Nubar Diamont top coat, which I was given as a free gift with purchase at IBS 2011.

Are you ever so excited to try a nail design that you drop everything and do it?

Cosmoprof 2011 Preview! OPI MUPPETS!!

2011-08-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

So you wanna see the awesome upcoming Muppets collection a little closer up? (read: REAL PICTURES?!)

Check it out on The Daily Nail: Reviews!

Retro Freestyle

2011-08-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

Sorry everyone, I know it’s been a while. Life has gotten particularly crazy lately. Lots of exciting things afoot, but also enough stress to kill an elephant. In any event, I’ve been neglecting you guys, and for that, I apologize! :)

The day that I received the Finger Paints fall Fashionista collection, I dug in and immediately fell in love with the two colors that I used for this manicure! I knew that I wanted to use them together, and I love the retro vibe they have, so I honestly just started painting without really having any specific design in mind. This is what I came up with! I liked it a lot, and hope you do too! :) It’s a fairly simple, but I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing. :)

I used butter LONDON Minger for the base on the thumb and ring finger, and Finger Paints Catwalk Queen for the yellow nails. For the designs on the orange nails, I used Finger Paints Cordur-Orange, and for the designs on the yellow nails, I used Barielle Aura Angora. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Do you ever start painting your nails without having a set design?

Blast from the Past: La La La La La La La La La La La ....

2011-07-29T13:54:00.000-07:00

In honor of 'The Smurfs' movie coming out today, I though this blast from the past would be appropriate! :-D

Try getting THAT out of your head!! *muahahahahahaha* Ok, anybody who's ANYBODY knows who the Smurfs are, and how...Smurfy they are. :-D I remember many a Saturday morning growing up waking up and watching the Smurfs on tv, since I grew up in the boonies, we didn't have cable, *GASP* (yes, that's for REAL. My parents STILL don't have cable) so Saturday mornings were the only time that cartoons were on TV, so we definitely made the most of them, most likely eating S'mores cereal, maybe Count Chocula, or perhaps my dad's amazingtastical fried eggs. (I am 29, and I STILL can't make fried eggs as well as he can.) Ahhh, the memories....

Can I also mention that two of my friends (and readers) got married today!! Congratulations Len & Sarah! I wish you both all the happiness in the world!!

And now, on to the nails! I did Papa Smurf on my thumb, Painter Smurf on my index finger, Smurfette on my middle finger, Vanity on my ring finger, and Brainy Smurf on my pinky. :)

I used Zoya Yummy as a base, with Sally Hansen Professional Lavender Cloud for the hats and eyes, Eyeko Saucy Polish for Naughty Nails for the tongues (when you see 'em, the stem and spots of the mushroom, and Papa Smurf's hat. For Smurfette's hair, I used American Apparel Manila, which I also used for the center of the flower on Vanity Smurf's hat. For the top of the mushroom, I used butter LONDON Minger, which I also used for the paint splatter on Painter Smurf's hat. For his paintbrush, I used American Apparel California Trooper as a base, with a mixture of Color Club Best Dressed List and American Apparel Manila. For Vanity's flower, I used Color Club Ms. Socialite, then I used a combination (not mixed, just whatever I picked up on my brush) of Pure Ice Wild Thing, L.A. Girl Army Green, and Zoya Shawn, and as always, I used American Apparel Hassid to outline everything.

I have to say, I think this manicure is pretty smurfy. the only nail I'm not loving on my left hand is Smurfette, she was the first one I drew before changing my technique, and she looks a tad wonky. Ah well.

Sorry, no Gargamel this time, perhaps when the Smurfs movie comes out next summer. :-D

I've Gone Public.

2011-07-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Public restrooms, that is. I honestly have no idea what spurred the idea for this nail design. I was driving home from work one night thinking (it's my best thinking time), and it hit me. I thought it'd be a fun, EASY, quick nail design that would be easily recognizable. :-D The irony? I detest public restrooms, seriously, I'd rather hold it 'til my eyeballs are floating than use a public bathroom. I'm not sure whether it is the fact that someone might *gasp* hear me, or germs, or whatever. Might be a combination of all things, I just don't like them. *shudder* Anyway...after that TMI moment, here you are... my bathroom nails. (Don't worry, I washed my hands)

Sorry for the grotesque cuticle injury - been stuffing DVDs into cardboard envelopes for hours (800 DVDs so far).

I used ALDO Sea You in Ibiza as a base, with Sally Hansen Lavender Cloud for the white symbols. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat for shine.

What a Wallet

2011-07-24T15:28:00.000-07:00

I've had this wallet for ages. I picked it up at Forever 21 at some point, buying it because I loved the retro look of the pattern. It's one of those hinged wallets that clasp shut. I never really use it anymore, but I was going through my stuff recently (I need to pare my belongings down) and came across it.

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base, with Nubar Milk Chocolate Creme for the oval, butter LONDON Minger for the orange, Barielle Aura Angora for the yellowy mustard color, American Apparel Pinto for the burnt red, American Apparel Cocoa for the taupe color, then American Apparel Raccoon for the darker brown. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

It All Ends 7/15.

2011-07-15T02:36:00.000-07:00

I’m totally writing this blog post in the theater waiting for the Harry Potter movie to start. I’m sitting on the stairs next to the wall because my laptop is too low on battery otherwise. As you might have surmised from other posts and if you follow me on Twitter, I am a 100%, bonafide, Harry Potter dork. No, I don’t dress up for the midnight showing, and some might argue that negates any credibility that I had as a Harry Potter enthusiast, but I tend to disagree. I wear my robes on the inside, and my insides are hearty shades of crimson and gold. I’m SO excited for this final chapter in the Harry Potter series, but it is, as is it for many of you, bittersweet. I think, as disturbed and sad as it may sound, that I’ll feel a little hollow (no, not Hallow), as I did after I finished the last page of the final book. A twinge of sadness, knowing that there won’t be anymore to read or watch of the adventures of our dear Harry Potter, Hermione, and Ron. I’m SO looking forward to Molly Weasley screaming the line we’ll not shortly forget, departing from her usually jovial, friendly self to take her revenge on Bellatrix. (If you’ve read the books, you know what I’m talking about) It’s going to be amazing stuff.

For today’s nails, I knew that I had to do something to say goodbye to the series, since this is the last midnight showing that we’ll get to partake in for our beloved Harry Potter movies. I wanted to do something that I haven’t seen someone else do, something that I myself haven’t done either. I settled upon the amazing poster design for this 8th and final installment, with Harry and Voldemort head to head, with only the elder wand to separate them. I also did the Deathly Hallows symbol on the pinky, as well as the HP of the Harry Potter logo on the thumb. I photographed them, then splattered red polish on the ring and thumb to simulate the blood that was splattered on the series of posters, then photographed them again. :)

After the movie edit: Holy crap. That movie was incredible.

I used CND Oilslick as a base, with China Glaze Millennium for the silver in the HP and the Deathly Hallows. For Voldemort, I used American Apparel Cotton, Nicole by OPI My Lifesaver, and A Beautiful Life Poison. For Harry, I used American Apparel Cotton, CND Oilslick, Zoya Helen, A Beautiful Life Poison, and American Apparel Raccoon (for hair). For the background on the Harry, Voldemort and Wand nails, I used Nicole By OPI My Lifesaver in different opacities, as well as American Apparel Cotton. For the Wand, I used American Apparel Raccoon, the CND Oilslick and American Apparel Cotton for the hands at the base of the wand. For the blood splatters, I used A Beautiful Life Poison. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche vite top coat.

NOT MY DAUGHTER, YOU BITCH!

China Glaze Metro (PREVIEW)

2011-07-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

URBAN EDGINESS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

China Glaze Introduces 12 New Purely Pigmented Crèmes, High Coverage Glitters and Intense Shine Shimmers for Fall 2011

Los Angeles, CA – (April 2011): City living boasts excitement, a cool, edginess and confidence that oozes from fashion forward women like none other. City loving celebs like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Ivanka Trump, Rosario Dawson and Jaime King have style to spare and their fashion sense trickles down to everyone from working women to college kids. This Fall, China Glaze has captured the big city feel in 12 sexy, sophisticated shades that are on trend, exciting and will be on every fashion maven’s “must have” list. Whether you prefer downtown funk or uptown class, China Glaze’s METRO collection pulls together ensembles and will undoubtedly make heads turn! Colors in this collection include:

Skyscraper: A sparkling, glitter blue reminiscent of the sky over the city.

CG in the City: Glittering dusty purple, bronze and silver multi-tonal glitter, perfect for a pop of edge from West side to East side.

Urban-Night: Exactly what you need for a night on the town – rich purple crème.

Traffic Jam: Stop traffic with a breathtaking, raspberry pink crème.

City Siren: The perfect deep, red crème to match any outfit.

Loft-y Ambitions: Burgundy shimmer and cocktail hour – nothing better.

Brownstone: Burnt terracotta crème mirrors the quaint townhouses of the city.

Midtown Magic: Burgundy base with flecks of gold shimmer captures the latest fashion trend.

Street Chic: This gorgeous beige crème is the perfect go to shade letting your clothes do the talking.

Concrete Catwalk: Steel grey crème is amazing for a chic mani.

Westside Warrior: For the trendsetting woman this camo green crème is to die for.

Trendsetter: Mustard yellow shimmer translates beautifully from hot dogs to nails.

Fall in the City is a magnificent time and China Glaze has interpreted the hues of the urban jungle into their limited edition METRO collection. Escape your everyday and indulge in the city life!

The China Glaze METRO collection will be available in a “Downtown” 6 piece box collection (includes Skyscraper, Concrete Catwalk, Westside Warrior, Trendsetter, Loft-y Ambitions and Midtown Magic), an “Uptown” 6 piece box collection (includes CG in the City, Urban-Night, Traffic Jam, City Siren and Street Chic and Brownstone), a brand new, amazing 3D 12 piece counter display, a 36 piece rack display, and as open stock colors.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries

For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women. Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.

Multi-Colortural

2011-07-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

I'll admit it, I have a lot of nail polish. A lot. Are there colors that look similar? Yes. Are there colors that look different? Of course. Do I need all of them? Probably not. Regardless of need, I keep hoarding them, and adding more and more to the collection. The other day, I was going through the collection- organizing/putting away, and an idea struck me. I wanted to do a color study, like old times——like in college. So I gathered my colors up for each nail (I did each nail one at a time - I only have so much room on my nail table for polish), and set to work. I wanted to see what the mish-mash of colors of the same family (albeit in different finishes, hues, tints, etc.) would look like. Well, it's interesting. Not quite what I envisioned, but it's different...and sort of looks like rainbow camouflage, which I'm guessing there isn't a huge market for, seeing as it would have the entirely opposite effect of what one desires when donning camouflage attire. Anyway. This manicure was done using a total of 61 different colors, 62 if you count the Seche Vite. ;)

I used:

American Apparel Cotton as a base, with...

Thumb: Reds

American Apparel Berry, A Beautiful Life Poison, Barielle Elle's Spell, China Glaze High Maintenance, China Glaze Ruby Pumps, China Glaze TMI, Claire's Stilettos, Essie Blood Curdling, Nicole by OPI OMB!, Nicole by OPI Redy to Runaway Love, Zoya Kimmy, and Zoya Reva.

Index: Oranges

American Apparel Pinta, butter LONDON Minger, China Glaze Ginger, China Glaze Japanese Koi, China Glaze Papaya Punch, China Glaze Peachy Keen, CND Electric Orange, Color Club Wham! Pow!, Lotus Herbals Orange Alert 82, OPI Extra-va-vaganza!, Zoya Lianne, Zoya Rica, and Zoya Tanzy.

Middle: Yellows

American Apparel Manila, Barielle Aura Angora, China Glaze Classic Camel, China Glaze Cleopatra, China Glaze Happy Go Lucky, China Glaze Lighthouse, Essie Funky Limelight, Nubar Hot Yellow, Orly Luxe, RBL Square Pants, Sally Hansen Expres-So Yellow, and Zoya Pippa.

Ring: Greens

American Apparel MacArthur Park, American Apparel Malibu Green, American Apparel Neon Green, China Glaze L8R G8R, China Glaze Starboard, CND Green Scene, Frida Nails Grass Green jelly, Nubar Reclaim, RBL No More War, Zoya Ivanka, Zoya Shawn, and Zoya Envy.

Pinky: Blues

American Apparel Cameo Blue, China Glaze 2NITE, CND Anchor Blue, Lotus Herbals Ocean Love, Nicole by OPI Me + Blue, OPI Absolutely Alice, ULTA Moody Blues, Zoya Crystal, Zoya Breezi, Zoya Kotori, and Zoya Tallulah.

Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat. :)

Zoya Smoke & Mirrors GIVEAWAY! 6 WINNERS!

2011-07-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

Zoya Nail polish is sponsoring a giveaway to

6 lucky readers of 'The Daily Nail!'

Check out the contest here!

Contest deadline is Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST

Well, I Declare!

2011-07-04T12:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July to my US readers!

I love doing holiday themed nails, so I knew that I was going to do a design for today. I wanted to do something different than the stars and stripes, so I did my interpretation of the Declaration of Independence! Did you know that

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

has been called 'one of the best-known sentences in the English language"?

I've always been a history nerd. Yes, I was that kid (the only one) in the biography section of the library checking out historical biographies, presidential biographies, etc. for fun rather than for homework. Though my favorite president to read about then (and now) was Abraham Lincoln, I still loved burying my nose in an ancient hardcover about Washington, Jefferson, pretty much name it. Fascinating stuff, really.

Anyway, to the nails. I sponged them to look like aged parchment, then painted certain recognizable words on each hand.

I used: American Apparel California Trooper as a base, then sponged China Glaze Classic Camel in spots, then sponged a mixture of China Glaze Classic Camel and American Apparel California Trooper over that, then sponged a little bit of CND Blackjack over that and on the tip edges.

And as a bonus, a picture of my guilty boyfriend. He attempted to make me watch Star Wars by turning it on the TV when I was getting ready, so when I came back out, I was half-watching it while I was putting on my shoes, that is, until I saw R2-D2 and realized what was on, and stopped watching it. To explain this, I am 30 years old and have never watched any of the Star Wars movies, and I intend to keep it that way. :)

Who me?! Never. I had no idea that there was a Star Wars marathon on TV!

Have a happy and SAFE Fourth of July everyone!! Keep all your fingers!

Opening the Nail Files...

2011-06-27T23:12:00.000-07:00

This past friday, I had the absolute pleasure of meeting the vivacious star of the new TV Guide Channel series 'Nail Files', Katie Cazorla! She was here in Las Vegas with her mobile manicure truck, which was spreading nail polished tips across the nation! I have to say, she is a total doll. She is every bit as silly and bubbly as she comes across on the show, she's hilarious, fabulous, and as I described her, a total firecracker. Below you'll get to read our conversation, and see a little bit of what she's like!

In honor of meeting Ms. Nail Files herself, I knew I HAD to do special nail art for the occasion. I wish I had her reaction, because it was awesome. It completely made my day to see how stoked she was about the manicure (especially the Katie nail!!). :) I love it!

One sad thing about this manicure is that, while at work that night, I fell and broke THREE nails on my left hand (including the Katie nail!!) :( I was SO bummed, but glad that Katie got to see it before it was ruined.

Watch Katie and her crew Tuesday nights at 10/9c on the TV Guide channel! Check your local listings, or set your DVR! You won't want to miss it! (especially Episodes 3 & 5 according to Katie!)

TDN: You’re from a small town in New York, what made you move to the West Coast?

KC: Ok, so I love that question actually. I went to college for a couple years and found out that it wasn’t really my thing, and throughout college I was telling jokes at little bars, and always making my friends laugh and an agent saw me and was like “You’re funny, you should be a comic.” So she took me to LA, I ended up having a blast, and stayed. Um, unfortunately, I had no place to live, so I was kind of like one of those people that live out of my car for a couple of months until I found a place, and I was doing stand-up comedy for almost 10 years. After the 10th year, I was like ‘This is ridiculous, I need to get a life, I’m almost 30, I am gonna be eating Top Ramen until I’m 50 years old, so I had this crazy premonition and dream about my business and I drew it out and decided to really go for it.

Free mini-manicures on the Nail Files truck!

TDN: I also am from the other side of the country, from Michigan, and made the move to the west. Did you know anybody?

KC: No, I actually did not know anybody at all.

TDN: Was it terrifying for you?

KC: You know, not really, because i was 20, and I think I was kind of stupid, and thought it was going to be so much easier than it really was. So I was kind of, I guess I would like to say naive to the way LA works, and how you think you’re just going to go out there and make it, because it’s not like that. You don’t just move out there, I mean, one in a gazillion chance of that ever happening, and less of a chance for someone to move out there like ‘I’m going to get my own show, and I’m a nobody’, but it’s kind of like that’s what happened.

TDN: I have to comment on Jessica, I have no idea how you didn’t punch her.

KC: Oh my God, everyone is saying that , I think its just that Jessica is nice. The problem is is Jessica did everything wrong from what I really wanted, and I had to pay for all of that stuff. So, unfortunately, I wasn’t happy, and it was probably pretty apparent by my crying. But everyone is just like “God, she’s such a crybaby,” but that cost me $2,000, it’s so expensive, and they didn’t show all the other other stuff, the big banners and signage, and to have the main displays messed up was really a problem for me. So, you know, it ended up being kind of a problem, and unfortunately, we probably aren’t friends anymore after that episode.

TDN: Was she really laughing inappropriately when you were in a state of duress?

KC: Yes, she really was laughing like that. I think it was more of a nervous laughter, but it just didn’t come off that way, and I feel bad that she came out like that, but it is what it is, what can you do?

TDN: So, one of my downfalls, I’ll admit it every time, I love to do the nail art stuff, but I suck at nail care. What is one of your best nail care tips?

KC: Really? Ok, well here. Number one, I think you should ALWAYS use cuticle oil. You have to, because here’s the thing, even if you don’t get your cuticles nipped all the time, which, I don’t nip my own, I don’t get them nipped. I think that actually leads on my personal body to more cuticle growth than what I want, so I just kind of push them back and buff off the extra, and if there is obviously like a hangnail or something, I’ll nip that off. But cuticle oil is my best friend, I use it everywhere, hands, elbows, little dry spots, whatever. I absolutely love it.

You know what I just discovered? This product called ‘Get Fresh’ based out of Santa Monica. Oh my God, their lemongrass foot products... I want to eat. They sent me their lemongrass pedicure kit, so now we do the lemongrass pedicure in my store. Amazing, and they have a heel balm, and all these fun products you can use to do upkeep at home.

TDN: What are your thoughts on nail art? (this was a question I had planned to ask, but it got answered in the middle of a conversation about my blog...after I mentioned the huge response from Brazilian women, and their love of all nail art in general)

KC: I love nail art, and people who don’t like nail art are just not my friend. They can’t be, it’s not fair.

The contents of my goodie bag! :) Click to enlarge!

TDN: Because it’s fun! Yes, it can go into the tacky range, but it’s mostly fun.

KC: Oh, ok, here’s where it gets tacky. When somebody’s nail is really long and it curves like a corn chip nail tip and it’s got someone’s name on it, and it’s pierced with a charm. (we both said the last part at the very same time) You get me...we speak the same nail language.

You know what’s really annoying, is when people say, “Oh, you’re not a real nail tech because you didn’t graduate from nail school” and I’m like, But I went to nail school, I just didn’t graduate because I found my salon in time and it was like ‘Oh my God, I have to get this before somebody else does.’ and I’m sorry , I want this space, it’s my dream space.” Plain and simple.

TDN: Right, when opportunity knocks, you can’t let anything stand in your way. You can always finish nail school, but that space might not be there tomorrow.

KC: I can always finish when I want, because I have hours that don’t expire. I think I have two hundred and some hours. Gosh, that’s a lot. I only need like 180 more hours or 200. I have finished almost half, but it’s 3 1/2 months, it’s a commitment, every single day, all day long.

TDN: But you’re one of those people that don’t go to college and still become insanely successful.

KC: Jet Blue guy, didn’t he drop out of college? (I looked it up...yes, he did, from University of Utah after 3 years). The Microsoft guy (Bill Gates), he dropped out of Harvard. Hello, one of the richest men in the world. (my words: bazillionaire!!) You know what, so eff you college, I don’t need you. I don’t need you today, or any other day!

TDN: Your nail pet peeve. We’ve already discussed corn chip nails, but do you have any other ones?

KC: Oh my God. You know what else I don’t like? Long, French manicured toes.

TDN: I read your interview with Michelle of All Lacquered Up, and actually cheered when I saw that.

KC: She said the same thing. It’s so gross!

TDN: It’s the worst. You see it a lot here in Las Vegas, it’s everywhere.

KC: It’s because there are so many strippers, and they love French manicured toes. Not that there is anything wrong with that, it’s just not the look I’m going for. (me: It just doesn’t look classy) I don’t think I’ve ever seen a classy stripper, but if I did, she wouldn’t have French manicured toes.

TDN: So on your first episode, Debbie Gibson came in, and you said that you have to treat celebrities like everybody else, even when on the inside you’re really squealing.

KC: I know, I totally wanted to sing Electric Youth. It was hard for me because I was like ‘Oh my God, Debbie Gibson is in here,’ and I was totally like a mall rat crazy person fan of hers and I needed to hold it together and be a normal person. She looked ridiculously amazing. She’s the type of woman that could grocery shop in a thong, and it’d probably be ok. She’s awesome.

Katie's funny hand sanitizer. Click to enlarge.

TDN: On that note, if anybody were to walk through the doors of your store, and you would absolutely lose it and go all fan-girl, who would it be?

KC: I’d love to give Ryan Reynolds a manicure.

TDN: I’d love to give Ryan Reynolds more than a manicure! (Aaron, one of the promoters commented that I was a dirty bird...oops! :-D What can I say, he’s adorable, funny, and sarcastic...need I list more?)

KC: I know, he’s hilarious, and so cute. I love it. I think that would be my number one, he’s a doll. It has to be a guy...but if it were a woman, it’d have to be Barbra Streisand, because she has the most insanely gorgeous nails I’ve ever seen in my life. They’re beautiful, and I want her to wear my polish. (Get some sparkle on her.) Yes. I want sparkle on Barbra.

TDN: So you’ve got a lovely rock on your finger, I know there is no date set for a wedding, but what color do you plan to wear for your wedding?

KC: I really don’t see myself having a wedding, if I did, it’s going to be glitter, I’m not going to do anything traditional, I’m such a non-traditional person. (What, so no french manicure?) No, maybe I’ll do a picture of Walter on my nail.

TDN: So, you’ve conquered the nail world, you’re conquering the TV world, what’s next?

So Katie did confess what she's up to next, but she also said it was kind of a secret! Until she gives me the go-ahead to share it with you, you'll just have to eagerly wait! It's definitely something fun!

Katie & I in front of the manicure truck - it was over 100° outside!! SO HOT!

What'd I use?

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base for all nails...

Thumb: Part of the 'Nail Files' logo

Claire's Stiletto for the red base, with Nicole by OPI OMB! over it for the glittery parts.

Index: Part of the 'Nail Files' logo

Claire's Stiletto for the red base, with Nicole by OPI OMB! over it for the glittery bottle, CND Blackjack for the cap of the bottle and for the nail file with a mixture of CND Blackjack and Orly Mirror, Mirror to shade.

Middle: TV Guide logo

Claire's Stiletto for the red base, with Nicole by OPI OMB! over it for the glittery parts, then American Apparel Cotton for the TV guide lettering.

Ring: Katie Nail!

CND Blackjack for the background and for the eyes, combinations and layering of American Apparel Manila, Zoya Dea, Zoya Helen, and American Apparel Cotton for the hair, Ulta Moody Blues for the eyes. For the skin, a mixture of Zoya Helen and American Apparel Cotton, then mixed that with a bit of Claire's Stilettos for the lips.

Pinky: Mojito! (Katie's signature drink)

For the glass outline, I used Orly Mirror, Mirror, for the mint, I used a combination of Frida Nails grass green jelly (has no color name), the Icing True Beauty, and CND Green Scene. For the liquid, I used a mixture of Frida Nails grass green jelly with Nubar Yellow Primrose, and a little American Apparel MacArthur Park to shade the ice cubes.

Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Blogger in a China Shop

2011-06-16T00:43:00.000-07:00

I know I've said this a million times, and Ill say it again, ideas come from the most unexpected places...the idea for this post came from a manicure I did a while back that also used the two polishes that I used for this manicure. I noticed that when painting the blue over the white, there was a certain amount of transparency near the middle and end of the strokes, and I knew if I diluted it a bit more with clear polish, I could layer it to create a china pattern! I've always loved the look of old china, and though I'd never own it (I'm far too clumsy), I'll admire it from afar...and on my nails! :) I hope that you enjoy my interpretation of antique china patterns!

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base, with ULTA Moody Blues for the china pattern. To make it a tad sheerer in places for layering, I mixed it with Seche Vite top coat. I then topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

And because I think I like the thumb better on my right hand....

China Glaze Crackle Metals - Swatches & Review

2011-06-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

What's up kids?! Dying to get your eyeballs on the new China Glaze Crackle Metals?

Well, feast your head orbs on my swatches and review at reviews.thedailynailblog.com!!

The Daily Nail: Reviews!

2011-06-07T00:36:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all! I know there are some new readers out there, so I wanted to let all of you lovely nail fiends like myself know that there is also a Review section of The Daily Nail! I know that some of you already know this, but lately, I've been posting more stuff, so there is more to look at! :-D

Now, I know that my nails or cuticles aren't as amazing as the infamous Scrangie, Michelle of All Lacquered Up, or Kelly of Vampy Varnish, but I wanted to focus on stuff like whether the polishes are good for nail art or Konad as well as just nail color, which is something that I found myself wondering when I first started getting into the blogging and serious nail polish hoarding. :-D

Hope that you like what you see, and if you have any suggestions that you'd like to see, please feel free to comment and let me know! :)

You can find the reviews/swatches at http://reviews.thedailynailblog.com!

-M

Surf's Up, Dude!

2011-06-03T00:35:00.000-07:00

My first time in a MAC store EVER was in January 2005, and it was at the Pro Store here in Las Vegas - before I even moved here! I even remember my first eyeshadow that I purchased - Melody! My love affair began way back then, and since, my collection has grown to a ridiculous amount - over 70 full-sized pigments, 5 15-pan palettes full, quads galore, almost every color of fluidliner, and pencils, paints, lipglosses, glasses, sticks, etc. galore. It's a tad ridiculous, honestly. I'm a makeup hoarder, though I've gotten much better about passing up most or all of a new collection, even if it's LE, because generally I have a color that is so close that the layperson wouldn't be able to tell the difference, or because it's merely a repromote in different packaging. :-D (I do fall for them on occasion - can we say Wonder Woman Ruby Woo?!) Needless to say, I fell for the new Surf Baby collection, taking home Short Shorts e/s (I'm forever on the hunt for a Pollen dupe - my fav MAC e/s ever), Surf the Ocean pigment stack, Hangin' Loose nail polish, and Surf Baby! Cheek powder with the amazing gold hibiscus flower on it. The only thing I'm not loving is the pigment stack - SO difficult to work with!! (Was the gold supposed to be mousse-like?)

Anyway, because I LOVE the colors of the packaging and the hibiscus in this collection, I HAD to do a nail design based off it! :) Hope you like it!!

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base, with Lotus Herbals in Code Orange for the stripe as well as the hibiscus on the ring finger. For the yellow I used CND Bicycle Yellow, and for the grey/taupe, I used Essie Chinchilly. For the gold on the hibiscus, I used China Glaze Hi-tek. Topped everything off with two coats of Seche Vite top coat.

2011 Las Vegas Weekly Awards!

2011-05-30T01:38:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday I was invited to attend an event held by the Las Vegas Weekly, a weekly magazine here in Las Vegas. I was selected as the recipient of the 2011 'Best Blogger' award in the 2011 Weekly awards!! SO exciting!! :) Of course, since I was going to the event, I had to do Las Vegas Weekly nails, so I used one of the copies of when the story about me was in the Weekly last May to work into the manicure. (I was a tad overzealous in getting spare copies to keep, so I had a few issues to spare :-P) Check out the blurb about the award here!

Forgive me for not including my thumb in the picture- I swatched another color over it without thinking before I got around to photographing it. Stupid me. For the texture in the background, I transferred bits of the original article using alcohol onto the white background, then painted the Las Vegas WEEKLY logo over it. :)

My name on the big screen! :)

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base, with Claire's Stiletto for the red, and American Apparel Hassid for the black. Topped it all off with two coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Get Your Groupon On!

2011-05-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Many of you may have heard of Groupon by now, but if you haven't, it's amazing. Businesses in your area (or sometimes online businesses) will over products or services at a hefty discount if you buy during the Groupon sale. I've used Groupon for Barnes & Noble gift cards ($10 for $20), Gap ($25 for $50), American Apparel ($25 for $50), Zipline Rides down Fremont St ($10 for $25), Restaurants for 50%, Redbox coupons, admission to LV shows, Mani/Pedis, movie tix, all sorts of things. You can even purchase them as gifts for a friend! :)

Right now they're running a special where if a friend signs up and purchase their first Groupon by June 13, you get $30!! So Sign up, and then get your friends to sign up so YOU can get money towards free Groupons!!!

I wouldn't recommend something that I don't already use (way too much), so check it out, I think you'll like it- and it's offered in cities all over the US! :)

If you like me, and want to sign up with MY link, here it is! Melissa's Groupon Signup Link

ZOYA CAITLIN & DOVE PROMO!!!

2011-05-20T17:58:00.000-07:00

Limited time only

Get Zoya Dove and Zoya Caitlin FREE with ANY** purchase on Zoya.com!

Special Promotional Offer*!

Try the Zoya "French Twist" manicure created by Haven Spa for the Joy Cioci presentation at NYFW! For a limited time with any** purchase (excluding Zoya Color Spoons) on Zoya.com you get Zoya Nail Polish in Caitlin and Zoya Nail Polish in Dove for free!! Just enter the code ZB52 when you check out! These trend setting spring colors are MUST have in any collection! This offer is only good until Monday May 23 (11:59PM EST)! Act now and try the "twist" everyone is talking about!

*Online only, cannot be combined with any other offer , promotion or coupon. US ONLY. Promotion ends Monday May 23 at 11:59 PM EST. Offer good for 1(one) open stock .5 oz bottle of Zoya Caitlin and 1(one) .5oz bottle Zoya Dove with the purchase of any NON-SPOON item on Zoya.com. Art of Beauty Inc. will not honor promotions that are submitted after promotion has ended - No exceptions. No exchanges. No returns. Worst case scenario please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Comments, videos and pictures posted about this Zoya Nail Polish Exchange outside of Zoya.com or zoyanailpolish.blogger.com are not representative of the opinions of Zoya Nail Polish, Art of Beauty, Inc., Qtica and Qtica Smart Spa and we do not confirm the accuracy of any postings. Customers are responsible for maintaining active accounts. If username or password have been lost we (Art of Beauty, Inc.) are not responsible for restoring accounts or giving out any account information. S/H not included.

**offer excludes Zoya Color Spoons.

The Real Dill

2011-05-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile, and for that I apologize. Time slips away too quickly, and things never seem to get caught up on. However, I'm posting tonight, and I hope you dig it, because as the post title says, it's the 'Real Dill'. ;)

I grew up in a very small town, a town where farming, fishing, and hunting were mainstays of the local lifestyle. One of the crops grown in the area was cucumbers (or, as I've always called them... pickles!), and those cucumbers got made into dill pickles in the very same town. These pickles still remain my favorite pickles ever. I grew up on them, and even love to drink the pickle juice from the jar when the pickles are gone. (Gross I know, but SO delicious!!!!) Anyway, as an homage to the vinegar soaked bites of awesomeness, I did pickle nails! To achieve the pickle bumps, I used nail pearls from Born Pretty, then painted over them, and to get the mottled look of the pickle skin, I sponged several different greens.

I used butter LONDON Dosh as a base for all nails, and over top of the nail pearls on the bumpy nails. On the bumpy nails, I used Dare 2 Wear Rio De Janeiro, Icing True Beauty, and RBL No More War, and MAC Dry Martini to sponge over butter LONDON Dosh. For the pickle inside nails (thumb and ring) I used Dare 2 Wear Rio De Janeiro over the base color, then mixed with American Apparel California Trooper and some Icing True Beauty to make the highlights and shadows of the seeds. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Mmmmmm, pickles.

Adam Bird Photography

2011-05-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

As a general rule, I detest pictures taken of me. There are only a handful of photos that have been taken of me that I can A. tolerate or B. actually like. Oddly, Adam Bird has taken 90% of them. I've known Adam for years, we've been friends since my college days when I dated his friend, and Adam shocked my roommate and I by climbing the balcony to our second floor apartment. Adam is an extremely unique individual (the very sort I prefer to surround myself with), a phenomenally talented photographer, and someone I count among my closet friends. Last weekend, I went back to Michigan because he was getting married, and it was a great time seeing everyone. (AND getting Yesterdog!!) The day after, when Chris and I went by Adam's studio so Chris could fully submerse himself in photography nerdiness, Adam decided he wanted to take pictures of the two of us, and that he did. What you see below is a small portion of the product of that 10 minutes of photographic genius.

Adam is one of those rare photographers that can capture someone's insides. Their soul, their emotions, and something very important to me, the exact feeling of what is going on at the moment that shutter closes. He took one of my (and my family's) most prized photographs, a photo of my grandfather and I at my sister's wedding, which was just a month before he passed away.

Anyway. If you need photographs, wedding, portrait, fashion, artistic, anything, Adam is someone I would recommend VERY highly. He never asked me to make this post, honestly, other than my posting of his photos (of course I asked him permission!!) he has no idea I am writing this post. Take some time- hit up his website, his blog, and if you want photos- HIM!

His website:

Adam Bird Photo

His Wedding Site:

Adam Bird Weddings

Amazing. I love him! :)

Beware: Goofball pictures ahead!

A Whole Different William

2011-05-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

This guy is the 'Wooly' variety...

Like the newly-wedded dapper young Prince William, this 'Willy' also has a bit of a bald spot. However, unlike the dear prince I speak of, with a flick of a magnet, you can cover this guy's bald spot up. :) Of course I speak of Wooly Willy, the simple children's 'toy' that consisted of a cardboard printed with the face of a bald man with a very red nose, a raised plastic window, a magnet, and some iron filings which you repositioned to create hair, mustaches, eyebrows, etc.! Really high-tech toys that we grew up with that will always hold a place in our hearts. Today's nail design is inspired by all the days I spent in my childhood drawing mohawks, fu manchus, beards, and unibrows on that flat bald man.

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base, with CND Bicycle Yellowto create stripes on the ring finger. For the faces, I used Urban Outfitters Nude 3, China Glaze Hey Sailor! for the nose, and American Apparel Hassid to outline and for the hair. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Do you think Wooly Willy was a Wooly Bully?

Peeping Toms

2011-04-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

So this weekend was a weekend full of Yesterdog, Adult Grilled Cheese sandwiches from Marie Catrib's, eggrolls, a brilliant haircut, and lots of other miscellaneous awesomeness. (like seeing friends and family) I didn't actually go home because it was Easter, I went home because it was my good friend Adam's wedding! :) It was also a great opportunity for my man friend to (finally) meet my parents! (not to worry, he survived) Even though going home wasn't to celebrate Easter, I still decided to celebrate Easter on my fingernails, using the iconic yellow marshmallow treats we all manage to gag down during the Easter holidays... Peeps!

Fun game with Peeps that I learned this weekend- Peeps jousting- take 2 Peeps, stick a toothpick in the chest of each one, microwave them, and whoever gets poked first from expanding loses. lol

Anyway.

I used Orly Lemonade as a base, then mixed with CND Bicycle Yellow, and later AAmerican Apparel Raccoon to shade. American Apparel Raccoon was also used for the eyes, and Pure Ice French Kiss was used for the Peeps logo. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Carpet Nails

2011-04-18T23:05:00.000-07:00

For some reason, I get inspired by carpet designs a lot. There are some fabulous rug/carpet patterns (especially in Vegas!), and carpet patterns work really well as nail art. (at least I think so). Today's nail art is inspired by a rug pattern that I saw online!

I used American Apparel Trenchcoat as a base, with American Apparel California Trooper, American Apparel Cocoa, and Orly Pink Chocolate for the flowers. For the center of the flowers, I used American Apparel Raccoon, then outlined the flowers very loosely with American Apparel Cotton. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Robot Love

2011-04-12T22:42:00.000-07:00

I'm a sucker for a deal, I've made no secret of that. The dollar section at Target is the death of me, but on occasion, I do find some useful stuff! Today's nail design is based off a little robot notepad that I bought- there were socks to match the notepad too, but they were kid's socks, so I didn't get them. (I may have small feet, but not THAT small! lol) I love the little robot guy- he's super cute on the notepad, and I did my best to recreate the cuteness. :-D I got to use a cool new polish as the base for this design- Deborah Lippmann's Yellow Brick Road, which is a yellow jelly that comes out April 15! I wish that I had prettier nail lines, because I think this polish rocks, and my funky nails don't do it justice!

I used Deborah Lippmann Yellow Brick Road as a base, with China Glaze Hey Sailor! for the red, Orly Gumdrop for the robot, mixed with Orly Sapphire Silk to shade as well as for the arms. For the grey, I used Orly Mirror Mirror, for the eyes, I used American Apparel Cotton, with American Apparel Hassid for the pupil and for his smile. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Beep! Boop! Boop! Beep!

Disclosure: Some of the products used in today's post were sent to me by the manufacturer for review.

Fem-animal

2011-04-11T17:36:00.000-07:00

I love zebra-print nail patterns. They're simple, fun, and usually fairly fast. For today's nail art, I wanted to do a slightly different twist on it, so I added a 'frame' of hot pink to the edge of the nail. I also did accent nail in polka dots, which breaks up the abundance of zebra pattern. Plus, as an added bonus, I used Color Club Raspberry Rush from the new Color Club Wicked Sweet collection, so they smell delicious! (even through top coat!)

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base, with American Apparel Hassid for the zebra stripes, then framed the nail in Color Club Raspberry Rush. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat

Funky Floral

2011-04-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been swatching new collections like my life depends on it, and hope to get a couple of them posted asap. Some greaaaat new colors this spring/summer. It's funny, there are some that I expected to love, yet don't, and some I expected to dislike, but love. Goes to show that you never can tell. I'm working hard to be a more frequent poster again, even devoting some of my lunch hours. (my only time of respite from the daily grind, as it were) Even today, I'm typing this over a steak taco salad with corn salsa, sour cream, cheese, and of course, guacamole from Chipotle. Not really my first choice of lunch, but it's the only place near work where I can order and pay online. (I forgot my wallet at home this morning) Still tasty, but the corn salsa is burning my face off. Anyway, I digress.

I always love when I find cool patterns out in 'the wild', so to speak. When I say in 'the wild', I refer to when I'm out doing other things, whether it be grocery shopping, clothes shopping, or out running office supply errands for work. In this case, the pattern I loved was actually the pattern covering a spiral notebook or planner, I can't remember off the top of my head. I loved the bold pops of color that took the white and black flowers to another, more mod level, and we all know how much this blogger loves her mod. Also, who can resist clean, bright colors that pop off the nail? Not me, that's for sure. For this design, I even got to use one of the new Mod Mattes from Zoya, Phoebe, which looks amazing with top coat.

I used Zoya Phoebe as a base, with American Apparel Cotton for the flowers, American Apparel Hassid for the center dots applied with a dotting tool, then American Apparel Manila, Finger Paints Heavenly Hydrangeas, China Glaze Electric Pineapple, and Zoya Jancyn for the center colors. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche vite top coat. Doesn't Phoebe glow? Love it.

Where is your favorite place for inspiration?

Stuck on Me

2011-04-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Barry Manilow wrote the Band-Aid jungle? Today's nails were the product of a suggestion by one of my coworkers, Erik, who noticed that I had a bandaid on one of my nails (it's my quick broken nail temporary fix until I can fix it for real), and thought it'd be a fun nail idea. So, today's nails are my interpretation of the strip of fabric with a beloved jingle, Band-Aids!!

I used Zoya Helen as a base, with Urban Outfitters Nude 3 to highlight, and Zoya Helen and Zoya Dea to shade and for the dots. (as the perforated holes in the plastic type of bandages) Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche vite top coat.

Are you stuck on band-aids?

Hoover DAMN!

2011-04-01T20:27:00.000-07:00

So today when I set out to do my nails for the blog, I really wanted to do something totally unique and awesome, especially since I haven't been posting as much lately due to lack of time. I decided to paint one of Las Vegas's finest landmarks- the Hoover Dam! It may not sound thrilling, but the structure and it's artistic shapes, lines and design really spoke to me. I drove out there, because really, does a picture really show it all? Not even close. I wanted to get every detail, from the immense concrete wall barricading the billions of gallons of electricity producing water, to the wires, the steel, the rushing water... I think this design is one of my favorites, I spent a ton of time getting it precisely how I saw it with my own two eyes...

...too bad it was dark out.

;) Happy April Fool's Day!!

XO

-Melissa

Urban Decay Sale at Hautelook!

2011-03-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Sale is on! Urban Decay Sale at Hautelook!

There's not a ton of selection- but it's on SALE!!! lol There are some eyeshadows, pocket rocket glosses, a few body powders, nail polish set, and a few other things.

Check out the Urban Decay sale at Hautelook!

ZOYA Summertime Collection Swatches & Review

2011-03-23T00:20:00.000-07:00

I just posted swatches and my review of the 6 polishes in theZoya Summertime collection up on the review blog... Check it out!

Jumpin' Through Hoops

2011-03-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Apparently there is some sort of competition going on right now with some college men & women who try to through a ball through a hoop & net. Go figure, it's March again, and what does that mean? March Madness. You got it. :) College basketball competition in full force!! Unfortunately, the teams of my home state of Michigan are already out of the running, so who do I root for? Who knows- but with this manicure I'll be looking 'sporty' doing it! :-D BASKETBALL nails!! They even FEEL like basketballs, it's weird.

I used OPI Ginger Bells as a base, then mixed it with Barielle Coco Bar for the dots, which I applied with a dotting tool. (which, honestly, was a scoring tool from my graphic design stuff since I can't seem to find my dotting tool) For the lines, I used American Apparel Hassid. Topped off the first 2 coats of OPI Ginger Bells only with Seche Vite top coat, because I wanted the dotted texture to show up, like it does on an actual basketball. :)

She shoots, she scores?

Nice Stems! OPI Preview

2011-03-21T12:51:00.000-07:00

Summer Pinks in Bloom!

Nice Stems! by OPI Revamps Nails with

Vibrant Pink Hues for Summer 2011

Stop and see the flowers with summer’s Nice Stems! by OPI, a limited edition collection featuring four new nail lacquers in stunning shades of pink. With whimsical names based on their floral inspirations, these vibrant, flirty colors range from pale, frosty pink to rich fuchsia. Nice Stems! offers fingers and toes a perfectly pink shade for all of summer’s looks.

“These vibrant, feminine hues complement 60’s ladylike fashions, 70’s glam looks, and bold color-blocking, which are the season’s staples,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “The Nice Stems! collection also offers an interesting contrast and feminine accent to the punk and biker looks on the runways.”

Nice Stems! by OPI shades include:

Play the Peonies

We’d put our money on this lovely soft-pink.

Come to Poppy

Surrender to shine with this shimmering coral-pink.

Be a Dahlia Won’t You?

Give the gift of fabulous fuchsia—to yourself!

I Lily Love You

Fall head over heels with this light pink sparkle.

“Using different micas and glitters can give lacquer a 3-dimensional look,” adds Weiss-Fischmann. “I Lily Love You is a glitter coat that can be layered over any of the other three shades to add a bright sparkle; or, it can be worn on its own for a subtle tint of pink with strands of glitter.”

The Nice Stems! Nail Lacquers by OPI contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

This limited edition Nice Stems! collection will be available beginning June 2011 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!

ZOYA Intimate Collection Swatches and Review

2011-03-18T00:41:00.000-07:00

I know that they're on the late side- not having a fully-functioning computer took its toll on the blog for sure, and for that, I apologize. I'll be working on catching up for the next week or so!

First stop- ZOYA Intimate collection is up on the Reviews section of the blog! :)

Zoya Intimate Collection Swatches and Review

The Wind Beneath My Tiny Wings

2011-03-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

Those of you that have an addiction to iPhone/iPod apps like I do may recognize this manicure. I was at work one day, and a co-worker highly recommended that I check out this game called tiny Wings, and honestly? I promptly forgot. Fast forward to a couple of days later when I was checking the Top 50 apps in the App Store, and low and behold, Tiny Wings was the top download! I decided that I needed to check it out, and check it out I did. I paid my 99¢ and invited that sucker to join the other 160+ apps currently residing on my overburdened iPhone, and it's been love ever since. I initially noticed and adored the art style, which is sort of soft, and while grungy or dirty isn't a good description, the colors are not clean and bright in most instances. Everything looks stippled or sponged in some way, there is a lot of texture to the colors. In addition to the fun art style, the game itself is, while a simple idea, engaging and fairly challenging in some parts. :-D Anyway- enough about the app, here's my Tiny Wings nails! :) I did a different island on the fingers, and the App icon on the thumb. The icon one looks wonky and bad, my brush is old and starting to splay out it's bristles, which made it hard to make neat lines, and I was too exhausted to care. In my 2 free nights in the past week or so- I've swatched and photographed over 50 polishes! lol Reviews are soon to come- trying to catch up from not having a computer that had working internet.

I used:

Thumb:

Nicole by OPI My Lifesaver as a base, with American Apparel Malibu Green for the bird, shaded with Orly Sapphire Silk. Essie Alligator Purse was used for the wing and head comb?, Zoya Jancyn for the beak, then mixed with MAC Dry Martini for the beak shading. American Apparel Cotton for the eyes, with American Apparel Hassid for the pupils of the eyes and to outline. For the hills, I used Finger Paints Chrysanthe-mum's the Word as a base, with CND Green Scene for the lines. For the sun, I used American Apparel Manila as a abse, then shaded with Zoya Jancyn.

Index:

OPI Parlez Vous OPI? as a base, with stripes of Zoya Caitlin, American Apparel Manila mixed with Zoya Dove, American Apparel Manila mixed with Zoya Dove and Zoya Jancyn, Finger Paints Heavenly Hydrangeas, Finger Paints Heavenly Hydrangeas mixed with Zoya Dove, then Color Club Pucci-licious.

Middle:

Orly Ancient Jade as a base, with Finger Paints Aren't You Glad-iolous? for the hill. For shading, I sponged Color Club Pucci-licious over it, then outlined it in Zoya Caitlin

Ring:

Nubar Green Tea as a base, American Apparel MacArthur Park for the hill base and CND Green Scene for the stripes and 'trees'. Finger Paints Chrysanthe-mum's the Word was also sponged over the background color for texture.

Pinky:

Zoya Dove as a base, with Orly Ancient Jade sponged over the top half. For the hills I used Nicole by OPI My Lifesaver for the aqua, and MAC Dry Martini for the dark olive stripes, as well as to outline the shrubs, which I used American Apparel MacArthur Park to paint.

Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Fly, birdie, fly!

OPI Femme de Cirque (PREVIEW)

2011-03-14T15:26:00.000-07:00

OPI Launches Femme de Cirque,

New SoftShades for Spring 2011

This spring, step right up and enjoy Femme de Cirque by OPI, four new breathtakingly dreamy additions to the SoftShades collection, designed to unleash a woman’s inner ring mistress. The collection includes three pink hues and one sheer glitter coat that can be worn on its own or painted over any of the other lacquers for an entirely new look.

“SoftShades Nail Lacquers make a very powerful statement by being enticingly feminine with a delicate hue,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Every woman can feel like a shining star with this high performance collection. The sheer glitter coat is perfect to wear alone for a touch of sparkle, or to layer over another shade for a personal touch.”

Femme de Cirque by OPI offers four subtle, sophisticated Nail Lacquers that are the perfect accessory to any outfit. Delicate yet empowering, each shade is an elegant choice for any occasion. These show-stopping hues will complement any look – from classic to trendy or day to night – by infusing a dose of soft feminine charm. Femme de Cirque includes:

In the Spot-Light Pink

Take center stage with this pretty pop of pink!

Step Right Up!

And see the most amazing light pink right before your very eyes!

So Many Clowns, So Little Time

And this creamy nude pink is next on the list.

I Juggle…Men

Drop everything for this iridescent shimmer coat!

Femme de Cirque Nail Lacquers contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each features the exclusive OPI ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

Femme de Cirque by OPI will be available beginning April 2011, 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!

Stila Sale at Hautelook!

2011-03-08T09:17:00.000-08:00

AWESOME!

Stila sale at Hautelook today!

Lipglosses, palettes, Barbie, tinted moisturizer, etc., at great prices!!

Click Here to Check it Out!

Dr. Seussical

2011-03-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

You'll never guess whose birthday it is today!! (Especially since Google sucks and didn't do a cool themed logo for it) You may already know, but this guy was the master of rhyme, silly illustrations, and odd characters that we all grew up with and still love. It's Dr. Seuss! Fun fact: Did you know that Seuss is actually supposed to be pronounced 'Soice'? Later in his career, he adopted the mispronunciation because it helped better relate his stories to that of Mother Goose, and because it was already widely pronounced the way we now know it as 'Soos'.

Anyway, as a kid, I was no different than the masses, and I, too loved Dr. Seuss. (Just ask my mom!) My favorite book was 'One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish', and even as a kid I knew it by heart! So today, on his birthday, (he'd be 107 years old today!) I decided to honor Dr. Seuss by doing 'One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish' nails!!

I used MAC Vestral White as a base, with American Apparel Manila for the yellow fish, China Glaze Hey Sailor! from the Anchors Away Collection for the Dr. Seuss logo, the fins on the yellow fish, and for the entire red fish. :) For the green fish, I used BB Couture Poison Ivy for the green fish, CND Anchor Blue for the blue fish, then used American Apparel Hassid to outline everything as well as shade the letters in the logo. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat

I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them, Sam I Am!

Nicole By OPI Something About Spring (PREVIEW)

2011-03-01T17:56:00.000-08:00

Color Springs into Target!

Nicole by OPI Introduces Something About Spring,

Exclusively for Target

Nicole by OPI welcomes warmer weather with twelve new vibrant shades from the Something About Spring Collection, available exclusively at Target. From bold purples to fierce yellow metallics and iridescent shimmers, Something About Spring has a hue to accentuate every style.

“We are thrilled to exclusively provide Target with some of Nicole by OPI’s hottest shades for 2011,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Target is filled with affordable, chic wardrobe staples and Something About Spring includes a variety of colorful, fun lacquers to accessorize every fashion-savvy consumer.”

With playful names reminiscent of blossoming flowers, picnics in the park and seaside vacations, Something About Spring adds a fresh touch to every sunny spring adventure.

Nicole by OPI’s Something About Spring Collection includes:

Brilliant Idea

Glittery lime never looked so good…genius!

Daffy Dill

We picked this lime-green shade just for you.

Dandy Lion

An un-caged and totally fierce metallic yellow.

I’m a Pool for Love

Jump right into this deep, dark grape.

Iceberg Lotus

Refreshing bright green, packed with shine.

Make a Comet-ment

A once-in-a-lifetime, sliver-glitter sighting!

Nicole’s Nickel

Bling out your nails with this deep silver glitter!

Pink. Seriously

This classic hot pink means business.

Pink-nic in the Park

A sunset-worthy shade of pink

Sea How Far You Go

A limit-pushing gold.

Shell Me the Truth

A glowing peach, fresh off the shore.

You’re S-teal the One

U gotta stay true to this amazing green-blue.

Nicole by OPI Nail Lacquers and Nail Treatments contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. The new Something About Spring Nail Lacquers will be available March 2011 for $7.04 each at select Target locations nationwide and Target.com.

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

I think there are some seriously cute colors here, loving the greens especially! And it may be the supreme nerd in me that absolutely adores the name 'Iceberg Lotus'. Not sure why, but I find it amusing. 'Daffy Dill' makes me chuckle a little too. :-D.

If you want to see enlarged versions of the above photos, feel free to click on them! :)

When I get my hands on these, I'll try to get swatches up asap! :)

Olive You, Leopard!

2011-02-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

I love weird leopard print color combinations, and this one is no exception. Its colors remind me of green olives with the pimentos in them, sitting in the jar waiting to accompany some poor schmuck's gin.

I can't take credit for this color combination, to be honest, I saw a rug that had the pattern, and I adored it (I wish I had bought it!) so I snapped a picture knowing that it would find its way onto my nails at some point. I love the 'gradient' (ok not so much a gradient as a color change) from the tip of the nail to the cuticle edge. The color of the orange shows up really red in the pictures, but its more of a burnt orangey red in real life. I think someone needs to develop one of them so I don't have to mix it. (think Essie Alligator purse, but more orange than red)

Anyway, on to the nails- for now all I have are pictures from the iPhone, because my camera is MIA right now. Hopefully I find it tonight, so I can take a picture of them with a real camera before they get destroyed by acetone. :)

I used American Apparel California Trooper> as a base, with American Apparel MacArthur Park for the green, and a mix of Essie Alligator Purse and China Glaze Life Preserver for the orange. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

GINGER & LIZ and Barielle Nail Treatments on Hautelook!

2011-02-18T08:47:00.000-08:00

Fun stuff for pretty nails today on Hautelook today!

There are Barielle Nail Treatments, as well as a bevy of Ginger & Liz nail colors at great prices!

Check it out at Hautelook

Gild the Lily

2011-02-16T16:51:00.000-08:00

Last week, I showed a photo of the lovely flowers I received from my boyfriend. In the arrangement, there were several of a flower called Alstroemeria, which are commonly known as the Peruvian Lily, or Lily of the Incas. Since those flowers are still alive and going strong (all but the roses and one of the tiger lilies), I decided to use the Peruvian Lilies as inspiration for a nail art design. I love the way the color gradates from fuchsia to white with just a touch of yellow, then is punctuated with dashes of dark brown! I tried to represent it the best I could on my nail, using a drier brush than normal, and sort of 'flicking' from the cuticle toward the nail tip.

One of the Alstroemeria from my flowers- the inspiration!

and the nails:

I used MAC Vestral White as a base, with Finger Paints Heavenly Hydrangeas and Essence Surferama 'flicked' from the cuticle edge up, a mixture of American Apparel Trenchcoat and BB Couture Kokomo for the dash of yellow, then a mixture of American Apparel Hassid and Barielle Coco Bar for the dark brown dots/dashes. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat

WOOT! That's 3 posts in 2 days, trying to get back on track now that my hours are slightly reduced!! :)

China Glaze CRACKLE Glaze (Preview)

2011-02-15T18:48:00.000-08:00

I know you've all probably been bombarded with this press release, but for those of you that haven't seen it or haven't heard of this collection (have you been living under a rock?! JK!! :-D ), I'll post it up here because I am SO freaking excited for it! I'm a dork, I loved Crackles when Cover Girl had them back in the 90s, and was elated when I saw that some of the bigger nail polish companies were bringing them back and making them better!! This China Glaze collection is no exception- the colors it contains are so beyond wonderful, and I can't wait to get my eager little paws on them!! (Especially Cracked Concrete and Crushed Candy!!!)

Here is the release from China Glaze in all her beautiful glory!!

LET’S GET CRACKING!

China Glaze Introduces Six New Crackle Colors

Los Angeles, CA – December 2010: Roughed up grunge meets gorgeous glam! China Glaze brings a whole new level to the game with “Crackle” polish! Create endless edgy looks and make a statement with fun, fearless, color. Everyone has asked for it, and now China Glaze is giving it to them! The six different Crackle colors include:

Lightning Bolt – White Crackle
Black Mesh – Black Crackle
Broken Hearted – Pink Crackle
Cracked Concrete – Grey Crackle
Fault Line – Purple Crackle
Crushed Candy – Teal Crackle

An innovative technology allows you to play with a wide array of color combinations and achieve an edgy, new wave look. This unique formula was developed to give your nails a “crackled” design over traditional nail color. Contrasting colors are used one over another to achieve a deconstructed shatter look that takes place right before your eyes. Instant art for your nails!

How do you do it? It’s easy! Apply your favorite China Glaze glitter, shimmer or crème. Depending on the color you are using, apply either one or two coats for full coverage. When the colored enamel is dry, brush on a thin layer of the Crackle color. Allow the Crackle to work its magic during dry time. After approximately 5 minutes when the crackled design has completely formed, apply a top coat to seal the design for prolonged wear.

China Glaze Crackle will be available starting February 2011 at Sally’s Beauty Supply and BSG in 12 piece displays and 3 pack color kits which will include a base color, a crackle glaze (Black Mesh, Broken Hearted or Crushed Candy) and a China Glaze Top Coat.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com>www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze>http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries
For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women. Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi- Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com>www.aiibeauty.com

Love Stinks!

2011-02-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

OK, so love doesn't stink, and my Valentine's Day was wonderful, but I didn't want to post the gooey, sappy, heart-laden mushfest that comes out every Valentine's Day. I wanted to do a fun twist on love, since I experience a fun twist on it every day. My boyfriend is the sort to surprise me with a fountain Dr. Pepper instead of flowers, a bubblegum squirt gun instead of jewelry, and that shows me just how well he actually knows me. Anyway, I digress. This Valentine's Day, I did a quirky ode to love, and it was a super quick one too because it was late, so it's far from perfect. I did two skunks- a boy skunk and a girl skunk, and their tails make up the heart on the middle finger nail. I also used the Nicole by OPI Step to Beat of My Heart polish for the heart shaped glitter on my thumb and pinky. (the pinky hearts fell off during the day- sorry)

I used American Apparel Rose Bowl as a base, with American Apparel Hassid and MAC Vestral White for the skunk bodies. FOr the eyes, I used MAC Vestral White with a small dot of CND Anchor Blue for the iris. On the girl skunk, I painted a bow with Milani Red Sparkle, as well as using Orly Candy Cane Lane to paint lips on her and hearts on the ring finger and index finger nails. For the heart glitter, I used the Nicole by OPI Step to the Beat of My Heart nail polish from the Justin Bieber collection. (I cringed a little because it had his pic on the tag, but it's actually a cute polish) Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

PEE-EWWWW! ;)

U-G-L-Y, You Ain't Got no Alibi

2011-02-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'll admit, these nails are from several days ago, and I either didn't have the time, energy or what have you to get them posted. Fun thing is, when I DID have the time/energy (read: last night), my damn laptop (which boasts a hefty 7.5 years of heavy use) decided that it no longer wanted to recognize its airport card. What's this mean to you and I? It means no internet unless I want to haul my happy ass (and my power cord, since my battery no longer holds a charge) upstairs to the office where I could lay on the office floor, plug in the ethernet cable, and write up a fun little post for ya. Not gonna lie, I mean, I love you guys, but that's a little more work than I had energy for.

However, due to that little hiccup, you get two nail design posts today!! Rock 'n Roll, right?!

This nail design was requested by Chris, who suggested on multiple occasions that I do 'Ugly Doll' nails. If you're not familiar with Ugly Dolls, they're little stuffed monster dolls that, despite their name, are quite adorable. I'm showing both hands on these because both hands were different, please excuse the horrifying cleanup job- my hands were super dry when I tried cleaning them up, and the black pigment in the polish kind of sunk into the skin. (awesome.)

I used American Apparel Hassid as a base for all nails.

Left hand:

Thumb:

Finger Paints Chrysanthe-mum's the Word for the monster, MAC Vestral for the eyeball, a mix of MAC Vestral White and Orly Candy Cane Lane for the tongue, and American Apparel Hassid for the mouth and eyes.

Index:

China Glaze Life Preserver for the monster, MAC Vestral White for the eyballs, and American Apparel Hassid for the eyes and mouth.

Middle:

Finger Paints Carnation Creation for the monster, MAC Vestral White for the eyeballs, American Apparel Hassid for the mouth and eyes, and OPI Banana Bandana over MAC Vestral White for the teeth.

Ring:

Heavenly Hydrangeas for the monster, MAC Vestral White for the eyeball and teeth, and American Apparel Hassid for the eye and mouth.

Pinky:

A mix of American Apparel MacArthur Park and BB Couture Poison Ivy for the monster, American Apparel Manila for the eyeball, MAC Vestral White for the teeth, and American Apparel Hassid for the mouth, eye, and hair.

Right Hand:

Thumb:

Finger Paints Aren't You Glad-iolous? for the monster, American Apparel California Trooper for the eyeball and teeth, and American Apparel Hassid for the eyes and mouth.

Index:

Essie Alligator Purse for the monster, American Apparel Trenchcoat for the eyeballs, MAC Vestral White for the teeth, and American Apparel Hassid for the eyes and mouth.

Middle:

I THINK this monster is a mixture of Essie Alligator Purse and American Apparel Trenchcoat, but not 100% sure. For the eyeballs and teeth I used American Apparel California Trooper, and for the eyes and mouth, I used American Apparel Hassid.

Ring:

For the monster, I used American Apparel MacArthur Park, for the mouth and eye, I used American Apparel Hassid and for the tongue, a mixture of Orly Candy Cane Lane and MAC Vestral White.

Pinky:

Sally Hansen Gray by Gray for the monster, with American Apparel California Trooper for the eyeball and teeth, and American Apparel Hassid for the eye and mouth.

Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Yellow Brick Road (Preview)

2011-02-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

Deborah Lippman, Lady Gaga? Who ISN'T a fan of these two amazing women? Check out this fabulous new color that comes out in April! Gaga donned it for her Grammy performance this weekend. I'm super stoked for it- I LOVE yellow polishes!!

Are YOU excited?!

Lady Gaga is always pushing the envelope and exploring new trends. This year’s Grammy Awards proved no different. The award winner arrived in an egg pod and emerged wearing a bold, yellow nail.

The nail color is a new addition to Deborah Lippmann’s line and is called Yellow Brick Road. Celebrity manicurist Deborah Lippmann selected the color with the star to complement the canary yellow outfit she donned during her stage performance.

Yellow Brick Road launches on April 15 and will be available for $16 at www.deborahlippmann.com.

OPI BRIGHTS - Inspired by POTC: On Stranger Tides! (Press)

2011-02-14T10:12:00.000-08:00

SO looking forward to this collection! I LOVE the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and cannot WAIT for the next one to come out! I'm super curious to see the SILVER shatter!! How totally kickass does that have the possibility of being?! I think that the Shatter, as well as 'Stranger Tides' will be my favorites of this collection, at least based on description- can't wait to see pics! (or see them in real life!)

EDIT: Silver Shatter pic!!

Discover a Treasure Trove of Color with New BRIGHTS by OPI, Inspired by Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

Create Waves with Silver Shatter!

OPI captures the bright colors and breathtaking escapades seen in Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films’ Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides with six limited-edition Nail Lacquers and a new Silver Shatter! Disney’s highly-anticipated fourth installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean film franchise is directed by Rob Marshall and features an all-star cast, including Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz.

To celebrate the new film, OPI launches its Spring 2011 BRIGHTS Collection, which features a groundbreaking new color addition in the Shatter coat formula– Silver. Inspired by graffiti art, this shade leaves behind a crackled, two-texture silver finish when painted over any dry OPI hue.

“OPI is thrilled to celebrate the latest film in this beloved series,” said Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides lacquers were inspired by a world filled with mythical mermaids, gleaming treasure, and high-seas adventure. With shades ranging from sage and lavender to khaki gray and pastel pink, these colors are evocative of a warm, tropical setting, with a classic nautical influence.”

The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides collection includes:

Skull & Glossbones

Best light gray ever, no bones about it.

Mermaid’s Tears

Few have seen this magical green.

Steady as She Rose

This gorgeous pink is your final destination.

Planks a Lot

Dive into style with this lustworthy purple!

Sparrow Me the Drama

This cool, collected pink means business!

Stranger Tides

Explore this uncharted sea of sage.

Silver Shatter

A shimmering sea of silver with a two-texture finish.

The Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides-inspired Nail Lacquers by OPI contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

This limited-edition Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides collection will be available beginning May 2011 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 THE MOVIE

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun, adventure and humor that ignited the hit franchise—this time in Disney Digital 3D™. Johnny Depp returns to his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in an action-packed adventure. Crossing paths with the enigmatic Angelica (Penelope Cruz), he’s not sure if it’s love—or if she’s a ruthless con artist who’s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the “Queen Anne’s Revenge,” the ship of the legendary pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn’t know whom to fear more: Blackbeard or Angelica, with whom he shares a mysterious past. The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack’s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Berges-Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

The screenplay for “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” was written by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio, suggested by the novel by Tim Powers. The film opens in theaters on May 20, 2011, in Disney Digital 3D™.

My World is Shattered

2011-02-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hey all! I know I've been kind of MIA lately, and for that, I apologize! Things have been really hectic, and my work schedule just got more and more hours. I finally got to the point where I felt like couldn't keep up with everything in the way that I wanted to, so I decided to cut back on hours at the second job... from 35-40 down to hopefully 20-25 in addition to my 40 hours at my day job. I hope that in the next couple of weeks I'll get back on a more regular posting schedule, and I appreciate y'all being patient!! :-D

Today's nail art utilizes the super kickass new polish from OPI, Shatter! For those of you dear readers that were alive and interested in cosmetics in the 90s, you'll remember the Cover Girl Crackle polishes... this one is much better. ;-D I love that the cracks happen in the direction your brushstrokes go, so you can really play with it to make cool designs (I did diagonal on my thumb, and some zig zag when I initially tried the product (not pictured).

I also used the new Nicole by OPI Liquid Metals collection in this manicure!

I used Nicole by OPI Give me the First Dance (from Justin Bieber collection), with Nicole by OPI It Starts With Me, Nicole by OPI Miss Independent, Nicole by OPI Rich In Spirit, and Nicole by OPI The Next CEO sponged over it randomly. For the crackle, I used OPI Shatter in one quick coat. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Also, check out the awesome flowers my boyfriend sent me yesterday!! :-D It was a HUGE surprise! :-P

The Adventures of Gemma

2011-02-01T09:28:00.000-08:00

So the other day, Zoya Nail Polish posted on facebook and twitter that it was 'Bring your Zoya Nail Polish to Work' day. I decided to participate, and document Gemma's day at the office (and the aftermath) Check it out! :)

To start off her day with me at work, Gemma decided to help out. Here Gemma is totally helping me out by doing some stapling.

She helped cut some stuff up for me too.

She DID have some issues with the tape though.

Not cool, Gemma, not cool.

She's a great little note-taker, too.

Lunch time! Gemma is totally ready to go outside in the Vegas sun!!

On the way to lunch, Gemma took over my car radio and made me listen to her favorite song. (Yeah.... NKOTB)

After lunch, Gemma wanted to try her hand at photographing some nail polish swatches!

Gemma totally forgot her facial waxing appoint this week. What's a polish to do?!

Gemma decided to go for a walk while holding hands with her 'buddy' Domo on her break.

She took it off-road when nature decided to 'call'.

Next, Gemma decided to help me out with some typing that needed to get done.

Too bad she stopped a few keystrokes in because she was hungry...

Gemma decided to show me her skincare regimen...she definitely understands that moisturizing is key.

Now she's just showing off. 'Look! no hands!'

Come on in, the water's fine!

Gemma really wanted to do some nail art on me...

Bedtime!! All the work and excitement wore Gemma out! Goodnight!!

I hope you enjoyed the 'Adventures of Gemma' as much as I did!! :)

8 More Beiber Polishes

2011-01-28T13:52:00.000-08:00

I'll admit it, I'm so NOT a Justin Beiber fan, and I was mightily embarrassed to purchase any of the collection, but they ARE pretty colors (if you can get past that HAIR...*cringe*)

Anyway, they've released 8 new colors in the Beiber line...

NICOLE BY OPI ONE LESS LONELY GIRL
8 New Lacquer Additions

WHAT: Nicole by OPI is unveiling eight more shades in the One Less Lonely Girl collection! With colors created by Nicole by OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, these eight new Nail Lacquers are inspired by Justin Bieber’s songs and his devoted fans.

The One Less Lonely Girl Collection was conceived to raise awareness for Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds sustainable schools for underserved children in the developing world. In addition to educating consumers about this non-profit, Nicole by OPI has committed to building two such schools.

LACQUERS:
• My Lifesaver
Go overboard in color with this soft mint green!

• “Baby” Blue
A sweet light blue that totally loves you.

• One Time Lime
A vibrant lime that’s worth your time.

• I’m A Belieber
This popular purple has quite the following.

• Red-y to Runaway Love?
Run away with this riveting red.

• Make U Smile
Mood-boosting bunches of silvery glitter!

• I’ve Got Bieber Fever
This gorgeous dark plum is super contagious!

• Not A Gold Bigger
A genuinely glamorous gold that you’ll never take for granted.

RETAIL PRICE: $7.99 each
AVAILABILITY: January at Walmart and February at select Target, Sears, ULTA, and other retail locations, for $7.99 each.

ABOUT PENCILS
OF PROMISE:

Pencils of Promise, a registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, builds sustainable schools, partnerships and solutions to enable basic education for underserved children in the developing world. More information about Pencils of Promise is available at www.pencilsofpromise.org.

OPI Texas Collection (PREVIEW)

2011-01-28T13:42:00.000-08:00

From the state where bigger is better, and cowboys are king... OPI brings a collection of colors for Spring/Summer 2011!

OPI comes “home” to the USA with timeless style in the Texas Collection for Spring/Summer 2011. These vivid shades are as iconic as images of an American summer – adding a fresh, effortlessly chic look for nails and toes.
“Texas provided the inspiration for this season, with bright colors and classic neutrals that draw from the American spirit,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Taking cues from the state’s naturally beautiful backdrop, the Texas Collection features warm tones from honey and tangerine to dazzling hues of violet and sky blue.”
This season, American classics come to life with sunny peach (Big Hair…Big Nails) and vivid honeysuckle (Too Hot Pink to Hold ‘Em). Lush berry (Houston We Have a Purple) and grassy green (Don’t Mess with OPI) add a splash of the USA’s most vibrant colors to the season’s must-have neutrals (San Tan-tonio).
“The Texas Collection complements trends from the runway, where white made an appearance as the new black,” explains Suzi. “Wearing these colors on fingers and toes will accessorize the season’s must-have pieces – from brightly colored botanical prints and filmy scarves to relaxed trousers and jackets and fuller, longer skirts – all done in shades of white, ivory, cream and taupe.”

Texas Collection accompanies spring and summer fashion favorites with the following shades:

San Tan-tonio
A “honey” of a ten-gallon tan!

Suzi Loves Cowboys
But she loves this campfire chocolate shade s’more!

It's Totally Fort Worth It
A shimmery lavender grey that’s so worthy of you.

Don't Mess with OPI
A lean, mean, kick-grass forest green.

Austin-tatious Turquoise
Cowgirls love this bodacious blue-green.

I Vant to Be A-Lone Star
You won’t want to share this starry Texas-sky blue.

Y'all Come Back Ya Hear?
This Texas tangerine will be waitin’ for ya!

Big Hair...Big Nails
A rosy pageant peach.

Guy Meets Gal-veston
An “engaging” coastal coral.

Too Hot Pink to Hold 'Em
A red-hot pink-red that deals a winning hand.

Do You Think I'm Tex-y?
A “berry” sexy bloom of Dallas dahlia.

Houston We Have a Purple
A galactic red-violet that’s ready to “rocket roll”!

OPI’s Texas Collection Nail Lacquer shades contain no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde, and each includes OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application.

There is also a new finish that OPI is introducing, called 'Sorbet':

From the company that brought revolutionary nail textures like matte, suede, and Black Shatter to women around the world, OPI announces a new special finish – semi-transparent sorbet shades. Featured first in the Texas Collection by OPI for Spring/Summer 2011, these lacquers give fingers and toes a lightly glossed appearance.

“These sorbet-style formulas for nails will be in full swing by 2012, but women can get a jump start on this trend with colors in the Texas Collection,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Unlike thicker creams or light sheers, these twelve shades are slightly translucent – similar to the look of icy, water-based sorbet!”

From sea blue and berry pink to tangerine and bright peach, the Texas Collection features classic American colors. Designed to complement trends from the runway, these candy-coated lacquers accessorize the season’s must-have neutral pieces.

“To achieve the desired effect, an initial coat of Nail Lacquer should be applied to all ten fingers first – without doubling up coverage,” explains Suzi. “Be sure to start from the pinky finger on one hand and paint through to the pinky on the other hand; then, after the first coat has dried, apply a second coat.”

Texas Collection by OPI will be available February 2011, 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.

Finger Paints Palette of Petals Spring Collection (PREVIEW)

2011-01-27T15:08:00.000-08:00

Holy cuteness. I'm lovin' this new collection for Spring from Finger Paints- and those flower rings?! Adorable. Can't wait to see these in person- I love fun colors!! I think Dahlia My Number and Chysanthe-mum's the Word are my favorites just from the pictures!

Aren't You Glad-iolous?

Carnation Creation

Chrysanthe-mum's the Word!

Dahlia My Number

Did You Ast-her Out?

Heavenly Hydrangeas

Graphic Neon

2011-01-27T09:54:00.000-08:00

This week has been crazy X 10. I feel like all I do is work and sleep. (I worked a 17-hr day on tuesday- that is redonk!) I'm trying to get swatches and reviews of new products done, as well as attend to my actual life necessities, like bathing, and putting food in my head. I've got a few things in the next week or so I hope you'll get a kick out of, or at least take something from. I feel bad about all the simple, non-crazy detailed nail designs lately...to be honest, I just don't have the energy, but I'm TRYING, I promise!! :)

I used Nubar Stronghold as a base, with Zoya Dove for the lighter grey and MAC Vestral White with Color Club VOlt of Light over it for the neon yellow dots (man was that color hard to capture correctly on camera, I can never show the actual brightness of it as it looks in real life!) TOpped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Don't forget- you still have until tomorrow (Friday) at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time to enter the contest!! :)

American Apparel INFO

2011-01-25T22:22:00.000-08:00

Since there has been a lot of concern recently about the American Apparel polishes, so I contacted American Apparel, and here's what I found out:

"American Apparel set out to produce this nail lacquer collection with a Made in USA company, and our deep affection for this family-owned corporation was a motivating factor in our decision to work with Forsythe. But one thing we value even more is the safety and health of our customers. This is why American Apparel paid for the costly international recall out of its own pocket, even trading one old bottle for two new bottles of polish to all customers, immediately after we discovered problems with the packaging. We wish no ill-will towards this fellow American manufacturer, but need to seek a fair and accountable solution to this incident."

Hope that calms some concerns. No 'exploding' nail polishes. :)

American Apparel Giveaway!

2011-01-21T10:34:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: The contest is open to international readers :)

I've made no secret of my undying love for American Apparel nail polishes. For a fledgling nail polish line, I think they've really hit the mark. I'm a big fan of creme finishes, which comprises all but 2 of their polishes (Echo Park & TopCoat/Basecoat), so naturally each and every one of these beauties has found their way into my collection, some I even have bought multiples of! (Cotton and Hassid, I'm lookin' at you!)

Well, in an exciting twist, the lovely people at American Apparel have offered me the chance to share my love of their polishes with YOU, my dear readers.

The lucky winner will receive a mix of 4 American Apparel polishes!

To be eligible:

1. Send me an email at thedailynailcontest@gmail.com with:

• your contact information (so I have it if you should win)

• whether you want to be included on the American Apparel newsletter email list (you can get discounts, sales, deals, and other information!)

• what you would do with 4 American colors if you had them (and which colors!)

2. Be a follower of The Daily Nail- whether on Twitter : @dailynail or here on the blog with Google Friend Connect - make sure you tell me which you follow with in your email! :)

3. If one of these things is NOT in the email, you will not be eligible to win this prize!

Contest entry deadline is Friday, January 28, 2011, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Looking forward to your emails! :)

Color Blocked

2011-01-20T23:58:00.000-08:00

I've always been a fan of simple, clean design, whether it be on packaging, in ads, or in architecture. I love interesting combinations of colors, and their applications in everyday life. Today's nail art design is based off of a tile pattern that I saw in an elevator when I was watching TV the other day. In this manicure, I used some french tip guides I received for review from Nailene. Since I rarely (if ever) do a french manicure, in addition to reviewing them (in the next few days) in the regular application, I wanted to see how else I could utilize them. I decided to use an X-acto knife to cut each straight guide in half, creating thin strips of nail stickers. To achieve the manicure you see below, I used those strips to create a grid and then painted in between the lines. As you can see, some polish seeped underneath, but I'm guessing that was since they weren't meant to overlap, and they started lifting at the intersections. In any event, I'm still relatively pleased with out it turned out.

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base, with American Apparel MacArthur Park, American Apparel Trenchcoat, American Apparel Port, China Glaze Flyin' High, American Apparel Raccoon, and Essie Alligator Purse. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Disclosure: Some products in this post were provided by the manufacturer for review.

REDtro

2011-01-15T22:59:00.000-08:00

First off, I want to thank everyone for all of your amazing comments and emails. I was kind of worried posting that letter, because I wasn't sure how it would be received. However, your replies just confirmed what intelligent, caring, compassionate, awesome people you all are!

Anyway, that said, here's the nails! :)

I love retro fabrics, prints, colors, etc. Today, when I was looking at the local antique store after lunch, I came across some really awesome vintage fabrics, and today's nail design was inspired by one of them! I didn't buy it, but I did end up buying a cute leather 70s handbag for $15. WOO!

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base, with Essie Alligator Purse and American Apparel Hassid for the design. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Dear Readers...

2011-01-14T00:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

Lately it's been commented on that I have posted less often than I used to, as well as that I've posted a few press releases lately. I'll get to both of those points in this open letter, post, whatever you want to call it.

Lately it's become an epidemic of sorts on nail and beauty blogs (not just mine) where readers are expecting instant swatches, reviews, and essentially for us to inquire 'How high?' when asked by our readers to 'Jump!'. I can only speak for myself when I say this, but while blogging is a very important portion of my life, it is NOT my life. I have friends and loved ones, as well as other hobbies, responsibilities, desires, and jobs that comprise my life as well. While I do have ads, which generate minimal amounts of income (not even close to enough to cover costs of maintaining the blog, purchasing all my polishes and tools, etc), I DO NOT make money from this blog. It is NOT my job, nor do I wish for it to feel that way. I blog about nail art and nail polish because I enjoy it. It's something that I'm interested in and passionate about...but it's not the sole reason for my existence.

If you read my posts, I'm sure you've heard my mention of another job. THIS is why I haven't been posting as much as I used to. I now work approximately 65-70 hours a week. For instance, of the 48 hours that comprised Tuesday and Wednesday, over 30 of them were spent working. When one works from 8 am to 11, 11:30, 1 am, what have you, it doesn't leave much (or ANY) time for nail blogging on those days. I honestly have time to eat, sleep (about 5 hrs?), and shower before I have to leave again to head for work. After days like that, on the days where I have only my 8-5:30 hours, I come home and have little energy to devote to things I don't have time for on other days, things like laundry, housework, errands, and nail blogging. Truth be told- I put most of my free time and energy into blogging right now, leaving other things on the back burner. For those of you that have commented, emailed, etc., I hope you understand this, and cut me some slack, as I wish that I could post more often, but just can't.

In regards to my posting of press releases:

I, from time to time, and from certain companies, receive press releases on new products, new color collections, etc, and I WILL post them. This blog was designed not solely as a place for weird and quirky nail art, inspiration, and curiosity, but also as an information source. I LIKE being able to read about collections before they come out, so I can plan what I want to get, and allocate money in my budget to purchase those items. In response to comments pertaining to the desire to hear my thoughts on a collection instead of a cookie cutter press release, I can only say that that was my plan, but I post my comments about a collection when I actually swatch and review them, when I actually have them in my possession, which I don't when I post the press releases, hence the designation in the title of 'PREVIEW'.

I beg that you don't think of this as whining, it's a simple statement because I'm unable to respond to every email, comment, or tweet that I receive about the above topics. I LOVE you guys, I respect your comments, encourage them, etc., but wanted to make you aware of where I stand on the subject of my nail art blog. I will continue to post as often as I can, with designs to make you laugh, groan, think, or even smile, and hopefully you'll continue to stop by, enjoy, leave your comments, whatever you want to do here at 'The Daily Nail'. If you choose not to stay, I'm sad to lose your company and insight, but it's your prerogative, and I can't stop you from going.

I hope you understand!

XOXO

Melissa
(the weirdo redhead with the goofy nails)

Pizza! Pizza!

2011-01-13T23:57:00.000-08:00

So I was totally craving a pizza tonight, and Little Caesar's Hot N Ready was offered up. While I enjoy Little Caesar's for what it is, a utility pizza (meaning it gets the job done, but isn't huge on awesome), I was craving more of the tasty variety, like Grimaldi's, or something else equally delicious. However, Grimaldi's doesn't make for good nail art (and I'm not sure Little Caesars does either, but you get it anyway) :-D Anyway. Wanna know the crazy thing? I didn't even eat pizza. :) (not so crazy, I'm aware.) To the nails!!

I used MAC Vestral White as a base, with CND Electric Orange for the the orange, and American Apparel Hassid for the black. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Ok, now that that is posted, I need to get back to watching Brad Meltzer's DECODED and freaking out about the apocalypse instead of what I SHOULD be doing...sleeping.

Color Club Alter Ego PREVIEW!

2011-01-12T17:23:00.000-08:00

Alter Ego!

Color Club lets you create high-fashion looks for every identity with Alter Ego, their latest collection of diverse, long-lasting lacquers!

Alter Ego’s consists of 12 shades! Go incognito with our opaque shades or rendezvous in full view with our sheers of Alter Ego ‘LIGHTS’ and ‘DARKS’!

Alter Ego’s ‘Reveal Your Mystery Collection’ 7 piece salon pack includes Get a Clue, Revealed, Incognito, Secret Rendezvous, Sheer Disguise, and Give Me a Hint shades plus Milky White Base Coat. Their ‘Keep It Undercover Collection’ 7 piece salon pack includes Alter Ego, Secret Agent, Total Mystery, Alias, Ulterior Motive and Masquerading plus Vivid Top Coat.

For more information call Color Club at 800-221-8080, email support@cosmeticgroup.com or visit us online at www.cosmeticgroup.com

ZOYA Intimate Collection (PREVIEW)

2011-01-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

Spring 2011 Nail Color (available 01/15/2011)
intimate
a color romance

Temptations, whispers, dreams, secrets, illusions, liaisons, trysts... lingerie... kisses.
Zoya Nail Polish presents six new, elegant, full coverage yet revealing, metallics  and creams for Spring 2011 to rendezvous with. 

Click on image to enlarge and see color detail!

Zoya Intimate Collection
Marley (ZP542) - lavender pink with a whisper of metallic
Dove (ZP541) - delicate, pale gray cream
Caitlin (ZP540) - misty, moody gray violet cream
Dannii (ZP537) - sparkling, enchanted orchid metallic
Jules (ZP538) - soft, glimmering gold kiss metallic
Gemma (ZP544) - mysterious green/purple duotone metallic

Zoya is the new color of fashion... The Zoya Intimate collection was  designed to recreate the custom looks developed for and inspired  by the runways of New York Fashion Week - Spring 2011.

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

Find Zoya Intimate 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.

Intimate by Zoya - available January 15, 2011
Sug. Retail $7.00 per 0.5 fl. oz. bottle (US)
http://www.zoya.com

Close, But No Cigar.

2011-01-10T23:57:00.000-08:00

They smell wretched, they've been involved in political scandals, they've been used as props, and certain kinds are illegal here in the United States... you guessed it, I'm talking about cigars. Having bartended in my younger days, I've inhaled my share of secondhand, putrid-smelling cigar smoke, and though I find them rather vile, I DO have to admit that the cigar bands/labels are super cool looking, which is why I decided to do a cigar inspired manicure! All the cigar band designs in this manicure are based off of actual cigar band designs. :)

I used American Apparel Raccoon as a base, then mixed with American Apparel Trenchcoat to give it a bit of texture. For the thumb, I used American Apparel California Trooper as a base for the band, China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection for the gold, American Apparel Hassid for the black, and American Apparel Port for the wine color. For the index finger, I used American Apparel Manila as a base for the band, American Apparel Port for the red, American Apparel Hassid for the black, and China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection for the gold. For the middle finger, I used China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection for the gold, and American Apparel Hassid for the black. For the ring finger, I used Essie Alligator Purse as a base, with American Apparel Manila for the yellow, China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection for the gold, MAC Vestral White for the white, and American Apparel Hassid for the black. For the pinky, I used Essie Alligator Purse for the borders, American Apparel California Trooper for the cream border, and flower base, for the tips of the flower petals, I used a mix of American Apparel California Trooper, China Glaze Flyin' High and American Apparel Port. For the leaves, I used BB Couture Poison Ivy, for the red, I used ORLY Candy Cane Lane, and for the gold, I used China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

*cough cough*

Tore Up From the Floor Up

2011-01-09T00:08:00.000-08:00

Today's nail art was originally based on the floor tile pattern in one of the elevators at Caesars Palace here in Las Vegas. The floor design is the yellow circle with the yellow rectangles with the circle's curve on one end, all of which is outlined in black on a cream background. I LOVED how it looked when I saw it, but it didn't really translate well to the nail, in my opinion, so I kept adding color to it, and ultimately, it has more of a tiki or tribal retro feel to me now. I also have to say, I'm not terribly excited about it, hence the blog post title. :-D

One fun thing that happened today is that I met Elizabeth, who writes the Lacquered Lizard blog! :)

It was fun meeting her, and talking about nail polish, blogging, honestly, lots of stuff, we were all over the map! Plus, we ate delicious pancakes from Blueberry Hill. YUM. They're 1/2" thick pancakes of pure deliciousness. We both brought each other little gifts (I have to send part of hers because I didn't finish it), but I gave her a Dare 2 Wear polish, a green polish from Urban Outfitters, and one of the super pretty polishes from ALDO! She brought me two awesome Del Sol polishes (the UV sensitive polishes) in Ruby Slippers & the Halloween one, as well as a bottle of Seche Vite (which will definitely be put to good use!!), and a cool peach color from a Dutch brand (I believe?) called Hema! :) It was definitely a good time- and I even introduced her to Island Girl nail polishes, we HAD to go nail polish shopping after breakfast, I'm pretty sure it's some sort of law.

Anyway, on to the nails! :)

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base, with American Apparel Manila for the yellow, American Apparel Hassid for the black, and American Apparel MacArthur Park for the green. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Hodgepodge

2011-01-06T23:46:00.000-08:00

Inspiration comes from the oddest places for me... I was watching TV the other night, and in the background, there was a great color combination...a pea green, burgundy & a turquoise/teal. I mentally matched the colors to polishes in my collection while I was watching, and I wanted to do something fun with them, since it wasn't a conventional color combination. I decided to do a hodgepodge design with a different pattern on each nail, which allowed me to use the three colors in a bunch of different ways! :)

I used American Apparel MacArthur Park as a base for all the fingers except the ring finger, where I used American Apparel Port. The third color I utilized in this manicure was China Glaze Flyin' High. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

A Little Birdie Told Me

2011-01-05T23:30:00.000-08:00

I have to ask this, since it's 5 days into the new year... who is still sticking to their resolutions? I'm one of those people that are so bad at resolutions that I never even got around to making any this year. :-P I've been SO busy lately, which I love, but it makes it hard to make as much time as I'd like to for everything in my life, and I hate spreading myself so thin.

Today's nail design might look familiar to those of you that have played with the page layout program 'Pages' from Apple before. These cute little birdies were on one of the templates for a thank you card, and, after the suggestion of my co-worker Justin, decided that they indeed WOULD be lovely little nail art designs!! I love their simplicity and retro vibe & color scheme.

I used American Apparel Cotton as a base, with Essie Alligator Purse for the body of the birds, and American Apparel Raccoon for the tails and legs. For the speech bubble, I used American Apparel Trenchcoat. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

And, I finally got around to looking through some of my photos from Christmas, and this one cracked me up, even though I'm making an odd face, I had to share. Zach is 130 lbs. Zach also thinks he is a lap dog. Hilarity ensues. At least he's warm, and I'm glad ONE of us is comfortable?! lol

ZOYA featured in 'Black Swan'!

2011-01-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

Funny how life works out sometimes...

Growing up in the Soviet Union, a little girl named Zoya dreamed of being a ballerina and dancing to Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake. Now, many years later, after a life immersed in music as a classical pianist and becoming a star in world of cosmetics, dreams have come true.

Enter the recent theatrical release of Black Swan. Early on in the film as the lead dancer, Nina (portrayed by Natalie Portman), prepares in her dressing room for a gala where she will be revealed to the masses as the new Swan Queen, a solitary elegant bottle of nail polish briefly takes over the screen. This is where the line between a little girls fantasy and reality blissfully blurs. The bottle shown is Zoya Nail Polish in a delicate shade of pink named Bela.

Zoya Reyzis (founder of Zoya Nail Polish) and the Swan Queen of Swan Lake together at last.

Zoya Nail Polish can be found worldwide at quality salons and spas or online...

http://www.zoya.com

Available in Bela and over 300 other long-wearing, beautiful colors, the healthy formula of Zoya Nail Polish is completely free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and camphor.

Zoya is the new color of fashion!

China Glaze Anchors Away! (PREVIEW)

2011-01-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

OK, so I showed you all pictures of this from when I saw it way back in July at CosmoProf, but here the polishes in all their professionally photographed glory. :-D I am seriously SO excited with what China Glaze has coming out so far this year!!!

I am predicting my favorites of the collection being Life Preserver, Starboard, First Mate, Pelican Gray, Sea Spray, Below Deck, and Sunset Sail, in no particular order. :-D I <3 crèmes!

ALL HANDS ON DECK

China Glaze Introduces 12 New Glitters And Crèmes For Spring 2011

Los Angeles, CA – (October 2010): Sail away this spring in 12 nautically-inspired colors from China Glaze. These bold and confident brights are reminiscent of a carefree natural getaway, with soft ethereal hues that inspire leisurely thoughts of sand and sea. Colors in this collection include:

· Life Preserver: Highly pigmented and luxurious poppy crème.

· Hey Sailor: Vibrant crème red.

· Ahoy!: Delightfully intense pink that flashes with reflective glass speck.

· First Mate: Sophisticated and rich navy crème.

· Starboard: Hip and playful green crème.

· Lighthouse: Multi-dimensional, bright yellow glass speck.

· White Cap: Whimsical and sparkling multi-dimensional white.

· Pelican Gray: High shine, cool toned grey crème.

· Sea Spray: Calming pale blue crème.

· Below Deck: A flirty mix of taupe and violet.

· Sunset Sail: Delightful peachy pink high shine crème.

· Knotty: Micro-particle beige shimmer.

This spring, take a relaxing trip to the shore and sail away with China Glaze. Stop and smell the sea breeze!

The China Glaze Anchors Away collection will be available in two 6 piece acetates, a 12 piece display, a 36 piece rack, and as open stock colors.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

China Glaze is a division of American International Industries.

About American International Industries

For nearly 40 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women. Our product lines include Ardell, Andrea, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, Duo, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, Jeris-Lustray, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Prolinc, RAW, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T23:59:00.000-08:00

What a crazy year. Seriously, ups, downs, middles, late nights, early mornings, great people. I truly have loads to be thankful for as this year comes to a close. I have wonderful friends and loved ones, I'm employed, and I've become friends with all of YOU! You all have been such a huge part of making this year what it has been, and for that, I'm eternally grateful! You helped me reached my goal of 365 days, and helped me make the decision to keep going. You've understood and been patient when there are days (or multiple days) since I got the second job where I really just don't have the time to create a nail design and post it. You've emailed me ideas, you've offered both praise and criticism, and most of all, you've changed my life.

As we embark upon this new year ahead of us, I will do my best to continue to make this blog a place for inspiration and laughs, and make it a place you still like to visit.

My blog resolution is to make more time to respond to emails and posts (I DO read them all!!) and make sure I get swatching and reviews done in a timely manner.

And, now to the nails...

I used Orly Luxe as a base, with Color Club Sultry Diva over it. For the New Year Baby and Old Man Time, I used American Apparel Mannequin for the skin, American Apparel Hassid to outline, and MAC Vestral White for the white on the robes, sashes, and diaper. For Old Man Time's beard, I added a touch of American Apparel Hassid to the white to paint the beard, and for the scythe I used American Apparel Raccoon for the handle, and China Glaze Millennium for the blade. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite.

So... Happy New Year! May 2011 be the best so far, but not the best to come.

It's a TWO-fer!

2010-12-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

Hey all!! Two things for you today…

I know I've been kinda M.I.A. lately, I promise I'll be back! Been working from 8 am - 11 pm every day, which means i don't usually get home till 11:45-midnight. After this week and the holidays are over, my life should be ever so slightly less chaotic, so I'll be back to posting more regularly!

Also, there is a CROWN Brush sale on Hautelook today! I have a couple of their brushes that I purchased at the International Beauty Show this year, and I love them! :)

The sale includes several different types of brush sets, travel, professional, synthetic, non-synthetic, as well as a few different eyeshadow and lip palettes!

It's a great way to start a brush collection if you're starting out!

Check out the sale HERE!

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-25T21:43:00.000-08:00

So today is Christmas! CHRISTMAS! The time where families can get together and eat and just enjoy each other. I was lucky enough to get to spend this Christmas with my family, and though I leave in the morning, I miss them and the dogs already. On the bright side, though my trip was extremely short, I got to go to Yesterdog, which is amaaaaazing. The picture for today's nails is a iPhone pic, which will be replaced by a real picture when I'm actually at MY computer and have access to my files, etc.

I hope all of you had a great day, whether you celebrate Christmas or not...and for those of you that DO celebrate Christmas- MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! :-D

Clarification

2010-12-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

Just to clarify about the twitter-only contests:

I'm not stopping normal giveaways here on the blog, I'm just adding a few SMALL twitter only giveaways. It might be a single polish, a cosmetic bag, or something like that. It's just a way to engage my loyal twitter followers as well as those here on the blog.

Sorry for the confusion.

Sweet Tweets!

2010-12-23T10:56:00.000-08:00

Hey all! Are you on Twitter? I am! I wanted to give you all a heads up that I'm going to start doing twitter-only giveaways soon! (I'll announce it on twitter when I decided to start doing it! :))

Follow me at twitter.com/DailyNail and say hi! :)

ChristmaSnails!

2010-12-22T23:53:00.000-08:00

So I sat the other day, pondering what sort of Christmas themed nails I could do that hadn't been done yet, and said out loud 'What kind of Christmas nails should I do?" to which Chris replied, "There's your answer!" Me: "huh?!" Chris: "Christmas Snails!" ...and thus, a nail design was born! :) Hope it makes you chuckle! :)

I used American Apparel Echo Park as a base, with Zoya Shawn and BB Couture Poison Ivy for the greens, with each color mixed with American Apparel Hassid to shade. For the gold, I used China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection, for the red, I used ORLY Candy Cane Lane, and for the burgundy, I used American Apparel Port. For the string of lights, I used Zoya Envy, with American Apparel Manila, ORLY Candy Cane Lane, and American Apparel Cameo Blue for the lights. Topped it all off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

HOLY CRAP!

2010-12-20T09:39:00.000-08:00

Urban Decay is on Hautelook today and everything is TWO FREAKIN' DOLLARS!! $2! Brushes, pigments, eyeshadows, eye pencils, masrcaras, everything!!!

Check out the sale HERE!!

Loco Incoco!

2010-12-19T23:48:00.000-08:00

Rather than posting nothing for the day, since I had zero time to get nails done (every spare minute this weekend has been spent being elf-like or working. Christmas is exhausting!), I thought I'd post a new product that Incoco sent me to check out and review. I'm sure that you all know Incoco for the solid color, glitter, or french tip nail appliques, but now they have a NEW product out, and seriously, I gasped when I opened the box. They're patterned. Yeah, like Minx, but REAL NAIL POLISH!!! I have to say, too, I'm actually reaaaaally impressed with these, they're much easier to apply than the solid color ones. (they hide imperfections in the nail better as well) The patterns they sent are rad, I chose to show this one today because the colors kinda make me think of Christmas! :) I really love these, they're easy to use and look great– they only took 5 minutes to apply!

I know that these aren't technically one of my nail designs, but I wanted y'all to have something to see, plus, this introduces you to a brand spankin' new item that I'm sure you'll dig!

I used Incoco Nail Appliqués, not sure of the design name, there was no label.

Back to elfing.

Pa Rum Pa Pum Pum

2010-12-18T23:57:00.000-08:00

Trying to do Christmas manicures from until Christmas day, hope that's cool with y'all! :) Today's is based on the song 'Little Drummer Boy'. I am completely enamored with the Milani 1-coat glitters right now, so I apologize for overusing them! :-D I thought that Red Sparkle would be PERFECT for the drum body!! The gold polish over it shows you what the texture of that polish is like though... very bumpy!

I used Milani Red Sparkle as a base, with China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection for the gold, mixed with American Apparel Hassid to shade. For the holly, I used BB Couture Poison Ivy for the leaves, and ORLY Candy Cane Lane for the berries. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Rat-a-tat-tat on your dum-dum-drum. (Can't get that damn song out of my head!)

Take a Bough

2010-12-17T23:43:00.000-08:00

Christmastime is upon us, and with a mere 7 days left, many of us are hustling around trying to finish up last minute gift shopping, attend parties, and finish up last-minute holiday decorating. Today's nail design was inspired by the cold winter days spent as a kid with my family picking out the 'perfect' tree. You know, the one that wasn't too tall or too short, too skinny or fat, and heaven forbid it be lopsided! Years have passed and my parents have since switched to artificial, and I've switched to none, unless you count the 2 foot tall one that resides on my desk at work. However, I'll always have fond memories of tree hunting, whether it was at the store or a Christmas tree farm, so this design makes me feel fuzzy on the inside. ;) Hope it evokes fond memories of Christmases past for you too!

I used FingerPaints Winter Wishes from the FingerPaints Winter Dreams collection as a base, LOVE this color- super sparkly champagne color that would also be perfection for New Years! For the tree boughs, I used American Apparel Raccoon for the branch and base for the cones, then Zoya Dea to highlight the cones. For the needles, I started with OPI Here Today, Aragon tomorrow, then used Zoya Envy, then Zoya Shawn, then BB Couture Poison Ivy, then Zoya Envy again to separate some of the needles. Everything was random, but I layered the colors like I did to add depth. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Needle little Christmas?

Sorry, my Darlings...

2010-12-16T20:50:00.000-08:00

My sincerest apologies for the lack of posting yesterday and today.

Last night, I fell asleep shortly after I got home and took a shower. I got into bed to get warm, and ending up zonking out until this morning. Lights on, TV on, everything left on downstairs.... Yeah. COMA.

Anyway, that brings us to today. Today I worked my full-time job from 8a-5p, then hauled my butt to my second part-time job to work from 5:30p-11:30p. What this means to you is that there won't be any nails until tomorrow, since I won't even get home before midnight.

I hope that you'll forgive me, and come back to the blog! :) (2 days isn't TOO bad in the scheme of things, right??!)

Anyway. I DOUBLE pinky-swear that I'll have nails up tomorrow. Scouts honor. (I totally made it to Brownie status...wait...that's only the first level of Girl Scout isn't it? Whatever, I sold the cookies.)

2-day old nail design hugs to you all,

-M

Perplexed

2010-12-14T23:49:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I finally get it. I finally get all the hoopla and drool over Chanel Paradoxal. When Paradoxal came out, I sat back watching, thinking WHAT is so special about it? Well now I have an idea. If Paradoxal is anything like its proclaimed dupe, Revlon Perplex, then I'd have been one of the drooling girls, too! Pictures don't really show all of the awesomeness of this polish! Today I did a basic design, because I was more interested in showing off the base polish!!

I used Revlon Perplex as a base, with China Glaze Millennium applied with a dotting tool. Topped it off with a coat of Seche Vite top coat.

So I know that Christmas is coming up, and everyone is either A) Broke, or B) Looking for gifts, so I'll end this post with a short note letting you know that tomorrow there will be new stuff for sale on the Sale page! :) (A BNIB PH8 Watch, BNWT bebe Sport/PH8 Necklace, BNWT bebe Sport/PH8 jacket, some Body Shop stuff, some older LE MAC items, and a few other things!) Keep an eye out!! :)

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2010-12-13T23:44:00.000-08:00

OK, so it's not really cold out, at least not here in Vegas. Rumor has it that it is frigid in the midwest though... and that's what inspired the nail design today! So, the bullions that I used yesterday survived ALL day, they didn't bug me at all! Because of that, I thought I'd try 'em out today, because I thought they'd be PERFECT for this design!

Guess what today is?! (Besides December 13th) It's my MOM's BIRTHDAY!!! :) Happy Birthday Mom! You're an awesome mom, you put up with Stace and I, with all our projects and harebrained ideas. You always back us up when we decide to do something, even if you don't agree with it. You're amazing, and I wish I could be there to celebrate with you! Thank you for supporting me with this project, too...I know it seemed silly at first, but I loved hearing that you and dad checked it every day! I hope that your birthday was great! I love you! :)

I used Milani Red Sparkle as a base for all nails except the ring finger, where I used Milani Silver Dazzle. For the snowflakes, I used MAC Vestral White, with bullions in certain spots. Topped off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

Time for some much-needed beauty sleep!