Posts tagged nail polish

Nail Polish with Special Effects

A few weeks ago I posted about the new nail polish colors for Fall, as I was doing my research and after a quick trip to Sephora, I saw so fun nail polish colors that I ended up buying almost all of them and now I want to share them with you!

 

Nails Inc. Magnetic Nail Polish

When Magnetic Polish was first introduced I liked it so much I bought two out of the three colors they introduced (Magnetic Polish by Nails, Inc.) and even made a video about it. While the original magnet style is still available, the new ones promise a Fishnet and Star style.

In both cases I wasn’t impressed with the results, on the photo above you can barely see the star effect and that took several tries. The Fishnet was even worse. In this case, I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you buy them, keep the receipt!

 

Special Effects Sprinkles by Nails, Inc.

This one I liked, the Sprinkles are glitter in two different colors with a light base color. In this case I bought the blue one and in the following photo you can see several ways I’m wearing it. On the index finger I added one coat over a neutral background. On my middle finger I added one coat over a dark background. My ring finger has two coats of Sprinkles, while the pinkie has one coat.

 

Special Effects Mirror Metallic by Nails, Inc

This is my favorite! The Mirror effect is so versatile! During the holiday season its reminiscent of shiny Christmas tree spheres and during the summer its a fun light color.

 

Ciate Velvet Manicure

I previously wrote about Ciate’s Caviar Manicure, which I still love, though I only use it for special occasions. When it comes to the Velvet Manicure, I’m not sure how to feel about it.

Online it received bad to mediocre reviews, but decided to try it anyway. Overall I liked the effect, though I deviated from the instructions and instead of sprinkling the velvet over my nails I dipped my nails inside the little jar to give them a better coat. The effect lasted 4 days and maybe more, but I took it off to try out the other polishes I mentioned above.

While I was testing the Velvet Manicure, I did my normal daily routine and even washed dishes without gloves, never noticed the velvet falling all over the place. One thing I did notice was that, like velvet, my nails were a magnet for lint!

What makes me feel iffy about it? Nobody noticed it!! What’s the point of spending almost $20 on something nobody notices? What people could see was a matte dark nail polish color, I had to make them admire my nails! It was the complete opposite reaction I received with the Caviar Manicure.

But I can’t complain too much, since I decided to keep it.

 

 

Nail Polish Trends – Fall 2012

While I truly enjoyed the fun neon colors I used during the summer, I’m looking forward to the jeweled-toned colors that are coming up for Fall. Neutral and shimmering colors can be found in the new collections, but the prevalent colors are warm with several tones in red and orange.

Germany Collection by OPI

12 colors total in OPI Germany Collection:
– Berlin There Done That (flat dark gray)
– Danke-Shiny Red (shiny red)
– Deutsch You Want Me Baby (shiny burt red orange)
– Don’t Pretzel My Buttons (flat warm cream)
– Don’t Talk Bach To Me (flat mustard green)
– Every Month Is Oktoberfest (shiny deep red brown)
– German-icure by OPI ( shiny deep wine red)
– My Very First Knockwurst (flat light gray)
– Nein! Nein! Nein! OK Fine! (flat dark black purple)
– Schnapps Out Of It! (flat rusty brown)
– Suzi & The 7 Dusseldorfs (shiny purple)
– Unfor-greta-bly Blue (shiny colbalt blue)

Spice Market – Sephora by OPI

(4 piece mini polish collection)

– I Think I Cayenne (opaque metallic red-orange)
– Have You Met Rose, Mary? (deep-rose red shimmer)
– Justa’ Pinch Of Glitter (silver/charcoal glitter)
– S-Age Is Just A Number (duochrome gold)

 

Nails, Inc. Fall Winter Collection

(6 piece mini polish collection)

– Sloane Gardens (unique navy glitter)
– Chester Street (delicate pearl)
– Bruton Mews (deep forest green)
– Richmond Terrace (rich glossy plum)
– Jermyn Street (classic taupe)
– Chelsea Bridge Road (tomato red)

 

Electronica by Orly

– Preamp
– Shockwave
– Synchro
– Decoded

 

 

Fired Up by Orly

– Glow Taupe creme
– Flare Pale gold shimmer
– Flicker Rust duo chrome shimmer
– Ignite Red creme
– Smolder Deep wine shimmer
– Rapture Chocolate brown creme

 

 

 

 

Summer Nail Trends

This summer’s nail trends are all about interesting designs, easy to do at home and bold neon colors. There’s a little something for every budget and taste.

Neons

Most nail polish brands are offering awesome neon colors, like Julep’s Leah, Sephora by OPI Neon Lights, SPARitual’s Dreamsicle, Sally Hansen’s Xtreme Wear, and so many others. What makes neon look trendier now than how it was back in the 80’s is color blocking: combining different shades to make cubist-type designs.

 

 

 

 

 

Fishnet Magnetic Polish

Not long ago Nails, Inc. introduced Magnetic Nail Polish, a very unique way to create nail art by using a specially designed magnet. To make it even more unique, the new polish and magnet creates a fishnet effect. I bought the polish a few days ago and today I noticed it was missing the magnet (ugghh) will exchange it tomorrow, can’t wait to use it!

 

 

 

Sephora by OPI – It’s Real 18K Gold Top Coat

I may be a nail polish junkie, but in this case I can’t see myself buying this top coat. The polish contains real gold that will make any nail color pop. At $30 each, I think I’ll pass. But if any reader buys it, please let us know what you think!!

 

Gelshine At-Home Gel Colour System

If you wanted to get a gel manicure, the only option was to go to the nail salon, now you can do it at home! This is a great product for women who have little time to change nail polish colors or go to the nail saloon since the polish is supposed to last up to two weeks without chipping.

This can be a pricey option since the starter kit costs $159, plus the nail polish colors are $17.50 each. And then supplies will need to re-stocked. For some women gelshine at home will make sense because of the convenience, in my case, I change my polish twice a week so it would be a waste of a great product. The good thing is that this product is now available to us!

 

 

Pure Ice Vinyl Remix

Bari Cosmetics has introduced a new twist on crackle nail polish with Pure Ice Vinyl Remix.

The DJ inspired Nail Polish collection that allows you to do Art in Motion

 

The innovative feature in this nail polish collection is that each polish, once applied, will dry, crackle and reveal a different color (green, pink, blue, purple, etc).

For better results use two or more colors, for my nails I’m using Rave (orange) and Emcee Me (yellow) colors.

 

 

After you applied the base coat, apply two coats of the Platinum Magic Base Coat (white). You can apply the Vinyl Remix polish in any design you want, for example, I used Rave on one side on my nail and left the rest white, so now I have three different colors in my nails.

 

 

For this look I used Rave as a cross and added Emcee Me in the white areas

 

 

Pure Ice Vinyl Remix is available at Walmart, the nail polish duo comes with a very cute nail file. Because this is an affordable brand it will be easy to buy several colors and go wild with the designs.

You can add a top coat to protect the polish, which will make it last for 3 – 5 days without chipping or leave it as is for a matte look.

And now here are a few more nail design ideas:

 

 

Ciate Caviar Manicure

I have to admit this was completely an impulse purchase, didn’t wait to see reviews or give it a test drive, I saw, I bought and I loved! This is the new Ciate Caviar Manicure.

 

 

Created in London, this one-of-a-kind nail art innovation brings avant-garde catwalk nail styling to your fingertips. Featuring pearlescent beads for a 3-D effect, this kit includes everything you need to express yourself with your hands and become an instant nail connoisseur.

I couldn’t wait to try the polish, and so far I’m very happy with the results. It’s easy to put on, first step is the base coat, one coat of the nail polish and the fun starts with the second coat. One nail at a time, put on the second coat and carefully pour the beads on top of the nail, similar to how you would do glittering. The beads need to be gently patted down and once you’re done with all your nails, you will need to let them dry for 15 – 20 minutes. As an added protection for the beads I added a very thin top coat to the tips of my nails.

 

 

As I mentioned before, when I bought Ciate the Sephora site had no customer reviews, since then this product has been having mixed reviews, people either love it or hate it. And since the polish costs $25, when people hate it, they really hate it! The biggest complaint is that the beads fall off very easily, at least in my case I haven’t noticed that problem and I haven’t been able to stop touching my beads. The thing to be careful while adding the beads is to have a uniform layer of them, avoid small mounds that won’t adhere properly to the polish.

The beads can feel weird on the nail, like they’re thicker and so far the only thing I’ve done differently is wash the dishes using gloves, other than that it’s been business as usual with my nails…..except I’m showing them off with everyone I meet.

I’ll be posting an update 3 days from now to let you know how my manicure is looking. In the meantime…here are a few more pics of my Caviar Manicure.

 

 

~ UPDATE ~

The pic below was taken 72 hours after I put on the caviar manicure, as you can see several of the micro-beads had fallen off. I took the pic Saturday afternoon and was going out for the evening, so all I did was add color to the spaces using a toothpick dipped in Ciate nail polish and that gave it a uniform look again. I did not attempt to re-attach more beads though.

 

Even though I did try to be careful with my nails, I wasn’t paranoid about them. When I finally took them off I did notice some damage to my nails, so I let them rest for a day and applied moisturizing oil on them. Here are a few additional tips:

  • Add at least two coats of a base coat to protect your nails.
  • When you apply the coat of micro-beads, make sure you pat down gently but firmly and create a uniform layer
  • Give yourself time to do nothing after the manicure so the nails dry (watch TV, read or take a cat nap)
  • When it’s time to take them off, press a cotton ball soaked with nail polish remover on top of the nail for several seconds before removing the beads, this will help the nail polish below the beads soften and will be easier to remove. Doing it this way will also cause less damage to your nails.

One more thing, be prepared to have your nails touched by people. They can’t help themselves! It’s human nature to see something different and want to touch it. Even though the Caviar Manicure is higher maintenance than what I’m used to, I will definitely be using it for my weekends!

Thank You very much for your comments, it always makes our day to know people are reading us!

Weekend Getaway Beauty & Personal Care Essentials

If you’re like me, you always forget one or two essential beauty or personal care items whenever you go out of town. It’s something I’ve gotten used to; and so has my husband, who frequently has to drive me to a drug store to pick up whatever I’ve forgotten. As I’m getting geared up for a few weekend trips in April I’ve decided to share my must have items for weekend getaways.

image of Top 10 Weekend Getaway Beauty and Personal Care Products

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1. Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday Lotion ($22) is moisturizing, paraben-free, and water and sweat resistant. The 3oz tube is enough to last you over a month, and will keep your skin soft, moisturized, hydrated, and protected from harmful UV rays.

2. No matter where you’re travelling, powder is essential. I always pack my Powder FX Mineral Powder Foundation by Cover FX ($35).  It’s enriched with oil absorbing qualities which does the trick in all sorts of climates.

3. Cargo Bronzer ($29) comes in a variety of natural looking colors with slight iridescence. While travelling I use this bronzer for my cheeks and eyes, and avoid packing eye shadows altogether.

4. Cenoire Eluo Sonic Toothbrush ($29) is a great travel electric toothbrush at an affordable price. I take this toothbrush with me everywhere in case I’m in need of a quick clean.

5. Maybelline New York Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara ($6) is a perfect lash enhancing essential. Whether you’re in humid weather, out in the cold, or playing in water all day, your mascara should stay put!

6. Dry shampoo is a part of my regular routine. I use it every other day (yes, I naturally have really greasy hair). I love to take Clean Dry Shampoo ($18) with me on vacations because I never know how many days will pass without hair washing. The best thing about Clean brand is it’s perfectly sized for airplanes at 2.9 oz.

7. For a quick, yet thorough face cleanse I go for Ole Henriksen Truth To Go Cleansing Wipes (pack of 30 wipes for $15).  Cleansing wipes are the easiest way to remove dirt, grime and makeup on the go.

8. Don’t forget your tweezers, you never know when an unwanted hair will appear. I bring my Tweezerman Slant Tweezer ($22) on every trip. I don’t actually use the tweezers that often while on vacation, but the few times I have needed to tweeze, I was relieved my tweezer was packed.

9. Coach Poppy & Poppy Flower Rollerball Duo ($22) is perfect for travelling, especially if you like to alternate scents based on your mood. The duo roller offer two fun fragrances at an affordable price point.

10. Sally Hansen Color Quick Nail Pen ($8). Sally Hansen color pens come in a handful of basic colors, work well, and are affordable. When applied, the color dries quickly and there’s no mess! What more could you ask for. If you’re looking to splurge on a high-end nail pen, opt for Yves Saint Laurent’s Nail Lacquer Pen Brush ($26).

Crackle and Pure Ice Duo

I always enjoy trying out new products and when it comes to nail polish, I get giddy with the anticipation. I recently checked out Pure Ice nail polish.

pure_ice_nail

This brand is part of Bari Cosmetics, a company that brings us cosmetics that are not tested on animals as well as free of formaldehyde tolune, or DBP. I had a chance to try out their Winter Crackle & Pure Ice Duo (green with silver crackle) and the colors are just gorgeous!

First I put on a base coat and then 2 coats of the Metallic Green color, which looks awesome just by itself.

pure_ice_nails

 

Then I added a thin layer of the Silver Crackle and a top coat.

 

pure_ice_nails_crackle

 

The end result was a great looking color which lasted without any chipping for three days, and I’m sure it would have lasted longer, but I have ADD when it comes to nail polish and I wanted to try out a water marble techique. Which I did, using the green nail polish as one of the colors, it looks so cool!

 

You can purchase Pure Ice at Walmart and Walgreens or directly at Bari Cosmetics site. A high quality product at a very affordable price.

Coming soon Pure Ice will be launching Vinyl Remix:

DJ-Inspired collection from Pure Ice that has 6 matte duos. You can create different patterns by swirling your brush stroke. It’s a color remix!

Can’t wait to try it!

pure_ice_nails_vinyl_remix

 

Nail Polish for Spring / Summer 2012

Here we are, yummy new colors ready for the season. The general trend is bright, neon colors, except for Orly which brings a very subtle pastel collection. Nothing glittery, but at least I spotted several darker colors for the goth girl in me!

OPI

Holland Collection

  • Wooden shoe like to know
  • Thanks a wind-million
  • Pedal faster Suzi!
  • Kiss me on my tulips
  • Gouda Gouda two shoes
  • I don’t give a Rotterdam!
  • Vampsterdam
  • Red light’s ahead…where?
  • I have a herring problem
  • A roll in the Hague
  • Dutch ‘ya just love OPI?
  • Did you ‘ear about Van Gogh?


opi_spring_2012

 

OPI-Spring-2012-collection-HOLLAND-1

Sephora by OPI

Bohemian Brights Mini Nail Colour Set

  • Let’s Hear It For the Free Spirit! (pink/orange shimmer)
  • What Aura Gonna Wear? (bright pink)
  • It’s Totally Karma (bright green)
  • Neutral Beauty (camel)
  • That’s What Fringe Is For (brown shimmer)
  • Happy Earth Day To Me (olive)

 

sephora-OPI-Spring-2012

 

Orly

Cool Romance

  • Prelude to a kiss
  • Faint of heart
  • Jealous much?
  • You’re blushing
  • Artficial sweetener
  • Steel your heart

 

 

Nails Inc. London

Neon and Nude Collection

  • Notting Hill Gate (pink neon)
  • Portobello (coral neon)
  • Westbourne Grove (orange neon)
  • Porchester Square (muted mushroom)
  • Jermyn Street (perfect taupe)
  • Cadogan Square (classic camel)

 

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