Tuesday, April 30, 2013

April Stash Additions

     I decided instead of doing a bunch of haul posts through the month that I would just do one stash additions post at the end of each month. Mostly to make my life easier...plus haul posts just aren't looked at all that often as other types of posts so condensing them to one post will cut down on extraneous posts. Any way here are the nail polishes I added to my collection this month. And as you will see I was a very good girl this month and only bought a "few." Keep in mind a "few" is relative. This is my "few."

Amazon:

Left to right: China Glaze - Strap On Your Moonboots, OMG A UFO, and When Stars Collide

China Glaze - Infra Red & Take A Trek
Sorry the bottles look so weird...I blame that sticky bubble wrap stuff they were wrapped in when I got them. 

China Glaze - Passion For Petals, Tart-Y For The Party, & Sunday Funday

Sally Beauty Supply:

China Glaze - Galactic Gray, Not In This Galaxy, & Sci-Fly By

China Glaze - Liquid Leather (My 4th bottle), China Glaze - White On White (my 2nd bottle), and Orly Bonder

   Of course I had to make a trip to Sally's since they were doing there whole buy two get one one free deal. I mean really, how could I stay away? Is that even possible? I'm telling you right now, I'm not that strong. Nail polish is my kryptonite. And I hadn't planned on getting the three China Glaze Avant Garden polishes except that I came across a seller on Amazon selling them for like $2.50 each free shipping and I was all "Get in my shopping cart!" And of course some CG holo's because a girl can never have too many holo polishes. Also has anyone else noticed that if you buy a Hologlam polish anywhere except Sally's you get a silver lid instead of the normal black lid? What's that about? Why is Sally's the only place with normal black lids (the lids I prefer...they don't clash with the other bottles. I'm still a Virgo! I'm sure you all know by now that I like things to match). As always I will swatch them as I wear them and for all the holo's I will be doing polish in motion (PIM) videos for them.
     And since the wonderful discovery that my Droid Razr takes great video I will be able to do videos more frequently. So if there are any other polishes that I own (see my stash page), that you guys would like to see a PIM video for let me know by leaving a comment below. And I will try to accommodate you as time permits. I do have a tripod on the way as well so in the future I should be able to get some video tutorials up on my YouTube Channel which is linked over there (--------->) under other places you can find me, if you want to give it a follow (so you get updates when I start doing all that stuff) feel free to do so. But right now there are only 3 videos up. And to that end, let me know what you guys would like to see on my YouTube channel in a comment below as well. Anyway, that's all I have for you today. Until next time, stay classy and stay polished.
XOXO

Saturday, April 27, 2013

China Glaze Not In this Galaxy

     Today, I have another polish from China Glaze's Hologlam collection to show you. I am going to be showing you Not In This Galaxy which is a pinkish, coral holographic polish. And yes, I did another nail polish in motion video. I used my right hand this time though...because I am a clumsy ass and I creamed my left hand (my normal swatch hand). Which resulted in loss of most of the length on my ring and index finger nails. Let's just say that it involved a sweater tie, a door knob, and myself cursing like a sailor. In fact my poor little ring finger is still really sore (two days later). That said, I will return to using my left hand (nubs and all) because recording video of your right hand (when right handed) is just shy of impossible. So, in my next mani/swatch I will have nubbins. But I digress I'm here to show you nail polish not talk about my clumsiness. So, with no further ado, here's Not In This Galaxy.

Pictures:
Outdoor in sunlight. 
*Best color representation. 

Outdoor in shade.

Indoor no flash. 

Indoor with flash. 

Closeup:
Outdoor in sunlight. 

Nail Polish In Motion Video:

     In these pictures I used two coats of Not In This Galaxy and a coat of top coat. Also it's worth mentioning that the formula on this one is a beast. I tried three different base coats, before deciding to go alfresco under it instead. It was the only way I could get it to apply properly. Which grumps me up just a little bit. No basecoat is a cardinal sin but I had to commit it to make this polish apply properly. It's such a pretty polish...but application is not easy...or fun. That said the color is very pretty and I'm glad I own it because I can see this polish being awesome for stamping. I have some ideas swimming around in my head as I type which should sidestep the whole application issue as well. But like we all know already beauty is pain and this pretty polish is quite the pain to apply (hence the song in the video, I thought it fit my feelings for this polish very well). Anyway, that's all I have for you today. Until next time, stay classy and stay polished.
XOXO

Monday, April 22, 2013

China Glaze When Stars Collide

     Today, I have another polish from China Glaze's Hologlam collection to show you guys. I am going to show you When Stars Collide (WSC). WSC is a purple holographic polish with hints of pink to it....and can I just tell you I am in love with this color, it's so incredible. Oh, and I made another polish in motion video to go with it. So with any further ado. Here's When Stars Collide.

Pictures:
Indoor with flash. 

Indoor no flash. 


Outdoor in sunlight. 

Outdoor in sunlight at an angle. 

Outdoor in shade. 

Closeups:
Indoor with flash

Outdoor in sunlight. 

Nail Polish in Motion video:

     All pictures are with two coats of WSC and a layer of topcoat. I also tried a little something different with this polish over the last one. I used Nail Tek Foundation II as a base coat and not only did it fill in ridges it obliterated streaking. With Nail Tek this polish was tons easier to apply because it eliminated drag. I think I'm going to use it as base for CG holo's from now. Anyway, the formula was less finicky than Strap On Your Moonboots, which is pretty awesome. It also dries really fast and hits full opacity in two coats. Then there is the color...seriously how much do I love this polish...like a billion x a billion. Maybe even more than Strap On Your Moonboots. How did that happen? Oh and while I'm here I wanted to ask you guys if you are liking the polish in motion videos. Are they helpful? Do you like them? Let me know with comments below. I feel  like I'm talking to myself over here. Anyway that's all I have for you today. Until next time, stay classy and stay polished.
XOXO

Saturday, April 20, 2013

China Glaze Strap On Your Moonboots

    After an afternoon of editing pictures and yes a video. I have one of China Glaze's Hologlam collection Strap On Your Moonboots (SOYMB) to show you guys. SOYMB is the darkest blue holographic polish from the line and may end up being my favorite...but to be fair I have only really swatched this one yet...so we'll see. I did a little Polish In Motion video to go along with it. Because in my opinion still pictures don't do this polish justice. You have to see this pretty lady in action.

Swatches:
Indoor with flash. 

Indoor with flash at an angle. 

Indoor no flash. 

Indoor no flash at an angle.

Outdoor in sunlight.

Outdoor in sunlight at an angle. 

Outdoor in shade.

Closeups:
Outdoor in sunlight

Indoor no flash. 

Polish In Motion Video:
My first Youtube video. Don't worry I'll get better. 

      All pictures/video are with two coats of SOYMB with a layer of top coat. The formula is a little thick...and I know there has been a lot of complaints about it...but honestly it's not that big a deal...at least not for me. I used Orly Bonder as base coat and Seche Vite top coat (my usual routine) and it turned out just fine. A few tips are probably in order here though. It would be a good idea to buff your nail gently before using any holo (holo's will amplify any/all nail abnormalities) so buff them. I know some the higher end holo's even sell/make specific pre-holo nail buffers. But a regular buffer should do the trick. If you have really ridged nails, a ridge filling base coat is in order. Wait for the base coat to be completely dry before you apply the first layer of SOYMB, use very little pressure when applying the polish, avoid going over the same area more than once until the first coat is fully dry, then apply the second coat and let completely dry before applying the topcoat. That should clear up any application problems. At least it did for me. At any rate I love this polish...the color is amazing, and mine is very holo, and I really love it. It's dark, sparkly, and I love it with all my Valkyrie heart. Well, that's all I have for you guys today. Until next time, stay classy and stay polished.
XOXO

Friday, April 19, 2013

OPI Polka.com

      Today, I have a swatch of Polka.com from OPI's Euro Central Collection to show show you guys. Polka.com is a large and small hexagonal glitter topper. It has large teal, pink, and dark purple hexagons as well as micro hexagons in purple and pink, all in a clear base.

Swatches:
Indoor with flash. 

Indoor no flash. 
*Best color representation.

Outdoor
...It's pretty cloudy outside, no sun in sight. Rude uncooperative weather. 

Closeups:
Indoor no flash. 

Outdoor.

Some music... because it's stuck in my head. 
P!nk - Just Give Me A Reason. 

     All pictures are with one coat of Polka.com over two coats of OPI Rumples Wiggin' (sorry I'm obsessed with this color right now). It applies easily and dries fairly quickly. No complaints about application or formula either. It's a nice glitter topper that's very springy. Over all I really like this glitter. It's so pretty. Definitely worth having in my collection. Well that's all I have for you today. So until next time, stay classy and stay polished.
XOXO

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Instagram Purple Nails for Boston Reciprocal Gradient.

     Today, I have some nail art for you guys. This one is part of an Instagram effort to show solidarity/support to/for the victims of the atrocity that happened in Boston yesterday. Basically the idea is to wear purple on your nails to show support for the victims. So, I figured if I was going to do this, I was really going to do this and do a really involved mani (which this is my first time attempting this type of manicure) to show support. How it helps...I'm not quite sure but it's a principle thing I think. Anyway, here is my first attempt at a reciprocal Gradient manicure. This manicure is inspired by a manicure I saw on Simple Little Pleasures YouTube channel.

Pictures:
Indoor with flash . 

Indoor no flash. 

Outdoor in sunlight. 

Outdoor in shade. 

What I used: 
China Glaze - Spontaneous
China Glaze - VIII
OPI - Rumple's Wiggin' (I used my fave and HTF OPI so you know I mean business)
Striping tape

     I really like how this manicure turned out. And I forgot how ombre/gradient manicures make your nails look even longer (some kind of optical illusion). But over all I am very pleased with how this manicure came out. It's pretty, it's purple and it took forever (just over 2 1/2 hours) to get right. But I think it's worth the effort to show Boston our support. I now challenge all of you, my lovely readers to also paint your nails purple to show support for the Boston Marathon bombing victims. And show me what you guys come up with. That's all I have for you guys today. Until next time, stay classy, and stay polished.
XOXO

Monday, April 15, 2013

Ooh La Lacquer Hypnotize

     Today, I have Hypnotize by Ooh La Lacquer to show you guys. Hypnotize is a matte black and white small hexagonal glitter in a clear base. For swatching purposes I put one layer of Hypnotize over OPI My Vampire Is Buff.  And let me just say before I get to the picture that this is my favorite black and white glitter...as in ever. It's so pretty. Without any further ado, here's Hypnotize.

Swatches:
Indoor with flash. 

Indoor no flash. 

Outdoor in sunlight. 

Outdoor in shade. 

Closeups:
Outdoor in sunlight. 

Indoor no flash. 

Stalk Ooh La Lacquer on Facebook here and buy her polish here

     I used one coat of Hypnotize over three coats of OPI My Vampire Is Buff, all under a layer of top coat for these pictures. The formula is pretty normal, it applies easily and dries quickly. Over all an easy polish to use and you get pretty great coverage with just one layer. IMO. I really love this polish. So very pretty. By far and away my favorite black and white polish (In case you haven't noticed I kind of have a crush on matter glitter lately....I blame Floam...it started it). What about you guys? What is your favorite black and white glitter? Let me know with some comments below. Anyway, that's all I have for you guys today. Until next time. Stay classy and stay polished.
XOXO

Friday, April 12, 2013

OPI My Vampire Is Buff

     Today, I have My Vampire Is Buff (MVIB) from OPI's Euro Central collection to show you guys. MVIB is a pale peachy creme polish. I really don't know what else to say about it...so here are some pictures.

Swatches:
Indoor with flash. 

Indoor no flash. 

Outdoor in sunlight. 
*Best color representation. 

Outdoor in shade. 

     All pictures are with 3 coats of MVIB and a layer of top coat. This formula is thin and streaky when applied. I'm really not a fan of the formula for this polish. It's like a lot of OPI pale cremes and you have to add several layers to get it opaque. I did two thin layers and one thick layer and I am still not completely happy with it. Don't get me wrong I love OPI...but they need to do some work on their pale creme polishes...I don't like polishes that I have to apply more than two layers. The dry time is long (due to more than two layers), and like I said it's really streaky and that makes application less than ideal. Beyond the formula the color is nice, looks good alone or as a base color for a glitter topper...but is it worth the formula problems...meh, maybe...if you buy it on sale (think clearance prices), or get it as a gift but I wouldn't pay full price for this. In fact if I had known the formula would be such a pill I probably would not have purchased it myself. Has anyone else had this problem with MVIB? Or is it just me and my bottle? Anyway that's all I have for you today. Until next time, stay classy and stay polished.
XOXO

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Easy French Manicure Tutorial (3 Different Ways)

     When I posted my swatch of New Flesh on my instagram I had a few people ask how to do a french manicure (on account of it's pale peachy nature). So I decided that I would do a tutorial of three of the four ways I know of to try. why not all four you ask. Because the fourth way involves rubber bands and I am allergic to latex...so yeah...only three ways. Also this is going to be a picture heavy post and I even made a crappy tiny video for part of it (my first video filmed with my Droid and edited on my laptop)...Be gentle I've never shot/edited/posted a video before...but feel free to laugh at my crappy cameramanship...(is that a word? Probably not but I'm using it anyway). But with no further ado...here's three different ways to get the french manicure look.

Supplies:
Top coat and base coat. Dealers choice these are my favorite though.

Hole reinforcement stickers (bought at an office supply store so long ago I don't even remember where) and tape (I used painters tape because it's what I had but use whatever tape you have on hand/prefer). 

Before whichever method you choose to try make sure do this:
Start with a clean dry nail. 

Apply a base coat. Okay now you can proceed. 

Method Number 1:

The Tape Method:

What you'll need: 
A jelly base coat to give a nice sheen to the nail, (I used China Glaze - Love Letters) and a tip color (I used Color Club - Beyond).

Apply one thin coat of your jelly polish to the nail and let dry. 
*Wounded heart still covering gross cut. 

Apply tape to nail making sure that the line of the tap is below your natural nail line so the white doesn't peep through and give you away. I did each nail at a different depths of tape to show you some possibilities...if you were doing this on your own you would want to keep them as similar as possible for continuity. I just wanted to give you options and you could even go deeper if that's the look you like. I prefer a more natural look...but hey different strokes and all that. 

Next apply the tip color of your choice. 

Before the polish dries remove the tape pulling from left to right carefully so as not to smudge the polish. 

Clean up your cuticles and apply topcoat. 

Then guess what...you are done.

Method Number 2:

The Sticker Method:

A jelly base ( I used China Glaze - Ooh La La Peach) and a tip color (Color Club - Eternal Beauty).

Apply jelly base color.

Imagine that your hole reinforcement stickers have a little clock on them (like I drew on the one above. Now take your stickers and make a cut at 8 and four for large nails and 7 and 5 for small nails. 

Once you've made your cuts it should look like the letter "C."

Apply the stickers to your nails as pictures. Again places them as low or as high as you want to give you different tip widths. but always go below the white of your natural nail. 

Apply the tip color. 

Remove the stickers before polish is dry then clean up the cuticles. 

Apply a top coat when all polish is completely dry. 

There you have it a more bowed French manicure. This style looks more like traditional nail tips that you would have put on in a salon. 


Method Number 3:

Freehand: 

Jelly base color ( China Glaze - Striptease) and tip color (Color Club - Halo-Graphic)

Apply your jelly base color. 

So I don't have a tripod to hold my phone while I recorder this so I was only able to record a video showing how to roll your finger to apply the polish. Rest the hand with the brush on a flat surface and move only the nail to be painted as shown above in one smooth rocking motion from one side to the other. Right to left or left to right. The most important part of this is to move the finger to me painted not the brush. If you move the brush you could end up getting a wiggly line instead of the clean one we are after. 

Clean up you're cuticles.

Apply a topcoat. 

And there you have it a free hand French manicure. This one may be a bit harder/trickier to master than the other forms. But don't give up you'll get it. 

   So there you have it three different ways to achieve the French Manicure look all by yourself. I know I didn't use New Flesh, but there's a good reason for that. When I do a tutorial I like to use commonly available (read this as easily obtainable) polishes that are on the inexpensive side... because what good is a tutorial if you can't find/afford the product(s) used (am I right?). New Flesh being limited release Deborah Lippmann it didn't fit either of my tutorial requirements...but if you have it already then use it. I'm sure it would be lovely here. I also used several different sheer jelly polishes so you can get an idea of what different shades would look like...to be honest most jellies just add extra shine and a tiny (read this as so little color your husband won't notice any color at all) hint of color so use whichever sheer jelly you like/have. I really hope you guys enjoyed this tutorial and that you feel like you can attempt one (or all) of these methods to get the French Manicure look. Let me know if you try it and/or if you have any tutorial request for future posts with a comment below. That's all I have for you today. Until next time, stay classy, and stay polished.
XOXO