The Week of Vampy Oxblood - Day 4: The Nail Polish

I have always been a fan of dark nails which is why I am loving this trend so much.  There is just something so great about dark nails.  I don't even think I can explain it, to be honest.  They make me feel glamorous and like I've actually taken the time to make myself look good.

One thing I like about nail polishes is that they are always the color in the bottle.  It makes it really easy to shop for them since you're never surprised when you get home.  I do prefer to have someone else paint my nails, of course, but alas what can you.

I selected 4 polishes that were similar in color: 3 Revlon polishes and 1 L'Oreal.

If I was looking for a red, this one is gorgeous.  It goes on smoothly and the color is seriously great.  I will say that it's actually slightly darker and richer in person but still too red for my vampy feel.

This polish is actually really beautiful.  I will say that it's much more purple black than red black but the coverage is great AND it dried so quickly.  I am really loving this shade.

Sorry for the middle finger though I guess it's fitting as I didn't like this color that much.  In the bottle it looked perfect; multi-faceted color with a hint of glitter.  But on, I did find the color much more brown than red.

This polish is a clear winner to me.  It's dark enough to look vampy but still has that undertone of oxblood which makes me happy.  I guess it's fitting that this color is called Haute Couture Red.

What are your thoughts on the polish?  What is your favorite color?

    

NOTD: It's A Coral Glitter-Fest!

I have a secret to tell you all. I'm having an affair....with glitter!

I don't quite know when this affair began but all of a sudden I've began buying glitter nail polish like they're going out of style. Pinks, turquoise, yellow, multi-color...it doesn't matter the color because I love them all. 

The only issue I have with glitter is the amount of time it takes to remove from your nails. Aside from that, a coat of glitter turns even the worst polish job into something fabulous.

On my nails I applied one coat of Sally Hansen Hard as Nails XtremeWear Nail Color in Coral Reef (#405) and then one coat of Essie Multi Dimension Top Coat in A Cut Above. I love the chunkiness of the glitter pieces and of the light coral poking out through it.

Sigh, I adore glitter.


   

NOTD: SinfulColors Professional in PINK

I am so taken with fluorescent pink at the moment it's almost frightening. 

Not only have I been buying up every short, pant, dress or sweatshirt in this color BUT I've now moved to nail polish too!

Check out this fabulous pink color I picked up from Target on the weekend for only $1.99.

Not only is the color super bright and fun but it makes me feel so happy and cheerful.  Plus, with the color being so popular right now, it makes every outfit I wear (with this polish color) feel like I'm extremely trendy.  Ha.

What is your favorite nail color of the moment?

 

Obsessed With.....Gradient Nails

 I am loving the gradient nail trend immensely at the moment. 

Even though I can't quite perfect the look on myself, I can definitely appreciate the intricacy and art from afar.  I'm especially loving this look when using any (and all) neon shades.  This is how you can tell I'm a full on 80s child.....Ha

Check out some of these works of art...

Photo courtesy of willworkformakeup.blogspot.com

Photo courtesy of loveron.tumblr.com

Photo courtesy of lustlovelose.wordpress.com

Photo courtesy of chiclooking.com

What do you think of this nail trend??

Sephora and Davids Tea Haul

Lately, I've been on a budget.  As Allan likes to say, "no more useless purchases babe..."  The problem is is that useless to him is COMPLETELY different than useless to me.

So, I received an invite last week to the Sephora VIB event and since everything was 15% off, I stoked up on a few non-useless items...ha

Sephora + Pantone Universe Color of the Year Nail Enamel Set

I am IN LOVE with tangerine tango and am beyond tickled that it's this year's spring color.  Having said that, this little pack was too cute to pass up.  It contains four polishes, all in the same color, but with different finishes: (from left to right) Tangerine Tango Shimmer, Tangerine Tango Matte, Tangerine Tango Creme and Tangerine Tango Glitter.  Sigh, they're gorgeous.

Laura Mercier Lingerie Eye and Cheek Palette

I find it strange that I have never tried a Laura Mercier item before but heard so many amazing things about the line.  I saw this palette a couple months ago and knew it had to be mine, one day.  So with the 15% off coupon, I bought it.  This is going to be my Bali palette for sure as I can create so many different looks with this one item.  

Sephora Goodie Bag

Freebies are my favorite part of any shopping trip so when the Sephora event advertised free goodie bags, I was there with bells on.  Inside my goodie bag was Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, BCBG Max Azaria Eau de Parfum, Givenchy Mister Light, Viva La Juicy Juicy Couture Eau de Parfum, Sephora Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara and Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Extra Black Mascara.  I'm thinking a mascara competition is in order...

Davids Tea Cupcake Teas

I received my monthly Davids Tea email yesterday and saw these teas immediately and knew that I was going to get them ASAP.  Does it help that April is my birthday month....maybe.  Or is it because I'm obsessed with tea??  Hmmmm.  Either way, the limited-time collection includes Birthday Cake Tea (with freeze-dried ice cream and sprinkles), Ice Cream Cake Tea (with white chocolate and vanilla beans) and Chocolate Cake Tea (with white chocolate and cocoa nibs).  These teas are so delectable in smell and taste that everyday this month is going to feel like a birthday in my mouth.

And Allan calls this useless spending...what does he know right?

NOTD: NYC's Downtown

I've been on the hunt for a fabulous berry-toned polish for quite a while now.  I always find that berry tones seem to be either too red or too pink.  I was, though, pleasantly surprised to find a $2.99 polish that was almost the exact color I've been looking for.

Check this out.  It's an inexpensive polish by NYC called Downtown and I just love the mulberry tinge.  This color is such a nice change from the typical red, corals, pinks and even grays that I usually gravitate towards.  Plus, the fact that it was only $2.99 is a HUGE benefit.

Color shown with camera flash on

Have you ladies tried any of NYC's polishes before?  What are your thoughts on their colors?

NOTD: Wet N Wild's Grays Anatomy

I was recently perusing a blog I follow named Loodie Loodie Loodie and came across the most gorgeous nail polish color.  Never before have I seen a polish quite like the one she blogged about.  In the light it seemed purple and then POOF the light would hit it differently and it'd look almost green.  After seeing this awesome chameleon polish, I knew it had to be mine.

I was in the states on Wednesday evening picking up a package and decided to pop in Rite-Aid.  While browsing through the cosmetics aisles, I stumbled on a Wet N Wild polish color that reminded me of the polish from Loodie's blog.  Soooo I bought it of course.  This is, though, where the similarities end...

As much as I love the color, it's not as color changing as the polish from Loodie's blog.  Also, I do think it's quite funny that they named the polish Gray's Anatomy when the color looks more purple-ish (to me).  I do, though, love how quickly the polish dries and how thick the brush is.  A thicker brush makes for very even nail coverage.

For a polish that cost only $2 I do have to say that it's worth it.  I would, though, really love to find the chameleon polish from that other blog.  I guess I'll have to keep searching....

PS - I have asked this many times before BUT I need your help.  Can someone recommend a fabulous top coat?  One that doesn't cause your nails to chip after only a day???

NOTD: Quo by Orly's Celestial Star

I have been on a major nail polish kick lately which is very odd for me.  I typically am the gal that will head to a nail salon whenever I want my nails done but lately I've been painting them myself.  (No applause please....ha).  So, when I went to Shoppers on my lunch break last week it's no wonder I picked up Quo by Orly's Celestial Star.  Just check it out.  At first I thought the color was going to be a shimmery purple but it's turned out to be more blue, which I'm still liking.  The color gives my nails a nice pop of color and I adore anything shimmery.

Also, before I applied the polish, I brushed my nails with Sally Hansen's VitaSurge Growth Gel.  I am really hoping that it helps my nails grow nice and long.  I'll keep you posted on my progress with the product...

What nail colors are you lusting after?  Anything you are beyond obsessed with?

XO Christina

NOTD: Revlon's Catty and Princess

So, I've been on a major nail polish kick the past little while.  I keep buying new bottles and, yes, I've even been dabbling in a bit of nail art.  I don't know why I spent so much time overlooking nail polish when it's so much fun.  And one of the reasons of this new found fascination of mine is Revlon's new nail colors.

Revlon has come such a long way with regards to polish styles and colors.  They have scented polishes, glitter/confetti crazed and, my personal favorite, colored top speed that set in under 60 seconds.  So, when I stumbled upon the new Revlon shimmery colors, I promptly bought two.

From left to right: Revlon Catty and Princess

So I thought I'd spice it up and paint each nail in an alternating color.  (Woo how very bold of me...ha).  But I am really loving these colors.  Especially, Catty.  There is something so glamorous (in a subdued sort of way) about wearing a metallic polish color.  It can jazz up any outfit and and a little bit of flare without being too dramatic.

What are your thoughts?  Have you tried the new Revlon polishes yet?

XO Christina 

PS - Remember to check out Bronwen's blog for Wedding Wednesday!!!

GUEST POST: Mandy From MandysSecrets Shares Her Red Lip Gloss Inspired Nails

 

'Red Lip Gloss' inspired nail art!

 

Hey everyone! I was so incredibly honored when Christina asked me if I would be interested in doing a guest post for her blog. Even though we've only known each other for around six months, she is definitely one of my closest blogging friends and I don't know what I'd do without her. I adore her blog and I'm constantly looking to her for advice and tips. I'm also an unabashed lover of her "DIY Beauty Friday" series!

But enough about how amazing she is.. you already know that. :) My post today is going to be a nail art tutorial for a design inspired by Christina's blog layout. When she asked me to do something nail related, I thought paying homage to her by doing a 'Red Lip Gloss' inspired mani was the perfect idea! 

Now, before I begin, I'd like to preface this with the disclaimer that I'm not a nail blogger. I'm a beauty blogger who dabbles in nail art.. My nails are short and damaged from removing acrylics and my cuticles definitely aren't perfect!

PRODUCTS USED:

Sinful Colors 'Nail Hardener' / China Glaze 'For Audrey' / Sinful Colors 'Snow Me White' / Pure Ice 'Kiss Me  Here' / China Glaze 'Fairy Dust'

'Lipstick Red' Acrylic Paint / 'White' Art Deco Striper / NYC Quick Dry Top Coat /  Clear 1mm Rhinestones / Dotting Tool / Nail Art Brush

HOW I DID IT:

I applied my base coat and allowed it to dry. Then I applied 2 coats of ChG 'For Audrey' to all nails except my right ring finger and thumb. I used 2 coats of Sinful Colors 'Snow Me White' on my ring finger and 2 coats of Pure Ice 'Kiss Me Here' on my right thumb. After my ring finger dried, I applied 1 coat of ChG 'Fairy Dust'.

After my nails had dried, I used my White Art Deco Striper to make the vertical stripes on all of my turquoise nails to replicate Christina's blog background. Then I used 1 coat of top coat on my right ring finger only.. I'll explain why in a minute!

Again taking my White Striper, I used it to plan out where my 'XO' would go. I chose grey for my thumb since the center section of Christina's layout is edged in a dark grey. I decided to put 'XO' on the nail since that's how she signs every post as well as most comments and emails.

To apply the rhinestones, I swiped a layer of top coat over the letters. I applied top coat to one letter at a time, and working quickly, placed my dotting tool in the wet polish so that it would pick up the rhinestones and placed them on the outline of the letters.

Now, remember how I said I applied a layer of top coat to my ring finger? I did this to protect it before I started working on my red lip print. I find it's easier to use acrylic paint for detail work because it dries slower and is generally more forgiving than polish. Another plus to using acrylic paint is that if you make a mistake, you can simply remove it with water before it dries!

I started by drawing the outline of a red football, and then I went back and added the curvature of the top lip and rounded out the bottom. I waited for it to dry, and then applied a layer of top coat to all my nails, paying particular attention to make sure that my rhinestones were completely sealed onto my nail.

And here is the finished design! (Minus the thumb, which you've already seen..) Please excuse the ridiculously long cat hair embedded in my middle finger. One of our cats, Andy, headbutted me before my top coat had dried and I didn't realize he'd donated to my art until it was too late. Oh well..

- - - - - * - - - - -

Well, thank y'all for reading my post! I hope you've enjoyed my nail art tutorial and that maybe it has inspired you to do some nail art of your own.. or maybe even just paint your nails if it's not something you do regularly!

And again, many many thanks go out to Christina for having such a fabulous blog and allowing me the opportunity to contribute to it.

 ****Thanks again, Mandy, for your amazing post!  I certainly wish I was as talented as you are at doing nails.  By the way, check out her blog here.****

XO

OPI Fall 2011 Collection: Touring America

Corals and navy and grey, OH MY! Along with the exciting news that OPI has added three new colors to their Shatter Line (Blue, Navy and Turquoise, just to fill you in), they’ve also launched their fall collection entitled “Touring America” which includes 12 new shades inspired and named after American cities and the cultural heritage that distinguishes them. Sooooo excited to try them all out.

According to OPI’s Executive VP & Artisitic Director, Suzi-Weiss-Fischmann, a “recent road trip across the country sparked the creation of the Touring America Collection. This collection will take women around the world on the ultimate tour across the USA, with stops in Baltimore, Clarksdale, Hollywood, Jackson Hole, Memphis, Milwaukee, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, Seattle, St. Louis, and Tucson."

I’ll be honest, though I’ve travelled to a lot of cities in America, there are a few places in this collection that I haven’t experienced and it’s making me want to purchase the colors even more. Check out these pics…

From left to right: Roadhouse Blues, I Brake For Manicures, Uh-Oh Roll Down the Window and Honk If You Love OPI

From left to right: My Address is "Hollywood", Color to Dine For, Are We There Yet? and I Eat Mainley Lobsters

From left to right: A-Taupe the Space Needle, Suzi Takes the Wheel, Get in the Expresso Lane and French Quarter for Your Thoughts

As you all know, I am a huge sucker for neutrals, greys and navy polishes, so this collection is right up my ally. Can’t wait to start building my own “Touring America” collection at home.

For more information, check out the OPI website and click on Touring America.

XO

My Newest Nail Polish Haul

When I decide to buy a new cosmetic, I can never just buy one.  Seriously, it's a big issue.

Take my latest nail polish haul, for example.  I was going through my polish collection and realized I didn't have a mint green/blue color.  So, I went to the drugstore and picked up a mint color AND a fuscia purple color.  Then, I went to Superstore to look at the Joe Fresh product line and bought three more nail polishes.  After that, I came home and bought three new Avon polishes.  Needless to say, I bought eight polishes instead of the intended one.  And the worst part is, because I'm crap at painting my own nails, I don't even end up using them as often as I should.  But honestly, these colors are so gorgeous that I couldn't pass them up:

GOSH Cosmetics is such a fantastic cosmetic line.  And I am happy to say that their polishes are really great too!  (The pink one has been on my toes for the past week.)  From left to right the colors are Miss Minty and Flamingo.  By the way, they were on sale for $7 a piece which I think is an absolute steal.

Here are the Avon polishes.  From left to right the colors are Mambo Melon, Cotton Candy and Sunshine.  I haven't used any of these polishes yet but can't wait to paint my nails that pretty coral color.  Plus, they were a steal at 3 for $6.99.

Can I just say that the Joe Fresh polishes are definitely some of my faves.  I can't get over how bright and cheerful the colors are!   From left to right the colors are Pineapple, Cobalt and Papaya.  These polishes were on special at 3 for $10.

As you can see, I chose Cotton Candy for my nails today.  I love the pink color, as it's not overbearing, but still seems to go with every outfit.

What has been your recent favorite nail polish color? 

XO