Pretty & Polished 'Tart'

Hello Readers,

I have a fun purple glittler mani today on my cute little short nails! I started with 1 coat of OPI 'Planks A Lot' from the Pirates of the Caribbean collection and then added 2 coats of Pretty & Polished 'Tart'. I finished with 1 coat of Essie's 'Good To Go' topcoat (which is my #1 favorite topcoat by the way).

Here are the photos...

 

I love the sheer purple base with blue, yellow, white, pink, and purple glitters! It's a unique mix and one of the few Indie polishes that I like enough to keep (the others I've swapped or sold)! You can purchase Pretty & Polished polishes via her Etsy shop here or on Shop.llarowe.com (here's the direct link). Either way you want to follow her on Facebook here to keep up with sale dates.

Until next time!

♥ Cheers,

Bridget

OPI 'Lucky Lucky Lavender' & China Glaze 'Fairy Dust'

Hello Readers,

So, I've changed my blog layout (after trying out many different templates...). It's VERY me and I'm quite happy with it. Today, I have OPI 'Lucky Lucky Lavender' (2 coats) + China Glaze "Fairy Dust' (1 coat). I think it's very feminine and sweet.

What do you guys think? If you don't have CG 'Fairy Dust' I highly recommend picking it up! It's a very fine holographic glitter in a clear base and adds just a bit of sparkle. Until next time...

♥ Cheers,

Bridget

Yummy Jelly Sandwich

Hello Readers,

Today, I have a jelly sandwich featuring OPI 'My Pointe Exactly' which is a sheer gray, OPI 'Pirouette My Whistle' which features a clearr based, fine sheer white and medium sheer white glitter, and Cult Nails 'Scandalous' which is a sheer yet buildable bright coral.

I used 2 coats of My Pointe Exactly, 1 coat of Pirouette My Whistle, and another coat of My Point Exactly for 3 out of 5 nails (I did the opposite color scheme on my right hand). Also, I used 2 coats of Scandalous, 1 coat of Pirouette My Whistle and another coat of Scandalous. I didn't use a top coat because it wasn't necessary, however I'll probably add another tomorrow to preserve this mani!

L-R: OPI 'My Pointe Exactly', OPI 'Pirouette My Whistle', and Cult Nails 'Scandalous'

Mmmmm jelly-icious ^_^

Just another perspective ;o)

What do you guys think? It seems like a lot of people aren't too excited by the OPI New York Ballet collection but the polishes are sheer so you can create this pretty look, also the formula is fantastic! They're thick yet non-streaky which is rare for a sheer polish. Same goes for the Cult Nails polish, the sheer is almost a jelly and builds beautifully. Cult Nails Scandalous can be purchased here for $10 USD and the OPI polished can be purchased almost anywhere for $8.50.

♥ Cheers,

Bridget

OPI 'Red Lights Ahead...Where?' & Lacquistry '24k Shredded'

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!!

I hope everyone is having a nice romantic day! Today, I have OPI 'Red Lights Ahead...Where?' & Lacquistry '24k Shredded' layered together. I really wanted a bright orange-red shade to use with these gold shards and I think it came out pretty nice!

What I started out with...

Then I added Lacquistry's '24k Shredded'...

And a close up...

Gold baby gold!!!...

And another close up...

So, what do you guys think?? I'm pretty much in love with Lacquistry polishes, the gold one can be found here. While it's currently sold out, Jenna is really good about re-stocking! Her full sized bottles are $7.50 and she makes other 'shredded' polishes in red, black, blue, and pink!! If you like glitter, she can satiate that need as well!


If you want to see the Valentine's Day Shards, you can see them here used by The Lacquerologist!


♥ Cheers Loves,
Bridget

OPI 'I Don't Give A Rotterdam!'

Hello Readers!

Today, is the first post (of many to come...) using my new camera. I'm still learning what exposure and lighting works best so there will be a bit of a learning curve here. I got the Panasonic ZS7 Lumix, it's the same one that Sam from Fashion polish uses and her photos are what totally sold me on purchasing this camera!

Obviously I have a ways to go but here they are...

OPI 'I Don't Give A Rotterdam!'

OPI 'I Don't Give A Rotterdam!'

OPI 'I Don't Give A Rotterdam!'

I used 2 coats and had no issues, I'd say the color is more muted and purple in person but the lighting tends to change its appearance! The warm gold shimmer is quite amazing and visible! I got a few of these colors from a seller on eBay but they'll be available everywhere in no time. What do you guys think? Is this one you'll be picking up from the 2012 Spring/Summer Holland Collection?

♥ Cheers,

Bridget

Priti NYC Polish 'Lambstail Cactus'

Hello Pretty Ladies!

A while ago I had purchased some polishes from Priti NYC Polish company. I am so excited to share this brand with you because their colors are very unique not to mention they cover very well. Today, I have 'Lambstail Cactus' for you. I would describe it as a dark warm grayish brown black with a slight holo / finely packed silver shimmer. Basically, I'd say it's a cross between OPI 'My Private Jet' and Color Club 'Revvolution'. There are bottle shots below so you can compare the three.

Bottle shot...

Priti NYC Polish 'Lambstail Cactus'

Another bottle shot...

Priti NYC Polish 'Lambstail Cactus'

And on my nails *growing growing!*...

Priti NYC Polish 'Lambstail Cactus'

Another shot of my nails...

Priti NYC Polish 'Lambstail Cactus'

The best 'close up' shot I could get...

Priti NYC Polish 'Lambstail Cactus'

Now comparison bottle shots...

Left to right:  Color Club 'Revvolution', Priti NYC Polish 'Lambstail Cactus', & OPI 'My Private Jet' (non-holo version)

Another comparison bottle shot...

Left to right:  Color Club 'Revvolution', Priti NYC Polish 'Lambstail Cactus', & OPI 'My Private Jet' (non-holo version)

Pretty cool right? I will tell you the CC is much cooler and has a much more apparent holographic effect. The Priti is definitely in the middle in terms of warmness/coolness. OPI has an additional sort of orange hue to it with a chunkier shimmer to it which makes it different. 

You can get Priti NYC polishes on their website or Amazon. Their polishes are $12.50 and in my opinion well worth the cost. What do you ladies think? ^_^

♥Cheers,
Bridget

OPI 'Step Right Up' with Nabi 'Coffee' Crackle

Hello Readers,

I don't know what got into me today but I started off with OPI 'Step Right Up' which is a very pretty pale pink that covers perfectly in 3 coats. The trick to this polish is to use as light and few strokes as possible to prevent streaking. I then thought about some sort of glitter but didn't want the hassle of removing it (even with the aluminum foil method it still takes time... and I wasn't having it today lol). So, I put a coat of Nabi's 'Coffee' crackle polish. Now, the name of this color does NOT accurately describe the shade. It's almost a dark mauve with brown undertones. 

Now for the photos... 

OPI 'Step Right Up!' and Nabi 'Coffee' Crackle Polish

OPI 'Step Right Up!' and Nabi 'Coffee' Crackle Polish

I think this really shows the color of the crackle

Me trying to show the color against pinks, purples, etc. ^_^

So, what do you guys think? Is crackle completely dead and out of trend or is something more muted like this still ok? lol You won't hurt my feelings, I bought some of these type of colors a while ago but never wore them. I really like this color! Hope you enjoyed my post for today! 

♥ Cheers,
Bridget

24 Days of Christmas Nails - Day 6: Penguins

Hey Ladies,

I'm SUPER excited to participate in '24 Days of Christmas Nails' with both Sabine from My Polish Stash and Shannara from Nails and Stuff so don't forget to check out their nails as well!

This idea was started by Paint that Nail so props to her. ^_^

As a side note - my nails were getting SO frail I couldn't stand it any longer so I cut them down... yes now I have 5 year old hands ;o\ but they needed to be cut!

Here is my 'Penguins' design (I did one, so no plural here :o):

I wanted him to look more like a cartoon lol

He kinda looks like he's on drugs

I apologize once again for the short nails and crappy pictures! I have finals, work and a short vacation coming up. Although, on vacation I'll have time to do my nails! Ok, so my original idea was to make kind of a funny looking cartoon penguin. I only spent 5 minutes (all I had) so sorry for the 'not so neat' painting job. I'll be making up for it soon, I promise! I used Wet N' Wild 'Black Crème', China Glaze 'Lorelei's Tiara', Essie 'Chubby Cheeks', OPI 'What's With The Cattitude?', Essie 'Coat Azure', Pure ICE 'Super Star', and Sinful Colors '24/7'.

Hope you all enjoyed this design! Don't forget to check out Sabine's design from My Polish Stash and Shannara's design from Nails and Stuff !!!

♥ Cheers,

Bridget

 

24 Days of Christmas Nails - Day 3: Icicles

Hey Ladies,

I'm SUPER excited to participate in '24 Days of Christmas Nails' with both Sabine from My Polish Stash and Shannara from Nails and Stuff so don't forget to check out their nails as well!

This idea was started by Paint that Nail so props to her. ^_^

Here is my 'Icicles' design:

Polishes used from left to right:  Pure ICE 'Super Star', OPI 'Suzi Says Feng Shui', and Orly 'Winder Wonderland'

In sunlight

In more extreme sunlight

In half shade half sunlight

In my beloved e34, the coupe was jealous... You can see me taking the picture (and the hideous otter box cover) in the emblem :o) This is natural sunlight of course

So, that's day 3 of 24! This has been intense, I'm trying my best to not miss a day! What do you guys think?? 

Hope you all enjoyed this design! Don't forget to check out Sabine's design from My Polish Stash and Shannara's design from Nails and Stuff !!!

♥ Cheers,

Bridget

24 Days of Christmas Nails - Day 2: Snowflakes

Hey Ladies,

I'm SUPER excited to participate in '24 Days of Christmas Nails' with both Sabine from My Polish Stash and Shannara from Nails and Stuff so don't forget to check out their nails as well!

This idea was started by Paint that Nail so props to her. ^_^

Here is my 'Snowflakes' design:

From left to right:  Pure ICE 'Super Star', OPI 'DS Coronation', Revlon 'Downtown'

In sunlight

In natural shade

In sunlight

My secret revealed; snowflake stickers used as stencils!

Illamasqua 'Raindrops' added for a more muted look; in natural shade

Illamasqua 'Raindrops' added for a more muted look; in sunlight

So, what do you guys think?! I have been collecting stickers for nearly 25 years (yes, this is true!) and have many that have these cut out designs. The three things to remember are:  1) make sure your base color is dry to the touch, and 2) make sure you don't glop on the paint, it will bleed over the design, and 3) make sure you peel the sticker off just after you're done painting the nail. I like to sort of lightly lift up all the sides (so it's not stuck on your finger) and then lightly pull it off from one side.

Hope you all enjoyed this design! Don't forget to check out Sabine's design from My Polish Stash and Shannara's design from Nails and Stuff !!!

♥ Cheers,

Bridget

24 Days of Christmas Nails - Day 1: Snowfall

Hey Ladies,

I'm SUPER excited to participate in '24 Days of Christmas Nails' with both Sabine from My Polish Stash and Shannara from Nails and Stuff so don't forget to check out their nails as well! 

This idea was started by Paint that Nail so props to her. ^_^ 

Here is my 'Snowfall' design:

In sunlight

In sunlight

Natural light in shade

In sunlight

Natural light in shade

My vision was thinking about what falling snow actually looks like; you have shadow, it's not usually sunny outside (overcast, hence the grays and blues), and then you have the white snow. I tried to make the 'sky' at the top of my nails and then the snow collected towards the beds of my nails. 

What I did to create this look:

1. I painted my nails with two coats of butter London's 'Lady Muck'
2. I painted Pure ICE 'Super Star' towards the bottom of the nail then used a sponge to fade it about half way on the nail.
3. I painted random dots using a dotting tool with both OPI 'DS Coronation' and 'DS Sapphire'. I thought silver and gray-blue colors would look good creating that 'shadow look' I was going for!
4. I let the dots dry then put one coat of Orly's 'Winter Wonderland' to give that shiny icy look that snow has.
5. I let that dry then I did different sized (and I was going for imperfect) white dots all over the nail.
6. I let that dry and added one coat of Nubar's 'Dewdrop' just to make sure the white still somewhat hidden.
7. I finished with coat of 'Out the door' top coat! And voila!

What do you guys think? Does it remind you of a lovely snow storm?  Don't forget to check out Sabine's design from My Polish Stash and Shannara's design from Nails and Stuff !!!

♥Cheers,
Bridget

*My 1st Time* Using a Dotting Tool!

Hello Readers,

Well, I finally picked up some dotting tools and had a little fun. I can definitely see how you can get precise little circles with a steady hand and a special technique. I noticed that when I dipped it in the polish 'puddle' every time the circle was more opaque and came out better. 

I used OPI's 'Alpine Snow' and 'What's with the cattitude?' and L'Oréal's ''Amazon's Flare'.

OPI's 'Alpine Snow' and 'What's with the cattitude?' and L'Oréal's ''Amazon's Flare'

OPI's 'Alpine Snow' and 'What's with the cattitude?' and L'Oréal's ''Amazon's Flare'

OPI's 'Alpine Snow' and 'What's with the cattitude?' and L'Oréal's ''Amazon's Flare'

OPI's 'Alpine Snow' and 'What's with the cattitude?' and L'Oréal's ''Amazon's Flare'

OPI's 'Alpine Snow' and 'What's with the cattitude?' and L'Oréal's ''Amazon's Flare'

• OPI 'Alpine Snow' - I hated the consistency; it was very goppy/sticky which made it hard to control. It was also hard to smooth it out as it streaked very easily. I used three coats for opacity. You can find this polish for under $6 on eBay all the way up to $12+, I believe you can still find this at Ulta as well.
•  OPI 'What's with the Cattitude? - This is such a great color, it's not too bright and is almost a 'sky' blue. The application was typical of a pastel type, but it covered well with 3 coats. This polish can be found from around $10 - $15+, it's from the Shrek Collection.
• L'Oréal 'Amazon's Flare' - This is a jelly hot pink that's airs on the cool side of pink. It's almost a neon, but not quite. I liked the application; the formula was easy to work with and I like L'Oréal's brush. You can get this at Rite Aid and anywhere else they sell L'Oréal products, it was $4.99 and totally worth it!

This was a fun look and I enjoyed playing around! I thought the colors worked well together too. The pink didn't work too well on the blue color since it's more of a sheer jelly formula.

What do you guys think? I hope you enjoyed the pics ^_^


♥ Cheers,
Bridget