Layla Hologram Effect Ultra Violet!

Hello =]!

Happy(?) Monday to you all! I hope you had a nice, relaxing weekend that recharged you to finish up April strong! I am so close to being done with finals, I can almost taste it...I'll be done Wednesday this week and I couldn't be more excited, SERIOUSLY. I thought a happy holo on my nails this weekend would lift my spirits, so I have a lovely swatch of Layla Ultra Violet to show you today (this is 4 coats...it was opaque in 3, but I took the pictures after a few days of wear. I did the 4th coat simply to cover my tip wear =]). This polish is from the newish Hologram Effect collection that was released at Ulta about a month or so ago, and although these are pricey lil boogers ($15.50 a pop!), they're TOTALLY worth it! Why, you ask? Well...see for yourself...

 

I took all of these pictures in the sun to show you Ultra Violet's full holo potential =]

 

 

If you don't have any of these Layla holos yet, you may want to run off to Ulta and buy some...these are INCREDIBLE! The holo is super obvious in the sun, but you can even see it in low lighting...so basically, you see rainbows almost all the time when you wear this one =]! I love it!

A special thank you to everyone who entered my nail art contest! I'll be announcing the winner in a few days...stay tuned!

<3,

Lindsey

Hodge-Podge Mani!

Hi =]!

Just a quick post today...I have a lot to do before I pick my mom up from the airport today, she's coming back from Paris (no...I'm not jealous one bit...). After a couple days of pastel manis, I thought it was time for some super bright, random nails =]! I used POP Beauty Turquoise and Zoya Lara in a bunch of alternating patterns and techniques, or as the title states, a hodge-podge =P You need to see this...

 

What do you think? This color combo makes my eyes very happy...I love pink and teal =]!

Um...guys. ONE MORE DAY to enter my nail art contest, get a move on!

♥,

Lindsey

*Some of these products were provided for previous consideration and review. The opinions within this post are COMPLETELY my own.*

Subtle Watercolor Mani!

Hey there!

I was having trouble coming up with an idea for my nails last night, so I asked you guys on my Facebook page for ideas. The lovely Anissa came to my rescue with a fabulous idea...watercolor nails =]! Thanks so much for your help, girlie! I used Zoya Carey for the base and OPI What's With The Cattitude?, OPI Do You Lilac It?, and Essie Mint Candy Apple for my watercolor colors...that sounded funny =P. Anyway, the colors blended together very nicely and the result is very subtle...check it out!

 

 

Soft and sweet! It's been too long since I did a watercolor mani. If you'd like to try this for yourself, I used the easy-to-follow tutorial at Rebecca Likes Nails.

My nail art contest ends SUNDAY! Get you're entries in fast!

<3,

Lindsey

Wrapped-Up In Tape!

Hello!

Remember last week when an awesome group of ladies and I did Monday Marble? Well, we had so much fun with it that we decided to have another themed day, wrapped-up in tape! All of us girlies used tape to create our manis today, and let me tell you, this one is fuuuun =]! I went with some super bright colors...Nail-Venturous Lacquers Floam, Zoya Arizona, and Zoya Dita. I was told this looks quite 80's and I think that hits the nail on the head. Take a look =]!

 

 

 

 

Close-up of the beautiful Floam =]

What do you think? I love how bright and fun this mani is =]! I don't think I can look at it without smiling, which is perfect during finals week =P!

Don't forget to enter my magical nail art contest, it ends Sunday!

♥,

Lindsey

*Some of these products were provided for previous consideration and review. The opinions within this post are COMPLETELY my own.*

Shooting Stars Nails!

Hey there!

I'm slightly addicted to Pinterest. I pinned this mani a few days ago and I've been REALLY excited to try it =]!

 

From Asa Nisi Masa Nail Spot

Although this technique was originally done with tape, I decided to try it freehand (honestly, I just didn't want to wait for the base color to dry before I could tape =P). I used Essie She's Picture Perfect as the base with Nubar Hyacinth Sparkle and Kleancolor Aurora to add the starry details. Check out my interpretation of this adorable mani =]!

 

 

I just love how this turned out =]! I've always had this random love for stars, especially shooting stars...I don't know where it comes from =P By the way, I changed my watermark a bit, I was getting bored of using the same ol' font. I hope that didn't freak you out too bad, haha =P!

Have a great day =]!

<3,

Lindsey

Matte Blue Gradient Mani!

Hello!

So, I'm posting late...again. CURSE YOU, FINALS WEEK! I'm so over it...ugh. Somebody better rush me to either a hospital, a spa, or Disneyland immediately after finals because my stress levels have sort of been through the roof lately...I'm sure many of you can relate! In an effort to create something easy on the eyes, I did a quick glitter gradient using Dr.'s Remedy NOBLE Navy and The Painted Nail by Nubar Riot. I also used Hard Candy Matte-ly In Love over the top; it's been a while since I've done matte nails! Check it out =]!

 

 

Nice and simple...just what I was going for. I will neeeever get tired of a good ol' gradient =]!

My magical nail art contest ends SUNDAY. Get those last minute entries in =]!

♥,

Lindsey

*Some of these products were provided for previous consideration and review. The opinions within this post are COMPLETELY my own.*

Soulstice Kauai Swatch and Review!

Hi!

Just about one more week of school for me and then I'm DONE! And I'll be free to blog at normal times of the day, hooray =P! I apologize for my weird schedule lately...I hope you don't hate me -too- much =P Today, I have one of Soulstice's new polishes to show you, Kauai! Just a heads up...Soulstice has one of my favorite polish formulas ever; it goes on super smooth and the nice, long brush makes this brand really easy to use =] It's also a vegan, cruelty-free brand which is always great =] Take a look at my swaaaaatch!

 

Kauai

"Gold-flecked rich pink"

2 coats

What a lovely berry pink shimmer this is =]! This is going to make some REALLY pretty summer manis and pedis, guys! As previously stated, I love Soulstice's polish formula and this one is no exception...it went on like buttuh, dried really fast, and it was perfectly opaque in 2 coats. Well done, Soulstice =]!

 

 

 If you haven't tried Soulstice for yourself yet, you really should check them out! They name their polishes after cities, so maybe your hometown is included =] You can purchase these for $8 each (or 5 for $30) on their website...click here! Also, check out their Facebook page here!

ACK! Less than a week to enter my nail art contest...get a move on, guys =P!

<3,

Lindsey

GlitterDaze Swatches and Review!

Hello!

I think it's safe to say that the Etsy/Indie polish trend is here to stay for a while. As long as there are unique and pretty polishes being made by these creative people, then all of us polish lovers will CERTAINLY buy! Today, I have a few gorgeous glitter shades from GlitterDaze's Simply Spring Collection to show you. Sana, the mastermind behind this brand, has created some lovely polishes in all colors of the rainbow...you simply must check these out!

 

Flirtini

"A pastel pink polish with a variety of glitters, including: pink, iridescent, silver and holographic hot pink bars, blue, chartreuse, and holographic purple"

3 coats

This adorable light pink jelly looks like a party in a bottle! It has the perfect amount of glitter and the formula was incredible; it went on SO smoothly and dried very fast. It is a tad on the sheer side, but as you can see it isn't too bad after 3 coats. I'd imagine that this would look great over white, black, or another pink polish. You girly-girls out there would really enjoy this one =]!

 

 

 

April Rain

"Turquoise jelly polish filled with various sized silver, blue, and sea foam green glitter"

2 coats with a few touch-ups

Hellooooooo gorgeous! There is so much AWESOME in this polish from the light blue/turquoise base to the insane amount of silver, blue, and light green glitter!  I am in LOVE with this! It was nicely opaque in 2 coats (with a few itty bitty touch-ups) and SOOO sparkly no matter what light it was in! Bravo, Sana =]!

 

 

Ta da! Aren't those just lovely!? You can buy some GlitterDaze of your very own for $9 (or $4.85 for a mini bottle) at Sana's Etsy shop...click here! Also, be sure to like her Facebook page for updates!

Have a great day =]!

<3,

Lindsey

*The products in this review was sent to me by GlitterDaze in exchange for my honest opinion. The opinions within this review are completely my own.*

Zoya Savita with Ozotic 528!

Hey there =]!

Just a quick post for you today, homework is demanding my attention these last few weeks of school! I've made a reverse gradient with Zoya Savita as the base (2 coats...this is a matte polish, but I used a top coat this time) and Ozotic 528. I took the pictures in a couple different lights because this mani changed constantly! Take a look =]!

 

This picture was taken outside in direct sunlight...

 

 

And this one was taken in the shade. Check out that color shift, wow!!!

 

 

Short, sweet, and to the point =]! I love wearing this color-changing mani, it really brightened my spirits during this crazy school week =]

Don't forget to enter my nail art contest, there is only about a week left to enter!!!

Have a great weekend =]!

<3,

Lindsey

Blow Dryer Mani Tutorial!

Hello!

You asked for it...so here it is! I've created a lovely step-by-step tutorial so you can create your very own Blow Dryer Nails =]! If this mani looks familiar...it's because I took some tutorial pics as I made the original blow dryer mani...you know, just in case it was tutorial worthy =P Here we go!

 These are the supplies you will need:

 

Blow Dryer

Base color (I suggest a light polish like white or grey)

Polishes of choice - You can do as many as you like! I haven't tested too much with formulas so I don't know how shimmers or holos would work out... I used creme finishes for this tutorial. I don't suggest anything thick like chunky glitter, though.

Polish thinner

Medium-sized brush (not too fluffy, you're only using it to dab the colors on your nails!)

Something to stir with - I used a dotting tool

Small containers for the colors - I like using water bottle caps

Essentials (base coat, top coat, clean up brush, polish remover)

 

1. Paint you nails with a base coat and whatever base color you chose. I went with a simple white creme! Allow enough time for your nails to completely dry.

2. Using your small containers, create a polish/thinner mixture, using your stirring tool to thoroughly mix it up. The key to this technique is THIN polish so that it can easily spread on the nail. I used roughly a 3-1 thinner to polish ratio. Yes, it will be watery...in fact, it may even begin to spread a little before you even begin using the blow dryer, but that's what you want!

 3. Heads up...these next few steps need to move QUICKLY before your color dries. Use your brush to dab a generous amount of the polish/thinner mixture on your nail. Don't be shy; make it look like a big ol' water droplet so the color is extra spreadable! Also, careful not to do any harsh movements with your brush...if you don't stick to gentle dabbing, you will wipe away the base color, revealing your naked nail underneath.

 

 4. Grab your blow dryer, turn it on the highest setting (but not too hot, you don't want to burn yourself!) and hold it approximately 2-3 inches away from the semi-wet nail. The sudden blast of air should make the polish spread out in an irregular ring-like pattern. Btw, confession...this photo was very obviously taken when I was finished with that nail considering its quite colorful, haha =P I apologize for not going in perfect order =P!

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until you've used all of the desired colors. You can place them randomly or strategically...the choice is yours!

 

 Here is a picture after I did 3 of my 5 colors. See how the colors spread, but not a ton...I think the best way to wear this kind of nail art is to start sort of sparse and fill the nail in with more color as needed. For example, once I used a little of all of my 5 colors, I went back in and added more so it looked multi-dimensional and layered. You'll see what I mean...

 

6. Once you are happy with the look, use your clean-up brush and polish remover to clean those cuticles up!

 7. Top coat it once you are sure it is dry.

8. Stand in complete awe of your masterpiece =]!

TA DAAAA!

 

There you have it =]! I hope this was helpful, please feel free to let me know if you need further clarification! Also, if you give this a shot, I'd LOVE to see your attempt. You are more than welcome to share your pictures on my Facebook page!

Have a great day =]!

<3,

Lindsey

Monday Marble!

Hey there!

I hope you're surviving Monday =P! If I were president, I would get rid of Monday's all together...NOBODY likes them! Vote for me =P! Haha =] This weekend, a bunch of fabulous bloggers had the awesome idea to do a big group water marble day and I was thrilled to take part in it! I don't do it nearly as often as I should; it's such a fun technique! I used Zoya Shelby, Bettina Secret Garden, and GOSH Blue Balloon for this mani. Take a looksie!

 

When I see blue and pink together, my mind always thinks of candy...more specifically, taffy. Perhaps I should call this mani my pulled-taffy water marble? It has a nice ring to it =]!

Have you been brainstorming for my magical nail art contest?

Also, be sure to check out the other lovely ladies participating in Monday Marble=]!

♥,

Lindsey

*Some of these products were provided for previous consideration and review. The opinions within this post are COMPLETELY my own.*

Blow Dryer Nails!

Hey there!

I have recently become obsessed with Pinterest! I find so many funny, creative, and awesome things that inspire my manis, I just can't stop pinning =P! One really cool art technique has inspired me for today's mani...

 

Source

Slight disclaimer...I was REALLY hoping to get a look similar to that, but because polish is such a different consistency, it didn't quite work out that way. Nonetheless, I still got a really cool looking end product =]! I mixed polish and thinner, dabbed blobs of color over a white base, and quickly used my blow dryer to spread the polish. It looks similar to watercolor nails, but it keeps the pigment better and doesn't look washed out. For this mani, I used Petites French White, China Glaze Lemon Fizz, Zoya Shelby, Zoya Arizona, OPI Do You Lilac It?, and GOSH Blue Balloon. Take a look =]!

 

 

What do you think? I like it a lot and actually am prepared to write a tutorial if you guys were interested =] If you'd like a tutorial, let me know in the comments =]!

Don't forget to enter my nail art contest!

Have a great day =]!

♥,

Lindsey

*Some of these products were provided for previous consideration and review. The opinions within this post are COMPLETELY my own.*

Plastic Wrap Sponging and Tape Mani!

Hello =]!

I hope you all are thinking up some fun ideas for my magical nail art contest =]! I decided to mish-mash a few techniques today to create one AWESOME mani; I used the plastic wrap technique (which I discovered on ChromaCraze) as well as the easy yet awesome scotch tape technique =]! I used 2 coats of Essie Mint Candy Apple as the base color with Zoya Lara and Bettina Aqua for the plastic wrap sponging. Check it out!

 

 

The plastic wrap made a really cool marbled effect, I love it! It's really amazing what techniques people are coming up with now-a-days! I hope you like this mani as much as I do =]!

<3,

Lindsey

Dreamy Ruffian Mani!

Hi ladies and gents =]!

I hope your Wednesday was completely stellar! In an attempt to make it through a few more of my untrieds, I have a ruffian mani using Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream and SinfulColors Sweet Dreams for you today...I hope you're prepared for something dreamy =P! I've fallen in love with how well these colors go together, it reminds me of something summery and tropical =] Lookie!

 

 

 

Both of these polishes are simply INCREDIBLE. I stalked Apothica for a week or two waiting for them to get Mermaid's Dream in stock and the second it was, it HAD to be mine =]! Sweet Dreams came to me about a week ago courtesy of Miss Lindsey (what a great name =P!) of Lacquered Lindsey; she was my "Secret Bunny" in a gift exchange and she completely spoiled me =]! Lots of love, girlie =]!

Have a great evening and be sure to check out my nail art contest if you haven't yet =]!

<3,

Lindsey

Nail-Venturous Lacquers - A Few Swatches!

Hello =]!

I recently had a poll up asking you what you'd like to see after my Lent no-buy ended...and the winner was the uber beautiful and widely sought after Nail-Venturous Lacquers! If you haven't heard, Miss Amy of I'm Feeling Nail-Venturous has recently became a polish-making celebrity in the indie polish community...seriously, her creations are GORGEOUS. Today, I have swatches of 2 of her lovely polishes - Rainbow Fish (this one is special to me because I named it =]!!!) and Peacock Gone Wild. I'd like to make a shout out to Nikki for swapping with me and getting me these beauties; you're AWESOME, polish-buddy =]! Take a look!

 

Rainbow Fish

"Medium sized periwinkle, blue, and lavender glitter as well as ultrafine light periwinkle glitter in a clear base"

1 coat over 2 coats of Soulstice Provence

 Periwinkle may just be the most ADORABLE color known to man, and in glitter form, I love it even more! I was so excited about this polish that when I first saw swatched, I offered my name suggestion to Amy...I was SO happy and surprised to hear that she took it =]! It's sort of been a silly dream of mine to name a polish...don't tease me =P! Anyway, I seriously love this! Don't be mistaken, the glitter particles look darker in this first picture than they really are...the picture below and the macro shot are more accurate!

 

 

 

Peacock Gone Wild

"Various size, shapes and colors of glitter ranging from blues, golds, turquoise, and magenta in a clear base"

1 coat over 2 coats of Paul & Joe Dapple

HOLY PARTY ON MY NAILS, this is one fun glitter polish! I won't even try to describe all the different shapes and colors in this one, let's just say this has a LOT of variety. If you like Nail-Venturous on Facebook, you may have heard about the recent issue with this polish...the large purple square glitters are having a curling problem which makes it difficult to lay flat on the nail. I had a little trouble with it, but I was bound determined to make this work since its sooooo pretty! Amy says shes working on a solution, but until then I believe this polish will be off the market for a bit. Don't be sad, though, because she has a plethora of other beauties to make us happy =]!

 

 

There you have it! Be sure to sign up for updates about her Etsy shop by visiting it here. A special thanks to Amy for sharing her awesome polish-making talents with us =]!

Have you heard about my nail art contest? Details here!

<3,

Lindsey

Nail Art Contest Time!

Hey there!

If you've been hanging around my Facebook page, you know that I've been hinting about launching a contest since February...and thanks to the generous folks at Inlinkz, it's finally time! I am so happy and excited to announce my very first nail art contest which I've lovingly dubbed...

For this contest, I'd like you guys to choose something absolutely magical that inspires you. Such as...

• Fairies
• Fairy Godmothers
• Wizards
• Mythical Creatures
• Fairy tales
• "Slight of hand"/Magicians
• Optical Illusions

Those are just a few ideas...you are more than welcome to come up with something else =]! I purposefully chose a broad topic in which several types of nail art and techniques could be used; I'd love for ALL people, bloggers and non-bloggers, newbies and pros, young and not so young, to feel comfortable participating in this fun contest! Although there will only be 1 grand prize winner, there are other benefits to entering. You may have seen the contests over at Chalkboard Nails and Rebecca Likes Nails recently...the entrants of those contests (me being one of them!) noticed an influx of traffic to their site simply because they entered! Don't be shy, I'd love to see a whole smorgasbord of magical entries =]! This will be so much fun =D!

The Prize:

•  One (1) winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to Ninja Polish courtesy of Inlinkz!

Rules:

• One entry per person.
• The art must be done on your own nails.
• Stamping is allowed but not advised...you guys are more creative than that =P!
• Acrylic paint is not allowed. Polish only, please!
• This contest is open internationally, excluding Russia and Italy (only because Ninja Polish doesn't ship there...sorry =[!)
• This contest is open from now until Sunday, April 29th at 11:59 PM.
• Submissions are only accepted via the Inlinkz tool at the bottom of this post.

Judging:

• Submissions will be judged by me and two other non-blogging judges based on originality, creativity, and execution.

Here we go! Good luck to everyone, I can't wait to see what awesome manis you all come up with =]! A huge thank you to Inlinkz for providing this handy entry tool and for providing the prize! This tool was so user friendly and helpful =]!If you have a question, leave it in the comments and I'll answer ASAP!