Mish Mash Challenge: Rainbow

Hey Y'all!!!  Guess what day it is???  Yep, Wednesday (lol, and you thought I was going to say Hump Day)!  So that means I have two posts to get up today!  First, it's Mish Mash Wednesday and today's theme is Rainbows!  I love doing rainbows, so much so that it has its own label (in the right column of the blog), but the challenge is how to do a different rainbow.

I know that after today and seeing every one's great manis I'll have a ton of manis to try.   But I've had this one idea for a while, a loose rainbow color block with black and clear water marble over it.  And since it's Fall, I went with jewel tones:

I Used:
Color Club-  (red with a gold shimmer)
Orly- Flicker (rusty orange shimmer)
China Glaze- Lighthouse (yellow glass fleck)
Hard Candy- Bity Blue (blue shimmer)
Ulta- Envy (green shimmer)
Fright Night Claw Polish- Poison (purple shimmer)
Orly- Liquid Vinyl (black crème)
Sally Hansen-  (clear)
Make Up Sponges


I really like how this turned out.  I love the deep jewel tones, and thanks to those dark colors, the bubbles in the black don't show up in real life (note: my Orly Liquid Vinyl is very bubbly, lol)

I hope y'all enjoy today's mani.  Be sure to join me in checking out the other ladies in the Mish Mash Challenge.  Just click on the links below.  I can't wait to see what they've done!!  Happy Polishing!!!

NOTD: Holo Glitter Goodness

Hey Y'all!!  I hope y'all are having a great Friday.  I have to take the now-a-teen to the dentist, which for us is an adventure!  Long story.  But since we have to drive to the "big city", we are going to spend the day shopping!  I feel a trip to Ulta coming...

But before I leave I have to show you the holo yumminess I'm wearing!  Thanks to the fabulous, awesome, gorgeous Liz at A-Mani-Maniac had an incredible giveaway and I won one of the prizes!!  It was 4 glitter minis from Color Club and they are gorgeous!!!  It was hard to decide which one to use first but I went with:

Sadly it didn't have a name on it (darn Color Club), but it was a lilac based scattered holographic glitter.  This is one coat over two coats of Ulta Ultra Violet Femme and one top coat.  The holo was so holo-ish that it made the violet look blue.  The bottle in this picture shows you the true color of the base:

Anyway, this Color Club is a B E A U T Y!!!!!  It went on perfectly, no issues, no bald spots, and tons of glitter in just one coat.

I just can't tell you how much I love this polish!!  And so thankful for the day of sun to show it off.  Especially since we've barely seen the sun in the last 2 months!

Thank you again to the wonderful Liz!!  If you haven't seen A-Mani-Maniac be sure to head over and give her some love.  I'm off for a day of shopping with my baby girl!  Happy Polishing!!

Ulta FX Top Coats Review & Swatches

Hi y'all!!  How are you on this Tuesday?  Since I'm reviewing FOUR top coats for you today, I'm going to get right to it (it's kind of long,  but so worth it!).  When the May Ulta sales flyer came out, I saw they had a 4 piece special effects top coat and I knew I HAD to have it!  It took me a while to get there, but I made it:

They are, from left to right, as described by Ulta:
Color Enhancing Top Coat- "Brightens and intensifies any nail enamel.  Pops in direct sunlight and glows under black light."
Matte Top Coat- "Create a matte effect when applied over any shade."
Holographic Top Coat- "Futuristic rainbow holographic effect when used alone.  Silvery holographic frost when used over any colored nail enamel."
Smokey Top Coat- Gives any shade of nail polish a dark smokey effect.  Extends wear and increase shine."

And the nail polishes I used were:
Piggy Polish- Pink-ing of You (a super shimmery pink)
Nina Ultra Pro- Lilacing Discipline (lilac crème)

Are you dying to see the results??  All Pictures show two coats of the base color with ONE coat of the top coat.  Ok, first up is Piggy Polish Pink-ing of You (in direct sun):

Thumb: my normal top coat (Pro-FX High Gloss Quick Dry Top Coat)
Index:  Color Enhancing Top Coat
Middle Finger:  Matte Top Coat
Ring Finger:  Holographic Top Coat
Pinky:  Smokey Top Coat

And the crème, Nina Ultra Pro Lilacing Disipline (in direct sun):

Thumb:  Normal top coat (Pro-FX High Gloss Quick Dry Top Coat)
Index:  Smokey Top Coat
Middle Finger:  Holographic Top Coat
Ring Finger: Matte Top Coat
Pinky: Color Enhancing Top Coat

Ok, so let's take them one at a time.  First up, Color Enhancing Top Coat.  To be honest, I can't tell any difference between it and my regular top coat.  They looked identical to me.  It was a nice, glossy top coat and since I can't find my regular one anymore, I'm glad to have it.  I don't have any pictures of it under black light, because I don't have a black light, but I'm sure it glows.  If I come across a light, I'll give it a try.

Next is the Matte Top Coat.  This worked just like any matte top coat.  Although I so like the matte on the Piggy Polish more than the crème.  But that's just my preference.  The Matte Top Coat worked perfectly on both types of polish.

Next we have the Holographic Top Coat.  Oh my goodness!!  Who doesn't love holo???  And this worked perfectly.  And although for some reason it looks sedated in the pictures, it was a gorgeous, bright linear holo in person.  I do think this one looked better on the crème, but again, that is just my opinion.  It worked fabulously.  You could use two coats and just wear it alone.  It would be fabulous!

Last is the Smokey Top Coat.  This was the one I was probably most excited about, but I'm not sure how I feel about it.  On the super shimmery Piggy Polish, it was fabulous!  It went on smoothly and evenly.  And it did give the pink polish a dark, smokey look and I loved it!  But then came the crème.  Ugh.  Big difference.  One coat looked streaky and for some reason on the lilac, it shrunk from the edges.  Weird. 

My bottom line?  I'm happy that I bought them.  The only one I'm not sure about is the Smokey Top Coat, but I will give it another try soon.   These are available through Ulta and are $14.99.  What do y'all think of them?  Let me know in the comments!  Until later, Happy Polishing!!

Raspberry Pointe Shoes

HI Y'all!!  I'm so sorry I was missing yesterday.  The now-a-teen was at a sleepover, where she literally didn't sleep and I couldn't sleep, so when we got home yesterday we each layed down on a couch and crashed!! 

And today I have a million things to do, so I'm going to make this a quick post before I jump in the shower!  For today I have Raspberry Pointe Shoes for you:

I Used:
Ulta- Wicked (raspberry crème)
Orly- Rage (light pink shimmer)
Striping Tape

Ok, I didn't plan on these looking like pointe shoes, but when I was done that was all I could think of.  Maybe it's because the now-a-teen has been so busy with dance, lol.  I started with two coats of Ulta Wicked on all my nails.  I love this polish.  It's such a rich looking pink/burgundy/raspberry color.  And, like with all Ulta polishes, the formula was a dream.  The pictures show the true color, it looks different inside and outside.

When that had dried completely, I used striping tape to lay out the design.  The funny thing was, I was going to make it look random.  Fail!!  But I do like the design, and love anything that reminds me of my daughter.  And Orly Rage definitely reminds me of *new* pointe shoes.  Once the tape was down, I painted two coats of Rage.  Once the second coat was applied, I immediately removed the tape.  Then just top with top coat!

I hope you have a fabulous day!!  Happy Polishing!!!

Double Challenge: Inspired by a Song & D

Hi everyone!!  Today I have a quick post for you.  I don't know what on earth has happened, but I woke up at 3am in incredible pain...It feels like a muscle pull (in my sleep??) and stab wound (I would guess) all at once.  Ow!!

So today is a double challenge:  Inspired by a song and the letter "D".  So I have several D's for you, and my song is "Tiny Bubbles" by Don Ho.  I remember my mother loving this song:

I Used:
China Glaze- Def-Defying (chartreuse green crème)
China Glaze- White on White (white crème)
Ulta- Grin & Berry It (berry colored shimmer)
Sally Hansen- DVD (blue, super shimmer-bubbles)
Wet-n-Wild- Sage in the City (light green shimmer)
Wet-n-Wild- SaGreena the Teenage Witch (dark green shimmer
Bonita- yellow shimmer (name missing)
Brushes
Dotting Tools

Since Don Ho was synonymous with Hawaii, I went for a Hawaiian/tropical feel to my nails.

I hope y'all enjoy today's mani!  Be sure to check all the other wonderful songs and d's.  Hopefully I will feel better by tomorrow.  Happy Polishing!!

Day 19: Galaxy, R31DC

The prompt for Day 19 of the Relaxed 31 Day Challenge is galaxy.  I LOVE doing galaxy nails; it's one of my favorites.  And I'm so happy that this came on a Friday so I can wear them for more than one day.  (For a step-by-step tutorial on how to do galaxy nails, click here).   So here are my galaxy nails:

left hand

right hand

I Used:
Sinful Colors-  Black on Black
China Glaze- White on White
Orly- Hook Up (yellow shimmer)
China Glaze- Turned Up Turquoise
Ulta-  Celebutante (purple crème)
Orly- Royal Navy (royal blue with light blue shimmer)
Finger Paints- Brushstroke Blush (very pale pink crème)
Orly- Shine on Crazy Diamonds (clear base with micro holographic glitter)
Liner Brush
Dotting Tool

I love how they came out.  And I'm really happy with the new colors I used.  Be sure to come back Monday for water marble, and Tuesday for Inspired by a color.  Since my birthday is Sunday, these may be the same challenge for me.  Just a warning, lol. Don't forget to check out all the other fabulous ladies' galaxies listed below. Stay warm this weekend!!  Happy Polishing!!

LOL, another random upside down photo

Double Challenge: Stripes & B

Hi Everyone!!  How are y'all doing today?  Everything is going pretty good here.  My almost teenager went up on pointe last night and she is so excited!  Well, she really can't wait until she can wear them away from the barre, but she still enjoyed it. 

As for me, I have TWO challenges for you today!  Of course there is the Relaxed  31 Day Challenge, which is Stripes today, and my new challenge by Kimber at Kimber's Lacquer Korner , the ABC Challenge!  Every Wednesday for 26 weeks, our mani has to have something to do with that week's letter.  This week is the letter B.  So for today I have Blue Stripes:  (there is one more b)

I Used:
Orly- Snowcone (light blue crème)
Ulta- Blues Cruise (blue jelly with dark blue glitter)
Long Liner Brush

I started this with two coats of Orly Snowcone and then with the long liner brush, I painted the stripes in a random pattern by free hand.  I like how this turned out, but if I was to do it again, I would use a one coat polish for the stripes.  Since I used a jelly with glitter, I had to go over the lines like 3 to 4 times and that made the lines less crisp.  That's the only thing I didn't like.

Right Hand

Left Hand

I'm so excited to be in these two challenges!!  And if anyone can help me figure out what to do for the Q, U and X weeks, I'll be your very best friend!!!!  Be sure to check out all the participants of both the Relaxed 31 Day Challenge and the ABC Challenge!  This is an extremely creative bunch!  And, as always, Happy Polishing!!

Day 11: Polka Dots, R31DC

Howdy Everyone!!  How's your Tuesday going?  I'm just hoping for a better Tuesday than Monday!!

Today's prompt is Polka Dots!  I love dotting.  It's an easy way to get a fun and unique look.  I have several dotty manicures worked up on my nail wheels that I've never worn, so choosing which one to do for this challenge was difficult.  So I finally had my almost teenager decide for me and I love the one she chose:

I Used:
Ulta- High Roller (very shimmery light gold)
Wet-n-Wild- I Red a Good Book (red crelly)
NYC- Times Square Tangerine Crème (orange crème)
Kleancolor- Neon Yellow (yellow crème)
China Glaze- Def-Defying (chartreuse green crème)
Ulta- Blue Streak (medium blue crème)
Wet-n-Wild- On a Trip (purple crème)
Dotting Tool

I started with two coats of the gorgeous Ulta High Roller.  Love this color!  Once that had dried completely, I used the smallest dotting tool to create the dots.  You can also use a toothpick or a needle to make the dots.  I started at the tip with red, then followed the ROY G. BIV rule: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, (left out the indigo) and purple.  Then a coat of top coat.

I hope y'all enjoyed this manicure.  Be sure to check out the rest of the ladies manis and make sure that you've entered my GIVEAWAY!!!

Check back tomorrow for Day 12 of the R31DC: Stripes AND my first day of the ABC Challenge!!  Happy Polishing!!

Mr. Heat Miser & Mr. Snow Miser- 12 Days of Christmas Challenge

Hi Everyone!!  I've been so excited about this challenge and choosing which movie to use easy!  Although I try to always watch "It's a Wonderful Life", "Scrooged" and "elf" there is only one that I absolutely can not miss.  It isn't even Christmas until I see "The Year Without a Santa Claus"!  And what is my favorite part? Mr. Heat Miser and Mr. Snow Miser of course!!  I love them!! And of course their song (which is now stuck in a permanent loop in my head).  So here is my manicure:

I Used:
China Glaze- White on White (white creme)
China Glaze- Liquid Leather (black creme)
Ulta- Red Carpet Red (red crelly or creme and jelly)
NYC- Times Square Tangerine Creme (orange creme)
Sinful Colors Nail Art- Morning Breath (yellow crelly)
Orly- Halley's Comet (aqua blue shimmer)
Ulta- Bam-Blue-Zled (light blue creme)
China Glaze- Prism (mainly purple multi colored glitter)
China Glaze- Electrify (gold and red glitter)
Sinful Colors Nail Art- Love Me (blue and purple glitter)
Kleancolor- Neon Yellow (yellow creme)
Orly- Blue Collar (blue creme)
City Colors- Light Gray (light gray with silver shimmer)
Liner Brush
Detail Brush
Dotting Tools

I really hope y'all enjoy my tribute to the great and powerful Miser Brothers!!  Be sure to check out every one's designs!  I can't wait to see what they've done.  Happy Polishing!!

P.S.  Here is the proof of my black and red Christmas trees that I promised:

Frosty the Snowman

Hi Everyone!!!  I hope you have are having a fabulous week!!  I have something a little different for you today.  Nail Polish Canada is having a winter nail design contest and I need y'alls help.  The theme for this week is snow, so I did Frosty the Snowman.  The Christmas season always officially started when I saw Frosty on tv.  So here is my entry:

If y'all like it, could you please, please go to Nail Polish Canada and vote for my design?  I would appreciate it ssooo much!!  Here are a couple more pictures along with what I used at the end.  Thank y'all so much!!!  Happy Polishing!!

I Used:
City Color Masquerade- Light Gray (light gray with a silver shimmer) Sky gradient
Ulta- Tutu Cafe (light purple creme) Sky gradient
Orly- Decoded (dark gray) Frosty's hat
Orly- Chocoholic (brown with silver shimmer) the trees
Ulta- Red Carpet Red (bright red creme) Frosty's nose
Orly- Basket Case (pink creme) flower on Frosty's hat
Spoiled- Designated Driver (dark yellow creme) Frosty's broom and pipe
China Glaze- White on White (white creme)
China Glaze- Liquid Leather (black creme)
Orly- Shine On Crazy Diamond (holographic glitter in clear base)
Make-up Sponges
Largest Dotting Tool
Smallest Dotting Tool
Liner Brush
Pro-FX Quick Dry High Gloss Top Coat

Thanksgiving French Tip

Good Morning Every one!!  I hope y'all are having a great week.  For my American readers, are you ready for Thanksgiving?  I'm still trying to get my 22 pound turkey to defrost so I can get it into the brine.  Don't tell the food police, but it looks like it's going on the counter to defrost.

Anyway, I have one more Thanksgiving manicure for y'all.  Or if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving, this is perfect for fall too!  Here's the final look:

Y'all know I started to do a traditional french tip, but I just don't seem capable of doing that...I have to change it and glitter it up!

I Used:
Finger Paints- Vermillion $ Painting (shimmery Orange)
Ulta- My Two Cents (copper glitter in brown jelly base)
Scotch Tape

I started with two coats of Finger Paints Vermillion $ Painting, a beautiful, shimmery, but really thin Orange:

To help in clean up, I placed one small piece of tape on the side of my nail that the "tail" goes down:

Then you are just going to make a swoosh...start at the bottom of your nail, at the cuticle, and using the brush that came with the polish, slowly move up and over.  You are basically aiming for the top of your swoosh to be at your finger tip line.  The tape will allow you to put just a small part of the brush on your nail, the majority will be on the tape.  Don't panic!  There is no right or wrong to this manicure.  It's just a free-hand design.  Have fun with it!!  I hope y'all enjoy my funky french tip design!  Happy Polishing!!

Fall Water Marble (& Tutorial)

Today is September 27th.  We are five days into fall and here in the south that means...football and weather in the 80's.  Which makes me happy  I love football and hate the cold.  (I admire all y'all who live up north!)  But in honor of fall, I decided to do a water marble. 

And I love how it turned out.  I wasn't expecting the red to be so prominent, but it reminds me of the leaves changing colors.  This is a little longer post and has more pictures than normal, but I wanted to cover every step.  It's not hard to do water marbles, and the effects are incredible.  Here is a step-by-step tutorial (I will post a video as soon as possible):

I used:
Purified Water
Scotch Tape
Toothpicks
Small glass bowl
Spoiled- Designated Driver (yellow)
Sinful Colors- Cloud 9 (orange)
Ulta- Red Carpet Red
Orly- Buried Alive (brown)
(Base & Top Coat)

I started by painting my nails with one coat of Sinful Color's Cloud 9.  Once that was completely dry, I taped my fingers to make clean up easier.  Take two pieces of scotch tape.  Place one piece around the bottom of your nail and the second piece on the sides of your nail going over the tip of your finger.

Next you need something to dip your fingers into.  I have a small glass bowl about 4 inches wide and 3 inches deep that I use only for water marbles.  Don't use something you may want to eat out of again.  Fill the bowl with room temperature purified water.

A quick note about polishes and water marble:  every type of polish (creme, glitter, etc.) works, but not all polishes work.  Huh?? It doesn't matter what type it is, how much it costs, or what brand it is, some work and some don't.  One Orly creme may work and the next Orly creme won't.  You'll just have to experiment with your polishes to see which ones will spread in the water. 

Now it's time to build your bullseye:

Make sure all the tops to your polish are open.  The polish dries very quickly and you have to work fast.  Hold the brush about 1/2 an inch above the water and let one drop fall.  It should spread across the surface of the water.  Repeat with all of your colors, two to three times each, to build the bullseye.

Once you're happy with it, take a toothpick and draw a design.  I start on the outside (be careful of the outer 2-3 rings, they may be dry), and lightly draw the toothpick towards the center.  If you repeat this several times, it will look like a flower.  Then I start in the center and drag outwards.  I like every nail to look different, so I change how I do that each time.

Find the area you like best, and with your nail parallel to the water slowly dip your nail in. 

While your nail is still under the surface, use a toothpick to remove the polish left on the surface.  Then slowly remove your nail from the water.  Wait a minute of two before removing the tape.  Clean around your nail with polish remover and remember to use a top coat.

I hope y'all enjoy this autumn water marble.  As always, let me know if you have any questions.

Happy Polishing!!!

Right Hand:

Left Hand: