Nailgirl's Niche

China Glaze Crackle Polish "Fault Line"

2011-04-14T17:20:00.007-04:00

Hope this finds everyone well! Today I am sharing my multi-color manicure/pedicure with you. I couldn't decide on just 2 colors so I used 4 including CG Fault Line Crackle polish as my last layer of color. I polished half of my nail (just one coat) using an "unknown" bright shimmer yellow and alternated using Sally Hansen's Blue It and Sinful Feeling Great for the other half of the nail and I added CG Fault line and topped it off with Seche Vite Top Coat. For those of you who have never used Crackle polish, fair warning that it is thick and dries quickly to an almost dull matte color, I had the best result when I used a "thin" coating with quick uneven strokes. If it goes on too thick it does not give you that crackle effect. That's just my findings some of the polishes seemed to be thicker than others in the collection, yes, I bought them all ;) so it could very well be my stock. Once the top coat is applied the true color pops. Fault Line is a shimmer purple. I've had tons of fun using these polishes because of the fact that it's quick, easy and the color combinations are endless. It is also possible to use these polishes and still have your nails be "office" friendly. I highly recommend getting at least one of these crackle polishes and trying it, so far I'd have to say my fav is Cracked Concrete. Until next time, take care and enjoy!

Hello again! It's been a while ;)

2011-04-06T17:01:00.004-04:00

Hello again, all! I have been away too long. I wish I could have an interesting story but it boils down to this: Life happened and I re-learned what busy meant. Alas, I have finally returned and I hope all is well where ever you are and that you made it through the holidays with much love, joy and some change left over. We are well into spring, grass is green, flowers are blooming and the wonderful humid-free weather is upon us here in Fl at this time. Until I can begin sorting and taking pictures of some swatches(ie: the awesome crackle I have got going on as we speak) , here is a picture of my french manicure with hand painted flowers. Unfortunately I am so out of touch, I am unable to list all polishes I used. I can tell you that it had been a long time since I had actually hand painted my flowers and it felt good to do so. Until next time, enjoy!

China Glaze Mummy May I

2010-09-29T14:34:00.000-04:00

What can I say? I love, love, love this color! Ok, I also love Halloween too, so its not that hard to come to that conclusion, especially with the catchy names! Application is smooth and polish consistency is a treat! haha =) I applied 3 coats with Seche Vite QD on top. The more you layer the polish the more the sparkle is evident. I think this is a great polish to kick off this next “holiday”. The base of this polish is a dark wine/brown color with hot pink/purple flecks of micro glitter in it. I look forward to trying out the other 2 colors in the Awakening Collection as well. Because it was, oh, 5:30am when I polished my nails this morning, the sun wasn’t awake, so the pictures are using indoor lighting and flash. Enjoy, until next time!

Revlon Silver

2010-09-28T12:57:00.000-04:00

For today’s NOTD, I chose to try Revlon Silver. It’s a light gray jelly polish that borders on being a light blue depending on the lighting your in. Polish application gives full coverage in one coat,though I applied 2 coats in the above pictures. I’ve learned over the years that product consistency isn’t always a plus with some polishes, Revlon being one of them. The applicator brush seems to be hit and run with these polishes, meaning, the brush in this polish bottle is all discombobulated, with wild bristles sticking out all over, making the application a little more difficult/messier than it should be. Anyway, I survived, mission accomplished and I do like the color very much! Ah yes, by the way I picked up a few more polishes in my travels on Monday. Here is a quick snap shot of my goodies.

China Glaze: Mummy May I, Zombie Zest & Ick-a-bod-y

Orly: It’s Not Rocket Science & Space Cadet. I only wish I had realized how similar Zombie Zest and It’s Not Rocket Science are, I bought them at 2 different stores. I’ll do a side by side comparison soon. Until next time!

French Manicure of the Day

2010-09-27T19:22:00.002-04:00

Today’s NOTD is a French Manicure using SH Hidden Treasure and Orly Pointe Blanche. I love the flakes in Hidden Treasure and how it reflects different colors in light changes. The best way for me to describe the flakes is it reminds me of fish scales…ok not attractively worded but the iridescent flakes play with the light bringing out gold, orange, green and pink reflections. Hope all is well out there in blogland, until next time.

More Nail Art…(pic heavy)

2010-09-17T07:15:00.000-04:00

The following designs are all hand painted using different polish colors. I used a striper brush, dotting tool and rhinestones here and there. Not sure when I will be able to post again, I will be working a lot , sooo… hope you enjoy, until next week!

This & That

2010-09-16T07:02:00.000-04:00

Looking thru the “archive” of pictures that I have created over time, I stumbled across these nail art pictures. It’s been so long I wish I could tell you the names of specific polish colors but I can’t :( This is a sample of my restlessness, either that or I had so many pretty colors, I couldn’t chose just one and I ended up using them all for lack of being able to make a decision. I used a thin striper brush, a dotter and some rhinestones. Hope all is well, until next time!

Revlon Galaxy

2010-09-15T11:19:00.000-04:00

Today’s NOTD is Revlon Galaxy. I know this polish is meant to be an overlay top coat for color, but I’ve decided to wear it alone. The application is a bit thick, which is not unusual for glitter top coats, but the glitter spreads evenly. The glitter in this top coat is a mixture of black, blue, silver and holographic glitter with sizes ranging from micro to large. When this polish dries, it has a rough texture that can be smoothed out with the application of a good topcoat. Pictured above & below, I applied clear nail strengthener (Sally Hansen Hard As Nails)as my base and 3 coats of Galaxy topped off with 1 coat of Seche Vite QD. It will definitely be glitterific, especially living in the sunshine state. Hope all is well, until next time!

Purely Unintentional Haul

2010-09-14T18:35:00.000-04:00

Hello all! Hope everyone is doing well! Yesterday I spent my day running errands and on my trip to Walgreens I just had to walk by the make up and polish section. Low and behold! Revlon polishes were not only on sale for $2.99 but they had a $1.00 off coupon taped to the tops of them sooo I brought home Silver(light grey that looks to be a creme polish) and Galaxy(all textures of multicolor glitter that is glitterific!) Honestly, those were the only 2 that jumped out and shouted “PICK ME!”. I also bought Sinful Black on Black(black creme that I do not have) and Sinful Oasis(deep rose pink). I shall post swatches soon, until next time!

Pure Ice Iced Merlot

2010-09-13T07:00:00.001-04:00

Today’s NOTD is Pure Ice Iced Merlot. It’s a sparkly wine color in the bottle. Very pretty. I am loving the sparklies! Actually, the micro glitter within this polish has a fuchsia pink tint to it so it gives you the versatility of being a wine/red/fuchsia pink color depending on the light it is seen in. I applied 2 coats of this polish. Application of this polish is very smooth and color is applied evenly. I used Seche Vite QD as the top coat. First 2 pictures are indoor lighting, then one using flash and the last 2 out in the sunshine. Until next time, enjoy!

Petites Mystical

2010-09-12T18:22:00.000-04:00

For today’s NOTD I chose to use Petites Mystical. It’s a deep purple polish and this polish has a duochrome effect, you can see a blue shimmer depending on the light. The application of this polish is smooth and it applies evenly but it definitely takes 2 coats of polish for the deep purple color to show, 1 coat looks more like a fuchsia purple/pink. The first 2 pictures are indoor lighting and the last 2 were taken in the morning sun. Hope everyone is well, until next time!

Guest NOTD/TOTD

2010-09-11T18:19:00.001-04:00

I’ve had the pleasure of spending some time with my 9yr old niece this afternoon. We ended up using one of grandma’s new polishes. Pure Ice Jamaica Me Crazy. She ended up choosing Konad plates M78 and M60. Using Konad White polish, I stamped hearts first, then added dotting, a rhinestone or 2 and ended up adding in some flowers. We started out “light” and ended up heavy on the nail art. We were having so much fun, I decided to send her home with a matching set of toes! What kind of auntie would I be if I had her go home with naked toes at the end of our weekend =)

Who knew having your nails done could be so tiring?

It just wasn't meant to be....

2010-09-11T08:08:00.003-04:00

So much for keeping my nails in tact for the weekend! By 9pm last night I felt a rough spot on my fingernail and when I paid close attention I realized that there was more than one and I am sure more to continue. Of course, I decided to bite the bullet and go commando (with out polish people) and I have no back up to patch up these spots. I had an epiphany and my silver lining? I did bring my Konad stamps with Orly Dazzle, Orly Luxe, Konad White, SecheVite QD and some rhinestones. I was hoping to score a Guest NOTD sometime this weekend and as luck would have it my 9 yr old niece has joined us up here in "them there hills" as well. So stay tuned and lets see what we come up with! Until next time!

Weekend Black on Black French Manicure

2010-09-10T14:05:00.004-04:00

Indoor lighting

Outdoor sun

Hello all! TGIF! I am so excited................ I am getting ready to spend the weekend at my parents house with my sons. I haven't been to my mom and dads in over 6 months and I am looking forward to it. No matter how old I get, I still need my mom fix! Anyway, back to nails! Even though, matte polish is wonderfully different I have found that it is extremely chippy (of course scrubbing dinner pans and dishes do not help the cause) I decided to polish a french manicure using Pure Ice Electric. Hopefully this will prove to be a temporary appeasement for my flair to wear Iron Butterfly for more than a day, not to mention the zillion times I'd end up patching anything that chipped off. Yes I do have OCD when it comes to stuff like that! Honestly, I love the look and I am pretty sure I have seen this on one of the many blogs I visit. I will let you know how long they wear! Until next time, enjoy!

Outdoor sun

Indoor lighting

Orly Iron Butterfly & Pure Ice Electric

2010-09-09T15:27:00.004-04:00

Indoor lighting

Outside (cloudy day)

Today's NOTD is Orly Matte Iron Butterfly and the TOTD is Pure Ice Electric. Pure Ice Electric is the glossy version of Iron Butterfly or so I thought. I was disappointed that the silver micro glitter in this glossy black did not show up on the polished toenail as it shine thru in the bottle. Iron Butterfly on the other hand knocked it out of the park with the silver/grey micro glitter coming thru the truly matte black. The application of Iron Butterfly, is as all matte finishes, application is kinda thick and "lumpy" but it dries to a satin smooth finish. The application of Pure Ice Electric is smooth and even with easy clean up on the skin. I didn't have too much trouble with the polish, either one, "bleeding" into the skin. I was thinking maybe I'll try Orly Goth to see if I get that kick of silver micro glitter in gloss that I am looking for or maybe I'll just top Iron Butterfly with a high gloss topcoat(now the wheels are turning) Oh well! Enjoy and until next time!

In the sunlight

Decisions, decisions!

2010-09-08T12:47:00.004-04:00

Indoor Lighting

Hoping all is well with everyone! OK, let me start from the beginning! Yesterday morning I had just enough time to try out my new AVON Jade polish. I had received it the day before from one of my lovely coworkers, who sells AVON. (I also purchased AVON Olive Green) Since I was short on time I only applied 1 coat and I was very pleased with the coverage, smooth application and the depth of color. Today, on the other hand, I woke up very indecisive, I knew I wanted to add nail art but I wasn't sure what. I laid out all of my konad plates and I couldn't decide which one I wanted to stamp! Soooo, I ended up using 4 different plates.

Indoor lighting with out top coat or dotting

I kept AVON Jade as the base and I used AVON Olive Green to stamp. I then added some random dotting using Orly Luxe and Orly Dazzle, also adding a rhinestone here and there. The konad plates I used were M57, M63, M65 and M74. Hope you enjoy! Until next time!

Indoor lighting: dotting, rhinestones and Seche Vite Quick Dry

Finished product shining in the morning sun

Weekend Konadicure.........

2010-09-04T13:48:00.007-04:00

Hope everyone is enjoying there long Memorial Day weekend! I do realize this does not apply to everyone ,myself included, but I hope you are enjoying your day at least. Today's NOTD is China Glaze Midnight Mission. Its a beautiful navy blue color with tons of silver micro glitter. I was inspired to use konad plate M63 with Orly (good lord the name escapes me at this time)silver with some square shaped rhinestones I purchased at my local Sally's store. I really have to apologize for being so unprepared, I have been posting from the library the past few times and I forget and/or confuse some of the polishes I use. Bad me :( I will try to do better to inform you fully and correctly. OH! I also wanted to share with you my good news! I am a member of NAILS Magazine on my Facebook account and on a weekly basis the editor posts random trivia like questions and the first one to email her the correct answer wins a goody bag. Well yesterday I was fortunate to be the first one to email her a pic of my license plate(its a nail theme vanity plate) hmm did I say Vanity? No! I am not vain just very proud of what I did for a living for many years and even though my career has taken a new and different path I will forever be the Nailgirl! Won't be so cute when I'm in my sixty's but hey work with me will ya?! Anyway! To be honest I have no idea really of what my goody bag will consist of (fingers crossed for at least one polish)but I am very excited and cant wait to receive it. I will keep you posted (haha) and let you know what I get! Until next time!

Indoor lighting

Out in the sunshine.

Orly Blue Suede Matte/China Glaze Midnight Mission

2010-09-01T16:20:00.002-04:00

Hello there, polish fans! Today's NOTD is Orly Matte Blue Suede. I am loving the deep navy blue color and loving the matte finish even more. This is my first actual Matte polish. The polish is easy to apply though it tends to be a little bit thick but it has self-leveling properties and dries quickly which is a major plus. I decided to do my toes using China Glaze Midnight Mission from the Vintage Collection. Wow! Application is awesome and silver micro glitter comes alive in this dark blue color. After giving it a bit of thought I decided to turn my mani into a konadicure using Midnight Mission to compliment my toes. Yes people, this is what I do on my vegetative days off ;) Come to think of it, my neighbors must think I'm crazy as many times I go out my back door to photograph my nails and/or feet. LOL! Who knows what they think! Oh well, until next time!

Claire's Kelly Green

2010-08-30T11:50:00.004-04:00

Outside in the sunlight

Yesterday's NOTD is Claire's Kelly Green. This color is an awesome green jelly polish that comes to life with a great top coat (Seche Vite QD). I do have to admit that the application of this polish is not very easy. It tends to be thick and if your not careful the coats of polish tend to be uneven therefore not giving you an even color, but as mentioned before add a great self-leveling top coat and it all looks good in the end.

Indoor lighting (gives it a dark forest green tone)

Outside sun

Today I decided to add some nail art using Konad stamping along with a rhinestone or two. I was in the mood for some pretty daisy like flowers and I added some dark grey flowers with blue buds in the center, then on my thumbs I added a blue butterfly. I wish I could remember all the polishes by name and the Konad plate #, but unfortunately I am drawing a blank and I am not home to list them all. If your interested in the colors just drop me an email and I'll be more than happy to let you know :) As I mentioned in my last post I treated myself to a mani/pedi. I ended up using OPI Diva of Geneva on my toes so I decided to "jazz" them up with some pretty flowers as well. Hope you enjoy! Until next time!

OPI Diva of Geneva from Swiss Collection

2010-08-27T07:40:00.003-04:00

Good morning ladies! I am blogging to you from Dunkin Donuts, yes Latte in hand and a chocolate chip muffin to go along with. I plan on getting my hair done as well as a mani/pedi, that's right its ALL about me today. I don't mean to brag but dang it I've been sooooo stressed out because of work that my face is breaking out like a pubescent 13 yr old (trust me I am soooo past that one) and I haven't been able to sleep peacefully in a long while. I've decided to renew myself and get back to me! Anyway! Today I am showing you a swatch that I did a few days ago of OPI Diva of Geneva from the Swiss Collection. It has a deep wine color with a shimmer of gold/purple when light hits it. Its a perfect transition color to wear when switching gears from summer brights to fall colors. Hope you have a great day! Thank you for stopping by, until next time.

Good Wednesday Morning!

2010-08-25T07:29:00.002-04:00

Inside lighting

Summer is winding down, with school back in session and September just a week away, I have decided to use China glaze BFF, from the OMG Collection as my NOTD. I love the lilac, purple holo. It's a great office appropriate color as well. Since I am pressed for time this morning, this post is going to be short and sweet. Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate you!

Outside (cloudy Fl day)

OPI Yodel Me On My Cell

2010-08-24T14:24:00.002-04:00

Today's NOTD is OPI Yodel Me On My Cell, in these pictures the true color of this polish does not shine thru. The actual color is a dark teal, blue-green color, but in these pictures they seem to be a royal blue color :/ I am sure that there is a way to adjust the color so you can see the true colors but I am not that tech savvy. The last pic is closest to the true color. Today has been a rainy, good for sleeping day and I am grateful to be off. Hope all is well with all of you. Until next time.

Good Sunday Morning!

2010-08-22T09:02:00.002-04:00

I am hoping all are doing well on this fine Sunday morning! The sun is shining, bed's made and laundry is going. I've decided to prepare for my week nice and early this morning so that I can fit in some swatching this afternoon(fingers crossed) for I have a long week ahead of me. Today's NOTD is OPI My Private Jet(original). This polish has a dusting of holographic micro glitter(mostly silver glitter) that changes the appearance of the polish color in every form of light. My first 2 pictures are indoor lighting and the second 2 pictures are out in the sun. I like how this polish looks black yet has a brown, sometimes olive green tone to it, classic with a twist. This polish was originally released in 2007 in the Night Brights Collection.

Color Club & China glaze

2010-08-21T14:29:00.004-04:00

Today's NOTD is Color Club Love'em/Leave'em. This is the first time I've ever used Color Club polish and I liked it a lot, nice smooth application and color depth is very pleasing. It has a great holo effect! I have decided to add a few more to my collection. While I was at it I decided to also swatch China Glaze Ingrid on my toes. I love the golden olive green/brown color, I had to have it the first time I saw it swatched. Having a lazy day at home with my family, its the last weekend before school starts on Monday for the guys....hope you are enjoying your day as much as I am!

China Glaze Dorothy Who?

2010-08-20T15:35:00.003-04:00

Indoor lighting

It's been a few days and admittedly I have been going thru some withdrawl. Between my Internet connections backfiring (adapter went to s**t) and having to do that thing you know......work, i haven't had time to blog but you bet your bottom I've been polishing and taking pics ;) Today I am sharing CG Dorothy Who? When I bought my my new haul i kinda lost sight of the other polishes I've been swatching. I couldn't get past the sparkly blue, I love it!

This pic was taken outside and it was cloudy getting ready for one of our famous summer afternoon storms, the natural light gave the polish a gradient look.

So Pretty (sun popped out in this one)

Sparkly! Well hope you enjoyed! See ya soon!

My new haul.....

2010-08-16T06:20:00.007-04:00

As mentioned before, I have aquired 6 new polishes. For now I am sharing bottle pictures so this post will be short and sweet.

Color Club Love'em/Leave'em, China Glaze Dorothy Who? & OPI My Private Jet (original)

OPI Diva of Geneva, OPI Lucerne-tainly Look Marvelous & OPI Yodel Me On My Cell (from the OPI Swiss Collection)

China Glaze Lubu Heels

2010-08-14T06:34:00.002-04:00

On the day that I did the CG Classic Camel swatch, I realized that I had a tear in my nail and the only thing holding it together was the polish. The tear was pretty deep into the nail bed and I knew I had to do something, so I thought to myself do I patch do I not patch? After a few minutes I decided to just file my nails way down.....after all nails are like hair, they always grow back. So in memoriam, I chose to go with CG Lubu Heels, dark, cream black with shiny red micro glitter that takes over once hit by light at different angles. And to celebrate the memory of my once longer nails, I went shopping.......ended up with quite the haul. OK, I just justified buying 6 more polishes.....I really do need to SLOW it down, and you know how I am showing restraint? I haven't hit the finalize order button at one of several great e-tailers ;)

CG Classic Camel

2010-08-12T06:22:00.005-04:00

Good Thursday morning ladies! I am up bright and early on my day off and I am plotting on what to do today, my sons are still on summer vaca so we are going to have some mommy and "us" time, though I haven't figured out what that may be at this time. We shall see. OK, as promised, today's NOTD is China Glaze Classic Camel. What can I say about it? I love, love, love it. Now I will be honest, I was a bit skeptical when I was applying it, but I am so glad that I decided to go with it and give it a try. The flashes of gold micro glitter in the "mustard" color is wonderful it gives an ordinary polish an extra kick. I knew I had to have it the first time I saw it swatched a while back and I am very happy to have purchased it. I have been a CG girl for many years now, I love the application, the depth in color, the wear...all of it. Next on my list is CG Lubu Heels, until then ;)

Orly and China Glasze Swatches

2010-08-11T08:19:00.011-04:00

Good morning! It is so nice to be online again, I wish I could explain what went wrong but I wouldn't have a clue, I kinda blacked out when I was getting an explination from my better half. No offense to him, but after about 30 seconds of tech talk all I kinda heard was blahblahblah....Anyway! Todays post is about 2 polishes I've tried out during this week so far.

The first is Orly Purple Pleather from the Plastix Collection. In the first picture I applied 2 coats with no top coat. I have to say I do love the color and you can easily see the "plastic" effect as it dries. My beef with it is, the polish is so thick, it ends up being applied unevenly because the brush becomes overloaded with polish, it sticks out like a sore thumb when it dries because it is definately not self-leveling. It takes too long to dry and it ended up drying with bubbles. I tried it out twice with the same result.

Don't get me wrong I like the finish its not shiny and its not matte, its different and I like different. I just need to be smarter than the polish...lol. I haven't given up I will try again.

In the mean time, I decided to see what CG Matte Magic could do for me and WOW! Loved it! Covered all the flaws and dried quicker than I thought it would. It was my first time using the mattifying top coat and now its one of my fav's. Thank you for reading my ramblings, I think I've made up for time lost this week. Coming up next time China Glaze Classic Camel! Until then live, love and laugh your a** off!

2010-08-09T14:54:00.001-04:00

Sorry girls, having internet issues! Will be back posting soon!

China Glaze He's Going In Circles

2010-08-04T18:00:00.004-04:00

Good evening all! Today's NOTD is China Glaze He's Going in Circles from the Kaleidoscope Collection. By far one of my favorite Buhlings! It has a mint green to silver tone depending on the light, not to mention the tons of holo glitter. I applied a base coat, 3 coats and topped it off with Seche Vite. The polish speaks for itself. Lovin' it! Oh, please excuse my nappy cuticles, all the paperwork and filing is taking its toll, I'm going to have to use cuticle oil more often than I have been :/

NOTD

2010-08-03T19:12:00.003-04:00

In the morning sun....

Indoor lighting..........

This morning I was up extra early and decided to add to my nails. The base is CG 2NITE, the french line is OPI Dating a Royal, Stamped flowers using plate# M60 with Sally Hansen Xtreme Blue It, used Orly Dazzle for the dots and also used it to stamp smaller flowers on index and ring finger and dotted them with LDL #432. The silver flowers can barely be seen, next time I'll use white polish instead so they are more visible, you can catch a glimpse of the silver flower on the index fingernail. Sorry, my post is short and to the point. Enjoy your evening all!

Ok, so TMI lasted until 9pm last night......

2010-08-02T15:11:00.004-04:00

I was restless and found my polish to be boring, so I changed it to CG 2NITE, I've find myself gravitating to the blues and greens lately, or of course a good holo. Here I have both! Now I am thinking about what kind of art design I may add if I add any nail art at all.

Out in the morning sun.

Indoor lighting, even then you can see the flashes of orange.

Until next time...

China Glaze TMI

2010-08-01T11:25:00.003-04:00

Indoor lighting, sorry came out darker than I had anticipated.

Sunlight vibrancy!

Hello all! I've spent the morning giving myself a manicure and pedicure & today I chose to try out China Glaze TMI from the OMG collection. TMI's secret weapon is sunlight, which living in Florida isn't a prob (except for the stinkin' heat & humidity keeping you inside). It can pass as a demure shimmery mauve in indoor lighting, definitely office appropriate. I am trying to allow the polish speak for itself, but I don't know how long it will be before I get tired of it or "jazz" it up some more. All in all, its a thumbs up.

Outside in the sun, these pictures do not do this polish justice. It's one of those need to see for yourself polishes.

Remember that Christmas in July thing?

2010-07-31T18:13:00.007-04:00

Well, two days in a row, this past week I received a package at my doorstep. The look on my honey's face was priceless. He had that "I am not gonna even ask" look. So guess what? I didn't tell..ha! :) I went a little click happy at a couple of e-tailers but I am sooo glad I did! I received quite a haul, some new, not-so-new and some oldies but goodies.

CG Lubu Heels & CG He's Going In Circles

Orly Purple Pleather, Orly Blue Suede & Orly Iron Butterfly

Then we have CG Classic Camel, Ingrid, Riveter Rouge, Midnight Mission

Then rounding it out with TMI, BFF & 2NITE

I also received CG Matte Magic(not pictured). I can't wait to get started swatching, stamping and nail arting! Until then, happy polishing!

Good Morning!

2010-07-29T09:32:00.003-04:00

When I woke up this morning I have to admit I wasn't very motivated to do anything with my nails until I looked at them and realized my nails had the "office" appropriate nail polish. Now don't get me wrong it was pretty and very natural looking and well, for me...... boring. I immediately decided to add some color to my day and I was inspired by the scrub top I am wearing to work today. Again kinda unmotivated/lazy so I only did my index and ring fingers on both hands :p lol! I used Sinful Colors Innocent as a base, topped it with Northern Lights then used Chin Glaze IX and Sinful colors Summer Peach with Konad plate #M78 added a rhinestone and some white dots, topped with ole' faithful Seche Vite. I can't wait to get to work this afternoon, I know my residents will get a kick out of it ;) Good day to all!

2010-07-29T06:29:00.005-04:00

_ Good morning, ladies! Just testing out my mobile posting, looking forward to swatching and posting my new hauls! Ahh the beauty of etailers...it's been Christmas in July the past few days!

China Glaze OMG!

2010-07-22T09:56:00.003-04:00

Sky clouded over...

Sun shining brightly....

Evening all, quick post before I get ready for bed! I have finally received my China Glaze OMG polish! It is everything I'd hoped, to the point where I am now on a mission to get other colors in this collection! I gave myself a quick, well needed, manicure this morning and had decided to wear this polish with no nail art......yet! Sadly I had a filing mishap and had to clip all my nails down to nubs :( which in reality I needed to, not that they were super long and distracting, but I have an upcoming interview with a new home health company so I guess it was my way of subconsciously getting prepared. Hope you enjoy the swatch even though its really just a "new-to-me" excitement!

My First Marble Manicure!

2010-07-19T10:30:00.003-04:00

Today I decided I was going to try water marblizing. It didn't take too long and though it has the potential to be messy, it's fun to do. I like the way they turned out...each nail is one of a kind. I can't wait to get a hold of my niece and teach her how to do it, she will definately have a blast. Since I was blessed with 2 boys, and no girls, I get to spoil my niece with all the girly girl stuff.

Oops found 2 more swatches from my ROSS Haul..

2010-07-14T20:00:00.002-04:00

Ok here is an unknown red (tag was ripped off) by Borghese Nail Laquer. It has 2 coats minus the base and top coat. Yep I scored another hot red!

This is LDL Nail Colour #222. Well, hmm, not a favorite :( This color is beautiful in the bottle and the lighting in my picture does NOT help but as for application, this polish is extremely thin and watery, you can see the patches in my middle and ring finger and thats with 3 coats without base or top coat. The color was nothing like what the bottle portrayed either...it seemed to have a hunter green/grey sheen in it but applies as this funky browny/purply color. I am at a loss for words really. Oh well I won't give up on it...lol I'll try it again at a later date!

Go Glitter!

2010-07-14T15:42:00.005-04:00

Today we have Sally Hansen Rockstar Pink (2 coats with a basecoat) and yep you guessed it, with todays mood it wasn't enough...hehe sooooooooo

I broke out Sally Hansen Blue it with Konad plate M78 and topped it off with Seche Vite QD. Ahhh Glitter and Gaudiness.... much betta.... ;)

Don't you just hate it when....

2010-07-14T13:44:00.003-04:00

Your cuticles are ragged and your nail peels leaving your nail all funkified!

Ahhh, much better, ok I'm left with a nubbin but it's amazing what a little bit of cuticle remover and a file will do. ;)

Finally, swatches from my ROSS haul from a couple of weeks ago! All of the following are 2 coats of the polish without topcoat. Enjoy!

2010-07-14T13:08:00.006-04:00

Essie Berry Hard, great fall color, dark wine/brown. The only thing I found with these Essie polishes is they tend to be watery and the color runs in the skin and has a tendency to stain. I've used this line in the past and I don't remember it being this way. Oh well, just my opinion!

Essie Fishnet Stockings, much deeper red in person, love it! Definitely a "power" red.

LDL Nail Colour #220, shimmery purple with flashes of pink & silver.

LDL Nail Colour #432, think yellow-gold sunshine.

LDL Nail Colour #224, can we say cantaloupe?

LDL Nail Colour #201, a pretty, subdued lilac/taupe color.

LDL Nail Colour #229, a beige that can be used as a french base as well as alone. Simple and clean.

LDL Nail Colour #413, pretty flashes of pink/grey, also would be a good french base.

2010-07-09T19:18:00.004-04:00

I am officially hooked! Konadicure is the "bomb diggity"! (I can picture my sons rolling their eyes! God love'em, God help me!) Here is today's bought of creativity.....

Indoor lighting with flash.

I sponged China Glaze Spontaneous, Sally Hansen Blue Me Away, and Pure Ice Love over a clear base coat (I use Sally Hansen Hard As Nails), I then used Orly Point Blanche with plate M57. Top it all off with silver Northern Lights by Out the Door.

Indoor lighting with flash.

Outside with what was left of the sun.

For my toes I decided to add a little twist (of course, only I will know the difference, but hey it's the little things that make me happy) I decided to apply 2 coats of Claire's Mood color changing polish Awesome/Silly, then followed up with the sponging with the above mentioned colors, plate and top coat. Very COOL to see the color change from darker mauve pink to a really light cream pink, luv it!

2010-07-08T21:24:00.002-04:00

I've decided to post some swatches I've come across.

This one is Sinful Colors Mint Apple, it has pretty flecks of gold/beige in it. I took this picture with indoor light, sorry it was at night.

This swatch is the base I used for one of my Konadicures. Petites Tahitian Green. This too was taken in regular indoor light so its difficult to see that this polish has a shimmer to it. I will try to do better with the lighting to give you a different and hopefully a better view.

2010-07-08T11:10:00.003-04:00

Ok, its been a few days, what can I say real life has a way of intervening. Anyway, I have recently had the pleasure of being introduced to the Konadicure and I have been loving it! Don't get me wrong i enjoy free hand nailart but when your short on time and/or ideas, pick a plate and your good to go. Possibilities are endless. Here is my very first attempt followed by a few others.....

I used NYC Times Square Tangerine Creme as a base with an overlay of Sinful All About You and China Glaze IX with plate M57.

For the 4th of July, I used Wet n Wild Break the Ice as a base, Sally Hansen Extreme Blue It, Pure Ice Siren and Konad White with plate M57 then I added clear rhinestones to my flowers.

Today I am sporting a matching set! I uses Petites Tahitian Green and I used Orly Dazzle with plate M65. Of course I top everything with Seche Vite Top Coat, I have been forever spoiled by the shine and quick drying time.

2010-07-01T18:07:00.005-04:00

My end of the day manicure. I used Orly Star Spangled over Pure Ice Siren as a base, Pure Ice Strapless over OPI Dating A Royal as the the side french and topped it off with Orly Dazzled stripping and dots. I used 1 coat of each polish and am satisfied that the polish is not too thick and the colors don't disappoint!

Even though I am staying true to the upcoming holiday I did come across some great buys this afternoon at ROSS. I spent $11.oo and included in my bag of goodies is a 3 pack of Essie,2 colors & a ridgefiller, 1 Borghese and a 9 pack of LDL polish, 7 colors, a base coat & a top coat. The color ranges are amazing ranging from nudes, naturals, reds, bright yellow, purple to frosted black! I promise to show them up close and personal soon but for now here is a quick shot!

2010-07-01T08:46:00.008-04:00

Good morning! Since it is red, white and blue week, I am continuing with my blue streak. Today I am trying out 1 coat of Sally Hansen Extreme Blu me away and 2 coats of Sally Hansen HD colors in DVD. Loving it! (the picture doesn't do this color any justice, there are flashes of purple depending on the light and movement) Try it you'll like it!

Greetings!

2010-06-30T20:25:00.001-04:00

Ok! It's official! This is my first blog! Hello there, I'm Nailgirl and I am new to the world of blogging. I am sure there is plenty to learn and I am looking forward to all of it! I have loved the world of nails and nail polish since I was 6. I have been a licensed manicurist for 15 years and even though I am now a nurse and love what I do, nails are my first true love. I've always been my best customer ;) There's nothing better than a fresh manicure to make you feel like your on top of the world (OK maybe not, but pretty darn close on some days!) I am sure my fellow nailees would agree. I am looking forward to posting pictures of my "creative" moments and sharing with you the colors that are near and dear! In fact, I've started off with an early observance of Independence Day! Hope you enjoy!