Good old Red, White and Blue

Look at what I bought myself :) Not quite a Helmer but getting there...!

Only £30 from Staples and is perfect polish sized! Lots of room to grow with this now too, whcih is awesome!

Tried some nautical coloured type nails for the first time, wasnt pleased with them but thought I would share in case there are any suggestions on how to improve them....

I used;
OPI Nail Envy as base
Essie Blanc
Essie Leading Lady
Nails Inc Serpentine Road
Top coat of Seche Vite

Also used striping tape - which I cannot seem to get the hang of like other bloggers have, practise required! My dotting tool, and some red gems.

I didn't much like it so wasn't too gutted when during dish-washing it all smudged due to the heat!

What do you think?

I love Leopard Print

Gosh, I am so sorry I haven't posted for a while - work has gone manic and I just want some time to sit down and calmly paint my nails! Easter weekend is upon us so this weekend I intend to invest some time, especially as I still haven't tried out my HEX nail charms!!!

Aaaanyway, I LOVE leopard print nails, so simple yet look amazing every time!

I've tried a number of variations: plain tradtional colours, rainbow, monochrome, neon, metallic, themed and I like them all!

Which is your favourite from these two?!


Traditional colours:

I used Essie basecoat, Nails Inc and then Models Own black, white and gold nail art pens. Seche Vite topcoat.

Rainbow:

I used Esie basecoat, then for the thumb and ring fingers the base was the pink skull polish I first showed in the JimJam post here, and then Wet n Wild On a Trip sponged over the tips. For the pointer and pinky I used Barry M Yellow for the base and then sponged over Island Girl Aloha Magic for the tips. For the middle finger I used Nails Inc Holland Park (purple) and Warwick Way (green).
Used Models Own nail art pens in White and Black for the pattern.
All topped off with Seche Vite.

Roses are red....

I so enjoyed the pale green and peach nails I did on my friend the other day, I wanted to try more traditional colours on myself...so, red and green!

I used OPI Nail Envy as a base, then:
Thumb and Ring: Essie Blanc
Pointer and Pinkie: Essie Leading Lady
Middle: China Glaze Exotic Encounters

Rose detail was Essie Leading Lady and Nails Inc Tate and Swiss Cottage, all done using the tiniest paintbrush imaginable!

All topped with Seche Vite.

Close up of the roses - still needs some practise, but I love!

YMCA - Volunteer nail painting take 2

Yesterday I had my second slot doing voluntary manicures at the local YMCA hostel for young people. We had 6 happy customers again, see below for pics!

Essie All in One base
Models Own Grey Day - 2 coats
Thumb nails art done using Models Own nail art pens in black and pink
Seche Vite topcoat

Essie All in One base
NYC in Lexington Yellow - 3 coats
Faces done using Models Own nail art pens in black and pink
Seche Vite topcoat

Essie All in One basecoat
Models Own Red Alert - one coat
Barry M Red Glitter - one coat
Models Own nail art pen in black for heart shape
Seche Vite topcoat

Essie All in One basecoat
Nails Inc Basil Street - 2 coats
Black Poppy nail colour - doesn't have a name
Models Own nail art pen in black
Seche Vite topcoat

Back again mid-April!

Weekend Nail Art

Was a busy weekend this one! Did my nails twice and two of my friends, and discovered the wonder that is the nail art community on Instagram - amazing! Definatley check it out on there, some fab Instagrammers on there!

So, here is my first set: Vintage

These were for a Instagram giveaway contest - love it, some of the users set themes, some just want you to repost pics, but it's all so fun and such a friendly way of doing things!

I used Essie All in One basecoat, then...
Thumb: Models Own Lilac Dream coated with Max Factor Sunny Pink, and the Models Own nail art pen in white with pearl studs
Pointer: Rimmel Portobello Pink and the Models Own nail art pen in white as well as a dash of Models Own Lilac Dream
Middle: Models Own in Lilac Dream then the white nail art pen for the bow, outlined with Rimmel Portobello Pink
Ring: Essie Blanc with roses painted using Rimmel Portobello Pink and Collection 2000 Raspberry Ripple and leaves were Model Own Lilac Dream
Pinkie: Base of Rimmel Portobello Pink then topped with OPI Sephora It's Bouquet with Me and dots of Essie Blanc

All topped with Seche Vite.

Second set: Retro Leopard

Looking back at this perhaps it's a little odd that I did my own name in a heart banner....but I hasten to add that my husbands initial is on my other hand! Should have thought that through though!

I used OPI Nail Envy as a base, then for all but my ring finger I used Nails Inc Portchester Square as base, then for the ring finger Models Own Red Alert and Barry M Red Glitter (all topped off with Seche Vite).

I did the different designs using a combination of the Models Own nail art pens in white and black and the heart in Models Own Red Alert again.

Sarah:

I got my friend Sarah over as she has the best nails I know (hell of a compliment!) and I wanted to try water marbling so wanted a good canvas! Needless to say that went terribly - more practise needed (!) so instead we did something super pretty!

I used Essie Blanc as base colour, then for the pink roses both Rimmel Raspberry Ripple and Rimmel Portobello Pink and Models Own Lilac Dream for the leaves.
For the lilac roses I used Wet n Wild On a trip and Models Own Lilac Dream, then Rimmel Raspberry Ripple for the leaves.

All topped off wth Seche Vite but of course!

JimJam:

I used Essie All in One base and then:
Thumb: Models Own Fuzzy Peach as base colour, then the Models Own nail art brush in white for the stripes, and Models Own Jade Stone and China Glaze Exotic Encounter for the leaves.
Pointer: Models Own Jade Stone, then Models Own Fuzzy Peach and Essie Blanc for the rose detail, Models Own Jade Stone and China Glaze Exotic Encounter for the leaves.
Middle: Essie Blanc as base colour, then Models Own Fuzzy Peach and Essie Blanc for the rose detail, Models Own Jade Stone and China Glaze Exotic Encounter for the leaves.
Ring: Models Own Fuzzy Peach as base and spots are Essie Blanc
Pinkie: Same as Pointer

Hope you like my weekend of nail fun! Off tonight to do the YMCA ladies nails again!

Red Nose Day Nails!

Today is the 25th Red Nose Day in the UK! Millions of pounds will be raised, and I will be taking my neice and nephew to their school disco, so needed nails to fit!

I used OPI Nail Envy for base:
Thumb: 17 Concrete effect in Red, Models Own nail art pens in White and Black and a dot of Seche Vite on the eyes and mouth.
Pointer: Barry M Red Glitter, Models Own nail art pens in White and Black and Seche Vite to top.
Middle: Models Own Red Alert, Models Own nail art pens in White and Silver, a couple of nail art gems and Seche Vite.
Ring: Base colour of Models Own Red Alert and then red flocking powder on top.
Pinkie: Essie Leading Lady, Models Own nail art pens in White and Black and Seche Vite.

If you want to see some amazing RND nails check out The Nailasaurus - as usual she has smashed it!

Tribal Thursday

I love tribal themed nails, I think they look awesome - tried a couple of designs now and I have to admit I do find it easier doing them on others simply so both hands are identical!

I saw this on Instagram by NailedIt - completely didnt see that there was a brilliant tutorial so just did my own interpretation, however am thinking that I want to try the proper way now!!!

So here is my version, looks so completely shoddy when in direct comparison with Nailed It's!

I used OPI Nail Envy as a base, then coated the whole nail in one coat of 17 Holo. I then used a small paintbrush to splodge on a bit of Models Own HedKandi Beach Party - by far my favourite orange polish. I then (without using tape as that didn't even occur to my simple mind) did chevron shapes in the pink - Island Girl Aloha Sunset. I used the Models Own nail art pen in Black for the designs and then had a far old bit of clean up to do before topping with Seche Vite.

I like the look of this, but will definatley try it as per the tutorial next time!



Nail Wheels 4 & 5

So, two wheels for you today Spring/Summer themed nail art and then naturally; Autumn/Winter!

Spring and Summer:

Clockwise from the top we have roses on a yellow base, ladybird, spring showers, daffodils, butterfly wing, bumblebee, tropical fruit fimo, daisies, beach, tropical flowers fimo, sunshine, pink pattern and bow, mini bikinis, easter egg, easter bunny, easter chick, yellow flowers and single pink flower.

Autumn and Winter:

 So, clockwise from the top we have icicles, snowflake, autumn tree, festive candy cane stripes, robin, hat and scarf, christmas pud, midnight, winter tree, falling leaves, pumpkin, bonfire, wheat/harvest, fireworks, owl, autumn stripes, turkey and christmas lights.

As always if you want to know the colours used just let me know!

There are a few designs that I think need a re-do, so I will see if I can at some point. Anyone seen any great nail art examples of fireworks?! I tried that one about 4 times and sort of gave up... :( Always up for a challenge though!



Fun time Friday - Nail art session with friends!

For a nice relaxing Friday you need:
- Friends
- Snacks
- Wine and/or Malibu
- Pretty Woman DVD
- Nail Polish and nothing to do but sit, do nail designs and chat!

Here's what fun we had.....

JimJam:
I used Models Own Black Magic for the base on the pointer and ring fingers, then the thumb was Island Girl, middle was NYC Lexington Yellow and the pinkie is Nails Inc Notting Hill Gate with L'Oreal Confetti over the top. I used the Models Own nail art pen in White to draw the hearts, then the other colours for the design and dots. Topped off with Seche Vite.

Sarah:
Purple mix and match! I used 17 Holographic for the base of the thumb and ring finger, Wet n Wild On a trip for the base of the pointer, and unnamed S&C polish for the base of the middle and pinkie, with the pinkie also coated with one coat of Max Factor in Fantasy Fire and a single stud.
I used Wet n Wild and S&C for the stripes on the thumb, as well as the Models Own nail art pen in Black. For the pointer I used the Models Own nail art pens in both Black and Silver for the leopard pattern.
The middle finger was created using loose glitter powder by GOSH - never tried it before and LOVE the effect, am thinking I need to try using a nude base.
The ring finger was dots using a dotting tool of the S&C polish, Wet n Wild and Essie Blanc.
All topped off with Seche Vite - LOVE!

Myself:
I had been looking at Ombre nail art designs all day so fancied a go - and also to try out the flocking powder I got a couple of weeks ago.
I used: China Glaze Man Hunt, Essie Butler Please, Island Girl, Models Own BlooBoo, Essie Blanc and the pale blue powder.
All topped off with Seche Vite apart from the powdered middle finger.

I was really impressed with the powder, I thought it was a really fun effect for one days wear. The next day most had rubbed off, so I will try again and press it into the wet polish more, but still - for such a different effect one day is ok. I also like the ombre idea, pink next!

Work friendly nail art!

I have my work conference this week so wanted something funky but not too in your face, especially in terms of colour.

I got some inspiration from googling floral nail art so settled on floral and stud mix and match.

I used:

L-R: Models Own Grey Day, Essie Butler Please, Nails Inc Blenheim Terrace, Essie Blanc, L'Oreal in Confetti, nail glue, Models Own nail art pen in Black, dotting tool and silver studs.

As always OPI Nail Envy for base and Seche Vite for top coat.

I went for studs on the ring and pointer, then blue flowers on a white background for the thumb and middle - simple glitter on the pinkie due to its ridiculous size! I hope you like!

Blue Wednesday

Today I had a meeting at my work's HQ in London, so I tried to tone down the nails but still have a bit of sparkle!

I used OPI Nail Envy as base coat, then on all but the ring funger I used two coats of Seventeen Rock Hard Nail Effect polish in Blue. For the ring finger I used two coats of Nails Ince Shepherd Street and a stud, but of course!

Seche Vite on the ring finger.

Hope you like!



Warwick Way

This is one of my top nail polishes - Nails Inc, Warwick Way. I just love it, the right mix of green and blue for both summer and winter, bright but not unprofessional looking for work, so suitable for almost every occasion!

So, advert over - here's what I did for a simple studded manicure using Warwick Way:

I used OPI Nail Envy as base, then two coats of Warwick Way followed by Seche Vite - gently placed the studs on using a cuticle stick, pushed them into place and gave it another coat of Seche.

I love this polish but try as I might I couldn't show the true colour - always came out too blue in my pics. Here is the polish from Nails Incs website which gives you a better idea of the teal shade:

In my mind that is completely different! Oh well, time to design a light box and get professional about this!

My only slight critisism of Warwaick Way is that it seems to be one of the worst polishes for staining around your nails - even three goes with pure acetone couldnt remove the green tinge :( still, won't stop me enjoying wearing it!

Big Ruby nail tattoo manicure

SO excited when these arrived yesterday:

Nail tattoos from Big Ruby, which I have wanted since I saw The Nailasaurus's manicure using them here, and even more studs!!! I knew I would love using studs so quickly bought more so they wouldn't be on ration!

I decided on a bright manicure for Saturday as I was off to see Girls Aloud 'Ten' tour at the O2, it seemed fitting to go bright pink!

I used OPI Nail Envy as usual, then for the pink I used Nails Inc Notting Hill Gate, which I think it probably my fave Nails Inc shade....
For the thumb I used 17 Holo in Silver, and for the glitter on the middle finger I used Nails Inc Abbey Road.
I used studs on the pinky and pointer and the amazing nail tattoos on the ring finger (moustache on one and sunglasses on the other!).

All topped off with Seche Vite.

I love the look, what do you think?

First studded manicure!

I was so excited to recieve all of this in the post this week; flocking powder and different studs!!! So exciting!!!

Having been admiring the studded manicures on The Nailasaurus's blog and wanting to try it out myself for ages now I was always going to try that first!

My first attempt:

Basecoat - OPI Nail Envy, for the thumb I used Nails Inc Tate, for the middle and pinkie I used Essie Leading Lady and the pointer and ring finger Essence Make it Golden. I went with the gold square studs, stuck on with nail glue and covered with a top coat of Seche Vite.
Overall I really like the look of studded nails, and it wasn't too tricky to place them - using a cuticle stick and a small dab of glue.

My second attempt I only have a rubbishy Instagram pic of as it didn't stay on longer than an evening, as it wasn't perfect enough! I also need to find a way to get the black ribbon shapes I have to stick better, they just didn't feel 100% secure with just nail glue.

For this I used my OPI Nail Envy as a base, then thumb and middle finger is one coat of black polish (Models Own Black Magic) and one coat of Rimmel Scandalous. Pointer is two coats of Models Own Black Magic, and the ring finger is two coats of Nail Inc Leather effect.

For the pinkie I used OPI Suzi and the 7 Dusseldorfs.

Studs applied with nail glue and topped off with Seche Vite.

I will definatley be trying more of the studded manicures, I love them - especially for a night out. Hope you like!