Friday, November 20, 2015

6:00 AM

40 Great Nail Art Ideas - Grey + Color


       Its time once again for another look from the 40 Great Nail Art Ideas Challenge. If you're new around here or just not sure what this challenge is here's a quick recap...This challenge is set up a bit differently than most. For starters there is the option to do weekly manicures with one week dedicated to themes, and one to colors. Or you can do every other week and stick with themes only or colors only. For the color portion of the challenge each person is also assigned a pattern. The end result is 40 different looks all done in the same colors. If you saw my Teal or Orange, Purple and Green manicures you already know that I picked the every other week color option of the challenge. 

     This week my pattern was a tape manicure which made me giggle a bit because I already used tape for the stripes in my orange, purple and green manicure. This time I rotated my tape 45 degrees and created this look. 

Nail-art-using-striping-tape-grey-nail-polish

      I think this turned out pretty darn cool but Id love to hear what you think. I used Sinful Colors Midnight Blue as my base and 6 different China Glaze Grey polishes for the stripes.  From lightest to darkest they are:
 -Five Rules
 -Pelican Grey
 -Intelligence, Integrity & Courage
 -Elephant Walk
 -Cosmic Dust
 -Kiss my Glass


     I did find out the hard way that I needed to remove my tape as I went along. Otherwise the lightest grey dried too much and pulled off with the tape. And to avoid getting too much polish between the tape use a small nail art brush instead of a dotting too. My first attempt at this look was not a pretty picture!


      It's a good thing I've been working on my patience when it comes to nail art. I was almost in tears at this point because it took me forever to get my tape placed perfectly. You'll notice in my previous tape manicures I'm a little anal about the placement. 

     I am so glad that I didn't get frustrated and give up because for me nail art is about learning, growing and improving. And in the end I came up with the manicure I had pictured in my head. Which as a lot of us know doesn't always happen. 


      Id like to hear about things you learned from a failed manicure attempt and what you think about my finished look. I promise to try and think a little more out of the box for the remainder of the challenge and stay away from stripes for awhile. Also be sure to checkout the other looks created for today. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Polishing!


Tuesday, November 17, 2015

10:17 AM

Girly Bits - Holiday Magic ( Press Release)


     There are lots of new things in the works over at Girly Bits Cosmetics and I've got all the information right here. 

Hold on to your seats! This newsletter is full of lots of great announcements!

Psst! There are some very exciting new products coming,  
so make sure you read all the way to the bottom. 
I know, it’s WAY down there, but I promise you don’t want to miss out!! 

First up, I am excited to have collaborated with Megan Edwards to bring you a stunning collection of sparkly goodness for the holiday. Megan is a spokesperson for Girly Bits as well as a model and entertainment personality, and is immersed in the fashion and entertainment scene in Vancouver, Canada. You have seen her gorgeous face on the front of our fold-overs and various promo images. She is currently with Virgin Radio, as well as a panelist on CTV news: Fame Factor.

Megan and I worked together to create this fabulous collection of 9 classic holiday colours with Girly Bits flair and we hope that we have created collection that will offer something for everyone’s taste. 
Sandy Claws

Sandy Claws is a light nude linear holo accented with pink and purple shimmer. It will fit in well at the office or be your perfect accessory at the office Christmas party!

$13 CAD
Love Your Elf

Love Your Elf is a delicate pink with lavender undertones, and silver shimmer and flakes. It’s so soft and pretty for the winter season and reminds me of cozy hats and gloves, and wintry lounge wear.

$13 CAD
Don't Tangle Your Tinsel

Don't Tangle Your Tinsel s multi sized holographic silver glitter that offers full coverage in two easy coats. The perfect bling for New Years Eve!

$13 CAD
Blazing Yule Before Us

Blazing Yule Before Us is an interesting combination of gold shimmer and gold flakes. It has a semi-metallic quality without being super reflective. It's more like antique gold and reminds me of glowing embers of a cozy fire. I think it would be the perfect accent to any of the other polishes is the Holiday Magic collection.

$13 CAD
Little Red Toque

The twinkle and sparkle in Little Red Toque is truly amazing! This vibrant red base is a jelly, but it has amazing coverage and needs only two easy coats. It’s loaded with gold holographic twinkle, and must be seen in person.

$13 CAD
Jiminy Christmas

Jiminy Christmas is another classic holiday colour with the added punch of holo sparkle! I started with an evergreen jelly base, loaded it with holographic green glitter. It twinkles like your Christmas Tree!

$13 CAD
No Peeking 'Til 7AM

No Peeking ‘Til 7AM is a vampy, sexy, burgundy wine crelly that applies like a creme. Doubles as a stamping polish.

$13 CAD
Blue Christmas

Blue Christmas is a deep dark navy, and is so chic! This crème is nearly a one coater and doubles as a stamping polish.

$13 CAD
Coal Dancer

Coal Dancer has multiple sizes of black and silver holo glitter, accented with sapphire blue holo glitter, in a semi sheer black jelly base. Buildable in 2-3 coats for full coverage. Incredibly sparkly! A perfect polish to round out the year with.

$13 CAD
The Holiday Magic collection launches Sunday, November 22, 2015 at 12noon EST.

PURCHASE THE ENTIRE COLLECTION AND SAVE!

REGULAR PRICE $117

LIMITED TIME SALE PRICE $108


...AND the entire collection ships FREE within North America!!

We know how you overseas ladies hate missing out, and how high shipping can be {shakes fist at Canada Post!!}
SO……
I am also very happy to introduce FREE SHIPPING on Overseas orders over $200!!! 
YAY! You came all the way down here to see the new products! 
Introducing…..

The first Girly Bits Cosmetics stamping plate...WHHAATTT!?!?
I had so much fun creating this plate full of designs that are inspired by images I am drawn to, and even one that is a replica of my very first tattoo! Some of you may know that my oldest daughter is an aspiring singer {insert shameless mom plug for Jen Knight} so I have a tattoo of music notes that form a star image.

There are also images that are specifically designed for reverse stamping and decals, as well as the obligatory Girly Bits logo because, hey why not? Your first custom stamping plate only happens once right?

I also have a few other coordinating products coming but the details aren’t finalized yet, so I will be in touch later this week with an update on that.
WHEEEE!!! 
GBC Plate 1-01 features custom designs in a variety of sizes to suit many different sized nails.  The designs are 17 x 21mm, expertly engraved on a 9.5cm by 14.5cm plate and are built to cover edge-to-edge on even the largest natural nails. I also included some smaller single coordinating images for tinier nails, simpler looks, or perhaps a little someone wants a little design to match mommy’s manicure!

GBC Plate 1-01 will be available for $24 CAD on Nov 22nd at 12noon EST along with the Holiday Magic collection.
Happy Shopping!
Pam
Founder/Creator
www.girlybitscosmetics.com
Girly Bits Cosmetics is a Canadian company that has been handcrafting quality nail polish since 2011 in a dazzling array of colours and finishes. As a brand dedicated to providing cruelty free, on-trend and unique products, Girly Bits Cosmetics is well known for outstanding customer service, charitable donations and custom nail polishes dedicated to lost loved ones. Available at 6 on-line retailers around the globe, and a growing number of brick and mortar stores, you can be sure to easily find the season’s hottest new shades, as well as timeless customer favourites.

For more information visit us at www.girlybitscosmetics.com or contact us directly at info@girlybitspolish.com.

Girly Bits Cosmetics can be found on a variety of social media outlets. Be sure to Follow Us!

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Monday, November 16, 2015

6:00 AM

Daily Lacquer - Narwahl


    A while back I won a giveaway and because I suffer from mom brain so badly I cant remember who's giveaway it was. But the prize was 2 polishes form Daily Lacquer. Oh and if you're wondering what mom brain is don't worry you definitely don't have it. Now where was I, oh yes , the Daily Lacquer Polish... Today I'm sharing my thoughts on Narwahl. An icy blue  lightly scattered holographic polish.

Narwahl-from-Daily-Lacquer-an-icy-blue-scattered-holographic-nail-polish

     This beauty is surprisingly opaque on the first coat with buttery smooth application. Shown here is 2 coats plus top coat. On it's own Narwahl dries to a matte finish. I liked it better glossy because it brought out more of the holo. Although its hard to see in this photo... but then next one is just out of focus enough to get a glimpse of it. 


     Like a lot of blue polishes this one is a stainer. Even with a base coat my nails were left with a blue tint and I only wore it for about half an hour. So double up on that base coat is you want to wear this beauty for any length of time. 


     This polish is actually a lot prettier in real life, and I feel bad that I wasn't able to capture all of its glory in my pictures. I really need to get my light box back situation fixed and soon! I'll have to add it to my forever growing list of things to do if I ever remember where I put it. I swear I used to be more organized and less scatter brained before I had to remember 4 peoples schedules, what time the kids favorite shows were on and what channels, who wont eat what this week, and which kid still needs a bath. I know all you fellow mothers out there can relate. 

     So that's all I have for you today, I'm off to help with 4th grade math, 6th grade science and 1st grade reading. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Polishing!

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

6:00 AM

Sinful Colors - Midnight Blue


     We are half way through the week and I am completely exhausted! I don't know if the time change finally caught up with me or what but I can't seem to be stuck in a semi-conscious state these days. So please forgive me but this post is going to be short and sweet but picture heavy. We all just like looking at the pictures anyway right? Well sit back and prepare to be awed by Sinful Colors Midnight Blue from the 2011(holiday) Wish Collection. 

Sinful-colors-wish-collection-midnight-blue

    Midnight Blue is a bright blue metallic polish and while it is gorgeous it will stain so make sure to use a VERY good base coat. I actually ended up using 2 and had no issues. 1 was a ridge filler and the other was a basic base coat I added as a precaution. 


     Application was smooth and easy while being extremely opaque on the first coat. Shown here is 2 coats plus top coat.


   I have never loved a blue nail polish so much. Just look at it! And of course because it was so opaque I had to test it for stamping. 


    I used Cult Nails Disciplined as my base (still heartbroken over their closing) and Kaleidoscope plate 05 from MoYou London. My hunch was right, this beauty stamped like a dream.



     If you're still looking for that perfect rich blue polish than this one is it. I still see it on the shelf when I go to Walgreens, its got a fantastic formula, the price couldn't be any better and it stamps! What more could you ask for from a nail polish? Although I guess self application and removal would be pretty awesome. Id love to hear your thoughts on Midnight Blue or another Sinful Colors polish you absolutely love. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Polishing!

Monday, November 9, 2015

6:00 AM

Quick and Simple Dotticure


     It's Monday again, how the heck did that happen! I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. Mine was filled with pictures from my hunting friends with their latest hunting victories. While I'm happy for them I've seen enough deer to last a life time. So to take my mind off of it I did a lot of swatching and nail art. Today I've got a quick post showing a very simple dotticure featuring 2 new to me indies. And coincidentally both polishes that I received in swap packages. 


     For this look I wanted to go with colors that were on the darker side and created a dramatic effect when paired together. And guessing by the number of compliments I got I think I nailed it.

     I started with a base of '84 Charring Cross Road from Literary Lacquers. a sepia taupe subtle scattered holographic polish with silver glass flack.  This is one beautiful polish and I'm so glad it was the first one I got to try from Literary Lacquers. 

    

    My accent nail is Ninja Polish Divinity, a gorgeous red to gold shifting polish that looks like a duo chrome but is really a shimmer. 

    A single line of dots in '84 Charring Cross Road adds the finishing touch and ties both color together. Simple, easy but effective, don't ya think? 

     Well that's all I've got for you today. I know this was a quick post but honestly the pictures speak for themselves. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Polishing!



Friday, November 6, 2015

6:00 AM

40 Great Nail Art Ideas - Black and White


          Its time once again for another look from the 40 Great Nail Art Looks Challenge. For those of you who don't know, This challenge is set up a bit differently than most. For starters, there is the option to do weekly manicures with one week dedicated to themes, and one to colors. Or you can do every other week and stick with themes only or colors only. For the color portion of the challenge, each person is also assigned a pattern. The end result is 40 different looks all done in the same colors. If you saw my Teal or Orange, Purple and Green manicures you already know that I picked the every other week color option of the challenge.

    This week the colors given to us were black and white and my pattern is swirls. I took a liberal or should I say creative approach with my pattern with a look originally done by Chalkboard Nails. (if you click on the link it will take you to the video tutorial.)



     And here is my finished look. I went for swirling smoke and sort of love how it turned out. Especially my pointer finger! Which of course is the last finger I did. Why is it that the last one always turns out the best? Do I really learn that much in 4 fingers about what not to or what to do?  Maybe that's one of the great nail art mysteries that I will never find the answer to.


    So to create this manicure I started out with 1 coat of Finger Paints Black Expressionism. Yes, you read that right 1 coat. This is seriously my favorite black nail polish! After that was dry I added a layer of top coat and waited about 15 minutes for it to dry before adding another generous layer of top coat.  This is a very important step because you need to protect your base color from the acetone when making the "smoke".

     After I was 100% sure my top coat was completely dry I added a little swoosh of white polish with my white striper and dabbed a flat brush dipped in acetone over it to get the effect. Doing one nail at a time until I was happy with the way it looked. 


     This is actually a really easy technique and I can see myself trying it out with a lot of color combinations.  I wonder how well it would work with a glitter polish? I might have to try that for the holidays. 

    Do you think I went too far outside the box for this to be considered swirls or do you like my creative take on the pattern? Let me know in the comments and be sure to check out the other looks created for today's challenge. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Polishing!

Thursday, November 5, 2015

6:00 AM

MoYou London - The Festive Collection Part 3 (Press Release)


     This Friday MoYou London is releasing 9 new plates in their Festive Collection. I don't know about you but I wasn't quite ready to get into the Christmas Spirit , especially since it's been uncharacteristically warm here for the last few days.  70 degrees in November in unheard of in Minnesota! Seeing these plates has jump started my holiday manicure planning and gotten me a little bit closer to feeling that holiday cheer. There are only 6 more Fridays until Christmas after all.

     These plates will help you create a prefect manicure for those Ugly Christmas sweater parties that have become so popular over the years. But the manicure ideas don't stop there. Plate 30 has the option to capture the joy of Santa delivering presents to all the good little girls and boys. I've never done a scene manicure before but this is tempting me. 

Xmas is the most magical time of the year,
candy canes, warm sweaters, hot chocolate, family dinners and presents!
We wanted to share that feeling in the shape of nine new Festive Plates full of pretty designs to make your nails as magical as this season.


Check out our latest Xmas Jumper manicure tutorial!


Need a boost of nailspiration?
CHECK OUT OUR
↝ BLOG  ↜
for a dose of tips,tricks and trends!

Heavy black heart Lots of love! Heavy black heart
The MoYou London Team

   MoYou plates can be purchased in their shop. As mentioned above these plates will be available Friday November 6th.   Plates are £4.99 each or about $8 US. Thanks for stopping by and Happy Polishing!

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