Thursday 31 May 2012

Deborah Lippmann Footloose Duo Part 1

Hello and Happy Thursday! I managed to swatch 13 of my 30 untrieds today, and break my toe! Haha productive! I'm swatching all my untrieds so I can schedule posts whilst I have no internet while we move, because I love you guys!

You know my friend Caitlin? Well, if you don't,  she's awesome, go check out her blog. HSN (Home Shopping Network) had a clearance on some Deborah Lippmann duos and they don't ship to Australia, so she offered to buy me some (I gave her money of course!) and ship them over. 2 Lippmanns for $9.95 plus shipping? YES PLEASE! Considering the polishes are $16 each, and I got 2 for less than $10, best bargain EVER!

I got one of the Footloose duos, containing Footloose, and the polish I'm showing you today, Almost Paradise.


Almost Paradise is a beautiful pistachio creme polish. It's light, bright but not neon, and leans towards a pastel, but isn't. SO COMPLEX. It's gorgeous, really. But, I am a sucker for greens, we all know that. I loved this in the bottle, and then I put it on my nails and it took the love to a whole new level.


As with the other Lippmanns I have (3 now!), the formula was perfection. I was expecting this to be streaky, and it was after the first coat, but I'm wearing two coats here and it's perfection. Dried quickly, shiny without top coat, and it applied like butter.


The one thing I don't like about this polish, is that it makes my skin look tanner than I am! I'm really quite pale, and have what I call a 'moon tan', so this makes me look I actually have some colour to me!

I'll post the other part of the duo, Footloose, tomorrow so keep peeled!

Until Next Time,

<3 Bec

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Orly Dazzle

Hello again! Quick-ish post tonight, got so much going on I'm actually putting off bed to do this! I just started a second course, getting to the crunch end of the semester in nail school, just got approved for a new house and have to move in two weeks, AND I have the flu.

So I needed a pick-me-up colour on Sunday night. I grabbed one of my untrieds, Orly Dazzle. I've used this HEAPS for nail art, but never actually worn it on its own. How I waited this long I do not know.


How sweet is that? It's a metallic, foily, chromey silver with added micro glitter for extra shimmer. I am so in love with this. Honestly, I cannot stop staring! It almost glows in the shade;


See?! This is the perfect silver! It's opaque in 2 coats, dries quickly and is just amazing.



Best thing is, I bought this off a blog sale. For a dollar. A FREAKING DOLLAR! Bargain or what? But I know I'll need a back up bottle pretty soon!

I think this might be good underwear for my silver holos too!

Now, a matching gold.... Any ideas?






Until Next Time

<3 Bec

Sunday 27 May 2012

PCF Summer Challenge Day 5

Hello again! Today I'm a bit behind on the challenge, but it's ok, because I can be :P I'm using an older picture today, because I've had no time to do my nails, they're naked atm!

Todays challenge is our favourite summer colour. There is one colour that always reminds me of summer, and it was one of my first China Glazes. Towel Boy Toy, from the Poolside collection.


Ugh. LOVE. Neon blue matte with gorgeous purpley shimmer. (and a french mani with OPI silver shatter!) This colour is just so happy and summery, it's perfect!


Don't forget to check out my challenge buddies!


Debbie @ The Crumpet - http://thecrumpet.blogspot.co.uk/

Danielle - http://lbobeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

Neivys - http://maquiclubgirl.blogspot.com/

Jo @ Northern Nails - http://therockchicksrambles.blogspot.co.uk/

arlene @ http://euzefelus27-nailart.blogspot.com/

Helena - http://nailwish.blogspot.com.es/

Cuti-CLUE-les - http://cuti-clue-les.blogspot.com/

Katee - www.agirlandherpolish.blogspot.com

Alyssa at Fancy Phalanges - http://fancyphalanges.blogspot.com/

Sarah - http://www.ynails.blogspot.co.uk/

bec - http://lacquerdreams.blogspot.com.au/

Misha - www.enigmatic-rambles.blogspot.com

Sharon - http://whatcolorismycoat.blogspot.com/

Melissa - http://www.misadventuresofawannabemartha.com/

Laurie http://dressedupdigits.blogspot.com/

Lucie @ Lucy's Stash www.lucysstash.com

Emma @  http://manicurity.blogspot.com/

Caitlin - www.caitlinscreativecorner.blogspot.com

Jane- http://absolutevarnish.blogspot.com/

Amber www.nevernakednails.blogspot.com

Vic @ Glowstars http://glowstars.net

Jackie- http://memasmanis-jackie.blogspot.com/
Rychelle @ Colorsplash Nails- http://colorsplashnails.blogspot.com/

Stella - http://mywetnails.blogspot.com
Missy @ http://missysmanis.blogspot.co.uk/

Kim @ http://apolishedaddiction.blogspot.com/

Christine @ http://lost-in-my-reverie.blogspot.com

Angie @ http://ourpaintedworld.wordpress.com

Bazzia @  http://polishmymind.blogspot.se/

Missy the Manicured Maniac @ http://melissahenderson95.blogspot.com/


Until Next Time,

<3 Bec!

Friday 25 May 2012

PCF Challenge Day 4 - Orange Freehand!

Hello again! Still sick, still cold and rainy. But, I'm soldiering on! Todays Purple Crumpet Fairy Challenge is Orange Freehand. I obviously didn't do day 2 or 3, but day 4 is here!

I got a buttload of nail art supplies in the mail in the last 2 days- 12 rolls of striping tape, 12 acrylic glitter powders and...... OVER 6000 rhinestones! Ugh, so many! I'm in love! I decided to try out a striping tape mani, because I've only ever used it on false nails.


I used my all time favourite orange, OPI In My Back Pocket and Mode Cosmetics PartyCrasher. I LOVE orange and purple together, always have! But, before I applied the purple, I matted the orange with Essie Matte About You. WHY HAVE I NEVER MATTED THIS COLOUR BEFORE?! Omg I love it!

I'll be back with another challenge post on Sunday! In the meantime, check out the rest of my challenge buddies!

Debbie @ The Crumpet - http://thecrumpet.blogspot.co.uk/

Danielle - http://lbobeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

Neivys - http://maquiclubgirl.blogspot.com/

Jo @ Northern Nails - http://therockchicksrambles.blogspot.co.uk/

arlene @ http://euzefelus27-nailart.blogspot.com/

Helena - http://nailwish.blogspot.com.es/

Cuti-CLUE-les - http://cuti-clue-les.blogspot.com/

Katee - www.agirlandherpolish.blogspot.com

Alyssa at Fancy Phalanges - http://fancyphalanges.blogspot.com/

Sarah - http://www.ynails.blogspot.co.uk/

bec - http://lacquerdreams.blogspot.com.au/

Misha - www.enigmatic-rambles.blogspot.com

Sharon - http://whatcolorismycoat.blogspot.com/

Melissa - http://www.misadventuresofawannabemartha.com/

Laurie http://dressedupdigits.blogspot.com/

Lucie @ Lucy's Stash www.lucysstash.com

Emma @  http://manicurity.blogspot.com/

Caitlin - www.caitlinscreativecorner.blogspot.com

Jane- http://absolutevarnish.blogspot.com/

Amber www.nevernakednails.blogspot.com

Vic @ Glowstars http://glowstars.net

Jackie- http://memasmanis-jackie.blogspot.com/
Rychelle @ Colorsplash Nails- http://colorsplashnails.blogspot.com/

Stella - http://mywetnails.blogspot.com
Missy @ http://missysmanis.blogspot.co.uk/

Kim @ http://apolishedaddiction.blogspot.com/

Christine @ http://lost-in-my-reverie.blogspot.com

Angie @ http://ourpaintedworld.wordpress.com

Bazzia @  http://polishmymind.blogspot.se/

Missy the Manicured Maniac @ http://melissahenderson95.blogspot.com/


Until Next Time,

<3 Bec!

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Orly Glowstick

Hello again! Gloomy, rainy day today, and I'm pretty sick, so I'm taking the day off of both my courses (Business and Nails) to attempt to recoup! And because it's not the best weather for photos, I've got something I swatched over the weekend.

Orly Glowstick is from the Summer 2012 collection, Feel The Vibe. Now, the inner child in me giggled a little (ok, a lot!) when I first saw that name... BUT, I love neons. And coming into winter, I will probably wear lots of them. I don't believe in sticking to certain colours for certain seasons. Where's the fun in that?


Glowstick is a CRAZY bright neon yellow. SO SO BRIGHT. I can't even BEGIN to explain how much I love this. Normally, I would layer this over white, but I've read other bloggers say it can achieve opacity in 3-4 coats. Almost! I have 4 coats on in these photos, no base or top coat. There is still a pretty noticeable VNL, but in direct sunlight, you can barely tell!


It doesn't dry totally matte either, which is refreshing for a neon. Don't get me wrong, it's not glossy, more of a satiny finish. Perfect neon if you ask me!

I'm really loving the neons that are coming out this season. I plan to get a few more from the Feel The Vibe collection, and a fair few of the China Glaze Summer Neons (I'm looking at you, I'm With The Lifeguard!)...

How about you? Any of the current neons interest you?

Until Next Time,

<3 Bec

Monday 21 May 2012

Some Picture Polish Goodbye Shades!

Hello again! Today I have something kinda special to show you. Aussie brand Picture Polish has been discontinuing some of their shades, and I managed to snag the very last ones of the shades I'm going to show you! Lucky, right?! And, to top it off, these are my very first Picture Polish polishes.


Cackle and Bliss. LOVE the names! I'll start with Cackle;


Gorgeous, dusty looking pinky purple. So intense! And for someone who doesn't like pinks, this is a real winner! And so glossy! I have no top coat on in these pics! Easy application, great forumla. This is two coats.

And Bliss;



Hard to capture, but this is divine! It looks almost white, but it's actually a very pale purple! I really love the way white/pale shades look on me, so bright and glorious! This one was a little streaky, but evened out nicely on the second and third coats. Again, perfect formula. I think Bliss is my favourite of the two!

So, goodbye Cackle and Bliss! You both now have homes in my ultra-special draw of polishes that no one can touch!

Until Next Time,

<3 Bec



Sunday 20 May 2012

PCF Summer Challenge Day 1!

Woo! Here we go!

Todays challenge is  "the Olympic Torcdh starts its journey". Not a big olympic fan, but hey, always worth a shot!



I used Ulta 3 Jellybean for my 'ocean,' used a nail art pen to dot and stripe the points where the torch lands and a gradient of Orly Glowstick, Mode Rave'n and Ulta3 Sizzling Red for the flame!

Also, check out my fellow challengers!

Debbie @ The Crumpet - http://thecrumpet.blogspot.co.uk/

Danielle - http://lbobeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

Neivys - http://maquiclubgirl.blogspot.com/

Jo @ Northern Nails - http://therockchicksrambles.blogspot.co.uk/

arlene @ http://euzefelus27-nailart.blogspot.com/

Helena - http://nailwish.blogspot.com.es/

Cuti-CLUE-les - http://cuti-clue-les.blogspot.com/

Katee - www.agirlandherpolish.blogspot.com

Alyssa at Fancy Phalanges - http://fancyphalanges.blogspot.com/

Sarah - http://www.ynails.blogspot.co.uk/

bec - http://lacquerdreams.blogspot.com.au/

Misha - www.enigmatic-rambles.blogspot.com

Sharon - http://whatcolorismycoat.blogspot.com/

Melissa - http://www.misadventuresofawannabemartha.com/

Laurie http://dressedupdigits.blogspot.com/

Lucie @ Lucy's Stash www.lucysstash.com

Emma @  http://manicurity.blogspot.com/

Caitlin - www.caitlinscreativecorner.blogspot.com

Jane- http://absolutevarnish.blogspot.com/

Amber www.nevernakednails.blogspot.com

Vic @ Glowstars http://glowstars.net

Jackie- http://memasmanis-jackie.blogspot.com/
Rychelle @ Colorsplash Nails- http://colorsplashnails.blogspot.com/

Stella - http://mywetnails.blogspot.com

Until Next Time,

<3 Bec


Saturday 19 May 2012

New Challenge!


I won't be doing every day, because I start a second course next week,  but I am excited!

MIlani Hi Tech vs China Glaze Laser Lime Comparison

Hello hello! Shortish post for today, I mentioned I would compare Milani Hi Tech and CG Laser Lime, so I did!


Milani on ring and index, CG on middle and pinky. VERY close, but I wouldn't call them dupes. The Milani is a bit more of a bright green and glossier.


The biggest difference though is the holo particles. The CG holos are like most other holos, very fine holo particles. Milani however, have bigger, more noticeable particles, which make them look pretty darn holo! I also love the way the particles look, it gives it a really cool effect!

So essentially, close, but no dupes. Both are on the sheer side too, I used 3 coats of each. But I can justify having both because they are different. And green. And holo.

Until Next Time,

<3 Bec

Wednesday 16 May 2012

China Glaze Laser Lime

Hello again! 2 posts in 2 days, feels good! I have been neglecting you blog, but know that I love you and am trying <3.

Today, we had a brief bit of sunlight, before it started getting dark around 5pm! Winter in Australia is amazing, and I know that a lot of overseas people don't think Oz gets very cold, but trust me, it does!

I took advantage of the sunlight to test out another of my untrieds, China Glazes Laser Lime, from the Tronica collection.


Now, I ordered this, and then read up on a few blogs about it, and didn't find much positivity. So it  has been sitting in my untried drawer collecting dust until I decided to break it out today. And can I just say, OMFG. WHY were people not liking this?!




But, I took it out in the shade first...


And then, when I hit the sunlight,


This actually has a pretty strong holo effect! I've quickly painted the other 3 Tronicas I have and I actually think this may be one of the more holo ones. LOVE.

Laser Lime is on the sheer side, I'm using 3 coats in the pictures, with no top coat. It's a bit glossier than some holos too. And, I really love it on my skin tone, the yellow tint in the green glows against my pale skin.



One thing I did notice was that it was similar to Milani Hi Tech, which I swatched a while ago. But, tomorrow, I will make a quick comparison to show you!

I'm a firm believer in holo greens, so if you're like me, you NEED this one!

Until Next Time,

<3 Bec


Tuesday 15 May 2012

More Nail Art Sets SPAM!

Hello again! I've been crazy busy lately getting prepared for a stall where I will be selling my pre-made false sets! And on top of that, I got LOTS of orders for sets too! I have painted over 700 fake nails in the past fortnight! I've had to put my Etsy on holiday mode until I get my new shipment of nails in, I ordered double this time I never run out of nails again!

So, this is a SMALL fraction of what I've been doing! Enjoy!
 Alice In Wonderland!
 Green and purple leopards
 Glittery 'blood' drips, Pink zebras and Nightmare before Christmas
 Pink with turquoise leopards
 Pink and Purple with fimo flowers and pearls
 Mario!
 Green glitter zebras
 Assorted (click to enlarge!)
 Rainbow gradients with silver shatter
Rainbow gradient tape mani with holo topcoat (pastel version in the works!)

Until Next Time!

<3 Bec


Sunday 13 May 2012

The Whimsical Dawn Has Broken...?

Not a very creative title, but hey? Today I have an awesome layering combo for you. I recently swapped a spare bottle of Essence's The Dawn Is Broken to Maria for Revlon Whimsical. Whimsical was waiting for me in the mail box on Wednesday, so I was looking for something besides light blues to layer it over. So instead, I layered it over TDIS.


 The Dawn Is Broken

Whimsical

We all know Whimsical. Sheer (very!) pale blue with multi sized blue and pink glitters. Dupe of DL Glitter in the Air. AWESOME.  Really awesome colour.


So, the two together...




I LOVE IT! Such a cool combo! The black mirco glitter shows through, and the blue base of Whimsical gives the grey a nice tint. 

This was 1 coat TDIS and 2 coats of Whimsical.

I neeeeeed to layer this as much as possible! I got 2 more China Glazes yesterday that would both make awesome underwear for this? Also, I'd love to hear your layering combos for this!

Until next Time,

<3 Bec

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Borghese Stellare Notte

I am a lucky girl sometimes. The bf gave me DS Original, and now another amazing friend gave me a polish surprise that turned out to be a huge lemming of mine without her knowing!


Borgherse Stellare Notte. Beautiful, rich, deep multichrome. It has a dark greenish charcoal base, and it builds up to show a gorgeous teal and purple shimmer. This polish is exactly what Nubar Peacock feathers should have been.


This is 3 coats, and straight after the first I knew I had to layer it. It would look great over black, but it would look spectacular over one of my favourite greens, China Glaze Gussied Up Green (Rodeo Diva collection). I WILL be doing this combo shortly.




It's really hard to capture, so LOTS of pics!

I'm still working through my untrieds, it's taking a while lol!

Until Next Time

<3 Bec

Friday 4 May 2012

LOL!

No, I'm not laughing at anything! I promised that if there was some sunlight today that I'd have an awesome polish to show you, and I do! Luckily, we had an hour or two of sunlight, so I took full advantage of it!
China Glaze LOL from the OMG Collection. I was lucky enough to find someone with access to most of the collection, and I could not say no!
LOL is a purple linear holo. I painted my first coat and thought "this is the perfect grape-y purple!" And it is. Very grape-y. And beautiful.
I used 2 coats here, and it was perfect! Smooth, glossy without top coat, and dried fast. It's a little on the thin side, and that really makes any imperfections on you nail bed visible. I can see all my ridges and dents quite well...
I have been saying for months now that China Glaze make the best purples. And they do, they really do. Given the chance, I would take a CG purple over any other brand. And the fact that this one is crazy gorgeous, and holo, it bumps its way up to the top of my favourites list!






Now I'm back to hoping that I get some more sun tomorrow, because I still have LOTS to show you!

Until Next Time,

<3 Bec