Modified French

Kiss Striper in Soft Blue and Color Club Art Club Striper in Fine Gold

I can't remember the last time I did a french manicure without a base polish, but I need to do it more often! I cannot stop staring at my nails. And these were freehanded, so they took literally 25 minutes. The key was to put on a few coats of my regular base coat so my natural nails look healthy. I think I'll try this design with more polishes, even ones that don't come with stripers. I'll just use toothpicks or a dotting tool...

Here's an accidental flash photo:

Ebony Ball Nails!

China Glaze Tinsel Town with L.A. Colors Black

Last Saturday (Feb. 23), the African-American Society at Bowdoin hosted the annual Ebony Ball, a semi-formal event celebrating Black History Month. The theme this year was "Harlem Nights," so I went with something super simple and classy.

Sassy & Sparkly Leopard

China Glaze I Herd That with Sally Hansen Purple Potion and Blue Me Away!

This week is definitely going to be a busy one, so I decided to take a breather and paint my nails before things really picked up. I really wish I could capture how sparkly and jewel-like these are! I really like this combo; it's very similar to these, only with gold glitter instead of silver.

Soon, I'm going to need to buy another bottle of I Herd That. I'm almost finished with it, and it's only been about 5 months... Good thing I stumbled upon this website that sells CG nail polishes for only $3.25! What up.

VagMons-Inspired Mix and Match

KleanColor Red Alert with China Glaze Tinsel Town and L.A. Colors  Color Craze in Black

Because I am performing in The Vagina Monologues this weekend, I needed to have a red and black mani to match the occasion. I decided to add some silver for a little "pop," and boy, am I glad I did! I am so in love with this mani! It's so busy, as I sort of went crazy with my dotting tools, but that's just what I need: Something to boost my confidence for this weekend! :)

Have another picture because I can't get enough:

There Are Two Types of People in the World...

Wet 'N Wild Candy-licious with Wet 'N Wild I Need A Refresh-Mint

KleanColor Red Alert with China Glaze I Herd That

Yesterday, two of my friends were auctioned off (for charity; the prize was a dinner date) for an annual Valentine's Day event at Bowdoin. I was so happy to do their nails and make them feel just a bit more special! I also think their nails match their personalities a bit!

For spunky, bubbly Katie: bright colors that scream happiness.

For sassy, polished Priscila: a red base (that matched her dress, btw) with gold accents that ooze class.

Red Leopard Print Half Moons

Essie A-List with Nicole by OPI A Phil's Paradise

I've been dying to try out A Phil's Paradise from the Nicole by OPI Modern Family Collection since I bought it last Saturday! It's a gorgeous pewter glitter, and it blows my mind. It can lean from copper to blindingly silver, depending on the light. Even though the formula was a bit tricky (read: goopy), it is easily one of my favorite polishes.

I also decided that it was finally time to try out a half moon mani with reinforcement stickers, just to compare it to the freehanded ones I did a while ago. They definitely didn't take as long this time, but I had a bit of trouble placing them (either too far left or too far right). The curve of the stickers is too narrow for my thumbs, but that's not a huge issue. I love how they came out!

Here's how they looked originally: 

I've been toying with the idea of a leopard gradient, and I really like this! I'm thinking about bringing them back for next week, when Bowdoin's production of The Vagina Monologues goes on. We have to wear red and black clothes, so why not carry the theme all the way down to my fingertips?

Smile! You're on Candid Cameron!

Candid Cameron with Wet 'N Wild I Need a Refresh-Mint

When I heard about the Nicole by OPI Modern Family Collection a couple of months ago, I knew I had to try a few of the shades myself, even before I saw the swatches! I love the show, and I knew OPI would do the characters justice. Nevertheless, they are expensive, and I could never see myself spending $9 on one bottle of nail polish.

BUT, I was in WalMart yesterday, browsing, and all of the polishes were there, begging me to take them home. So I decided to treat myself. I bought A Phil's Paradise, which I will showcase in a post later this week, and Candid Cameron (above).

Candid Cameron is a gorgeous metallic teal (but leans more green in real life), and I can't get enough of it. I included a swatch, along with some simple nail art.