Baby's Second Zebra Print

Sinful Colors Orange Cream, China Glaze Icicle, Kiss Striper Soft Blue

I don't know if I quite fulfilled my promise to do a zebra design with "all sorts of crazy colors," but I think I did an okay job!

I can't believe I've waited this long to try out a zebra print design, but I'm glad I did at all. It was super simple with a striper brush. All I had to do was begin the line from one side of my nail, then flick the brush toward the middle of my nail. Do this from both sides, and a couple of double stripes, and boom! Done.

This was also a good chance to practice my gradients, as they still need a bit of work. This is not a normal color combo for me, especially since the orange color made the silver glitter appear gold. But I'm not mad about it. It ended up warming and softening the mani!

Chip Off the Old Color Block

China Glaze That's Shore Bright and Tinsel Town, Sally Hansen Sun Kissed

I needed a change. My go-to color combo of blue, pink, and maybe another color was dragging me down. So I decided to use orange, which I rarely pull out of my stash, especially along with purple! I just went for a simple color block using masking tape to create a two-tone mani.

It looked good that way, but I needed a bit of sparkle. So I opted for a gritty silver from China Glaze. I freehanded the silver bits, and finished off with a thick coat of Seche Vite.

The result is an eye-catching, color blocked mani that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I even got compliments from a potential employer during a Skype interview!

I've Got a Bag on My Hands

Full list of polishes below!

For my second style-inspired manicure (see the first here), I decided to put my purse on my nails!

I was really looking forward to this manicure because there are so many designs to choose from! I ended up choosing just five for my right hand, and diving right in!

I realize I've got a bit of work to do on my steadying my hand, but I'm unbelievably proud of the way it came out! I love the bright colors of the purse, and I think the designs translated seamlessly into a mix & match mani. (Which you all know I love!)

There isn't much else to say! If you have questions, feel free to contact me on my Tumblr page! Enjoy the photos!

List of polishes:

China Glaze Nude

Revlon Empower

Nicole by OPI Candid Cameron

China Glaze Too Yacht to Handle

Wet 'N Wild Candylicious

Sally Hansen Sun Kissed

LA Colors Circuits

Pastel Sponging

Sally Hansen Lightening, Love & Beauty Sky Blue, NYC Times Square Tangerine Creme, Revlon Empower

I stand by what I said. The makeup sponge truly is a wonderful tool. I cannot stress how much I love manis that look complicated, but are extremely simple. There is also plenty of room for customization with looks such as this one. It's a great way to test out those unopened bottles, or to experiment with blend and formulas.

In my case, I knew I wanted to use these colors, but I didn't feel like creating any too involved. I also just wanted to see how these colors mix and play together. All I did was paint the colors in quadrants on the makeup sponge and stamp it, making sure to cover the nail. It helps to paint a single coat of the lightest color as a base, but if you'd like a more sheer look, simply sponge over a clear base or nude.

Quick Leopard Mani

China Glaze Desert Sun, NYC Skin Tight Denim Creme, Destined Pale Yellow

This is a color combination that is a bit different from what I usually go for. I love the way these three shades complement one another, though. Also, I hope I'm not losing my touch for leopard print. These nails are struggling a bit in that area, but I just need to practice (as if I needed another excuse to paint my nails)!

Experimental Sponging

Here are some pictures of nails I did one night when I couldn't sleep. They are very messy, and I don't think that the pictures do them any justice. I also topped them with a coat of Sally Hansen Disco Ball, which made everything "pop."

Full list of polishes used:

Sally Hansen Lightening (yellow base)

Love & Beauty Sky Blue

NYC Times Square Tangerine Creme (orange)

Revlon Empower (dark-ish hot pink)

Neon-Metallic Fusion

China Glaze Sun Worshipper and Flip Flop Fantasy, Sally Hansen Gunmetal

Hi everyone! I had my day off yesterday, so I obviously took the time to paint my nails (and catch up on So You Think You Can Dance). I really had no plan with these, I just really liked these three colors together. I needed something bright to combat the overcast skies in Maine. They almost glow; it's wonderful.

Hope you like them! :)

Boy, Do I Have a Swatch for You!

OPI Totally Tangerine 

Okay, you guys, this is supposed to be Beyoncé's favorite nail polish color, so when my good friend Jordan gave it to me, I was (and still am) over the moon!

Not only does it have the celebrity factor going for it, but it's a really great polish (I expect nothing less from OPI). It's a creme, but just barely so, with a subtle gold shimmer. This is 3 coats, though you probably could have gotten away with two slightly thicker coats. There was a bit of a brushstroke issue, but not a deal breaker in the slightest. It's lovely.

I originally planned to do some nail art over this, but after wearing it for a day, I couldn't bear to cover it, so I wore it alone for a whole week, including to the Spring Gala at my school (see below picture).

Here's a photo from the Gala:

Jordan and I, with an appearance from Totally Tangerine

Leopards at Sunset

China Glaze Sun Worshipper, China Glaze Snap My Dragon, and Wet 'N Wild En Voyage with Love & Beauty Lavender

Just wanted to do a quick post showcasing these new nails! I wanted to do something special for myself because I've been so busy lately, I needed to de-stress. Also, I'm so in love with these nails! They're definitely bright and full of fun! I wish I'd gotten a swatch of Sun Worshipper (the orange)! I almost threw up it was so bright and fabulous and perfect.

I hope these nails last forever (come on, Seche Vite, work your magic)!

Behold the Tape Manis!

China Glaze Desert Sun and Wet 'N Wild I Need a Refresh-Mint

L.A. Colors Fuchsia and China Glaze Icicle

I hadn't experimented with tape in a while, so since I had some free time over break, I did just that. Here are my after-Christmas and New Years manicures, respectively.