Christmas Nails!

BREAKING NEWS: GLITTER IS DIFFICULT TO PHOTOGRAPH, ESPECIALLY IN HORRIBLE LIGHTING.

This seems intuitive, but I went ahead and wore these glitter bombs I call nails for Christmas. Don't get me wrong, I love this manicure so much (especially when compared to 2012's Christmas nails). I wish I could've captured their beauty more accurately for all of you.

I'm at home in Georgia for winter break (whoooo! the semester's finally over!), and the lighting at home is very dim and yellow (damn incandescents). I resorted to taking these photos in the bathroom, where I could find the brightest light, so please excuse my conditioner and soap in the background...

This mani combines my favorite things: glitter, gradients (done with a wedge makeup sponge), and dots (with inexpensive dotting tools)! I hope you love them as much as I do!

The Makeup Sponge is a Wonderful Tool

These were so simple, and took me less than 30 minutes (including drying time)! All I needed was a makeup sponge! Here are the colors I used:

L to R: Wet 'N Wild I Need A Refresh-mint, China Glaze Snap My Dragon, Sally Hansen Lightening, Sally Hansen Green with Envy, and Color Club striper in Fine Gold

More after the jump! (Click "Read More" below)

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)!

A New World, A New Manicure

China Glaze Snap My Dragon and Sephora Conceited with Color Club striper in Fine Gold and Sinful Colors Snow Me White

 This weekend, I'll be in Bowdoin's production of Songs for a New World! I'm beyond excited; there is a wonderful cast, and we've been working really hard! Also, I get to play Mrs. Claus. Since the dress for the show is only a black top with blue jeans, I need to spruce up other aspects of my look. I decided to roll with the Claus/Christmas theme, and do a little something on my nails.

At this point, I am willing to admit that I am addicted to mix & match manicures. They're always my go-to, and it gives me a chance to try new things. Like the design on my thumb! I've never tried it, and I love it so much, I did it on all of my right fingernails. And I think my nails will channel Christmas, but not look wholly festive.

Here's to hoping we break a leg!

in indirect sunlight

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?

Is It Christmas Yet?

I was really anxious for Christmas to come, because I really put a lot of thought into my family's gifts, and I couldn't wait to see their faces when they opened them! So I attempted a Christmas tree (of sorts). Colors: China Glaze I Herd That, and Sinful Colors Sugar Sugar and Exotic Green.

Secret Snowflake!

On my floor, right before the holidays last year, we had a gift exchange called a Secret Snowflake. I decided to get into the spirit a bit, and work some glitter onto my nails. I LOVE LOVE LOVE these glitters! China Glaze Tinsel Town and Ruby Pumps.