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)

Split Splat!

China Glaze Icicle,  Color Club Bright Pink, Sally Hansen Lightening, and Love & Beauty Lavender

I finally tried out splatter nails! I didn't have a straw or coffee stirrer on hand, so I used the end of a clicky pen, and that worked just fine. Cleanup was hellish, but I honestly think it was worth it. I'm such a fan of the technique.

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)

Springtime Mix & Match!

Revlon Empower, Love & Beauty Sky Blue, Sally Hansen Lightening with Sally Hansen Disco Ball Sinful Colors Snow Me White

Here in Maine, we've been experiencing a streak of days with temperatures above 50º F, so it feels (kind of) like spring! To celebrate, I wanted to do something bright and fun on my fingernails! I didn't do anything new, but a nice mix & match always does the trick for me. My only rule was that I needed to use colors that I haven't tried before. I'm so in love with the Sky Blue; it's light and cutesy, but it is opaque in two coats, which is wonderful!

I really like the color combination, and the subtle coat of glitter. The effect'll be awesome once I get some sun on these bad boys!

Poor Swirls

Sally Hansen Blue Me Away!, Destined Pale Yellow, and China Glaze Icicle

I ended up not liking this manicure as much as I thought I would. The swirls did not come out as I hoped, and the silver dots made it look busy, and almost tacky. Not to mention the fact that I broke most of these while I was traveling back to school! Sigh.

ColorBlocking!

China Glaze Tinsel Town, Sally Hansen Blue Me Away!, Destined Pale Yellow, and Wet 'N Wild Through the Grapevine

I LOVE THESE NAILS. They are so bright, and full of energy! Imagine having this on all 10 of your fingers! Whoo!

Loops!

As I am in love with China Glaze's Tinsel Town, I decided to wear it as soon as I got home for winter break. I was going to add more detail/loops, but I liked the Destined Pale Yellow alone.