tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27030105749575695452024-03-12T23:19:24.581-04:00geez...Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.comBlogger139125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-73111401782690440092012-03-06T19:40:00.001-05:002012-03-06T19:40:59.752-05:00Haul + Random ManiFeeling lazy when it comes to blogging, but I intend to blog regularly from now on.<br />
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First up some polishes I bought from American Apparel.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOT9ZwczZN0/T1aqzxCODlI/AAAAAAAAAw0/8iijXWunr4w/s1600/new+aa+polishes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iOT9ZwczZN0/T1aqzxCODlI/AAAAAAAAAw0/8iijXWunr4w/s640/new+aa+polishes.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I had a Teambuy coupon that I needed to use up before it expired so I went shopping with my friend a couple of Fridays ago and got two of the new metallic polishes and three creme polishes. Skipped the glitter polishes even though I thought of buying them, but I already have similar glitters so I passed on them.<br />
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The two new metallic polishes are quite different from the others that were first released. These ones are thinner and need about 3/4 coats for full opacity. Not great for stamping like the others. But these ones seem like duo chromes so I guess that makes up for the inability to use 'em for stamping.<br />
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My camera captures Violet Panache really really blue, it's actually purple most of the time. At some angles and lighting it flashes blue. But my Canon cameras only pick up the blue and I can't be bother to colour correct in a photo editor. Smoke Dazzle has some pink in it which you can sort of see from the bottle picture.<br />
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Next, here's a mani I did with Violet Panache.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ufkdt7lxTg/T1aqyA7SX-I/AAAAAAAAAws/_22xrOOdcTY/s1600/aa+violet+baubles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2ufkdt7lxTg/T1aqyA7SX-I/AAAAAAAAAws/_22xrOOdcTY/s400/aa+violet+baubles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think I did 4 coats of polish and then used a bunch of rhinestones, hexagons, bullion beads, and the circular mirrors. Three different cameras used for the right hand side and all show the same blue colouring. The blurry picture on the bottom left hand corner shows what the polish colour usually looks like. I took it with a Sony camera that's really meant for videos and doesn't have a macro setting for photos. Really quite nice and I like this better in real life than in pictures.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-26505652611665108282012-02-26T20:48:00.000-05:002012-02-26T20:48:05.090-05:00Sponsored: ASK Base&Top Coat + Revival Nail Polish RemoverSorry for the lack of posts for recently. I've been testing the ASK base coat trying to find a good top coat to go with it, but have been unsuccessful. Every time I did my nails by morning parts of my nails would be chipped or after showering the entire nail would peel off.<br />
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Here's what the base and top coats look like again.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRXPJwFXbtA/T0rWK8-yAdI/AAAAAAAAAwc/8BlvDUaj764/s1600/IMG_4710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BRXPJwFXbtA/T0rWK8-yAdI/AAAAAAAAAwc/8BlvDUaj764/s400/IMG_4710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been using the base coat for almost a month now and I haven't found any top coat to go with it to prevent chipping or peeling. I've tried Seche Vite, China Glaze Fast Forward, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri, Etude House Jelly Pop, Duri Brush&Go, Duri Miracote and of course the ASK top coat. The ask top coat seems to work best with the base coat. Still chips, but you can almost get a full day or wear out of them if you don't mind small chips here and there through out the day. After using the base coat it kind of reminds water based polishes like Sula Paint and Peel polishes because chunks of polish would just come off after showering or doing dishes. I didn't like the Sula polishes when I tried them and I don't like the ASK base coat either. It didn't really do much to help keep polish on my nails.<br />
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As for the ASK top coat, it's slightly better than the base coat. Dries fairly quickly which I like, shiny with two coats, but doesn't prevent chipping as well as other top coats. Still chips the next day though not in huge pieces, just little bits here and there. I probably wouldn't use this as a final top coat. Maybe as a layer between polish and stamped polish.<br />
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As for the ASK Revival Nail Polish Remover, here's a picture of the product once again.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvx7bdLOqts/T0rcowQvpcI/AAAAAAAAAwk/7luXnTN-zKM/s1600/IMG_4712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uvx7bdLOqts/T0rcowQvpcI/AAAAAAAAAwk/7luXnTN-zKM/s640/IMG_4712.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I really like this polish remover. I loved even more after reading a <a href="http://geezleweez.blogspot.com/2012/02/sponsored-ask-nailwear.html?showComment=1328579948345#c864038061738122437" target="_blank">comment from jaded_imp</a> to add more acetone so that it doesn't feel as greasy. <br />
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When I first used the polish remover it removed polish very quickly and I didn't have use much product to get rid of polish on all 10 fingers. It was very conditioning and didn't make my nails look dry with a whitish cast to them, but I found it to be slightly greasy for me. I felt like I couldn't touch anything without leaving a greasy stain/mark on it. However after following jaded_imp's suggestion I added more acetone and it works great without the greasy feeling. And even though I added more acetone to the mix the remover was still very conditioning. My nails and cuticles never looked dry after using the polishing remover.<br />
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Quick conclusions about the three products - I would pass on the base coat, maybe give a try for the top coat and definitely give the polish remover a try.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-35187090923106360492012-02-14T12:08:00.000-05:002012-02-14T12:08:29.364-05:00Valentine's Day Nails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EVpdijIaU/TzqS9EnADrI/AAAAAAAAAwI/rOxV_5cizaM/s1600/polka+heart+bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-EVpdijIaU/TzqS9EnADrI/AAAAAAAAAwI/rOxV_5cizaM/s640/polka+heart+bird.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Happy Valentine's Day everyone! And happy belated Gal-entine's Day (Feb. 13), completely forgot about it until I watched the Parks and Rec Valentine's episode again.<br />
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I did three coats of Borghese Rapido in Capriccio Blue then proceeded to use acrylic paint for the polka dots and hearts. Then I stamped using the Charming Nails Q1 plate and Kleancolor Black. Filled in the bird with the same red and and white acrylic paint and then tried to restamp over top. Thankfully the best restamp happened on my left ring finger. The others were full of fail. But I still left them instead of redoing them. Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-55521797305172785792012-02-13T22:26:00.001-05:002012-02-13T22:27:45.624-05:00New Stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bought some new polishes recently from Winners and I won a stamping plate from <a href="http://solongkitty.ca/">solongkitty.ca</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkr1YsADC9s/TznODzGG72I/AAAAAAAAAv4/yHo20TTf9b0/s1600/IMG_0940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pkr1YsADC9s/TznODzGG72I/AAAAAAAAAv4/yHo20TTf9b0/s400/IMG_0940.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Borghese Rapido polishes were in a pack of five and were on clearance so I picked it up since I had a gift card from Winners to use up. Colours from left to right are Romanzo Pink, Felice Tangerine, Capriccio Blue, Incantato Purple and Fantastico Lime. The polishes are alright, they don't dry much faster than others. Plus three coats are needed for them to be opaque.<br />
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Here's a closer look at the stamping plate.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfN-QdXRTNI/TznOE0vZNsI/AAAAAAAAAwA/XFH5pQbnB50/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tfN-QdXRTNI/TznOE0vZNsI/AAAAAAAAAwA/XFH5pQbnB50/s400/IMG_0948.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It is the Charming Nails Q1 plate. Super awesome plate and first time I won a giveaway.<br />
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I did a Valentine's mani using the birds on the plate, didn't turn out so great, but I'll post it up tomorrow after I take some pics.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-54761854958976367892012-02-09T21:06:00.000-05:002012-02-09T21:06:09.061-05:00ASK Rich Sapphire + RA-106<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXwNTI3z7mM/TzRw-YZLwaI/AAAAAAAAAvw/hbl1gu8FF58/s1600/rich+heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXwNTI3z7mM/TzRw-YZLwaI/AAAAAAAAAvw/hbl1gu8FF58/s400/rich+heart.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is the is the mani I did on Sunday to test out the longevity of the ASK polishes on the nails. Pictures are from two different cameras so that's why the colouring is different. I painted on one coat of the ASK base coat, then three coats of Rich Sapphire and topped it with two coats of ASK top coat. For the ring finger accent nail I stamped on an image from Red Angel plate RA-106 using Konad white special polish before the two layers of top coat.<br />
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I don't think the base and top coats helped to keep the mani from lasting a long time. When I home Tuesday night I noticed that there were a few chips on my nails with one peeling away.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JA6Glcq_w2Q/TzRw8-yfISI/AAAAAAAAAvg/QGE2Id8wVqQ/s1600/ask+peel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JA6Glcq_w2Q/TzRw8-yfISI/AAAAAAAAAvg/QGE2Id8wVqQ/s400/ask+peel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These are pictures of my left hand, I couldn't get focused pictures of my right hand. My index finger had the peel while my ring finger had the corner chip.<br />
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Not very long lasting. Two days, maybe 2.5 days of chip-free-ness. I didn't even do anything like crafting or sewing, I just went out to have some wings and gelato.<br />
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I'm not sure if it's the polish itself or the base and top coats being crappy. I think it might possibly just be the top and base coats not being that great. I did my nails earlier after cutting down my nails and I've already got small chips on three nails. And I didn't even take pictures yet.<br />
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I'll test the longevity of the polish again, but with my regular Seche Base and Seche Vite. If it's no good again then the polishes are probably not gonna provide long lasting wear.<br />
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One last thing to add, my bottle of ASK Romantic Sunset has already started to separate.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eNUFiDelhtQ/TzRw9ttXcaI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ZcgTaHVXTQM/s1600/ask+separation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eNUFiDelhtQ/TzRw9ttXcaI/AAAAAAAAAvo/ZcgTaHVXTQM/s400/ask+separation.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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No biggie, just shake to mix it back up, but odd as I've only had the polish for a week. This hasn't occurred in any of the other ASK polishes. So just weirdness with this one.<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-67390708824220266282012-02-07T21:45:00.002-05:002012-02-07T21:45:46.110-05:00KimsKie's Nails: 160 followers Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://kimskienails.blogspot.com/2012/02/160-followers-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bZUWBpevXsg/TzHhLDxmwlI/AAAAAAAAAvY/-JvZDwBbEzw/s320/Essence+Polishes.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
<a href="http://kimskienails.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">KimsKie's Nails</a> is having a <a href="http://kimskienails.blogspot.com/2012/02/160-followers-giveaway.html" target="_blank">giveaway</a> and you can win your choice of 4 essence polishes.<br />
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Giveaway is open internationally and closes February 28th, 2012.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-65569886204423136632012-02-06T19:20:00.000-05:002012-02-08T18:45:13.401-05:00Sponsored: Ask NailWearRecently I was contacted by <a href="http://nailcareasklisa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lisa</a> from <a href="http://www.askcosmetics.com/" target="_blank">Ask Cosmetics</a> to review their new polishes and their polish remover. I've never done anything like this, but thought why not.<br />
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Ask Cosmetics is a Canadian company and I've seen their products shown on The Shopping Channel since I was in my teens*, mostly their T.I.P.S. nail conditioner and also their Contour file. I've only known about their nail care products, but they also have skin and hair care products.<br />
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Here are the products that I was sent for review:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mY3gloUHDbw/TzAzNSPkBYI/AAAAAAAAAuc/42l0SpBZGnk/s1600/ask+products.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mY3gloUHDbw/TzAzNSPkBYI/AAAAAAAAAuc/42l0SpBZGnk/s400/ask+products.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A bottle of their Revival nail polish remover, base and top coat, four of their new polish colours in Rich Sapphire, Classic Peacock, Oh So Aubergine and Romantic Sunset.<br />
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First time doing a jump cut to read more 'cause this is gonna be a long post.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I haven't used the Revival polish remover very long so I'll give a proper review of that at a later date. First impressions of the polish remover are that it removes polish easily, very conditioning, but feels a bit too oily for my liking and it's also very gentle, it didn't make my cut sting.<br />
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As for polishes here's a blurb about them from the company:<br />
<i><br />Features & Benefits: Nail Polish<br /><br />1. Salon strength formula<br />2. Long-lasting wear<br />3. Offers a chip-resistant protective barrier<br />4. High shine<br />5. Free of DBP, toluene, formaldehyde as well as camphor<br />6. Pregnancy safe<br />7. Vegan friendly (no animal testing done)</i><br />
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Here are my swatches - no base coats or top coats used<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hYJDz_wfyRU/TzA855ht1nI/AAAAAAAAAu0/wivSjl_LOLY/s1600/ask+-+rich+sapphire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hYJDz_wfyRU/TzA855ht1nI/AAAAAAAAAu0/wivSjl_LOLY/s640/ask+-+rich+sapphire.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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Rich Sapphire - The formula is thinner than the other three polishes and three coats was needed for full opacity. This one was shiniest of the bunch without top coat.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84y_5ElVBq0/TzA82P6gjII/AAAAAAAAAuk/kKDmcH3V9bs/s1600/ask+-+classic+peacock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84y_5ElVBq0/TzA82P6gjII/AAAAAAAAAuk/kKDmcH3V9bs/s640/ask+-+classic+peacock.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
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Classic Peacock - I love this colour, though my photo is definitely brighter than it actually is in real life. It is a slightly deeper shade in real life and a bit greener. Maybe I need to adjust the manual settings on my camera. Could be a one coater, also awesome for stamping. Creme finish, not as shiny as Rich Sapphire.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P36zRUEgd8U/TzA832ncxmI/AAAAAAAAAus/xcnbJnVV6Oc/s1600/ask+-+oh+so+aubergine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P36zRUEgd8U/TzA832ncxmI/AAAAAAAAAus/xcnbJnVV6Oc/s640/ask+-+oh+so+aubergine.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
Oh So Aubergine - Another colour that could be a one coater and great for stamping. Colour is not accurate, it's slightly darker than this. If American Apparel Imperial Purple is the chubby oval shaped eggplant then Oh So Aubergine is more the elongated eggplant. Creme-finish, same shininess as Classic Peacock.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKwj6yn3FsE/TzA87zDZRWI/AAAAAAAAAu8/-K6G6QMcFeE/s1600/ask+-+romantic+sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SKwj6yn3FsE/TzA87zDZRWI/AAAAAAAAAu8/-K6G6QMcFeE/s640/ask+-+romantic+sunset.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Romantic Sunset - This polish has shimmer in it, but I don't know if you can tell from my pictures. It is a two coater, but you can use it to stamp over very light colours or just over white.<br />
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The polishes are very pigmented and they dry very quickly. You can touch your nails and even push down on them with your finger after a few minutes without smudging or denting the polish. Super plus for that in my book since I sometimes don't do my nails until late at night.<br />
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As you use the polish it seems to get thicker as you go along. It's especially noticeable with Romantic Sunset. It doesn't get so thick that it's unusable and glompy, just thicker than when you started, a bit like the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri polishes. I guess that happens to most quick drying formulas. Even Rich Sapphire started to thicken up a bit as I was doing both hands for my wear test.<br />
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I did my nails last night to test out to see how long they last without chipping. There will be another post about the wear of the polish and about the base and top coats probably on the Saturday or Sunday. Hopefully I won't be too tempted to change my nails after two of three days. Never really wear polish/a design for more than that long. First sign of major wear and tear and it's off or until Saturday, whichever comes first. I think a week is long lasting enough, at least for me.<br />
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You can visit <a href="http://www.askcosmetics.com/" target="_blank">Ask Comestics</a> to find out more info and where to buy. Also you can visit <a href="http://nailcareasklisa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Lisa</a>'s blog for nail care information and giveaways. There's currently a <a href="http://nailcareasklisa.blogspot.com/2012/01/valentines-giveaway-starring-perfect.html" target="_blank">Valentine's Giveaway</a> happening, open internationally until February 14th. You can win the Revival polish remover, Perfect Red polish, T.I.P.S. Nail Conditioner and the Contour file.<br />
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*I love watching infomercials and products on The Shopping Channel, mostly kitchen gadgets and appliances. However I never order anything from them. I'll usually try to see if they have them in store locally and then think about it forever and might give in and buy it.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-53184214988704449012012-02-05T11:57:00.000-05:002012-02-05T11:57:05.924-05:00Disco Ball<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDZ23K7h9cg/Ty6utwmCRbI/AAAAAAAAAuU/RAIjRjEmZKM/s1600/mirrored+circles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDZ23K7h9cg/Ty6utwmCRbI/AAAAAAAAAuU/RAIjRjEmZKM/s640/mirrored+circles.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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This was two coats of American Apparel Imperial Purple, forgot to take a picture of it. You can <a href="http://geezleweez.blogspot.com/2012/01/polish-gifts-2-layered-reds.html" target="_blank">click here</a> if you want to see a bottle shot, it was a gift from my friend Judy. My camera makes purples look bluer than they actually are, so colour is inaccurate. It's a really deep rich purple, kind of like those dark chubby oval-ish eggplants.<br />
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I place these mirrored circles on my ring finger in a random pattern. These didn't photograph well either. They're so shiny in real life, but in pictures they look kind of dull. But you can see the reflections of the mirrors on the sides of my middle and pinky fingers. The circles laid pretty flat on the nail and two coats of Seche Vite made a pretty smooth and even surface.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-43456366195836363782012-02-02T18:16:00.002-05:002012-02-02T18:16:48.107-05:00Pink Tips + Lace Stickers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AV3_962Ywdc/TysVez13gqI/AAAAAAAAAuM/-i2gxxUOZDM/s1600/pink+lace+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AV3_962Ywdc/TysVez13gqI/AAAAAAAAAuM/-i2gxxUOZDM/s640/pink+lace+stickers.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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When I bought the gold metal stickers/decals I also bought some lace stickers. The stickers are alright, but they all have some greenish glitter on them. It's most noticeable on the black parts of the lace. I would rather have them be a flat black and white, no glitter. Oh well.<br />
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Two coats of Quo by Orly in True Love on the tips, stickers and then non fast drying top coat. The stickers weren't too fond of Seche Vite. It made them scrunch up and lift from the nail.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-1706254823266947322012-01-29T13:00:00.000-05:002012-01-29T13:00:26.992-05:00Golden Skyline<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Qv2MXjy9c0/TyWGGIpmq-I/AAAAAAAAAuE/JBfkHGdtU_0/s1600/black+and+red+skyline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Qv2MXjy9c0/TyWGGIpmq-I/AAAAAAAAAuE/JBfkHGdtU_0/s640/black+and+red+skyline.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
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Another nail look with the gold metal bits, but this time it's gold metal strip. These pictures show the shininess of the metal bits, better than the last one. I did one coat of Dabo RD440 and then two coats of Sally Hansen Xtreme-Wear Black Out to the side. Gold strips placed so that it'll hide any imperfections, but sometimes the strips made dents, but that's OK. <br />
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The strips are bit harder to work with because as your pulling it off the sheet it could break at weak points. Just gotta be extra careful. Also because this was more solid with less cut outs it was harder to get it to lay flat. Had to use the flat handle end of a pair of tweezers to get it to lay as flat as possible.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-49373613423373977712012-01-26T15:03:00.000-05:002012-01-26T15:03:59.148-05:00Gold On Gold On Gold<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WbWEaZlFM7g/TyGngReHRgI/AAAAAAAAAt8/SJB_nIaEjrc/s1600/gold+gold+gold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WbWEaZlFM7g/TyGngReHRgI/AAAAAAAAAt8/SJB_nIaEjrc/s1600/gold+gold+gold.jpg" /></a></div>
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I recently purchased what I thought were gold stickers from ebay, but they're more like really thin metal pieces. They are attached to an adhesive sheet instead of being loose in a jar. You kind of have to smoosh them down so that they'll adhere to your nail better, but some edges still don't lie flat. Can be a bit annoying, but it's OK.<br />
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Started off with two coats of Etude House LUCIDarling Fantastic Nails 01 Sparkling Royal Gold. Then I placed the metal bits and smoothed them down with a nail buffer which sort of made the residual glue on the metal bits turn dark and hard to remove sometimes. Lastly a coat of Ardene Disco Ball which isn't really noticeable in the pictures, but does make the nails more sparkly.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-57736282320126083282012-01-21T12:05:00.000-05:002012-01-21T12:05:08.660-05:00Gold Glitter Gradient<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVC8m4FbRzw/TxrtHL219iI/AAAAAAAAAss/peMK78CZuA0/s1600/gold+glitter+gradient.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVC8m4FbRzw/TxrtHL219iI/AAAAAAAAAss/peMK78CZuA0/s400/gold+glitter+gradient.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Something quick and easy to do and it looks really nice. So sparkly in real life. <br />
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I applied one coat Color Club Gingerbread on just the tips and then let it dry. Gingerbread is pretty dense with the glitter so it nicely covers the white part of nail tips preventing VNL. Then starting from mid-nail I applied one coat of H&M Gold. There's quite a bit of glitter in Gold, but not as dense as Gingerbread and the glitter is smaller than Gingerbread. Lastly I did one coat over the entire nail of Ardene Disco Ball. Light gold-ish glitter with larger sliver holographic glitter.<br />
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Super love this, but I love glittery gradients.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-53095575018790165072012-01-18T11:48:00.000-05:002012-01-18T11:52:11.697-05:00Scales + A Couple of Giveaways<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C0xH-8Pj7Vw/TxbwdmXHJ8I/AAAAAAAAAsI/5adzy5RIH2w/s1600/scales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C0xH-8Pj7Vw/TxbwdmXHJ8I/AAAAAAAAAsI/5adzy5RIH2w/s400/scales.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fish scales? Dragon scales? Either one would be OK for the upcoming Lunar New Year. It'll be the year of the dragon and fish is a symbol for something. At the Asian malls there are various sweets shaped like fish and one of the dishes for new year's eve dinner is suppose to be a whole fish. I think every Chinese holiday or special occasion tends to have fish present. <br />
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Anyway, for this I used two coats of Quo by Orly in Turquoise Moonlight. There were some bald-ish spots, but since I was stamping over it I didn't really care, they weren't that noticeable. I then stamped with American Apparel Gold Flash and Red Angel plate RA-111.<br />
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A couple of really awesome giveaways that I thought people may be interested in.<br />
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First up - Giveaway by <a href="http://the-polished-perfectionist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Polished Perfectionist</a><br />
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<a href="http://the-polished-perfectionist.blogspot.com/2012/01/giveaway-time.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="245" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6sPVv168uKE/Txb0jXQHhvI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/CvenN-T4EmA/s400/SpeciallitaGiveawayprize.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can win the Hits No Olimpo collection, that includes 12 colours and one top coat. Click on the above picture to take you to the giveaway.<br />
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Giveaway ends January 28, 2012. <br />
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Next up - <a href="http://bunnynails.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Giveaway by Bunny Nails</a><br />
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<a href="http://bunnynails.blogspot.com/2012/01/bunny-nails-1st-giveaway.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5TEZvrcFFWw/Txb2nG1_mDI/AAAAAAAAAsY/0ZVHFG7TxV8/s640/Bunny+nails+giveaway+1+la.jpg" width="528" /></a></div>
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Bunny Nails has tons of prizes so the next part is taken directly from her blog.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">There are going to be 13 winners!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">The prizes are:</span></div>
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<b>1 winner</b>: <u>XL nail stamp plates A, B, C & D</u> (same as magnonails)</div>
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<b>1 winner</b>: <u>QA series nail stamp set of 19 plate</u>s (QA 1- QA 19)</div>
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<b>1</b> <b>winner</b>: <u>A series nail stamp set of 20 plates</u> (A 01- A 20)</div>
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<b>2</b> <b>winners</b>: <u>7 QA nail stamp plates</u> 1, 2, 3 , 4, 12, 14 & 17 (Cartoon characters)</div>
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<b>2</b> <b>winners</b>: <u>6 QA nail stamp plates</u> + 2 A series stamp plates (random selection)</div>
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<b>6 winners</b>: <u>1 Kleancolor nail polish in Chunky Holo Black </u>+ <u>6 nail art sticker sheets</u></div>
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Click on the picture to take you to the giveaway.<br />
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Giveaway ends February 17, 2012.</div>Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-14397368209711579402012-01-15T11:18:00.000-05:002012-01-15T11:18:47.969-05:00Diagonal Stripes and Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Br4122mzM2o/TxL6Y6fIv1I/AAAAAAAAAsA/wC-72ciFJ9k/s1600/stripes+and+flower+stickers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Br4122mzM2o/TxL6Y6fIv1I/AAAAAAAAAsA/wC-72ciFJ9k/s400/stripes+and+flower+stickers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just a quick post before heading out. I did two or possibly three, don't quite remember, coats of Color Club Take Me To Your Chateau. I used Konad special polish in white and SHANY plate SH23 for the stripes. These stripes are much thinner than the one available on the first set of BundleMonster plates. The length of the SHANY stripes image is also longer than the BundleMonster one, but the width is approximately the same. The flowers are puffy nail stickers that I forgot I even had. Found them while cleaning some junk off my desk.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-62525976291802777452012-01-11T19:19:00.001-05:002012-01-11T19:19:49.894-05:00Polish Gifts #2 + Layered Reds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kap0YWl7Pno/Tw4jYGby2aI/AAAAAAAAArw/Cj7CzwZtsug/s1600/polish+gifts+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kap0YWl7Pno/Tw4jYGby2aI/AAAAAAAAArw/Cj7CzwZtsug/s640/polish+gifts+2.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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Here are the other polishes I received during the holidays. The American Apparel polishes were Christmas gifts from my friend Judy. The Color Club polishes which I believe to be from a Pardon My French set were gifted to me via my friend Dawn from her brother's girlfriend. It's all the colours minus Si Vous Please. <br />
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And that's it for polish gifts this year.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3C0cFAkNbU/Tw4lJj27IuI/AAAAAAAAAr4/UGNXkAjPI4A/s1600/layered+reds+and+decals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r3C0cFAkNbU/Tw4lJj27IuI/AAAAAAAAAr4/UGNXkAjPI4A/s400/layered+reds+and+decals.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used two colours from the Quo by Orly mini set, Garnet (left) and Red Hot (right). Pictured top right is both colours swatched on their own with two coats each. Red Hot is pretty pigmented and one coat would have sufficed. As for Garnet, it's pretty sheer, on the nail by itself you'd probably need three coats for opacity. For the mani I did one coat of Red Hot and one coat of Garnet. Then I used some water decals that look like they could have been hand painted.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-78845815378957368382012-01-04T20:43:00.000-05:002012-01-04T20:46:56.021-05:00Polish Gifts #1 + Grey Glitter SnowflakesLong time no write. Not because I was super busy or anything just that I haven't been photographing my nails much. I didn't really paint my nails much during the holidays. When I did do my nails they usually didn't last all that long.<br />
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Hope everyone had a happy holiday and a good start to the new year. To start off this post I have a pic of a set of mini polishes of Quo by Orly polishes that my friend Amy got me for Christmas. (Hi Amy, that was your shout out, though you had to wait a while for it, thanks for the polishes.)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2HeNm2Qhib4/TwT7mSdbuYI/AAAAAAAAArU/g305EFChCpg/s1600/quo+by+orly+gift.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2HeNm2Qhib4/TwT7mSdbuYI/AAAAAAAAArU/g305EFChCpg/s400/quo+by+orly+gift.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Quo by Orly polishes are available at Shoppers Drug Mart stores and I had never tried them before so this set was a great introduction to them. No pictures of any of them yet, but I will get on it. Ah I just realized that the bottom of the pic is missing the names for the bottom row. D'oh. I'll list out all polishes.<br />
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From left to right, top row:<br />
Very Vixen, Mystic Night, Garnet, Precious, Sapphire Sparkle, Cold Stone, Rock Show, Rock Star and Night Sky.<br />
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Bottom row:<br />
Turquoise Moonlight, Celestial Star, First Class, Filthy Rich, Red Hot, Wine and Dine, Old Hollywood, Love Game and True Love.<br />
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Most of the polishes are glittery or shimmery and seems like they may work best as layering polishes. However 3 thin coats will get you full coverage with minimal or no bald spots. The tiny brush is not to my liking, but that's OK.<br />
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Next up nails. I did this some time last week.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AKwvkRPCaQM/TwT-Kx3O69I/AAAAAAAAArg/kuuPZeiTn8E/s1600/grey+glitter+snowflakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AKwvkRPCaQM/TwT-Kx3O69I/AAAAAAAAArg/kuuPZeiTn8E/s400/grey+glitter+snowflakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Base colour was two coats of American Apparel Echo Park. I forgot to include Konad special polish in white in the photo, but that's OK. Used Konad white to stamp with and plates SH17 for the snowflake on the index finger, RA 119 for the thumb and ring finger and HB23 for the smaller not so well stamped snowflakes on the middle and pinky fingers. I also did some glitter snowflakes with Color Club Sugarplum, but they didn't turn out as nice as I thought they would. They kind of just looked like blobs of glitter on the nail. Topped everything with CoverGirl Boundless Color in Disco Dazzle.<br />
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That's it for today. <br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-28635125994775839842011-12-22T20:51:00.001-05:002011-12-22T21:24:24.735-05:00Green on Green + Nude Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zPAz6lBk0s/TvPe3BfL89I/AAAAAAAAAqo/IuFLqtZNpoo/s1600/green+on+green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--zPAz6lBk0s/TvPe3BfL89I/AAAAAAAAAqo/IuFLqtZNpoo/s640/green+on+green.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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I've got a couple of manis to show today and first up is this sort of festive green on green one. Two coats or maybe three of Barry M Spring Green with Color Club Perfectly Mol-Ten as the stamping colour. I used SHANY plate SH20 for the pattern. This pattern is wide enough for my thumb, but it's kind of on the short side. Perfect coverage for shorter nails, longer nails would need to be double stamped.<br />
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Next up a nude colour with some sparkly stars.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yaLmYR4pYw/TvPgCjijQ3I/AAAAAAAAAq8/z497X19MQF8/s1600/nude+stars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4yaLmYR4pYw/TvPgCjijQ3I/AAAAAAAAAq8/z497X19MQF8/s640/nude+stars.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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Nails are still short so I thought I would change the shape for a more elongated and feminine look. Three coats of joe Latte as the base. For the stars I used a flimsy piece of plastic (scotch tape works too) and painted on a layer of Color Club Gingerbread (polish on left). Waited for that to dry and then painted half of it with Color Club Take the Stage. After everything was dried I peeled off the dry polish and used a star paper punch to punch out the stars. Put some top coat on the area that I wanted the star and then placed the star on top. Finished it off with two coats of top coat.<br />
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Here's a slightly better look at the stars.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gF97ccZ_SE/TvPlUSsqfmI/AAAAAAAAArI/P5y8oF4wMBU/s1600/nude+stars+thumb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6gF97ccZ_SE/TvPlUSsqfmI/AAAAAAAAArI/P5y8oF4wMBU/s400/nude+stars+thumb.JPG" width="385" /></a></div>
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I think I've done something similar to this before, but I can't remember when. It's probably somewhereHelenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-22829582300975220032011-12-18T12:09:00.000-05:002011-12-18T12:09:02.785-05:00Santa + Reindeers Stamped<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYpdJNyDK1Y/Tu4b6yXC5uI/AAAAAAAAAqc/JhqQnbWbyyc/s1600/santa+plus+reindeers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UYpdJNyDK1Y/Tu4b6yXC5uI/AAAAAAAAAqc/JhqQnbWbyyc/s640/santa+plus+reindeers.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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I used images from SHANY plates, the flying reindeer from SH13 and the Santa face from SH03. I'm not sure if it's suppose to be Santa's face or just a bearded old man's face. I thought it was going to turn out smaller, but it filled up most of my shorter pinky nail.<br />
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Two coats Etude House LUCIDarling 04 Indigo Blue, stamped with Konad white and added a little bit of Color Club Beyond the Mistletoe to add some sparkle.<br />
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<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-49388345874500681812011-12-14T23:03:00.001-05:002011-12-14T23:04:13.551-05:00Awesome AA Polish DealHey just a quick post to share with you guys a teambuy coupon. You can get <a href="http://www.teambuy.ca/toronto/referral/ie4xgdz98br8/28135390/" target="_blank">5 American Apparel polishes for 15$</a>. You can buy a coupon to use in store or online. Limited to one for yourself and two as gifts. The coupons are good till March 12, 2012. There's 4 more days left to purchase the coupon and this may be limited to within Canada only.<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-12632428464229398582011-12-13T20:54:00.000-05:002011-12-13T20:56:06.294-05:00Red Angel + SHANY Stamping PlatesA friend helped me buy these plates and sent them to me from the U.S.<br />
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First read about Red Angel plates from <a href="http://canadiannailfanatic.blogspot.com/search/label/Red%20Angel" target="_blank">Canadian Nail Fanatic</a> and the SHANY plates I read about from <a href="http://omgnoodles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">omgnoodles</a>. I haven't really stamped with the plates all that much yet. I broke two nails trying to remove the battery cover from a cordless phone. So I have shortie nails and haven't really been painting my nails much. Waiting for them to grow a bit longer 'cause I they are too short for my liking.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHxlNV-z1qw/Tuf340xOvPI/AAAAAAAAAqM/eQwI2DDE7eE/s1600/red+angel+plates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHxlNV-z1qw/Tuf340xOvPI/AAAAAAAAAqM/eQwI2DDE7eE/s640/red+angel+plates.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
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There are 21 plates in the Red Angel set, 12 plates with full nail designs, 2 with french tips and 7 plates with individual images. The plates are the same size as Konad and BundleMonster plates, but they have no backing to them. Not really a problem I just use some contact paper/drawer liner to cover the backs. The plates stamp perfectly fine. The full nail designs aren't wide enough for my thumb, but I take that as a norm. Some or maybe most of the individual images are quite large so if you've got short nails it may fill up all or most your nail. A few images might be slightly similar to those of Konad and BundleMonster. Also I mislabeled the numbering of the plates, they should read like RA 120.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd1Z-B8Q5KI/Tuf36xh2_wI/AAAAAAAAAqU/Qz7Fe57s4bY/s1600/shany+plates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd1Z-B8Q5KI/Tuf36xh2_wI/AAAAAAAAAqU/Qz7Fe57s4bY/s640/shany+plates.jpg" width="436" /></a></div>
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There are 25 plates in the SHANY set, 5 full nail designs, 1 french tip and 19 plates with individual images. These plates are OK. Some of the designs here are also slightly similar to Konad or BundleMonster. The plates are slightly smaller than other plates and also have no backing. The blue film that covers the top of the plate is very difficult to peel off. But once you've lifted a large enough section off the edges you can pull it off in one large piece. A few plates also have random scratches/dents on them, but they don't affect the images, the scratches are often in between them. Everything stamps just fine, except for the french tips, but I think that's more user error on my part. The full nail designs vary in size, some cover my entire thumb while others don't. Weird, but that's how it is.<br />
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And a bit of a comparison between Konad, BundleMonster, Red Angel and SHANY plates. They all seem to have a similar full nail circle pattern so you can compare the images and stamp sizes.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qJ8rfxrGXI/Tuf309-xJfI/AAAAAAAAAp8/lpPaHLtNXAo/s1600/circular+stamp+patterns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qJ8rfxrGXI/Tuf309-xJfI/AAAAAAAAAp8/lpPaHLtNXAo/s400/circular+stamp+patterns.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Looking at RA 105 it's not really circles, but looks close enough. If I ever wanted to do various circular patterns on my nails all at once I've got options to make them all different.<br />
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And finally a nail look using one of the plates. The last mani before the breakage.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBEOwBpkZWI/Tuf32tsUHeI/AAAAAAAAAqE/2ftnvq_nV5g/s1600/ra+105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HBEOwBpkZWI/Tuf32tsUHeI/AAAAAAAAAqE/2ftnvq_nV5g/s400/ra+105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Not quite centred, but still like. Two coats American Apparel Poppy stamped with Konad special polish in blue and Red Angel plate RA 105.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-30221606165698563752011-12-08T18:02:00.001-05:002011-12-08T18:10:19.200-05:00An Owl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1AesRk12Rq0/TuFCEDhGOlI/AAAAAAAAAp0/XjuSwYwR4ns/s1600/an+owl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1AesRk12Rq0/TuFCEDhGOlI/AAAAAAAAAp0/XjuSwYwR4ns/s400/an+owl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was working on a different owl design, but it wasn't working out so I did a simple owl in a tree. The owl was suppose to be smaller, but the acrylic paint kept spreading into the branches so it gradually got bigger.<br />
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Three coats of Cosline 303 and black acrylic paint.<br />
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Fairly short post today, but the next post will be bigger. I recently purchased some new nail plates from Shany and Red Angel, they arrived yesterday so I'll show some images from those plates.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-75398420650664123392011-12-06T19:19:00.001-05:002011-12-06T19:33:01.874-05:00Minty Faux Marbling + More Nail Max<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m95_ggfYfc4/Tt6xWYN9S6I/AAAAAAAAApU/pjzOblrSTKU/s1600/faux+marble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m95_ggfYfc4/Tt6xWYN9S6I/AAAAAAAAApU/pjzOblrSTKU/s640/faux+marble.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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Didn't really like this when I first did it, but it grew on me. I sponged on Wet N Wild Craze Undercover Graffiti and Sally Hansen Xtreme-wear Mint Sorbet. The Undercover Graffiti got lost in the sponging, but you can still sort of see it. Then I did a layer of KleanColor Holo Green. Once that was dry, which took a while, I stamped on the draggy marbling design from large plate b or Konad m78 with Konad special polish in white and then again with Mint Sorbet. The Mint Sorbet overlaps the white polish a bit so the white bits aren't super bright and you can see the mint stamp more.<br />
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Three more designs from the December issue of Nail Max.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRW7dHBqwiE/Tt6xYW6d-eI/AAAAAAAAApc/cOru9EHwwJM/s1600/nailmaxmas03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRW7dHBqwiE/Tt6xYW6d-eI/AAAAAAAAApc/cOru9EHwwJM/s400/nailmaxmas03.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsb3kZMS9gE/Tt6xZ1xLJ9I/AAAAAAAAApk/1ITtSvc3hRo/s1600/nailmaxmas04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rsb3kZMS9gE/Tt6xZ1xLJ9I/AAAAAAAAApk/1ITtSvc3hRo/s400/nailmaxmas04.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wl-31uzWp8/Tt6xbhZGgqI/AAAAAAAAAps/3Q1uTqnFHPw/s1600/nailmaxmas05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wl-31uzWp8/Tt6xbhZGgqI/AAAAAAAAAps/3Q1uTqnFHPw/s400/nailmaxmas05.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My favourite is the last one. I think the characters are just too cute, but my versions are definitely less cute looking than the ones in the magazine.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-88524755140598798342011-12-05T18:41:00.001-05:002011-12-05T19:01:49.388-05:00Sparkly Fame and Fortune + Nail Max X-mas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWbtMaIDh4s/Tt1W3-XpepI/AAAAAAAAAo8/XpxlH0JXmws/s1600/franken+fame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YWbtMaIDh4s/Tt1W3-XpepI/AAAAAAAAAo8/XpxlH0JXmws/s400/franken+fame.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's Color Club Fame and Fortune layered over two coats of a holo franken that I did ages ago. The franken is sort of sheer so the Color Club really deepens the pink. The large flecks of glitter plus the small holo glitter looks great in real life, but sort of dull in picture. My camera can't capture sparkliness. Had this on my nails for a few days. When I first saw Fame and Fortune I thought I wouldn't get much use out of it, but I am loving this combo and will probably like it layered over other polishes too.<br />
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Was browsing through the December issue of Nail Max and decided to try out a few of their Christmas designs. I wasn't ready to take off glitter yet so I did them on nail wheel.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKSi95USuBY/Tt1W4kprVII/AAAAAAAAApE/pAqDf5HSRI4/s1600/nailmaxmas01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mKSi95USuBY/Tt1W4kprVII/AAAAAAAAApE/pAqDf5HSRI4/s400/nailmaxmas01.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FwsD5-enqC8/Tt1W5BX4WxI/AAAAAAAAApM/672XRYJBDHg/s1600/nailmaxmas02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FwsD5-enqC8/Tt1W5BX4WxI/AAAAAAAAApM/672XRYJBDHg/s400/nailmaxmas02.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are a couple that I did. Christmas-y, but not CHRISTMAS-Y. And super easy. Except for the words. I think Konad has a nail stamp image for the words 'Merry Christmas', but I'm not sure which plate at the moment. I don't have it so I can't use it. I used a silver polish for the words, but I think I might need to pick up some metallic acrylic paint that I saw at the Dollarama. It would be easier to use when writing out words. I did a few more so I show them in another post.Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-31322713498300695172011-11-30T18:47:00.001-05:002011-11-30T19:42:11.692-05:00It Snowed!It snowed today! Light and fluffy snow. But it didn't stay on the ground and melted all away in the afternoon. Much better than the rain that we had yesterday.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0kgYMchuNg/TtbBeLUY5eI/AAAAAAAAAo0/SqJls67yRJ0/s1600/stamped+jingle+jangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--0kgYMchuNg/TtbBeLUY5eI/AAAAAAAAAo0/SqJls67yRJ0/s640/stamped+jingle+jangle.jpg" width="324" /> </a></div>
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Did this a couple of days ago, seems kind of wintry. One coat of Color Club Cold Metal, which was sort of unnecessary since the two coats of Color Club Jingle Jangle covered it up. Stamped using Konad special polish in white using large plate B with an image that can be found on Konad plate M51. Jingle Jangle is super sparkly but not noticeable in my pictures. I really love the blue and purple glitters and I love the name Jingle Jangle too. It's a bit like nonsense words that you might sing to yourself or something.</div>
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I bought Jingle Jangle in Color Club set along with another set from Winners last week.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dvuSZyB7eI/TtbBZBtv6oI/AAAAAAAAAok/QR5KxID-ink/s1600/color+club+glitter+haul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9dvuSZyB7eI/TtbBZBtv6oI/AAAAAAAAAok/QR5KxID-ink/s400/color+club+glitter+haul.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beyond the Mistletoe - Sultry Color for a Glittering Holiday and Backstage Pass - Glitter Shades to Rock the Stage.<br />
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And here's some others that I bought last week too.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vN5cNhW2cz0/TtbBanHdFLI/AAAAAAAAAoo/VGIZeXIIokE/s1600/misc+polish+haul.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vN5cNhW2cz0/TtbBanHdFLI/AAAAAAAAAoo/VGIZeXIIokE/s400/misc+polish+haul.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A box of H&M mini polishes, three Gosh polishes - Black Passion, Blue Monday and Gasoline and some polishes from the aerie store - Pink Frost, Champagne Shimmer and Brownie Points. Bought everything except for the Gosh polishes with a gift card and they were all on sale due to Black Friday sales happening on the Thursday before. The Gosh polishes were also bought on sale last week but on a separate occasion when I had to stop by Shoppers Drug Mart to pick up something for my mom.<br />
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I am pretty sure I am set for a no buy in December, but I can't say I'll absolutely stick to it. I'm already done my Christmas shopping and whenever I go grocery shopping I always stop by the Winners first. And always to the polishes first too. A habit I must break. Early new year's resolution.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703010574957569545.post-90086432366021526392011-11-27T12:24:00.001-05:002011-11-27T12:34:49.366-05:00More Double Yolks + Hex Polka DotsQuick post befor heading out.<br />
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From the same carton of eggs there were more twin eggs.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HzKZUX8TNo/TtJyrQNHFhI/AAAAAAAAAoc/hA2cUA2gOTk/s1600/more+double+yolks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7HzKZUX8TNo/TtJyrQNHFhI/AAAAAAAAAoc/hA2cUA2gOTk/s400/more+double+yolks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Pretty awesome and jumbo eggs are freaky.<br />
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Two coats of Gosh Black Passion and the teeny tiny hex and rhinestones were used. Black Passion looks alright with the hex, but I think it would have been better with Etude House Extreme Black or Eyeko Cosmic, a black with multicolour shimmer/glitter in it.<br />
<br />Helenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12522260480404087171noreply@blogger.com5