tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-836342471438142512024-03-01T23:49:58.973-08:00Somethin' 'Bout A PolishMaihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-56652291536765529302012-11-06T10:49:00.003-08:002012-11-06T10:49:49.212-08:00Happy Election Day! Oops, been a minute hasn't it? I do have loads of manis and stories from my France trip to post which I will get back to but for today let's celebrate the end of this election cycle! As a total news junkie I am doubly relieved because I am so over the constant political talk. But yes, of you are in the US and of age you best get to your polling place of you haven't already.
Did a super quick dotticure last night using Essie Mesmerized as the base and Zoya America and Orly Au Champagne for the dots.
<img src="http://www.imgur.com/WYLfn.jpeg">
<img src=" http://www.imgur.com/BfIhe.jpeg">Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-33998269370650259592012-09-14T19:47:00.001-07:002012-09-14T19:52:33.048-07:00Elevation Polish Yushan and DaisenI have sooooo many manis to post here including my first nail art attempts but that all takes time and I'm lazy so here's a quicky from today that shows how I'm completely and utterly abusive to my hands.
<a href="elevationpolish.bigcartel.com">Elevation Polish</a> Yushan was from the first round of releases and I love it to pieces and have worn it multiple times (a rarity considering how many polishes I own). Sadly it's discontinued now BUT a similar polish, Mount Yu, should be released soon! Yushan has a gorgeous blue shimmer that I couldn't capture because, well, I didn't try very hard and the sun wasn't listening to my schedule.
<div align=center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/ckWH8.png"></div>
And my September Elevation order came in today and when I went to open the stupid small flat rate box it came in I managed to do this...
<div align=center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/xI9P7.png"></div>
*sniff* I hate when I have to go down to nubs and I know it's my own fucking fault. Also ugh, my hands look way too old. Those are not 25 year old hands =( I've got to protect them better at work. But since I went through all that trouble to open the box I HAD to put on Daisen.
<div align=center><img src="http://i.imgur.com/9fvb8.png"></div>
SUCH a pretty glitter. I don't even like pink that much but I HAD to have this. The formula is...ok. It seems like there might be too much base for the glitter since the glitter kept sliding off the brush but once it's on it's so gorgeous it doesn't even matter. I can't wait to play with it some more.Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-5561680145325827492012-08-16T09:24:00.001-07:002012-08-16T09:24:54.414-07:00Layering with Elevation El Cap<a href="elevationpolish.bigcartel.com">Elevation Polish</a> El Cap was the runaway star of the 180 Degrees South Collection with good reason. This polish is so gorgeous on the nail it practically glows and there's the whole is it blue? Is it purple? Do I care when it's so pretty? Nope! Check it. I think this is 3 coats so it's a bit sheer but so worth it.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Elevation_ElCap3.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Elevation_ElCap1.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Elevation_ElCap2.png"></div>
And while it's a shame to cover up such a pretty polish, it was just screaming to be the base of a couple glitters.
First we have <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HAREpolish">HARE</a> Twilight Savings. I love how El Cap lightens it and makes it pull more purple than blue but you can still see the purple glitter. And of course the squares are love. One coat over El Cap.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/E_EC_HARE_TS2.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/E_EC_HARE_TS1.png"></div>
And then we have <a href="www.etsy.com/shop/smittenpolish">Smitten Polish</a> Hydrangea which I picked up in her recent pre-order (which was my first Smitten order and I'm in love. Already placed another with her new collection). Hydrangeas are my favourite flower so I had to get this one and son it does not disappoint. One Coat over El Cap.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/E_EC_SP_H2.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/E_EC_SP_H1.png"></div>Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-45595487143543533122012-08-04T12:39:00.001-07:002012-08-04T12:39:58.106-07:00Nudes and GlittersOne of my legit favourite combos ever is a glitter gradient over a nude and today I have two for you!
First up is <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/haphaphappyhands">Happy Hands</a> Flowers on the Highway. I really love this glitter, it's so much fun and it's very flat (most glitters are so sparkly! Which is fun but sometimes that's not what you want) and kinda has a 60s vibe to it.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NI_Gatwick_HH_FotH2.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NI_Gatwick_HH_FotH1.png"></div>
And then we have <a href="elevationpolish.bigcartel.com">Elevation Polish</a> Ama Dablam. This glitter, I can't even with it. It's seriously the most elegant glitter I own. I wore this for a week I just couldn't bare to take it off. Sadly there's only one more chance to own this polish, on August 16th <a href="http://lovebrownnailpolish.wordpress.com/2012/08/03/elevation-polish-august-7th-restock-info-other-news/">preorders</a> will go up and you so want to get your email in quick since I'm sure they'll go fast. Seriously, this is a polish everyone needs to own, it's mind blowing.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0934-1.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NI_Gatwick_EP_Ama.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NI_Gatwick_EP_Ama2.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NI_Gatwick_EP_Ama-1.png"></div>
And here's the nude I used for both of those, Nails Inc Gatwick. This is seriously the most brushstrokey matte I've used but the colour is lovely if not quite mannequin hands (someday!) and the wear is great.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NailsInc_Gatwick1-1.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NailsInc_Gatwick2.png"></div>Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-60474132710780286692012-07-22T19:31:00.000-07:002012-07-22T19:32:27.181-07:00The Nail Junkie Grape/Banana/Orange Jelly ShimmerOk before I get into these fabulous <a href="http://www.thenailjunkie.com/">Nail Junkie</a> polishes I have to say, I FINALLY got my UP house finished!
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/IMG_0808.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/IMG_0805.jpg"></div>
How gorgeous is that? My artist is so good with the fine lines (he also did my Harry Potter tattoo). I can't wait to get started on the next part although I'm so going to have to curtail my polish buying first since this is going to be the big one. The one that ties it all together. There'll be a few more smaller ones once I get the big one done to really cement the scene but this is going to be the one that turns it from some random cartoony tattoos on my leg (you can't see it but there's a dancing hippo from Fantasia too) into the dream scene I've been envisioning for the last 3 years.
Anyway, enough about my ink, let's talk polish. Originally I was going to just get 4 of Aleta's Summer collection but the second my order came and I put on Orange Jelly Shimmer I decided fuck it, I need them all and got the last two.
First I wore Orange Jelly Shimmer with my Cult Nails Feelin' Froggy/Dollish Polish Hero of Time Mani. It was one of those hoh shit, fucked up the mani at work moments and I happened to have Orange Jelly Shimmer with me so I took off the nails that were messed up and put this beaut on instead. I'm pretty sure that all the colours go with orange even if most people won't admit it.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0815-1.jpg"></div>
Next I decided on Banana Jelly Shimmer because I'm such a whore for yellows.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NailJunkie_Banana2.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NailJunkie_Banana1.png"></div>
So gorgeous! I think this was 3 or 4 coats and applied super smooth. But I'd also recently gotten dotting tools and saw Chalkboard Nails <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/2012/06/gradient-dot-manicure.html">Gradient Dotticure</a> and decided I wanted to try to replicate it. Used a-England Ascalon and Zoya Lolly for the dots and kinda failed in the Gradient department since I was just all around to heavy on the dotting but I still like how it turned out.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NailJunkie_Banana3.png"></div>
And finally we have Grape Jelly Shimmer. I had to *sniff* nubbinize after 4th of July weekend due to all the drunken shenanigans breaking a couple nails and this is the first mani I did after cutting down (I think...) First it was Grape Jelly Shimmer alone and then I decided to do a light gradient with <a href="http://thepolishedcrow.blogspot.com/">CrowsToes</a> Cheshire as an accent.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NJ_Grape1.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NJ_Grape2.png"></div>
But I loved the combo so much I had to do the whole hand with Cheshire. Primarily as the gradient but did one finger full glitter. Those purples just go so well together! But I think it's the gold hexes that really make Cheshire. I miss my long nails for glitter gradients, good thing they grow fast!
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NJ_Grape_CT_Cheshire2.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NJ_Grape_CT_Cheshire1.png"></div>Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-263974352498588012012-07-13T19:54:00.001-07:002012-07-13T19:54:53.326-07:00Zoya Zuza + Crows Toes I Make the PathThis is actually the first mani I did with my Crows Toes but silly holiday made me post the other one first and then, well, I got lazy.
Anyway, first up is Zoya Zuza, holy cow do I love this polish! I wore it for like 4 days before adding the Crows Toes (I was actually wearing it when I got the package and immediately rifled through trying to find the perfect glitter for it. I did.) and I swear I've never gotten so many compliments on a mani before. Great application too, if I'd done a thicker coat I probably could have gotten away with one coat.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Zoya_Zuza1.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Zoya_Zuza2.png"></div>
I Make the Path is the Crows Toes I eventually decided to put on top. First I did a little gradient on my thumb since that's my preferred way of wearing glitter and then I did a full coat on my pointer to see how I'd like it once I realized how gorgeous the glitter was. Gyuh, I've never been a fan of glitter bombs but Crows Toes is making me reconsider.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Zoya_Zuza_CT_IMtP4.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Zoya_Zuza_CT_IMtP1.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Zoya_Zuza_CT_IMtP3.png"></div>
I picked up this set from <a href="overallbeauty.com">Overall Beauty</a> and they're on <a href="shop.llarowe.com">Llarowe</a> too. Can't wait to play with more of them!Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-49019745433433242372012-07-05T17:58:00.000-07:002012-07-05T17:58:05.721-07:00Happy Belated 4th of July Mani!Hope everyone had fun! My day was hanging out by the pool and getting shitfaced and watching some fireworks and it was awesome. ANYWAY, obviously we have to check out the mani.
I had a hard time deciding so I pulled out some polishes that worked with the theme and started swatching on a nail wheel.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0864-1.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0866-1.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0867-1.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0868-1.jpg"></div>
Eventually decided that I needed to have a-England Percival as my base, it's just the perfect red. It would have been a one coater if I hadn't messed up and smudged it while it was drying.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/aE_Percival1.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/aE_Percival2.png"></div>
And then I decided on one of my new Crows Toes pretties, Wonder Woman. I maybe had a stroke ordered the entire thing when it was up on Overall Beauty. But look how pretty!
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/CrowsToesStash.jpg"></div>
Decided to gradient it and then add a flag finger accent with just a white striper polish and Girly Bits Star Spangled.
<div algin=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/aE_Percival_CT_WW1.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/aE_Percival_CT_WW2.png"></div>Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-50324449763443115082012-07-03T21:22:00.000-07:002012-07-03T21:24:18.666-07:00Illamasqua Baptiste + Girly Bits Daddy's Little GirlIt's definitely that time of the year where you're all worn down by the neons and brights and need to take a vampy break, or at least it was for me a couple weeks ago. Bought myself both of these for my b-day and I'm so in love.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Illa_Baptiste3.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Illa_Baptiste2.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Illa_Baptiste1.png"></div>
Ugh, this polish, I can't even handle her. She's so freaking gorgeous, I had her on for a week and it was so the vampy break I needed (immediately went into a highlighter yellow mani XD). So hard to photograph though, most of the pics just made it look like a dark purple when Baptiste is far more complex than that. Also, I'm kinda loving the pointy nails, especially with the vampy. I know some people don't like them because they're kinda claw like but that's kinda the reason I love them.
Anyway, after 4 or 5 days I broke the nail on my thumb by being a clever girl and punching a punching bag without gloves. Decided to add a little bling to cheer up the poor shorty so used Girly Bit's Dadddy's Little Girl. Loved the combo so much I put it over the rest of my nails (sorry thumb! You were still the first?)
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/GB_DLG2.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/GB_DLG1.png"></div>
Part of Pam's Calendar Girls collection, I think it may be my favourite. This is one coat over Baptiste. One! Check that glitter coverage.
Working on trying to figure out my Fourth of July mani now. If I'm not lazy tomorrow and I figure it out before I get super drunk, I'll post. If not, have a Happy 4th!Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-75025906046127966272012-06-27T18:44:00.000-07:002012-06-27T18:47:26.500-07:00Cult Nails Charming and Feelin' Froggy + Dollish Polish The Hero of TimeCult Nails released it's gorgeous Fairy Tale collection and of course I had to have it all so I went and pre-ordered it.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Stash%20pics/IMAG0795-1.jpg"></div>
Wore Charming first, absolutely gorgeous! It is very sheer but totally worth it. Sorry about my super gross fingers. I was at work and am sooo bad about wearing gloves so my hands always need some TLC after.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/CN_Charming1-1.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/CN_Charming1.png"></div>
And then I wore Feelin' Froggy and stayed deeply in love.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/CNFeelinFroggy1.png"></div>
And then I put Dollish Polish The Hero of Time on as an accent. I ordered the Zelda Duo because well, Zelda, but I didn't really expect to love it. Oh how wrong I was, it's absolutely gorgeous! This is two coats.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/CNFeelinFroggy2.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/CNFeelinFroggy3.png"></div>Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-57232114704931625082012-06-06T06:02:00.001-07:002012-06-06T06:02:36.921-07:00The Nail Junkie Matte VioletWell Aleta over at The Nail Junkie announced her <a href="http://www.thenailjunkie.com/2012/06/nail-junkie-summer-2012-polish-line.html">Summer 2012</a> line (gorgeous jellies! Check them out, they go on sale Friday and she's got a giveaway up!) so I figured now would be a good (bad, extremely late) time to post about the Spring 2012 collection. She's going to have the mattes for sale too!
So far I've only done a full mani with Matte Violet but I loooooooooved it! Great application, great wear (2 coat, 4 days and no chips) and it's sooooo pretty! (colour in the first pic is more accurate)
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0710-1.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NJ_Violet.png"></div>
And then right after I got them I skittled all 3. Please excuse the mess. And then I went to put the Green Grass glitter on top and managed to ruin the Matte Violet finger before doing so so it's only on Matte Daffodil and Matte Rose.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0663-1.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0665-1.jpg"></div>
And Aleta is a genius with the packaging, look how pretty it came!
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0579.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0581.jpg"></div>
The polishes are amazing quality, I really love all of them and I think if you go for some you really won't regret it!Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-91677499479576064382012-06-03T07:19:00.001-07:002012-06-03T07:22:42.246-07:00Essie Action + Essie Camera Gradient + Alta Costura Vernis BrightsideEeek so it's my birthday tomorrow and it looks like this is going to be my birthday mani since I'm far too lazy to change it out and I actually really like it. Ok the right hand is still Essie Camera (with a little something extra) but the left has totally changed. It's a shame I don't have any real birthday plans but eh, it's not like 25 is an important one or anything. Pretty sure those stop after 21 until you hit like 50 or something. Going into the city today for dinner with sister and cousin which should be fun. I'm hoping we hit up <a href="http://revbrew.com/home">Revolution</a> since their beer is fabulous but I haven't been to the brewpub yet. Went to the Two Brothers <a href="http://www.hopjuicefestival.com/">Hop Juice Fest</a> yesterday with some friends which was also fabulous so I guess it's not a total waste of a birthday weekend...
ANYWAY, mani!
Right hand; still Essie Camera on the base, added <a href="www.etsy.com/shop/AltaCosturaVernis">Alta Costura Vernis</a> Brightside accents (is it still an accent when it's 3/5 fingers? Oh well)
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_Camera1.jpg"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_Camera_ACV_Brightside.png"></div>
Then on the left hand I took off that fail gradient and put on Essie Action which I'm in love with. It's weird, I think VNL is growing on me, maybe it's 'cause my nails are longer?
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_Action1.png"></div>
This is probably the most colour accurate pic I have, some of the next ones will show it as all glowy and awesome and it can look like that in the bright sun but this is definitely how it looks most of the time. Anyway, decided to try out the sponge gradient again and it turned out much better this time! It's really subtle since Camera is a jelly but I love the effect, it looks like a sunset on my nails!
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_Action_Camera1.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_Action_Camera2.png"></div>
And then of course I had to add Brightside because it's sooooo pretty!
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_Action_ACV_Brightside.png"></div>
And now I'm just going to bombard you with some pics of both hands together because, well, I really like how they look with each other. I really need to get a tripod so I can take these pics easier. This was a nightmare trying to get the camera to focus on both hands.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_A_C_ACV_B4.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_A_C_ACV_B5.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_A_C_ACV_B2.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_A_C_ACV_B.png"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_A_C_ACV_B3.png"></div>Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-1588972068903412772012-05-30T18:10:00.002-07:002012-05-30T18:10:55.681-07:00Essie Camera + a-England Dragon Fail GradientSo...I think I'm going to have to give in and buy myself another melmer. Or maybe a helmer. My attempts at purging are just failing miserable and my buying just keeps going up and up...I so need a ban again. I'm allowed 3 purchases in June; <a href="elevationpolish.bigcartel.com">Elevation Polish</a> on June 7th, <a href="http://shop.cultnails.com/Cult-Fairy-Tale-Collection-PRE-SALE-ONLY-545-P.htm">Cult Nails Fairy Tale Collection</a> sometime before June 15th (and I know I could just get it now but somehow waiting makes me feel like I have more restraint?) and <a href="http://www.a-england.co.uk/10-jubilee-delights">a-England Jubilove Set</a> sometime before June 10th. And yes, same deal, could get it now but the thing is if I try and go totally no buy in June I will fail miserably. At least these are planned buys! Unlike today's <a href="www.etsy.com/shop/PrettyandPolished">Pretty and Polished</a> haul or yesterday's Sephora order or the Harlow & Co order over the weekend...you can see why I need a ban right? But it's my birthday on Monday! I needed those treats right? ...Riiiiiiiiiight.
ANYWAY, let's talk about what's on the nails now. Ohmigosh I'm in love. Picked up Essie Camera from the Poppy-Razzi collection the other day at Meijer (umm and maybe Action and Bazooka too...I'm trying not to cave and get Lights too to have a complete collection. Hard to say if I'll win there.) on a whim since pinks are so not my thing but it was sitting there looking so bright and pretty and I'd already decided on the other two so Camera just kinda...hopped into the basket. Oops! Still, I was in the mood for something super bright and pink yesterday so on it went and now I'm so glad I grabbed it because the formula on this is amazing and it's so pretty!
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_Camera1.jpg"></div>
See see! (and sorry for the messy pics. Took them this morning before work and applied late last night right before bed so didn't really clean up. It's much worse in the upcoming pics tragically.) Two coats and totally self leveling and I just want to wear it forever! Except then I managed to hit my not quite dry thumb on the night stand and tried to patch it up instead of taking off and reapplying but it looked all bumpy and weird so I decided it was the perfect time to try out that <a href="http://www.makeupwithdrawal.com/2012/04/tutorial-easy-sponge-gradient.html">sponge gradient</a> mani everyone has been doing. It turned out...not great. Well actually the first two nails I did were fine but then it was late and I got impatient so I just rushed the last 3 and it very much shows.
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_Camera_aE_Dragon1.jpg">
Plus the contrast is a bit much so I don't think the colour combo worked as well as it did in my head. Still, glad I tried it since I think I can do it better next time and I really adore the look.Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-8077819286919055392012-05-21T22:02:00.003-07:002012-05-21T22:20:34.252-07:00A Little Cell Phone Pic SpamI have better pics for some of these that will be posted later and some of them I just nabbed on the phone, oops. <br /><br /><b>a-England Princess Tears</b><br /><div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0715-1.jpg"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0716-1.jpg"></div><br />Ok these may have been snapped at a stoplight whilst driving home from work because they were just holoing so well that I had to try and capture it. Good thing too since I totally spaced about taking pics later even though I was outside all freaking weekend and it was 85+ and sunny the entire time. I looooooove this polish. a-Englands are tops in my book and the Legends are just so stunning. Here, have another one.<br /><br /><b>a-England Order of the Garter</b><br /><div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0707-1.jpg"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0706-1.jpg"></div><br />Put this lovely on right after I broke yet another nail (bringing the total up to 4) and decided I couldn't put off cutting them down any more. Obviously vampies are awesome with shorter nails but while I did want something dark, I wanted something bright too. I know, it's a contradiction but I think OotG navigated it perfectly. A deep rich glass fleck blue that's sooooo blue it practically glows. Even the bf who never ever notices my manis was like "wow that's some blue nails"<br /><br /><b>Cult Nails - Manipulative</b><br /><div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0695-1.jpg"></div><br />Picked up this lovely from the $5 sale back in April. Such a pretty colour and an amazing formula. This polish lasted me 4 days! (Be proud, that's two manis in a month I wore for more than 3, the other being Princess Tears for 5, amaze)<br /><br /><b>Dollish Polish - GTL</b><br /><div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0689-1.jpg"><br /></div><br /><br /><b>Pretty and Polished - Galactus</b><br /><div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0687-1.jpg"></div><br /><br /><b>Nail Junkie - Matte Violet</b><br /><div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0710-1.jpg"></div><br />This lovely was part of <a href="nailjunkie.com">Aleta's</a> spring 2012 collection and is the first one I did a full mani with. One of these days there will be a proper post with all of them but for now I just have to say, love the colour, application was fabulous, wore for 3 days and could have gone for longer if it weren't for the polish ADD.Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-91163135027126797172012-05-16T19:23:00.001-07:002012-05-16T19:23:32.447-07:00Nail-Venturous Magpie Feathers + Essie MarshmallowJust a quickie post today, trying to get back into the swing of this blogging thing (or maybe back into isn't the right word since I've been a failure since the beginning with the consistent posting). Did a jelly sandwich with Essie Marshmallow and Nail-Venturous Magpie Feathers. I don't know why I doubted Essie Marshmallows squishy jelly awesomeness. I got it in December and it sat in my untrieds until this mani a couple weeks ago, fail! Magpie Feathers is such a lovely glitter but unfortunately the large hex glitter started to curl which made applying a bit difficult because of course Amy managed to make a lovely polish where grabbing the large hexes was as easy as dipping the brush.
<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NV_MP-1.png"></div>Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-41050136458534210422012-05-03T20:22:00.002-07:002012-05-03T20:22:45.731-07:00Fixation Poppy + Fixation Blood of the DragonToday I have two amazing polishes from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FixationPolish">Fixation Polish</a> which make me really regret not ordering all 4 polishes she had in her last opening. Trust me, Day Dream and Lime Crush and anything else Kristin has will be mine next opening!
I happened to be wearing Butter London Trout Pout the day these two arrived and I was in awe at how well the base for Poppy matched Trout Pout. Trout Pout itself is a dream, I'm so happy all these corals are so in, I just love them (although my camera doesn't so I apologize for the colour. It's been a bit since I wore these so I can't remember which is most accurate)
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/BL_TP2.png"></div>
Well once I ripped open my package and was holding them in my hand I knew Poppy was going on immediately. It's a shame I have no self control since I was just about to fold laundry and make dinner then too. Had to wait, Poppy was just too demanding. Still, she was worth it no?
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Now as much as I adore Poppy, Blood of the Dragon truly owns my heart. I mean first there's the name and the fact that it's Game of Thrones inspired, but then there's just how gorgeous it is. I can't even get over how much I love the colour combos there. Now I wore this over a strange combo and it was totally unintentional but I'm kinda in love with how it came out. Intuitively it seems Blood of the Dragon belongs over a nice green, something to match the base right? Yeeeeeah I put it over MAC Bad Fairy over Dollish Polish Goonies Never Day Die. I kinda wish I had pics of the undies but the whole reason I put on BotD was because I was so bored with my mani. I mean GNDD is a nice gold and of course I love Bad Fairy but it needed jazzing up and oh did BotD deliver.
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Fixation_BotD1.png">
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It's weird right? But there's so much depth. The Bad Fairy coat was really thin so the green really comes through over the parts where the gold was peaking through and I just really love the way everything comes together. And yes that's both hands, my poor middle finger is being slow to grow out again. Come on dear, match all the others! Promise I won't get drunk and destroy you again(...maybe)Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-82868244649378646312012-04-25T19:53:00.002-07:002012-04-25T19:54:24.360-07:00Illamasqua Nomad and Stance + Nail-Venturous Floam and PinkerbellWow am I total failboat pseudoblogger! Well there will be spam and some more indie manis as that's my obsession but ho, on to the nails.
Last week (maybe? I think it was only last week, time really blurs sometimes) I got out of work on time (a major rarity) and had time to kill before heading to the gym. Ended up at the shopping center between work and the gym and somehow managed to make my way over to Sephora (I know, it's a puzzle). I'd heard they had these fancy schmancy new nail bars at some and low and behold, they did at mine. I was weak and had to pick up Stance and Nomad.
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I really wish Sephora sold more Illamasqua than just nail polish. I really like the entire Human Fundamentalism collection and even though I don't wear much makeup, I'd so get it. I just can never stomach the cost of shipping from the UK, not when I can be spending that money on more pretty polishes!
Anyway, they looked so pretty together that I just had to do a colour block mani with them.
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Illa_Stance_Nomad2.png"></div>
The formula was lovely on both of these! I'm really in love with Illamasquas now even though I only have 4. I see that number inflating quite a bit in the near future.
You can see I broke some nails up there =( Pinky left I got caught in a drawer at home. Middle left I was at a bar and drunk and waving my hand wildly and smashed it right into the table. The nail kinda just caved inward. The boy found it incredibly amusing when I whipped the file out of my wallet and started trying to fix it. I also ruined my thumb right a few days later putting a new regulator on a gas cylinder at work. I'm death to long nails. And yet I can't convince myself to nub so I'm just suffering through the uneveness.
Anyway, you know me, can never leave a creme alone so on went the matte glitters! I'm soooooo pleased with how Floam looks with Nomad. I really think it's the perfect base. Pinkerbell on Stance on the other hand? Not so much. I'm really convinced Pinkbell just doesn't work with anything remotely pink. The glitter just gets lost in the base and it ends up looking like a sparse Floam.
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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Illa_NV1.png"></div>Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-52457900870417404062012-03-31T09:33:00.004-07:002012-03-31T10:38:22.640-07:00Nail-Venturous! Humble Bee and Robin Laid an EggFirst, renamed the blog. Chose All the Lacquer from the awesome <a href="http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-is-why-ill-never-be-adult.html">Hyperbole and a Half</a> post everyone knows but I don't know, I wasn't really happy with it. Was listening to the radio and Kip Moore's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YfNFR6gh2E">Somethin' 'Bout A Truck</a> came on (yes yes, I'm a country fan. A lesbian atheist country fan, we do exist) and I was like oh that's perfect so I changed it XD<br /><br />But enough about that, today I'm showing a couple more from the amazing Amy over at <a href="imfeelingnail-venturous.blogspot.com">Nail-Venturous</a>. If you've been following the indies (and you know I have. How are these creators so awesome?) then you know she's the next big thing and everyone is vying for her polishes and she's selling out super fast and it's <i>awesome</i>! I was lucky to snag these two (and Pinkerbell which I still haven't tried) in her second to last <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Nailventurous">etsy</a> sale (picked up 3 more in the last one, just got the shipping notice as I was typing this so I'm super excited!).<br /><br />I am <i>such</i> a sucker for these sparse glitters in various milky creamy bases (have Candeo Jellybean on now) so Robin Laid an Egg is perfect for me! Put one coat on over OPI Skull and Glossbones but it'll be easily opaque in 2 coats if you're not like me and don't need undies for everything.<br /><div align=center><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/OPI_SaGb.png"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NV_RLaE1.png"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NV_RLaE2.png"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NV_RLaE3.png"></div><br />The last one is mattefied because, well, we know my feelings on matte. Love how it turned out!<br /><br />Humblebee is the neon yellow/green and black version of the famous Floam and I loooooove it! I wore this over Zoya Mitzi and a-England Lancelot (and you can see where I didn't totally let it dry before applying Humblebee and the red of Lancelot came through. Can you believe I don't have a pure black np? Just vampies that look black. I fixed that though, ordered a-England Camelot since Adina is having a 30% off sale on her <a href="a-england.co.uk">site</a> for Tristam's first birthday. Code is Tristam and you should so hit it up since all a-Englands are pure love) although tragically I didn't grab a pic of just the undies which is sad since it's a fun combo. I really like the alternating polishes look. I was wearing this at work and our night shift girl was like "Wow is that some special nail polish" and I was just like oh honey, let me tell you a story.<br /><div align=center><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NV_HB1.png"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NV_HB2.png"><br /></div><br /><br />Nail-Venturous is pretty hard to get right now since they're in such high demand but refreshing and lightening quick fingers and absolutely no thinking or second guessing might get you some if you're around when she restocks. And you know you want some.Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-16761699611909309672012-03-21T20:39:00.002-07:002012-03-21T20:59:28.051-07:00SpaRitual Sacred Ground + Wet 'n Wild Bow in my PresenceOk normally I try and post good pics of my manis taken with my shiny new camera (and yes it's still considered knew, I just got it at Christmas folks) but I neglected to take pics with it of this mani so you're just getting some crappy cell phone pics.<br /><br />First, SpaRitual Sacred Ground on it's own. I <i>love</i> this polish! Yeah yeah there's tons of greys with shimmery whatever in them now but this was the pioneer and it's amazing. It looks exactly like it does in the bottle on the nail and then it flashes purple and copper and blue gyah I just love it.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0497.jpg"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0498.jpg"><br /><br />But sadly about 10 hours after I put it on I managed to chip it at work (I can never blame the np when it chips at work, I'm so hard on my hands. I'd like to think someday I'll learn to be careful but...yeah I know that's never going to happen) and I was too lazy to take it off so I decided to do a glitter gradient using Wet 'n Wild Bow in my Presence from the Be Jeweled collection (dupes to China Glaze Prismatics). Look, I don't know why I own this. All I know is I was at Meijer one day and saw an untouched display of the Be Jeweled collection and suddenly I'm the owner of all 5. I wasn't even interested in them! Oh hive mind. Anyway, I love the idea of duochrome glitter! This one flashes blue to purple.<br /><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0500.jpg"><br />The blue? Super easy to capture. The purple? Oh god that bitch would not come out at all on camera. I could see it there on my nail looking all nifty and purpley but my phone had such a hard time picking it up.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0504.jpg"><br />You can see it a little bit around the edges in this blurrier photo but it took some finger gymnastics to get a proper purple. I'm so sorry that my hands look like feet and my nails look so unflattering. But look, purple!<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0505.jpg"><br />Bam bitch! Whatcha think about that? If I wasn't so pleased I finally got it to show up that photo would have been deleted so fast, I'm still in awe of how unattractive my hands look in it.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0502.jpg"><br />Oh and sometimes the duochrome glitter almost disappears just leaving the larger multi coloured glitter hanging around.<br /><br />Overall it's a fun polish although I'm still not sure why I own it since it's very not me. I really want to perform surgery on the brush though, whoever told WnW that they need those hugeass wide brushes for those itty bottles was so on something.Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-25087505238266841092012-03-20T19:25:00.004-07:002012-03-20T19:58:53.409-07:00Deborah Lippman Fashion + Nail-Venturous Orange You Unique<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/DL_Fashion-1.png"></div><br />My biggest regret with this mani is that I didn't properly take off my previous mani before putting it on although to be fair, I really thought I was going to grab a vampy and we know those hide all flaws. You can see that acid green poking through, don't worry, we'll get to her later.<br /><br />Fashion was a gift from a lovely lady and I love it so much. I never ever thought I'd love nudes but after the disaster that was my first one (Zoya Pandora, lovely and pink toned and so so so wrong for me) I became determined to find one that worked for me and along the way I just started collecting them. <br /><br /><div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/DL_Fashion_NV_OYU-1.png"></div><br />But of course, I'm me. And I just can't leave well enough alone so I hunted around my untrieds for something to do a quick accent with and saw Orange You Unique from my NinjaPolish order sitting there begging to be tried. <br /><br />Guys, let me tell you about <a href="imfeelingnail-venturous.blogspot.com">Nail-Venturous</a>. She created this gorgeously unique np called Floam (yes, like that <a href="http://f00.inventorspot.com/images/floam.jpg">weird stuff</a> you saw commercials for on Nick in the mid 90s) and it totally hit it big and now she has an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Nailventurous?ref=seller_info">etsy</a> shop as well as polishes on Ninja Polish one of which is the orange/blue version of Floam, Orange You Unique. I went a little crazy at her shop debut and now have 5 more coming to me (including Floam! Which was already sold out by the time I placed my Ninja order)<br /><br />Humm, anyway, put it on one finger. Left it for a day.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/IMAG0494.jpg"><br />And then decided I needed it on alternating fingers. Because that's how I roll.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/DL_Fashion_NV_OYU1.png">Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-61281190105224434232012-03-13T19:46:00.002-07:002012-03-13T19:51:38.523-07:00Deborah Lippman - Don't Tell Mama<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/DL_DTM-1.png"></div><br />Oops, disappeared for a mo' there. I have more NerdLacquers and a bunch of fun bright colours for y'all but I couldn't help but post Don't Tell Mama. I was itching for spring and wore only bright colours for a couple weeks but oh man when I put on this baby it felt like coming home. As much as I love the bright and fun colours, vampies are where my heart lies. It's like when I wear a bright and cute dress, I love it but end of the day I'm more comfortable in the jeans and black shirt.<br /><br />This was also my first proper DL mani. Picked this beauty up in a swap and finally got around to wearing her and I'm so glad I did. I was sad that the first day I wore it the sun wasn't cooperating so I couldn't pick up the flash but the second day I got it! The formula was lovely although she did take 3 coats but that can be forgiven. <br /><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/DL_DTM2.png"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/DL_DTM3.png">Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-31972178404495125842012-03-04T20:27:00.002-08:002012-03-04T20:36:01.847-08:00NerdLacquer Holy Grail over Zoya Kristin<div align=center><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Z_Kristin_NL_HG4.png"></div><br />When Amanda reopened her shop for a whole 18 hoursish a few weeks ago I swore I was going to be strong and not order anything since I've still got about 20 minis to swatch but...then Holy Grail and Carbon Allotrope were posted and I think I probably blacked out or something because next thing I know I'm staring at a confirmation e-mail. Still, these are gorgeous and unique and I don't regret it at all.<br /><br />They came in on Friday looks gorgeous but I just wasn't in the mood for full on glitter so I studied my stash, pulled out Kristin, and decided to try for a glitter gradient. Because of how much you have to wipe down the brush to get that application right I had a hard time grabbing a lot of the large glitter pieces but I still really like the way it turned out. In some lights it all looks like one colour with just some sparkle up by the tips. When I was getting my tattoo coloured yesterday I did a bad and peeled the np off my pinky so I just did a couple layers without the undies as you can see above.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Z_Kristin_NL_HG3.png"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Z_Kristin_NL_HG2.png"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Z_Kristin_NL_HG1.png"><br /><br />I just love the way these two play together! I'm sad I didn't get any pics showing the holo or the glow in the darkness but I suppose that just means I'll have to wear her again!Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-28638271421418336242012-03-03T21:04:00.003-08:002012-03-03T21:20:50.354-08:00NerdLacquer Exterminate and AurumFirst! How awesome is <a href="ninjapolish.com">Ninja Polish</a>? I'm supposed to be on a low low low buy right now and just spent $100 there this morning (but ok about 1/4 of that was for my bunny on the TPF secret bunny exchange but still) including one of their exclusive NerdLacquers, Acid of 1000 Fangs. Sometime once my bank account has recovered and they've recovered from the stampede I'll pick up Eight Gates too. I love that they're based out of Palatine too which is like an hour away from me. <br /><br />Second! Got some tattoo work done today and it was the most painful 2.5 hours. I don't know, normally once I'm there and getting inked I relax into it and the endorphins kick in and I can just hang out but this <i>hurt</i>. I think it was the location and the full colour instead of just shading. Still it turned out great and hopefully when the house gets done in a few weeks it'll be better since it's lower. The balloons are definitely in a sensitive spot, especially the closer to the ass you get.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/IMAG0478.jpg"><br />Yes, it's the house from Up. Someday in the next few years I'll have all the elements of the dream scene done (the plan for the entire leg is to have a twisted tree with a girl sleeping under it down on my calf with the thigh being her dream scene) and we'll tie it together with clouds and shit so Pooh won't so awkward next to the balloons but that's a ways off.<br /><br />Whatever, enough babbling, I know what you're interested in. So when I did my Cult Nails Swanbourne/Dollish Polish Toxic Avenger mani, before I took it off I put NerdLacquer Aurum on one hand and Exterminate on the other. The quality isn't great and there's some very very very obvious SV shrinkage but here you go.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NL_Exterminate1.jpg"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NL_Exterminate.jpg"><br />I adore Exterminate and can't wait to use it for a proper mani. Daleks are so much fun! I have <a href="http://www.teefury.com/archive/1094/Exterminated/">this</a> shirt from TeeFury so how could I not love <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6t692kpqhs">Exterminate</a>?<br /><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NL_Aurum.jpg"><br />Aurum I'm less in love with. The chemist part of me of course loves it and it's very pretty but it's just not as jaw dropping as some of Amanda's other creations. <br /><br />I have Holy Grail on right now and I'm really hoping it'll be sunny tomorrow so I can take some proper pics showing the holo. But trust me, it's amaze.Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-72599168350468297312012-02-26T11:04:00.002-08:002012-02-26T11:12:53.540-08:00Essie Case Study + NerdLacquer RegenerationI cannot believe how long it took me to get around to wearing Case Study. I picked it up back in November because I got all of the Fall 2011 collection except Lady Like since I wasn't a pink fan back then (it's grown on me in the interim although I doubt it'll ever be a goto colour). So regretting waiting so long to wear this beauty.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_CaseStudy1.jpg"><br />The formula was a dream, perfect 2 coat creme and the colour is so great. I can't believe there was a point in my NP obsession where I didn't love browns.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/Essie_CaseStudy2.jpg"><br /><br />When I originally put on Essie Case Study it was with the intention of putting NerdLacquer Exterminate on top but the day I was planning on putting it on I found out a friend of mine had passed away and decided instead to put on Regeneration as a small tribute to her because she loved orange and Doctor Who and of course, because life can begin again. Turns out it was an amazing choice because Case Study really makes Regeneration shine.<br /><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NL_Regeneration.jpg"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NL_Regeneration2.jpg"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NL_Regeneration3.jpg"><br /><br />I really love this colour and it's so going on my list as something to order in fullsize once my funds allow for it. You gotta love when The Doctor <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXCpY_3Sac8">Regenerates</a>.Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-51940410724195885662012-02-23T20:18:00.004-08:002012-02-23T20:30:47.217-08:00NerdLacquer It's Just a Flesh Wound Over a-England LancelotOddly, when I chose this combo the only thing I thought was how I needed a black to put Just a Flesh Wound over and Lancelot was the closest I had (technically it's a blackened red but it's soooo dark. I actually really love Lancelot and wish I'd taken a pic of it alone because it's not as stark as a lot of blacks and as always with a-England, the formula is perfection) but the first time I typed it together a little song popped into my head<br /><br />His name is Lancelot<br />He likes tight pants a lot<br />He likes to dance-a-lot<br /><br />How could I not make the Spamalot connection? *headdesk* I mean obviously I knew the Monty Python ref<br /><br />"Tis but a scratch"<br />"A scratch? Your arm's off!"<br />"No it's not."<br />"Well what's that then?"<br />"I've had worse."<br /><br />And on and on til the namesake line. I love that movie so freaking much. First time I saw it was right before Christmas my freshmen year of high school. My World History teacher showed it every year to his freshmen and oh it was a wonderful Monty Python introduction. I've seen it and loads of others soooo many times.<br /><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NL_JaFW2.jpg"><br />I think It's Just a Flesh Wound is such a perfect NP representation of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKhEw7nD9C4">that scene</a>.<br /><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/NL_JaFW1.jpg"><br /><br />"What are you going to do, bleed on me?"Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83634247143814251.post-53760314278111654262012-02-19T19:04:00.000-08:002012-02-19T19:18:17.377-08:00Cult Nails Swanbourne + Dollish Polish Toxic AvengerWhen I saw the <a href="http://shop.cultnails.com/">Cult Nails</a> Nekkid Collection I knew, <i>knew</i> I had to have it so I pre-ordered like the naughty impulsive girl I am. I just can't pass up a ton of great nudes (and of course Toxic Seaweed looks fab too, but I'll be honest, it was the browns/nudes that got me to pull the trigger). Decided on Swanbourne for my Singles Awareness Day mani since we all know chocolate is what everyone loves about VDay anyway.<br /><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/CN_Swanbourne.jpg"><br />I know I saw someone say this applied thickly on them, but my bottle was wonderful. I love that gold shimmer that's in all the nudes/browns in the collection, it adds such great visual interest to an already stunning brown.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/IMAG0419.jpg"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/IMAG0418.jpg"><br /><br />Then, because I'm me and can't leave well enough alone, I added some <a href="www.etsy.com/shop/Dollishpolish">Dollish Polish</a> Toxic Avenger on top. This is such a gorgeous multichrome with holo. I can't even handle the fabulousness of it. I love love love the geek names some of these indies are giving their NP. The whole reason I checked out Dollish Polish was because of Expecto Patronum (will swatch later), I mean I need all the Harry Potter nail polish ever! Gotta have something to go with the tattoo.<br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/Nail%20Pics/DP_ToxicAvenger.jpg"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/IMAG0422.jpg"><br /><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v416/semmi/IMAG0421.jpg">Maihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171278066789250noreply@blogger.com0