When I saw someone online use this totally awesome glitter, I needed to have it. I stopped by Sally Beauty Supply after work on Wednesday to pick up a jar. It was hard not to buy a few different ones, but seeing as I had never used glitter before, I figured I should probably start with one.

I applied a base color. Then I carefully applied the glitter. It was less messy than I thought it would be, but it still got everywhere. I was afraid to exhale and send the little particles flying all over the kitchen table. My original plan was to completely glitter my ring fingers and glitter the tips of the other fingers. In theory my plan was good, and I think it would have worked out if I’d been using fine glitter, but it didn’t work out so well with the big chunks.

So I started over.

While I was repainting my nails, I decided to make an accent finger (because apparently the glitter isn’t accent enough?), so I painted one nail bright pink. I then proceeded to glitter the appropriate fingers once again.

I think the final result turned out pretty well.

Colors used:
FingerPaints Art Dealer Teal-er
OPI Pompeii Purple
SuperNail Glitter in Blizzard

They say the third time’s a charm, right? Well for me that holds true because it was my third attempt at using my new Konad Nail Art Stamper, and my nails turned out pretty darn good. I honestly didn’t think that the stamper would be this easy to use or produce such good results (I was happy to be wrong for what might just be the first time in my life). Most surprising to me, though, was the price. I bought the double-ended stamper and scraper, a plate holder (which I really don’t think is necessary, but whatever, it was $0.89), and three plates from Amazon for just under $15 including shipping.

My only complaint is that the stamped image isn’t as dark as I’d like, but that’s understandable, as a single coat of polish typically isn’t completely opaque, and this uses a considerably thinner layer. Also, there’s the fine point of cleaning up the tools. After all, it’s not like I want to handle nail polish remover after finishing a manicure. Fortunately I’ve done it three times without any ill effect.

To make the zebra print design, I used the Konad Image Plate M57, Zoya Snow White, and Zoya Raven. What can I say? Fancy colored animal prints are fun, but I’m a traditional kind of girl!

Newspaper Nails on Zoya Carey

The other day I saw someone tweet their newspaper nails! I thought it was one of the coolest things ever. How perfect for me because I just got Carey by Zoya which is a grey polish!

All you need is grey polish, a newspaper, and rubbing alcohol (and base and top coats of course). It was relatively easy to do. My first hand was questionable (once again, the non-photo hand), but after that I had it down pat.

Check out the tutorial by Cutepolish below. There are a ton of awesome nail art tutorials on their YouTube page that I can’t wait to try.

Asylum over NYC Black Lace Creme

I searched Sally Beauty Supply stores all over town to get a bottle of the new Special Effects Collection by Finger Paints. Originally my heart was set on Twisted, but by the time I finally found a store that had some in stock, I decided it wasn’t the time to be picky. Instead of holding out for Twisted, I took my chances and decided to go with Asylum instead.

I love flakies, and I’m glad that these are getting popular now that I’m back into polishes again. I was worried, after reading reviews of the different colors online, that Asylum wouldn’t be colorful enough for my tastes, but I was wrong. Over black polish, I can see red, orange, green, blue, and purple flakies. I used two coats for the photo above. Also, I was happy that the flakes stayed in place as opposed to traveling to the tip of my nail along with the brush.

This is actually my second bottle of flakies. I also have some by Nails Inc, and if I’m being honest, after using the Finger Paints version, I’m quite disappointed in the higher priced brand. For the money I spent, I could have bought all five flakies in the Finger Paints collection (assuming they are eventually back in stock).

The black polish I’m wearing is Black Lace Creme by NYC. Best $1.99 I ever spent. I bought it on impulse back when black was the new… black, and Chanel Black Velvet was going on eBay for $100 a bottle. It takes three coats but ends up even, glossy, and has impressive staying power.

Finger Paints Special Effects Collection is only available in Sally Beauty Supply stores.