Nail Polish

Make a bold statement with shattered lacquer nails

 Matisse, Nail Polish  Comments Off
Aug 072011
 

Crackalaquer nails by Matisse Elite - Retrodivas BeautyHave you tried the shatter effect on your nails yet? I admit, I was slow to hop on this trend train, but I have to admit, it does have a fun appeal.

You have to purchase the shatter polish – you can’t use polish you already have. Here I’m using Mattese Elite Crackalacquer Nail Polish
icon in silver over Julep Nail Color in Drew. And you definitely need to ignore the state of my cuticles – I’ve been a stress bomb for a few months.

At any rate, the Crackalacquer is super fun, and easy to apply. It brushes on like any other nail polish, but as it dries, it separates and “shatters” into the effect you see here. Work quickly, as it does have a tendency to glob up and get more difficult to use the longer the brush is out of the paint. Make sure you use a good contrasting color under the Crackalacquer so that the effect is more pronounced. The Crackalacquer comes in gold, silver, black, pink, white, and blue – tons of options.

I promise your nails will get noticed, and those who aren’t in the know will assume that you did some crazy nonsense to get your nails looking so very cool.

Mattese Elite Crackalacquer Nail Polish is only available at Rickys NYC, which is everywhere in New York City, and online at RickysNYC.com, and retails for $6.99.
icon

New Borghese Rapido Fast Dry Collection

 Borghese, Nail Polish  Comments Off
Mar 252011
 

Borghese RapidoI cannot tell a lie: I love fast dry nail polishes. I am one of those terribly impatient people who do a full on manicure, then always manage to smudge it up because I just can’t wait for it to be completely dry before I stick my hand in my purse. True story: you will always find a small smudge on my mani somewhere – it’s just one of those little things that make up my life. So I was interested to hear about Borghese’s new Rapido Nail Polish, especially given the fact that the colors look amazeballs!

The Borghese Rapido Fast Dry Nail Lacquer Collection collection is a quick-drying formula that is available in long-lasting colors. Borghese invites you to discover the new Rapido Fast Dry Lacquer collection in bold brights and chic Italian neutrals. Evoking all the vivid colors of a garden in bloom, and the sophisticated hues of city style, Borghese’s new nail lacquers complement every wardrobe.

These long-wearing, nail-strengthening lacquers contain Borghese’s exclusive Aqua di Vita complex to help restore moisture and balance, while Micronized Gemstones add strength and brilliance. Each shade comes with a special Duale Curve Tip Brush custom designed to hug the shape of your nail for smooth, flawless application that lasts up to seven days. The rich, saturated hues are free of DBP’s, Toluene and added Formaldehyde.

borghese nail care_ rapido fast dry nail lacquer

Colors available are:

  • Vigneto
  • Marino
  • Mochaccino
  • Chroma
  • Lira
  • Menta
  • Violetto
  • Maraschino
  • Siena
  • Rosso
  • Anemone
  • Limoncello

Find the collection at Ulta, and drug stores such as Rite-Aid for about $8.

 

The new Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail strips are fun and easy to apply

 Nail Polish, Nails, Sally Hansen  2 Responses »
Mar 122011
 

sally hansen salon effects nail strips in girl flowerI love keeping my nails painted and looking nice, but I’m not one for doing much in the way of nail art – not that I don’t like it, but I don’t seem to have the talent for it at all. And there are no salons in my area that do Minx or gel nails that I know of, so my options are limited. However, I managed to find Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips by Sally Hansen and sat down to play with them yesterday.

They really aren’t that difficult to use, and I love the no drying time. Just make sure to do your thumbs last and take your time making sure the strips fit your nail bed. You can use them no matter the length of your nails, and they just look super cute. You can choose between art like the flowers on my fingers, or you can just choose a color. I went with the art, just to have something fun on my nails.


Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips retail at $9.99, and 16 come in a box along with a file and orange stick; you’ll need nothing else to apply these.

Lady Gaga’s manicurist, Aya Fukuda, makes house calls in NYC!

 beauty, Hair Room Service, Lady Gaga, Nail Polish  Comments Off
Mar 102011
 

Aya Fukuda manicurist to Lady Gaga in Born this WayAnd here is another really fabulous reason to live in New York City. Lady Gaga’s manicurist in her “Born This Way” video makes house calls to your home, hotel, or business, and the rates are quite affordable.

“When I designed Lady Gaga’s nails for Born this Way, I was inspired by her eccentric, yet glamorous style. Designing nails for her is really fun and truly a piece of art. The nail incorporated Swarvoski crystals in jet color and silver metal, with a vibrant red and black polish from Priti NYC. All this was encompassed on a long, almond-shaped tip. I am excited to now share this art with the rest of NYC by providing house calls throughout the city. -Aya Fukuda, Hair Room Service.

Lady Gaga manicure nails nail polish by aya fukuda

When you are happy with your new nail art, you can also glam up with hair, makeup, and styling from Hair Room Service, and packaging any of these with your nails garners you a 10% discount.

To book an appointment or to inquire about pricing (which starts at $65), call (866) 222.7566 or visit HairRoomService.com.

Have you ever tried any Miss Nail Products?

 Miss Nail Products, Nail Polish  Comments Off
Dec 192010
 

sation nail polish by miss nail productsMiss Nail Products is the company behind several lines that you have probably seen if you have been in a nail salon in my area. Sation, which is for sale at Sally’s Beauty, is a staple in many salons. I never gave the line any thought, other than they had a pretty extensive range of colors, and never shied away from brights and bolds, but have never actually purchased a bottle. I’ve had plenty of manicures using the brand, however, and found them to be on par with other higher end polishes. They are also three free: free of DBP, Formaldehyde and Toluene, and made in the USA.

However, Miss also has other lines you may be familiar with as well: Chelsea, Summer French, and New York Summer. All have lovely color stories, although these three are harder for me to find. Visit their new site at Miss Professional Nail Products to see all the shades and get some inspiration.

Miss Nail Products recently sent me a video link that highlights their recent shoot with some current nail trends that I’m loving. Have you ever tried any of the Miss Nail Products, and what are your opinions?

Eight new shades of nail polish to try this season

 beauty, Nail Polish  Comments Off
Aug 312010
 
art fingers number one by vi4kin on flickr

art fingers #1 by vi4kin on flickr

Fall is a great time to step out of your comfort zone and try out some new fun and funky nail shades. We are seeing every color of the rainbow this season, and the finishes run from matte to full on glitter. Why not consider your fingers and toes another accessory to play with? Because with these shades, you are going to want to have them done all the time.

Continue reading »

Estee Lauder makes it pop with two Bronze Goddess makeup collections

 Nail Polish  Comments Off
Mar 142010
 

I am so excited to see Estee Lauder really taking their collections to the next level. Anyone who is still mistakenly thinking of the brand as an “old lady” favorite should definitely think again – the two new Bronze Goddess summer collections are nothing short of spectacular.

There are two color stories with this collection, Exotic Coral and Exotic Orchid. Both of these collections have some gorgeous limited edition colors for eyes, lips, and nails. The collection also includes some bronzing products to help you get that radiant summer glow as well as self-tanning products for the perfect beach look and a perfect-for-sultry-summer-nights fragrance.

Let’s break it all down after the jump, including product photos.

Continue reading »

Illamasqua’s Global Nail Varnish Competition: Create the Next Amazing Shade

 Nail Polish  Comments Off
Feb 212010
 
Illamasqua, the edgiest, nighttime makeup brand, is looking for the next hot Nail Varnish color, and beginning on February 21, 2010, it could be created by you! Submit a description of your dream color and what inspired it, along with an image or photograph, and you could have your shade created by Illamasqua. The winning shade will be sold as an exclusive on Illamasqua.com, and through UK-based Selfridges department stores and Selfridges.com, beginning in October of 2010 (although, you’ll get your hand on it before anyone else!).
The rules:
  • The contest is open globally from Feb 21, 2010 through March 14, 2010
  • In 50 words or less, submit a description of your dream color and what inspired it – pictures are encouraged, whether a photograph, swatch, material etc… –  to Illamasqua
  • You can submit only ONE entry
  • Entries can be submitted three ways:
COMPETITION
c/o Illamasqua
6-8 Anwell St
London
EC1R 1UQ                                                       
One winner will be selected and notified by 5th May. A prestigious panel of beauty trend makers, including Illamasqua Artistic Director and Legendary Make-up Artist Alex Box, Internationally acclaimed Nail Artist Sophy Robson and the Youtube sensations Pixiwoo will be heading up the judging panel!

The State of My Nails

 Nail Polish, Nails, OPI, suzi says da  2 Responses »
Jan 072009
 


I finally did it. I couldn’t stand changing my polish every day and filing down nails that were constantly breaking, so I went and had gel nails put on.

I know, they are expensive, they aren’t good for the environment, and all that. But I have to admit…I love them. I love, love, love having nails that don’t break!

I don’t keep them long – I have to type after all. But it is fantastic to put a gorgeous color on, like Suzi Says Da over there, and have it last more than two days.

What do you think about artificial nails? Love them or hate them?

What Color Nail Polish Are You?

 Nail Polish  Comments Off
Sep 222008
 

These things just crack me up. Sometimes they are accurate, but mostly they just waste my time. This one actually worked: I love magenta nail polish, and wear it often.


Your Nail Polish Color is Magenta


How you’re unique: You’re confident – and you show everyone the true you

Why your style rocks: You have the attitude to carry the most outrageous outfits off

What this color says about you: “Look at me. I know you want to!”

 Older Entries  Newer Entries