Saran Wrap manicure

Today's manicure is another  "Crumpet's Nail Tarts" laid back challenge. The technique is called the Saran Wrap Method.

I used a base coat of Orly Color Blast Total Eclipse of the Heart which is a multichrome that shifts between pink, orange, green and gold. It's quite lovely on it's own.

I then painted jojoba oil around the skin surrounding my nails because this is a messy process and I was hoping oil would make clean up smoother. It did! I used a tool from Sally Beauty Supply that is intended to assist in removing nail polish without destroying your manicure. It is a pen-like device that has a retractable claw which holds onto a cotton ball or in this case, crumpled up saran wrap. It is made by Star Nail and is called an ASP Manicure Saver Cotton Claw. I bunched up pre-cut squares of saran wrap and used this tool to dab on the top layer of nail polish, Milani Black Cherry.

Seche Vite top coat was used between layers and as a final top coat.

I then removed the oil and excess nail polish with a Q-tip and used acetone with a stiff slanted brush for final clean up. This was quite a mess but I am pleased with the result. Please take a look at all the lovely pictures of other Saran Wrap manis. Enjoy ☼

ASP Manicure Saver Cotton Claw

HITS Dionisio Holographic

HITS Dionisio Holographic is a gorgeous rainbow purple long wearing nail polish. As with my other HITS review, I anticipate this polish will wear extremely well. I did encounter bubbles again and found the brush a bit "fat" for application. My personal preference is a thinner brush because my nail bed is quite slim. The color is magnificent.

I used Nailtiques Formula 2 for my base and applied 2 coats of HITS.

Enjoy ☼

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This is my first entry in the "Crumpet's Nail Tarts" laid back challenges. You can view other people's great manicures of a similar theme by clicking on their thumbnails at the end of this post.

Llarowe carries HITS

 

 

 

 

This is my first time participating in a full on group motivation/challenge that features other blogs. What fun! Click on 'em & have a great time browsing ☼

 

Pressed flower manicure

I'm so pleased to have been included in my first nail polish challenge group - The Nail Challenge on facebook.

This week's challenge was to interpret Spring.

As always, I used a base coat of Nailtiques Formula 2, applied two coats of Essence Forget Me Knot, a few layers of OPI I Juggle Men over real pressed flowers from last Spring with a healthy dose of HKG top coat. These Plumbago Auriculata were a challenge to work with but a learning experience is always worth the effort.

I hope you enjoy my Spring inspiration and thank you for taking the time to look at my blog ☼

HITS Hera Holographic

Holos are my latest obsession. So many companies have their own versions and of the four different one's I've tried, HITS is the clear winner for durability. I can wear a HITS Holo manicure for over 7 days with absolutely NO chipping. It is amazing!

Trust me when I tell you I put my hands through it all...dry desert heat (shrinks/distorts/water "opens" the nails back up), forced air, gardening, wood burning fireplace duty (smiling from ear to ear on this one), package opening (joy), laundry, various other mani treachery including dishes all day long. I never wear gloves for any of these tasks so HITS is insanely amazing. Most of my manis must be removed after 3 days tops because I can't stand chipping.

I extend the holos by glittering the tips to distract from the visible regrowth at the cuticles.

My only concern about HITS is that bubbling occurs when I apply 2 coats. It could be that I am too impatient between coats or that my "undies" are creating havoc. I only use Nailtiques Formula 2 as a base. I know most holos require a special base but I have not bought any. This in no way effects the overall beauty and rainbow insanity that is HITS but because they are my nails, I see the bubbles.

Llarowe carries HITS

The following pictures of HITS Hera were taken with two different cameras. I am still experimenting ☼

 

Shimmer Polish Cassandra with Fantasy Makers Confetti Glitz

Another stunner by Shimmer Polish: Cassandra

I had great difficulty picking up the color on my new camera as I have not yet deciphered how to white balance it. The pictures do not do this polish justice but the need to share outweighed the desire for reading the manual on CD, pfff. This is such a stunning combination. My nails look like icicles IRL!

Here is the process: Yellow Stopper as a base coat for that natural French manicure effect (it casts a lavender hue on your natural nail), one coat Shimmer Polish Cassandra (pearl white holographic glitter), "French tips" using  Fantasy Makers Confetti Glitz (a super shiny fine holo powder that can be used for many purposes) and my favorite top coat, HKG.

Enjoy ☼

Shimmer Polish

Butter London Jack the Lad

Featured is a fantastic gift from my friend Jammies at Baubles & Bubbles. Can you believe she would part with this incredible color?? She knows my love of green polish and is so thoughtful. I am grateful to her for my very first Butter London nail polish, Jack the Lad.  Official description: opaque, moss green shimmer with gold, turquoise and green microglitter.

I have applied 2 coats of Jack the Lad. Application was a dream. The polish is very complex and multifaceted. I particularly love the turquoise accents in the deep mossy green base. Gorgeous.

The pictures were taken indoors under an OttLite. Enjoy.

Butter London

OttLite

Candeo Colors Orchid

I promised you color and here it is. I have seen so many beautiful manicures with Candeo Colors Orchid, I just had to buy a bottle and give it a try. It has turned into one of my favorites.

This color is stunning. It is described as a shimmery fuchsia base that is loaded with small copper, light purple, magenta and large silver holographic hex glitter. I'd like to add that it is a fuchsia jelly based polish that can be layered for more depth and sparkle. It would be great for sandwiching (next time!).

For this manicure I applied a base of 2 coats Ulta in Deep Desire, one coat of Candeo Colors Orchid and 1 coat of Hong Kong Girl top coat.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Thanks for stopping by and Happy 2013 to you all ☼

Candeo Colors