Because hard stuff is the worst.
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Today’s mani starts with two coats of OPI Red Lights Ahead…Where? and I used a design from Cici&Sisi Yellow collection and Mundo de Unas Lavender to create this look.
Here is a plain swatch of OPI Red Lights Ahead…Where? It is a very creamy red with orange undertones. I think this one is super flattering and I’m really happy I have it!
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Today’s mani starts with Pure Ice Blue Hue over white. Once dry, I used Mundo de Unas Blue Navy and a design from Cici&Sisi Yellow Collection to create the two-toned blue stamping look.
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Today’s mani starts with two coats of Pure Ice Dollface and then two coats of Pure Ice Poppin Bottles, both of which were sent to me as samples from Pure Ice. For the stamping polish I used Mundo de Unas Red Wine and the design is from Cici&Sisi Plate 21 from the red set.
This stamping design would also be great for a leadlighting mani since it looks just like a stained glass window.
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Today’s mani starts with two coats of Love, Angeline Emeralds are a Girl’s Best Friend. I stamped using Mundo de Unas Papyrus and a design from Pueen Plate 86. Emeralds was in the February 2015 Beauty Quartet box.
I’m not a big fan of this look and I ended up taking it off right away. I’m not totally sure why I don’t like it. Perhaps just the wrong color combo for the design?
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This green stamping nail art starts with two coats of OPI My Gecko Does Tricks from the Hawaii collection. The stamping polish is Mundo de Unas Military Green and the design is from Pueen Plate 74. I was lucky enough to snag Gecko when my mother in law used her top-secret handshake to get me into CosmoProf. At first, I wasn’t that impressed, but when I saw new OPI bottles for half price…well…let’s just say I’ll be extra nice to my mother in law from now on! ;)
One of my favorite stamping combinations is a two-tone one. This is also one of my husband’s favorite manicure’s I’ve done. That cracks me up because sometimes I feel like two-tone stamping is my easy way out of having to think too hard. :P To really make a two-tone mani pop, mix different shades of the same color, but also different finishes. I like this look because the cream jumps off the metallic background and has a nice contrast.
Here’s a plain swatch of OPI My Gecko Does Tricks. It’s a metallic green and one that I might just have to wear on St. Patrick’s Day since it’s so pretty. I used two coats and I have no formula issues to report. (Obviously…I have never had formula issues with OPI.)
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Today’s mani is two coats of Sally Hansen Velour which is from their Velvet Texture Collection. Then, I used Mundo de Unas Cream and a design from Cici&Sisi’s Yellow Collection to create this look. There’s something pleasantly spring-like about this mani. I know spring isn’t for another few weeks, but isn’t it kind of nice to think about? Sitting outside, reading a book, petting my dogs, and looking at holo polish in the sun!
Here is a plain swatch of Sally Hansen Velour. I’m a huge fan of this collection! I really love the textured look that Sally Hansen came up with!
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Today’s nail art starts with two coats of Pure Ice Rosy Glow (originally sent to me as a press sample) over white. Then, I used a matte topcoat. The stamping polish is Konad Black and the design is from Cici&Sisi Plate 21 from the red set.
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Zoya sent me Zoya Eden which I swatched for you here. It wasn’t on purpose, but I think this nail art ended up looking like a bit of a watermarble! The stamping polish is Mundo de Unas Pastel Blue and the stamping plate is Born Pretty Store Plate BP-L-005 You can see all their available image plates here: BornPrettyStore Stamping Image Plates.
As I mentioned earlier this week, I’m reading Nail Structure and Product Chemistry by Doug Schoon. Today, I learned that in general, men’s nails grow faster than women’s! That sounds a little backwards to me! LOL! And not fair at all!!
The stamping didn’t turn out quite as crisp as I would have liked, but the effect of a fake watermarble looks pretty cool!
You can find these supplies and more in the nail art section of the Born Pretty Store. Use code F
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Today’s mani starts with two coats of Philly Loves Lacquer The Best Day of the Year which is from the February 2015 Beauty Quartet box. The stamping polish is Mundo de Unas High Green and the design is from Pueen Plate 86.
I’m starting to read Doug Schoon’s book Nail Structure and Product Chemistry. It’s meant for nail technicians, which I am not, but I do have a thirst for knowledge! It will also help me answer more nail-related questions which I’m excited for. Did you know that your nails grow at different rates? As a general rule of thumb (hahahaha), the longer the finger, the faster the nail grows! This isn’t true 100% of the time because there are other factors, but I certainly thought it was an interesting tidbit!
I love how crisp this green is! I must admit, I’m pretty impressed…Almost worth the smell that MDU polishes are known for!
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I’m stepping outside my comfort-zone with today’s mani! I rarely wear yellow! :P This is two coats of Zoya Daisy which is from the Spring 2015 Delight collection (originally sent to me as a press sample). I purchased a ton of Mundo de Unas stamping polishes so I grabbed the MDU Neon Pink to pair with it. I was sent Born Pretty Store Plate BP-L-006 to review so I used the stars design from that plate for this look. You can see all their available image plates here: BornPrettyStore Stamping Image Plates.
My husband pointed out, and I agree, that this looks quite 80’s! Like something Gem would wear. I only vaguely remember Gem, but I know she’d rock this mani!
Thanks again to BPS for sending me these to review! You can find these supplies and more in the nail art section of the Born Pretty Store. Use code F
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Today’s mani is another one for the Crumpet’s 52-week pick and mix challenge! I combined both prompts this week because I’m crazy like that. The prompts are Houndstooth and Orange/Red/Yellow. I used Zoya Jesy from the Bubbly Collection, Zoya Daisy from the Delight Collection, and Mundo de Unas Reddish. The design is from Born Pretty Store Plate BP-L-006. The Zoya polishes and the stamping plate were originally sent to me as press samples by the respective companies.
I started with two coats of Zoya Daisy and once it was dry, I brush Jesy on the tips. I was going to do a sponge gradient, but the sponge was soaking all of Jesy up! Since I knew I was going to stamp on top of all this, I decided just to brush Jesy on the tips and not worry too much about doing a ‘real’ gradient. It actually worked out nicely! I let the first layer of Jesy dry and then I did a second layer, but started the brush further down on the nail. That made for a quick and easy gradient with no cleanup! (Note to self: try that again.)
To avoid having to do any cleanup with stamping, I used Bliss Kiss Simply Peel liquid latex. You can read my full review of that here.
My husband said this mani looks like ships from Asteroids flying over candy corn. What an imagination that man has!
Thanks again to BPS for sending me these to review! You can find these supplies and more in the nail art section of the Born Pretty Store. Use codeF
Check out these other talented ladies and their nail art for this week’s prompts!
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For today’s mani, I started with two coats of Smokey Mountain Lacquer Pleasure in Your Base which is from the February 2015 Beauty Quartet Box. The stamping polish is Mundo de Unas Copper and the foreign words are from Pueen Plate 86.
There are a number of different languages on this plate–but I’m naive and can’t identify them! How embarrassing is that? I’m pretty sure there is french and Russian or German. No full words are showing, though. The night before I did this mani, I trimmed my nails down quite a bit. Too much, I think. I miss my longer nails! I still have quite a bit of free edge here, but not what I’m used to. I guess the plus side is that it’s easier to type now?
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When I discovered that Dollish Polish had a polish called It’s Bigger on the Inside, I had to buy it, of course! This mani is two coats of It’s Bigger and then I used Mundo de Unas Fuchsia and a design from Pueen Plate 84.
Here is a plain swatch of Dollish Polish It’s Bigger on the Inside. It looks just like a starry night sky which is totally perfect for a polish inspired by the TARDIS!! I’m rewatching all the revamp episodes of Doctor Who now. Matt Smith drives me bonkers. I pine for David Tennant! At least I like Peter Capaldi as the Doctor. He’s quite a bit more sophisticated than Smith.
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I’m going to test out a new type of post – showing you one polish, multiple different ways. Please let me know what you think in the comments! Today’s guinea pig is Dollish Polish Seduce Me. I got Seduce Me in the limited edition Dollish Polish Valentine’s Day Box.
First, we have Seduce Me with a glossy topcoat. This is how the polish is ‘meant’ to be worn.
It’s a lovely hot pink crelly with pink and blue shimmers. This quickly became one of my favorite pinks in my collection.
Then, I put a matte topcoat on this girl and she took on a whole new life! I can’t decide if I like it better glossy or matte because I seriously love it both ways!
Lastly, Here is Seduce Me as a base for some nail art! This stamping polish was Mundo de Unas Lilac and the design is from Pueen Plate 82.
What did you think of this post? Did you like seeing a single polish a variety of different ways? If you liked it, please let me know in the comments and I’ll do more like this!
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I was sent Born Pretty Store Plate BP-L-006 to show you some of the designs and to review for you! I picked this plate because I was drawn to the beautiful flower designs. You can see all their available image plates here: BornPrettyStore Stamping Image Plates.
I wanted to see how the checkerboard pattern would work. I actually like it, but my topcoat messed it up a little bit. It didn’t smear the design so much as it picked up little particles of pink and dragged it over the white so the white doesn’t look crisp and clean. I used OPI Alpine Snow and Konad Princess Pink.
Thanks again to BPS for sending me these to review! You can find these supplies and more in the nail art section of the Born Pretty Store. Use code F
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Today’s nail art has a bit of a Hawaiian feel to it! I started with two coats of Zoya Leslie which was sent to me as a press sample for this post here. Then, I used Mundo de Unas Iris and a design from Born Pretty Store Plate BP-L-005 which was also sent to me as a sample. You can see all their available image plates here: BornPrettyStore Stamping Image Plates. I didn’t mean for it to look tropical, but that’s how it turned out and I really enjoyed wearing it!
I’ve only been to Hawaii once (in 5th grade….a long, long time ago) but I do have fond memories of it! I haven’t been back because now that I’m a grownup with a house, husband, and dogs it’s much harder to get away! I can’t even imagine how people with kids manage to take any vacation! I guess the main difference is that you have the option of taking your kids with you…while my dogs? Not so much.
You can find these supplies and more in the nail art section of the Born Pretty Store. Use code F
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Today’s nail art is for this week’s “geometric” prompt from the Crumpet’s 52 week pick and mix challenge. I started with three thin coats of Mango Bunny Polish Ninja Bunny. The stamping polish is Mundo de Unas Mexican Pink and the design is from Vivid Lacquer Plate VL034. The pink covered up more of the Ninja Bunny than I would have liked but at least I adore pink!
Here is a plain swatch of Ninja Bunny. It’s a black jelly with small white glitters and white triangles. You can see the white triangle best stuck to the lid. LOL! I guess I can be a little messy! I think I’m going to leave it there. Just for fun.
I’m trying to figure out what sets my blog apart from others – if there is anything at all. I’m always working on trying to improve my photography and hand position. I worry that it gets boring when I do 99% stamping manicures. But that’s also what I enjoy the most and what I’m best at. So, if you have any suggestions or feedback, please let me know! I want you to keep coming here! I enjoy your company. :)
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I thought that I could do some Friday the 13th nail art for you today, but March also has a Friday the 13th so I’ll save it for then! Instead, today, you get some Valentine’s Day Nail Art! I started with two coats of OPI The Power of Pink which is a light pink milky polish with pink and gold hex glitters. Then, I used Mundo de Unas Red and a design from Pueen Plate 84.
For your viewing pleasure, here is a swatch of OPI The Power of Pink.
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With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, I thought I would show you some Valentine’s Day nail art I wore this week! It starts with two coats of Cupcake Polish Elizabeth. I used two designs from the pink Cici&Sisi collection (plate10).
Look at how gorgeous Elizabeth is! It’s a beautiful golden linear holo. This is my first Cupcake Polish and I am quite impressed.
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Today’s nail art looks a little like a watermarble, but it’s not! It’s a stamp from Vivid Lacquer Plate VL009. The base polish is Nabi Cinnamon. I have no idea where to buy Nabi! I googled it and couldn’t really figure it out! I got this at a polish swap with some local polish girls. The stamping polish is Mundo de Unas Black.
Here’s a plain swatch of Nabi Cinnamon. I needed three coats for this. Application was a little tough and I had to wait for each coat to thoroughly dry so that I didn’t get too much dragging or bald spots. I would be disappointed if I had to pay for this, but for a freebie, it’s not too bad!
I hope you liked today’s stamped marble nail art!
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Who wants to see more stamping??? Well I hope it’s you because you’re on my blog and I publish a crapload of stamping manicures. This week’s prompt for the Crumpet’s 52 week Pick and Mix Challenge is Purple. This art starts with three coats of L’Oreal Butterfly Kisses. This is a very sheer pink with tiny shimmers in it. I forgot to take a plain swatch photo of this one, but you can still see the color under the stamping. The stamping design is from Pueen plate 79 and the polish is Mundo de Unas Fantasy. I will never stop warning you about the smell of MDU polishes. It smells like acrylic paint. It fades away after the mani is dry and top coated, but while you’re working, it will be very pungent. I’m willing to overcome the smell since the polishes really do stamp like heaven.
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I was sent Born Pretty Store Plate BP-L-005 to show you some of the designs and to review for you! You can see all their available image plates here: BornPrettyStore Stamping Image Plates. I picked this plate because I can see myself using pretty much every image on it!!
For this mani, I started with two coats of OPI Rollin’ In Cashmere (plain swatches at the end) and then used Mentality Orange Opaque as my stamping polish.
I either need to take some length off my nails, or I need to start paying more attention to image sizes!! These are exactly the length of my nails so I had to be super careful when lining them up. And as you can see, I didn’t do so great on my middle one!
Thanks again to BPS for sending me this to review! You can find these supplies and more in the nail art section of the Born Pretty Store. Use code F
Here are some plain swatches of OPI Rollin’ in Cashmere. Isn’t she gorgeous?!?!?!?!
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I was sent Born Pretty Store Plate BP-L-005 to show you some of the designs and to review for you! You can see all their available image plates here: BornPrettyStore Stamping Image Plates. I picked this plate because I can see myself using pretty much every image on it!!
For this mani, I started with two coats of Finger Paints Be Still My Beatnik He-Art and used Mundo de Unas Red Wine to stamp.
As usual, I thought the plate was etched quite well and I had no trouble picking up the image. Surprisingly, these images are a little small for my nails. I seriously never thought I would say that! So I had to be extra careful to make sure that I placed it well. You can see on my pointer finger that I was just a tad off. The image length was exactly the length of my nails! I didn’t do it for this mani, but french tips that match the stamping color can cover up errors like this and look really cool at the same time.
Thanks again to BPS for sending me this to review! You can find these supplies and more in the nail art section of the Born Pretty Store. Use code F
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I was sent Born Pretty Store Plate BP-L-006 to show you some of the designs and to review for you! I picked this plate because I was drawn to the classic designs. You can see all their available image plates here: BornPrettyStore Stamping Image Plates. For this mani, I wanted to test out the houndstooth design
I started with two coats of Ellison’s Organics Lots of Planets Have a North which is from her awesome Doctor Who nail polish collection.
The stamping polish is Mundo de Unas Brick which is perfectly named because it’s a great rusty brown red. The houndstooth design transferred very well. This plate is just barely big enough for my nails. I need to start getting bigger images! I never thought I would say that! LOL. I used to have such struggles growing my nails out!
Thanks again to BPS for sending me these to review! You can find these supplies and more in the nail art section of the Born Pretty Store. Use code F
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I managed to snag up Enchanted Polish Freeze Machine in the last EP stock. I’m not a huge fan of glitter toppers, but this one is pretty great. I started with two coats of Andrea’s Choice Circus Tightrope which is a purple neon. Then, I topped it with two coats of EP Freeze Machine. To make it even more interesting, I stamped using Konad Black and a design from Pueen 92. This mani also fits both prompts for this week’s Crumpet’s Nail Tarts 52-week pick and mix challenge! This week’s prompts are flowers and pale blue. Freeze Machine is full of pale blue, iridescent glitters. And later on in the post, I stamped a swirly flower design on top!
I love all the different shapes and sizes in Freeze Machine. It has some flakies in there which are all the rage right now. But it also has hexes and dots! I’m pretty sure I see a ton of microshimmer in there, too! Winning!
And not to neglect my stamping plates!!! I decided to stamp on top of the whole lot. I like how it turned out!
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