“What’s On Your Nails?” with Steph from Steph’s Closet

What’s On Your Nails? is a series focusing on my fellow beauty bloggers and industry insiders, their favorite nail polish and other hot nail topics.In this week’s WOYN I get to introduce you to a fellow Ohioan, Steph of Steph’s Closet. She lives in my beloved college town of Cincinnati, that I jokingly refer to as Cincitucky. I became acquainted with Steph through email even though I’d been a fan long before that.When it comes to beauty blogs, I’m instantly drawn in by great design and Steph’s Closet is a perfect example. Of course it’s her straight forward reviews and fab nail pics that keep me coming back. And I love that we have very similar taste in polish. If Steph adores a shade, I know I will too. Learn more about Steph, what color trend she thinks will be big for Spring (one I totally agree on!) and what trend NEEDS to go.

Introduce yourself to the ALU readers. Tell us a little about your blog. My mom knew she had a keeper when she awoke from dozing off one afternoon only to find that her six year old daughter had rummaged through her makeup bag painting her mother’s face red, blue and any shade she could possibly get her hands on… From that exact moment I knew I was doomed and obsessively addicted to makeup, fashion and all girly things. When I come across a great product or one not so great, I can’t wait to run over to the girl’s house to rant or rave about it. My blog is an outlet that gives me an opportunity to spread my wings globally and meet new friends beyond my wildest dreams

Why is Rescue Beauty Lounge Grunge your favorite? Picking out a favorite was nearly impossible for this nail polish fanatic, but it all came down to one versatile shade. Grunge isn’t the typical suspect you’d find on my tips or toes – that’s just it, it’s so not me. This is just one example of breaking out of my shell and opening up to change. Grunge is chic and possibly the new black and white. The mushroom taupe shade is perfect for all seasons thru business attire, a late night out or just lounging around on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Now, I couldn’t end this without giving props to my second favorite, OPI Jasper Jade.

What is on your tips and toes right now?
Tips: OPI Hollywood Blonde. Toes: Wet n Wild Black with white tips by Sally Hansen’s nail art pens. I’m obsessed with funky French manicure colors. I’ll practically mix or match any shade except the traditional nude or pink.

Do you consider nail polish a beauty necessity or accessory? Why?
It’s definitely a necessity. Just like your smile, hands are first impressions. Nail polish can be the biggest ego boost especially if you’re having a bad day or feeling down.

How many bottles of nail polish do you own?
My nail polish collection is rather large with over 1,000 bottles.

How often do you change your nail polish?
I change my nail polish daily as long as I’m not testing or swatching other colors.

Do you have a favorite nail treatment you think my readers should know about? Why is it so fab?
A good hand crème is essential for me and Barielle‘s ranks as one of my faves. The proven formula is great. It protects your hands against water, wind or cold and leaves them feeling smooth and silky. Not to mention the fabulous fresh scent. Another holy grail product that never leaves my nails is Seche Vite topcoat. This little miracle in a bottle makes life so much easier!

What do you think will be the big nail trend for spring?
The gray nail polish trend is in full force mode this spring and I’m giddy over it. Gray is a great universal color just like Rescue Beauty Lounge’s Grunge. Some of my favorite grays this spring are Milani’s – Day Dreaming, MAC’s – On the Prowl (HK release) and Zoya’s – Harley. Metallics and Chromes are also making an appearance along with the typical nude, pinks, and pastels.

What nail trend do you wish would go away?
Sheers! Honestly, I don’t have the patience or time to deal with them.

What is the biggest nail faux pas that women make?
I can’t stand the chipped nail polish look. A big fat No, No, No! Every time I see someone sporting around this trend, I just want to hand them some remover and a cotton pad.

Thanks Steph! I couldn’t agree more with you about the sheers. I know they’re work appropriate and all but good, non-streaky ones are few and far between.

Be sure to visit Steph’s Closet and check out her amazing polish gallery filled with all her great polish finds.