Archive for the 'Gray' Category

PinspiratioNAIL – Retro Polka Dots with Physician’s Formula Endless Color

When it comes to polka dots on nails, I tend to be pretty straightforward in my looks. Partly because it’s easy (and I’m no nail art savant) and partly because I’ve just never had the creative vision to come up with something totally unique. I blame my left-sided brain. I’m much better at riffing (not ripping) off what others have come up with, which is why PinspiratioNAIL was born.
retro polka dot manicure nail art pinspirationail PinspiratioNAIL   Retro Polka Dots with Physicians Formula Endless Color

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I keep playing with the idea of dots inside dots, dots layered over dots but a lot of my practice designs have come off flat. Then I came across this graphic, retro-inspired design from My Awesome Beauty and my motivation kicked in. Having recently received the new Physician’s Formula Endless Color Custom Nail Trios, to test, it seemed like the perfect time to give this three color design a try.
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Deborah Lippmann “Staccato” Speckled Nail Polish Collection Swatches & Review

Growing up, there were two absolute truths about the Mismas kitchen. There was always a bag of popcorn kernels in the pantry (Dad and I have a lifelong obsession with the stuff) and there was always ice cream in the freezer. It’s a truth that holds up to this day in my home, and it’s usually a chip flavor from Graeter’s. They make THE BEST chip ice creams in the world, trust!

So you can only imagine the squee moment I had over the Deborah Lippmann, ice cream-themed, Staccato nail polish collection.

deborah lippmann stacatto speckled nail polish collection spring 2013 Deborah Lippmann Staccato Speckled Nail Polish Collection Swatches & Review

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She created the nail polish equivalent of Strawberry Chip (I’m Not Edible), Mint Chocolate Chip (Rockin’ Robin) and Cookies n Creme (Polka Dots & Moonbeams) ice cream! Combining soft pastels with shiny black glitter, Stacatto is a rocker take on pastel. Check them out!
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Essie Madison Ave-Hue Spring 2013 Collection Swatches & Review

Essie founder, Essie Weingarten, is the quintessential uptown lady and while she may throw us a color curve ball from time to time, hello Luxeffects, she creates nail polish with the typical Essie woman in mind. Classic, fashionable, effortlessly chic, they are the type who tend to play it a bit safe with nail color on their hands but can rock a turquoise pedicure with the best of them.

essie madison ave hue spring 2013 nail polish collection Essie Madison Ave Hue Spring 2013 Collection Swatches & Review

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This season Essie takes us on a trip to the greatest shopping destinations in the world. Paris, London, Tokyo, etc. And while, at first glance, this collection may look a bit ordinary, there are definitely a couple shades worth a second look.
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Zoya PixieDust Texture Nail Polish Swatches & Review

The cynic in me assumed that all “textured nail polish” would be created equal. After seeing it happen with the mattes, crackles, foils, etc. it has become harder and harder not to pre-judge a trend or fad. Well, color me proven wrong. And all of you are to blame!

zoya pixie dust sand texture nail polish collection spring 2013 Zoya PixieDust Texture Nail Polish Swatches & Review

After reviewing the OPI Liquid Sand polishes, I kind of wrote off the whole textured nail look as different but kind of “meh” and then I started reading comments about how you prefer the Zoya PixieDust polishes. So, I decided to give this collection a whirl and I’m so glad I did. Pat yourself on the back, Fanatics!
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I’M BACK and getting my Ombré on with L’Oréal

*tap tap tap* Is this thing on??

Hey kids! I’m back from my way-too-long hiatus. Did you miss me? Because I really missed you. Like really really missed you! I know my absence has upset some of you and, believe me, that wasn’t my intent. Just know that it was necessary. To those of you who have sent emails, tweets and comments sharing your love and support, I can’t thank you enough. You are THE BEST!

As this post goes live I’m actually en route to NYC for New York Fashion Week. I’ll be reporting from backstage on all the fun nail happenings at the Spring 2013 shows. But don’t worry my pets, I have posts lined up so you’ll get your dose of new nail polish reviews in addition to NYFW updates.

While I was on break, L’Oréal Paris asked me to be a part of an ambassador program for their Colour Riche Nail line and guest blog for La Sélection, a digital magazine. One of the posts is a tutorial for a sponged ombré manicure. Ombré hair is so big right now, why not take the look to your nails? It’s so easy and fun.

ombre gradient manicure nyfw mbfw loreal paris colour riche nail polish swatch nail art IM BACK and getting my Ombré on with LOréal

I chose a summery, sunset inspired color palette for my tutorial but with Fall quickly approaching gray and purple felt more appropriate for NYFW. Starting with a base of Essie Pilates Hottie from the Yogaga collection, I sponged L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Nail in Greycian Goddess and Paprazzi Pleaser on top to create this look. For the full tutorial visit La Sélection.

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Nail is available at mass retailers nationwide and retails for $5.99/ea for a .39oz bottle.

So are you into this ombre look? Have you tried this technique before? What colors, nail styles, trends are you loving right now? What is the one shade for fall you are obsessed with?

Disclosure: As part of the L’Oreal Paris ambassador program I received samples of Colour Riche Nail products. All opinions and statements are my own.

pixel IM BACK and getting my Ombré on with LOréal