 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? we’re talking to Kia from Yummy411. Kia is one of the first beauty bloggers I met online. We connected through the Specktra message boards and our love of polish and MAC. I finally got to meet Kia last summer at the Total Beauty summit and she’s not only a beauty but a super cool chick to hang with. And even though I knew she had stunning eyes from seeing them on her blog, in person… they’re traffic stopping.
If you aren’t already a regular reader of Yummy411, you should definitely check it out. I love that Kia includes a mix of drugstore, department store and pro beauty products with her own beauty adventures.
Learn more about Kia, find out what nail look she calls a “summertime tragedy” and more, after the jump! |
Introduce yourself to the ALU readers. Tell us a little about you and your blog.
I’m a makeup enthusiast. I love the transformational properties of makeup and because of all of this I’m now a beauty blogger (almost 3 years strong!) and a freelance makeup artist! A native Washingtonian (Washington, DC) I work full time in the government sector and a mom of one darling boy!
Why is OPI’s Mod About You your favorite?
It has its own classic edgy-ness to it being an opaque, pastel color, but chic and subtle enough for the work place.
What is on your tips and toes right now?
On my nails, I have on MAC’s Mercenary (pictured) that was released with this Summer’s Style Warrior collection. I wanted to try the bronzed babe theme on my nails.
Do you consider nail polish a beauty necessity or accessory? Why?
An accessory. I think decorating your nails is another fun way to show off your personality and express yourself! Not necessary, but it totally compliments your style.
How many bottles of nail polish do you own?
I own 50+ bottles of polish.
How often do you change your nail polish?
I change my polish every 2 weeks only because I go to the salon to get them done. However, buying 6-10 polishes at a time, it’s hard to wait that long anymore!
Do you have a favorite nail treatment you think my readers should know about? Why is it so fab?
Nail blog famous Seche Vite top coat and Gena Healthy Hoof Nail Protein Treatment Cream. The cream keeps the cuticles and heels soft!
What do you think will be the big nail trend for summer?
I think the summer nail trend will continue to be bright fun colors.
What nail trend do you wish would go away?
Only for the summer, I want to get rid of black polish. I sometimes think to myself, “That was sooo last fall!” LOL
What is the biggest nail faux pas that women make?
Summertime tragedy: acrylic on the big toes, ugh!
My thanks to Kia for participating in WOYN? and fanatics make sure you visit Yummy411 often!
 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? we get to know a fellow Midwesterner, one of the only other beauty bloggers I know in this area. And despite my frequent trips to her Detroit-area stomping grounds visiting friends, we have yet to actually meet up. I’m talking about Kerris from Pump and Gloss.
It sounds odd to say, though I suppose in the age of social networking it’s not, but we actually met through Twitter. As much as I enjoy reading her updates about the products she’s into, it’s her life tweets about her fam including the “love muffin” (aka son) that make her more than follow-worthy. She brings such positivity to the Twitterverse with her daily greetings for her Tweeple.
You may recall that K’s love of Barry M polish is what got me hooked on the brand so you KNOW she’s a true fanatic. Read on to discover what in your face shade she’s loving now and what hand treatment I’ve just added to my wish list thanks to her. |
Introduce yourself to the ALU readers. Tell us a little about you and your blog.
Pumps and Gloss began in February 2007 as a group of friends sharing their views of the world. The blog, over the past 2 1/2 years, has discussed fashion, beauty, faith, current events, sex and everything in between.
What is your favorite nail polish?
My favorite polish was OPI Puerto Vallarta Violeta. I used to wear this color all the time regardless of the season. My nail guy would always try to get me to change colors. Last year, I decided to switch things up and now, I am obsessed with China Glaze neon colors.
What is on your tips and toes right now?
I am currently wearing China Glaze In The Lime Light neon on my nails (pictured above). Nothing on the toes.
Do you consider nail polish a beauty necessity or accessory? Why?
Definitely a beauty necessity. I think nail polish enhances the features of the hands and can make them look younger. My mother, who spent most of her life lacquer-free, now gets a french manicure every two weeks.
How many bottles of nail polish do you own?
I own about 12 nail polishes, including China Glaze, OPI, Barry M, NYX and LA Colors.
How often do you change your nail polish?
I change my nail polish every 2 weeks.
Do you have a favorite nail treatment you think my readers should know about? Why is it so fab?
Clinique Water Therapy Moisture Glove Hand Cream is my favorite. When I use this product, my hands feel soft and silky…feels like a protective coating.
What do you think will be the big nail trend for summer?
I think brights and neons are the trends for the summer. Bright colors make me feel energized, especially the yellows and the greens.
What nail trend do you wish would go away?
I do not like colored french manicures.
What is the biggest nail faux pas that women make?
see 9 LOL
Thanks a million K for sharing the polish love. Fanatics be sure to visit PumpsandGloss.com on the regular!
 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.
For this week’s WOYN, I’d like to introduce you to a YouTuber/Blogger that gives me a serious case of eyebrow envy, Jude Rivera. I’m obsessed with brows. It’s one of the first things I notice on a person so when a fellow blogger directed me to Jude’s site, I was immediately smitten. She’s not only gorgeous with wicked makeup skills but she has an AMAZING set of arches.
If you haven’t watched Jude’s tutorials before run, I’m sorry RUN, to her channel and take a peek. I guarantee you’ll learn something new. Like did you know that Sally Hansen makes an invisible lip liner? I certainly didn’t and here I was tossing away $$$ on DuWop’s version that NEVER correctly sharpens. Thanks Jude!
So read on fanatics to learn more about Jude, see which orange lacquer captured her heart and what nail board trick she swears by for making her polish last. |
Introduce yourself to the ALU readers. Tell us a little about you and your blog.
My name is Jude and I am an unabashed makeup enthusiast. I have a Face of the Day blog called The Girly Show at www.girly-show.com and a Youtube channel where I focus mainly on makeup tutorials with some product reviews to keep things interesting.
I became interested in Nail Polish after a good friend of mine; Ness from Casual Lavish became an active member of the nail board on Makeup Alley. Her enthusiasm was contagious and I have been a polish fiend ever since.
Why is Pia by Zoya your favorite?
It is so hard to pin down one favorite but Pia by Zoya is definitely in my top three. I have a weakness for orange and shimmer so it is everything I want in a fun, popping color. I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention IDK by China Glaze, Rio Nights by Orly, Tru Passion by Color Club, and Wild Child by Color Club. My list of favorites run the gamut from the more conservative like Cashmere Cardigan by Orly to the colors that scream to be noticed like Ali by Zoya.
What is on your tips and toes right now?
I have Miami Beet by OPI on my toes and Sol Cabana by Orly on my tips.
Do you consider nail polish a beauty necessity or accessory? Why?
Personally, I consider it a necessity. It is a cheap and easy way to add an unexpected pop of color to your day and a fun way to express yourself. You may not want to wear colorful eyeshadow but a brightly colored nail is a great way to show the playful side of your personality.
How many bottles of nail polish do you own?
I would say roughly between 100-125 bottles.
How often do you change your nail polish?
I never go more than three days with one polish but ideally, I change the polish up on a daily basis. I love the process. I live a pretty hectic life and setting aside one hour of my day to sit down, relax and take some time out for myself is extremely therapeutic. There is no multitasking with it; I am able to concentrate on this one thing from start to finish.
Do you have a favorite nail treatment you think my readers should know about? Why is it so fab?
The Stickey Sandwich! I learned about it from Alexa and it has been my favorite tip ever. I use Stickey by CND as a base coat and after applying my nail polish, I top it with another layer of Stickey. Let it sit for a few minutes and finish with the quick drying top coat of your choice. This technique has allowed me to go back to using Seche Vite that I had stopped using because of shrinkage issues.
What do you think will be the big nail trend for summer?
Bold, bright colors resurface each year and are especially interesting when they are bright jelly colors. They look like candy at your fingertips.
What nail trend do you wish would go away?
Acrylics so thick that they rise unnaturally from the nail bed. I am also not a fan of thick, awkward looking French tips.
What is the biggest nail faux pas that women make?
Ragged cuticles. I think it is a frequent faux pas because it is easy to forget to add cuticle oil several times a day. I had the same problem and alleviated it by placing an oily sugar scrub next to my sink at work. Whenever I wash my hands, I use the oil based scrub and it is a frequent and quick nail treatment that keeps them exfoliated and hydrated.
 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.
This week I’d like to introduce you to a relatively new blogger on the scene, Amanda from Dr. Frankenpolish. I stumbled across Amanda’s blog via a Google search and I was thrilled to find a site dedicated to the art of frankenpolish. What really sets her apart is that she uses accessible products and provides detailed recipes, not just a list of the colors but down the the number of drops type recipes.
We’ve talked about frankening (mixing) your own colors in the past so those of you mixologists that are looking for new recipes, Amanda is your girl. She’s mastered the art of jellies, mattes and glitters so feel free to challenge her creativity. She even has an amazingly detailed tutorial for you newbie mixers out there. It’s a must read!
Read on to see the amazing creation that brought me to her site (will you be shocked to know it’s a green?) and discover her genius tip for mending a broken nail. |
Introduce yourself to the ALU readers. Tell us a little about you and your blog.
Well, my name is Amanda, or as I am better known in the virtual world, Dr. Frankenpolish. I began mixing my own polish (“frankening”) for fun, and realized I really enjoyed it. As a member of Makeup Alley, I noticed a lot of girls asking questions on how to franken polishes. I decided to start my blog as a “How To” for frankening advice and help. I feature my own creations, along with the recipes to make them. A lot of readers email me requests for certain colors they would like to see, and I try my best to help them out. I tend to use a lot of easily accessible drugstore colors in my frankens, so that it’s easy for others to recreate a color!
Why are Jackie Green Jelly and Flat Grape Matte your favorites?
Jackie Green Jelly (click for recipe) is probably my favorite franken I have made so far. Like many others, I missed the boat on the much coveted NARS Zulu. So when my friend Jackie (for whom this is named after) suggested a make my own dark green jelly, I jumped at the challenge. Another franken that is a close runner up as my favorite is my Flat Grape Matte (below) franken.. I love the cheery purple color, and the matte finish gives it a really neat, unique look!
What is on your tips and toes right now?
Tips: Iron Butterfly franken Toes: China Glaze Custom Kicks
Do you consider nail polish a beauty necessity or accessory? Why?
To me, it is most definitely a necessity! I bit my nails for years, so after kicking the habit for good, I appreciate my long, natural nails. The only thing that helped me stop biting was to constantly keep polish on them. And, well…let’s face it. Polished nails are pretty nails, and who doesn’t want to feel pretty?
How many bottles of nail polish do you own?
Around 1,000. And that number is not counting my frankens! I actually went through recently and counted, which sent me into a slight panic. I knew I had a lot, but it was surprising to know the number. Nail polish is something I truly love and enjoy, so I don’t really feel too bad about having a huge stash!
How often do you change your nail polish?
I usually leave my pedi color on for about a week. My tips, I change every day since I am constantly swatching my frankens. Plus, since I have so many colors in my stash, I like to experience them all!
Do you have a favorite nail treatment you think my readers should know about? Why is it so fab?
Swiss silk wraps and IBD Resin glue! These two items are lifesavers if you break a nail. I tend to keep my nails on the longer side, so they are more prone to tears and breaks. I’ve had nail tips break completely off, and have managed to reattach them using the silk wraps & glue. Even with daily polish changes, the patched nail lasts for about two weeks on me before I need to redo it.
What do you think will be the big nail trend for summer?
Yellows seem to be making an appearance everywhere lately! I’ll admit, I never cared much for yellow until recently. I think it is one of those colors that people are afraid to try. With a huge range of shades from soft pastels to blindingly bright neons, I think every polish lover should give it a try!
What nail trend do you wish would go away?
Poorly done acrylics. I have nothing against fake nails, but when they aren’t done properly, they can really be damaging (and not to mention painful). I’ve worn acrylics in the past, so I can testify firsthand about the horrible mess they made of my real nails.
What is the biggest nail faux pas that women make?
Neglecting you
r cuticles! If your cuticles are in bad shape, it makes your whole mani, no matter how perfect, look bad. As a former nail and cuticle biter, I’ve seen first hand the difference it makes. Using an oil such a Haken from Sally’s or Creative Solar Oil, or cream like LUSH’s Lemony Flutter will really keep your cuticles looking soft and healthy. When your cuticles are well moisturized, you’re also less likely to pick or bite them.
Thanks a million for sharing your franken-genius with us. And Fanatics, be sure to visit Dr. Frankenpolish to see what new mixes Amanda has come up with.
 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.
I have a real treat for you this week campers. The uber-fab Daneen from Spoiled Pretty is showing us what’s on her nails. A true beauty fanatic, Daneen can talk product and her love of Kim Kardashian’s makeup until she’s blue in the face but it’s her passion for gorgeous shoes and handbags that make my wallet want to cry. She regularly posts her latest finds, like these total hotness Chinese Laundry platforms from DSW that are too amazing to resist.
But one of the things I find truly unique about her site is when she teams up with blogging partner in crime, Amber from Beauty Blogging Junkie, for their theme weeks. The recent You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman week celebrated eco-conscious beauty in honor of Earth Day. Having had the pleasure of hanging with Amber and Daneen, I can tell you that with those two, a pair of Depends in necessary because hilarity is sure to ensue.
Read on to learn more about Daneen, see which Fanatic Favorite Winner is on her tips and how she feels about matching polish to your outfit. |
Introduce yourself to the ALU readers. Tell us a little about you and your blog.
After I got married in June 2007, I had a good amount of free time on my hands. I didn’t have any more wedding planning to do – so I was
looking for another artistic outlet. Creative writing has always been a hobby of mine, and I love cosmetics like no one you’ve ever met – so everything sort of came together. And voila…you have Spoiled Pretty.
Written in a conversational and snarky tone, Spoiled Pretty is like taking a peek into the journal of your fashion and beauty-obsessed BFF – the one who knows which products to stockpile and sidestep; the gal pal who can talk for hours (and who has) about her haute new handbag; and the trend-spotting, deal-finding friend who loves nothing more than to share the deets.
Why is OPI You Don’t Know Jacques! your favorite?
In November 2008, I decided to rock the “greige” nail look that Glamour said was all the rage. So when I visited my local nail salon, I combed the polish displays looking for OPI’s You Don’t Know Jacques!
I’m pretty indecisive by nature, and I wasn’t very confident that the dirty taupe lacquer would flatter my caramel complexion. But I figured that it’s nail polish and it comes off. So I took a chance, and I’m so glad that I did because it has become my favorite nail shade EVER.
After my nails were thoroughly dry, I ran home to blog about my fab new find. And, I kid you not, it took me twice as long to finish the review because I kept getting distracted; I was hypnotized by my deliciously dark manicure.
The best part about You Don’t Know Jacques! is the compliments you receive when you wear it. Even when my manicure is way past its expiration and it’s all chipped up (I call it my Jacqued-up mani), people still stop me and ask about the color.
It’s like Chris Rock says, “There are only three things women need in life: food, water, and compliments. And the occasional pair of shoes.”
What is on your tips and toes right now?
On my tips, I’m wearing Katy (duochrome hot magenta with shimmer) from Zoya’s Ooh La La collection. And my little piggies are sporting Chanel’s Orange Fizz, from the Summer 2009 collection.
Do you consider nail polish a beauty necessity or accessory? Why?
When it comes to getting manicures, my mom and sister are like the US Postal Service…through rain, snow, sleet or hail, the nails must get done. That gene skipped right over me, I’m a little embarrassed to admit. When my nails are freshly manicured, I feel pretty and put together. And I always choose a shade that reflects the season, and the occasion. But far too often, I’m so busy that I can’t keep up with my nails like I’d like to. Hence the Jacqued-up manicure I referred to earlier. So long story short (too late), I would say “accessory.”
How many bottles of nail polish do you own?
I would estimate that I probably own 175 bottles of nail polish. Isn’t that funny? I don’t wear nail polish all of the time, and yet I have enough bottles to change my nail color every 2-3 days and not repeat a color for an entire year.
How often do you change your nail polish?
Like I said, I’m not fanatical about my nails. And I often embarrass my mother walking around with chipped up nails. But my toenails are always done. I switch up the colors about once every 2-3 weeks. In the summertime, it’s more often.
Do you have a favorite nail treatment you think my readers should know about? Why is it so fab?
I love me some Seche Vite (pictured right with MAC On The Prowl). When I paint my own nails, it always seems to be at some late night hour…and I don’t know what it is about my DNA, but my nails take forev
er and a day to dry. Before I found Seche Vite, I would be forced to fall asleep with my hands carefully perched on my chest (as not to awaken with a sheet-marked manicure). But now, I just use it as a top coat, and it dries my polish before my klutzy self has a chance to mess it all up.
I’m also a big fan of Zoya Remove+. The ingenious bottle prevents the spillage typically accompanies traditional nail polish removers. Plus the formula is purple, which is pretty.
What do you think will be the big nail trend for summer?
Brights will be hot for summer; they always are. I also think that creamy nudes will be big. They look hot with a (faux) tan, and elongate fingers – and who doesn’t love that? I also predict that nail art will be in. It used to be that you had to go to a salon for professional-looking nail art. But there are so many products on the market (like Sally Hansen Nail Art Pens and Konad Stamping Nail Art) that, with a steady hand, women can create intricate designs at home.
What nail trend do you wish would go away?
Ugh. I really hate the long, really square acrylic nails. Every time I see women sporting them, I want to introduce them to a nail clipper and glass file.
What is the biggest nail faux pas that women make?
I roll my eyes when people match their nails to their outfits. It’s so unimaginative. Nails are one of the few places you can take color risks without people looking at you sideways. So my advice is to be adventurous and try something unexpected. It’s just nail polish. It comes off.
Thanks for a fun filled interview Daneen! Fanatics, make sure you visit SpoiledPretty.com to keep up with Daneen’s latest beauty and fashion loves.
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.
Introduce yourself to the ALU readers. Tell us a little about you and your blog.
