Thursday, 1 November 2012
Trick or Treat!
Happy Halloween! Although I can't blog much at the moment, I thought I'd show you the four simple Halloween manis I wore this year. The first was Color Club Pucci-luscious topped with Avon gleaming Emerald crackle with some bundle monster bats stamped on top. Then I used the OPI So So Skullicous mini set for dotty skittles and sugar skulls. After that I went for something simple with Barry Ms new Ruby Glitter over OPI Skull and Glossbones and Rimmel Your Majesty. Then the mani I wore on Halloween (even though I was sick and spent most of the day in bed) Pretty and Polished Black Swan with some stamped silver spiderwebs. I hope you like them!
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Pink Wednesday - Breast Cancer Awareness
As you probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month (if you didn't know, where have you been!) so for this Pink Wednesday I'm dedicating a manicure to the cause. It is also depression awareness month and as I did last year, I'll be coming up with a green mani later in the month too. But for now, here's my pink awareness Mani. I used my Born Pretty Store pink magnetic polish, wirh the striped magnet from a Barry M magnetic polish before stamping awareness ribbons on the rings and thumbs and adding a rhinestone to the centre. Simple but effective!
Hx
Hx
Saturday, 13 October 2012
NOTD - Twit Twoo!
I've had this manicure in my inspiration file for ever, and some owl gloves I bought myself inspired me to finally try it! I think the original is by Chalkboard Nails, but please correct me if I'm wrong (I usually am!) I used a LOT of polishes in this design, so I'll just list them:
Thumb (brown): Color Club Rad Nomad and Earthy Angel
Index (pink): Beauty Uk Street Rose and OPI Steady as she rose
Middle (green): China Glaze Exotic Encounters and Aquadelic
Ring (purple): OPI Parlez Vous OPI? and Beauty Uk Smokey Lilac
Pinkie (blue): Barry M Cobalt Blue and China Glaze Electric Beat
Details: beak - Sinful Colors Hazard, eyes - Rio nail art pens in yellow and black
My base is a bit milky so they're not completely nude underneath. They're far from perfect and my top coat smudged the eyes a bit but I love my wonky little owls! What do you think?
Thumb (brown): Color Club Rad Nomad and Earthy Angel
Index (pink): Beauty Uk Street Rose and OPI Steady as she rose
Middle (green): China Glaze Exotic Encounters and Aquadelic
Ring (purple): OPI Parlez Vous OPI? and Beauty Uk Smokey Lilac
Pinkie (blue): Barry M Cobalt Blue and China Glaze Electric Beat
Details: beak - Sinful Colors Hazard, eyes - Rio nail art pens in yellow and black
My base is a bit milky so they're not completely nude underneath. They're far from perfect and my top coat smudged the eyes a bit but I love my wonky little owls! What do you think?
Thursday, 11 October 2012
Adventures in Stamping - Metallic Madness
Hi loves,
I'm still computer-less (again), so another post from my phone- and a late one at that! This weeks adventures in stamping theme was metallic madness, so I started with a base of this pewter colour polish, Essence Must Have, which has really pretty blue sparkles in the right light. I then stamped with BM301 and Barry M Silver Foil effects. I think it looks kinda Beetlejuice-y! My nails are getting long again, apart from the trouble maker indexes and thumbs- to nub or not to nub...
Hx
I'm still computer-less (again), so another post from my phone- and a late one at that! This weeks adventures in stamping theme was metallic madness, so I started with a base of this pewter colour polish, Essence Must Have, which has really pretty blue sparkles in the right light. I then stamped with BM301 and Barry M Silver Foil effects. I think it looks kinda Beetlejuice-y! My nails are getting long again, apart from the trouble maker indexes and thumbs- to nub or not to nub...
Hx
Thursday, 4 October 2012
NOTD - they're angry...
Hi all!
Yesterday was my son's 5th birthday, I can't quite believe he's lasted this long personally, but he has so we celebrated! He had some friend round to run riot and have cake and I painted my nails to match the party theme: Angry Birds. I used Barry M Bright Red and some Rio nail art pens for the design, and it matched the cake!
My laptop has gone pop again so I'm posting this from my phone - apologies if it looks odd!
Yesterday was my son's 5th birthday, I can't quite believe he's lasted this long personally, but he has so we celebrated! He had some friend round to run riot and have cake and I painted my nails to match the party theme: Angry Birds. I used Barry M Bright Red and some Rio nail art pens for the design, and it matched the cake!
My laptop has gone pop again so I'm posting this from my phone - apologies if it looks odd!
Sunday, 30 September 2012
Adventures in Stamping - using French tip stamp
Evening all!
I've had such a busy day today, I couldn't wait to show you this manicure because I LOVE it and it came out better than I had hoped, but this has been my first chance to sit down and do it! I hope it has been worth the wait!
This week's challenge was to use a French tip stamp - it wasn't stipulated that you had to use it for a French manicure though - and I didn't! I started with a base of two coats of Barry M Bright Red. Once that was dry I used Fench tip guides to mark off about a third of my nail from the cuticle, which I then painted gold with Barry M Gold Foil for a kind of deep Ruffian. I left the tip guides on, and once the gold was dry I stamped over it with Konad Special black and a kind of Aztec-y design from BM219. It was hard to line up evenly, but I don't think I did too bad a job! I then outlined the gold section using a nail art brush and Konad black again.
I may not be posting as much this week, it's my eldest son's 5th birthday on Wednesday and I have visitors all week (and a houseful of 4 and 5 year olds for a party) so wish me luck! I do still owe you a the final HoloWeek post, so look out for that tomorrow.
Hx
I've had such a busy day today, I couldn't wait to show you this manicure because I LOVE it and it came out better than I had hoped, but this has been my first chance to sit down and do it! I hope it has been worth the wait!
This week's challenge was to use a French tip stamp - it wasn't stipulated that you had to use it for a French manicure though - and I didn't! I started with a base of two coats of Barry M Bright Red. Once that was dry I used Fench tip guides to mark off about a third of my nail from the cuticle, which I then painted gold with Barry M Gold Foil for a kind of deep Ruffian. I left the tip guides on, and once the gold was dry I stamped over it with Konad Special black and a kind of Aztec-y design from BM219. It was hard to line up evenly, but I don't think I did too bad a job! I then outlined the gold section using a nail art brush and Konad black again.
There's a bit wonky, a bit smudgy and there's Konad black polish (BITCH to clean up) everywhere. But I adore them. Maybe it's the 80s child in me, but I felt like walking around in a power suit with shoulder pads the size of elephant ears all day today...
And, just to show you the base on it's own. I took a picture at two coats to check it was opaque enough, and look how shiny! Barry never lets you down.
I may not be posting as much this week, it's my eldest son's 5th birthday on Wednesday and I have visitors all week (and a houseful of 4 and 5 year olds for a party) so wish me luck! I do still owe you a the final HoloWeek post, so look out for that tomorrow.
Hx
Best of British Round Up
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Emma has had a week of using Barry M Gelly polishes and created her most favourite mani ever multi coloured spots and stripes over at Emma's Little Corner.
Nadal's penguin obsession is getting out of hand! the little minions are on her nails this week!!
This week on Pie's Eyes Lyndsay has used her new Cheeky stamping plates to create a Double Stamped Manicure plus there's a handy hint for stamping clean up too.
Claire at nuthin' but a nail thing is continuing with the 30 Day Challenge (the end is in sight!) and did a Panda Bear Manicure inspired by the book Eats, Shoots & Leaves.
It's been HoloWeek at the Nail Newbie, featuring lots of holo goodness such as a GOSH Holographic Hero wear test, a some tribal nail art and this holo cloudicure with a-England Tristam.
This week has been Carlyn's very first week of blogging featuring some of her favourite stamping designs Pretty Stamping on Sapphire Such a stand out design.
Well today is the last day of the 30 Day Challenge! at Northern Nails but on the Bright side it is Jo's birthday tommorrow !.
Wendy from Wendy's Delights is having a cracking time with her Croc Effect nails by Barry M
As a collector of vodka bottles, a Smirnoff Vodka Manicure was in order on Enigmatic Rambles blog this week!
PishPosh and Polish's Kerrie is wearing shock horror! PINK this week!
Sally of Nail Pron has brightened up a sad week with the brightest green daisy doticure you have ever seen in your life.
PrettyKittyClaws is joined by a hare and a dog this week with the gorgeous Hare Dog Day Dream
Dimpal of Crazy Polishes has almost come to the end of the 30 days challenge and wearing this
Inspired by Supernatural Mani Inspired by Supernatural
Ruth has a new favourite polish that is purple and splarkly, yay!
Sarah Louise, creates a Ghostbuster Manicure Using Models Own and W7 Polishes
Charlotte has decided her stash needs some cleansing, so she's set up a blog sale with some great British brands
Kerry takes an adventure with GALAXY inspired nails.
Vic continues 30 days of untrieds with A Scream manicure inspired by art work
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See you next week! If you're a British Blogger and you want to join in, give me a shout :)
Hx
Friday, 28 September 2012
HoloWeek - Broccoli?
Evening loves!
Today's holo offering features another offering I picked up on Ebay. The base for this manicure is Depend Denim Holo - I wanted a blue holo, so off I trotted to Ebay and chose this one, which came from somewhere in Europe, arrived really quickly and I generally love it. I did two coats and then stamped over it with Konad Special White. Now, the design is a subject of contention. It's from the new Bundle Monster set, and when I first saw it I immediately thought clouds. Then I saw someone use it who had interpreted it as trees. Then I showed Mr NN and asked him if he thought it was clouds or trees and he replied "I thought it was broccoli." Right...
So, trees, clouds, or perhaps broccoli? I'm going with pretty, holo clouds :)
See you tomorrow for HoloWeek's final day!
Hx
Today's holo offering features another offering I picked up on Ebay. The base for this manicure is Depend Denim Holo - I wanted a blue holo, so off I trotted to Ebay and chose this one, which came from somewhere in Europe, arrived really quickly and I generally love it. I did two coats and then stamped over it with Konad Special White. Now, the design is a subject of contention. It's from the new Bundle Monster set, and when I first saw it I immediately thought clouds. Then I saw someone use it who had interpreted it as trees. Then I showed Mr NN and asked him if he thought it was clouds or trees and he replied "I thought it was broccoli." Right...
So, trees, clouds, or perhaps broccoli? I'm going with pretty, holo clouds :)
See you tomorrow for HoloWeek's final day!
Hx
Thursday, 27 September 2012
HoloWeek - holo + clouds = AWESOME!
Evening
Firstly, an apology! I couldn't do it - posting every day for a week has proved a bit of a stretch for me. I had the mani and the photos ready but time to actually sit down and write the blog post eluded me yesterday. So sorry for that, but hopefully today's post will make up for it!
So, usually holo polishes plus a cloudy day is not a match made in heaven, so i decided to disprove that theory and do a cloudicure! I believe the originator of this style was the awesome Jane at nailside, and it really is easy peasy, but stunning, nailart. All you need is two or three different polishes. And that's it. Seriously easy! I've done it twice before (here and here), but when it works, it works!
For my holo version I used just two colours, A-England Tristam and GOSH Holographic Hero. Tristam is my first and only A-England polish and I love it. I will be getting more when my bank balance is a little more healthy. So probably never... Anyway, I started with a single coat of Tristam on each finger baring the ring and thumb, created the first "cloud" with HH and then the second "cloud" with Tristam again. This was reversed on the accent nails. Spot the deliberate mistake on my right hand...
HoloWeek continues with some more stamping tomorrow, see you then!
Hx
Firstly, an apology! I couldn't do it - posting every day for a week has proved a bit of a stretch for me. I had the mani and the photos ready but time to actually sit down and write the blog post eluded me yesterday. So sorry for that, but hopefully today's post will make up for it!
So, usually holo polishes plus a cloudy day is not a match made in heaven, so i decided to disprove that theory and do a cloudicure! I believe the originator of this style was the awesome Jane at nailside, and it really is easy peasy, but stunning, nailart. All you need is two or three different polishes. And that's it. Seriously easy! I've done it twice before (here and here), but when it works, it works!
For my holo version I used just two colours, A-England Tristam and GOSH Holographic Hero. Tristam is my first and only A-England polish and I love it. I will be getting more when my bank balance is a little more healthy. So probably never... Anyway, I started with a single coat of Tristam on each finger baring the ring and thumb, created the first "cloud" with HH and then the second "cloud" with Tristam again. This was reversed on the accent nails. Spot the deliberate mistake on my right hand...
HoloWeek continues with some more stamping tomorrow, see you then!
Hx
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
HoloWeek - Flash! Ahah...
Hi!
HoloWeek continues with a bit of stamping :) First of all, the base colour and star of the show - Ozotic 518. RED holo. Ok, so it's kind of a raspberry red but as I prefer reds that lean pink to reds that lean orange it suits me :) I picked this up on ebay, and actually was a bit of a bargain - I got this and China Glaze Exotic Encounters for about a tenner and the seller combined the shipping. So it goes to show there are bargains to be had if you're savvy enough. Here it is on it's own. Drool bowls at the ready...
Isn't she lurvly? Makes me want more Ozotic's which isn't likely since they're discontinued :( I then stamped using Color Club Revvolution and the zigzag/lightening flashes from the new Bundle Monster set. I've seen a lot of mani's with this image in red and black since I used it - great minds think alike I guess!
I need more practice at getting the stamp right to the egde of my nails - I guess my nails must have a deep curve because I always press as hard as I can and still miss the sides. If I press any harder or roll the stamper the design tends to smudge. Le Sigh. maybe I'll have to get myself one of the squidgy XL stampers...
HoloWeek continues tomorrow with a pretty from A-England. See you then!
Hx
HoloWeek continues with a bit of stamping :) First of all, the base colour and star of the show - Ozotic 518. RED holo. Ok, so it's kind of a raspberry red but as I prefer reds that lean pink to reds that lean orange it suits me :) I picked this up on ebay, and actually was a bit of a bargain - I got this and China Glaze Exotic Encounters for about a tenner and the seller combined the shipping. So it goes to show there are bargains to be had if you're savvy enough. Here it is on it's own. Drool bowls at the ready...
HoloWeek continues tomorrow with a pretty from A-England. See you then!
Hx
Monday, 24 September 2012
HoloWeek - GOSH Holographic Hero - for one night only?
Welcome to day 3 of HoloWeek! Hope you're enjoying it so far :)
Today we're taking a look at probably one of the most anticipated polishes of the year here in the UK - the re-release of the infamous GOSH holographic. GOSH had previously discontinued it because of problems with the formula - people were complaining that it didn't last long enough on the nail and chipped horrendously. Personally, I wouldn't mind because it is SUCH a gorgeous polish, but I can see why it would annoy people. Anyway, GOSH re-released it this summer with the new name Holographic Hero and marketed it with the concept that it was for "one night only for holographic lovers".
So does it really only last for one night? I popped on two coats of the new Holographic Hero over my base (Avon Peeling and Brittleness Solver). On my left hand I didn't add topcoat, and on my right I used Poshe as a topcoat. Please note, these aren't the greatest pictures in the world (for better ones, and a comparison of the new Holographoc Hero with the old Holo check out my good friend Kira's post) but they clearly answer the question of longevity! Also bear in mind, not many polishes last more than 2 days on me - I am in awe of people who say they can wear a single polish for a week or more. Not me. But I have to say they usually fair a little better than this!
Freshly applied, it looked like this:
Almost exactly 24 hours later, after a day of light housework and stay at home mummy-ness, it looked like this:
Chips and tipwear ahoy! So, I think that answers the question! One night only indeed. The topcoat made absolutely no difference at all. In fact I think the chips are worse on the topcoated hand, besides the left thumb (which had a big peel so polish will chip easier on it).
Worth it? Absolutely! Even these rubbish pictures taken in the evening with the flash on my camera shows the holo effect in this polish. GOSH Holographic Hero can be found in Superdrug stores for £4.99 for 8ml. You can still find the original on Ebay, but for around £30 for 8ml. Either way, you'll only get about a days wear out of it. Still love it though!
And now, because ever since I wrote the title of this post I have had this song stuck in my head, I wanted to share the earworm. You're welcome.
Hx
Today we're taking a look at probably one of the most anticipated polishes of the year here in the UK - the re-release of the infamous GOSH holographic. GOSH had previously discontinued it because of problems with the formula - people were complaining that it didn't last long enough on the nail and chipped horrendously. Personally, I wouldn't mind because it is SUCH a gorgeous polish, but I can see why it would annoy people. Anyway, GOSH re-released it this summer with the new name Holographic Hero and marketed it with the concept that it was for "one night only for holographic lovers".
So does it really only last for one night? I popped on two coats of the new Holographic Hero over my base (Avon Peeling and Brittleness Solver). On my left hand I didn't add topcoat, and on my right I used Poshe as a topcoat. Please note, these aren't the greatest pictures in the world (for better ones, and a comparison of the new Holographoc Hero with the old Holo check out my good friend Kira's post) but they clearly answer the question of longevity! Also bear in mind, not many polishes last more than 2 days on me - I am in awe of people who say they can wear a single polish for a week or more. Not me. But I have to say they usually fair a little better than this!
Freshly applied, it looked like this:
Almost exactly 24 hours later, after a day of light housework and stay at home mummy-ness, it looked like this:
Left hand (no topcoat)
Right hand (topcoat of Poshe)
Chips and tipwear ahoy! So, I think that answers the question! One night only indeed. The topcoat made absolutely no difference at all. In fact I think the chips are worse on the topcoated hand, besides the left thumb (which had a big peel so polish will chip easier on it).
Worth it? Absolutely! Even these rubbish pictures taken in the evening with the flash on my camera shows the holo effect in this polish. GOSH Holographic Hero can be found in Superdrug stores for £4.99 for 8ml. You can still find the original on Ebay, but for around £30 for 8ml. Either way, you'll only get about a days wear out of it. Still love it though!
And now, because ever since I wrote the title of this post I have had this song stuck in my head, I wanted to share the earworm. You're welcome.
Sunday, 23 September 2012
Best of British Weekly Round Up
It's that time again! Can you believe September is nearly over? Let's have a look at what us British nailaholics have been up to this week..
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Wendy from Wendy's Delights is feeling purrrfect with her Blue Furry Mani with easy to apply nail stickers!
Emma tries her hand at dry drag and becomes The Girl Who Plays with Fire at Emma's Little Corner.
Helly at the Nail Newbie is showing British brand W7 some love by showcasing their gorgeous Lava Flow.
A little recreation of some Bee style nails, with actual stingers from New York Fashion Week, a Fred Butler Creation from Enigmatic Rambles.
Has twenty three days gone by already? Northern Nails' 30 Day Challenge is still going strong, the themes now are all full of inspiration!
Lyndsay from Pie's Eyes is back from her holiday and showing off her colourful Rainbow Manicure she created with her latest Kiko haul!
Sally of Nail Pron is talking about a nailmas Christmas challenge, adding to her stash and doing nails to match her mood.
Sam from Polished Art re-created an old nautical-themed manicure for day 12 of the 31 day challenge (19 to go!).
PishPosh and Polish is featuring Red and Black polishes on her blog this week. See them here! Which is your favourite?
Claire at nuthin' but a nail thing is still continuing on with the 30 Day challenge and her favourite so far has been TRIBAL NAILS. What's been everyone else's favourite challenge?
Ruth goes overboard with the half moon effect to create an easy curved stripe look!
Want some inspiration for elegant nails? Lucy from Lucy's Stash did Lace & Roses nail art featuring OPI, Konad and A England.
Feeling the need for something pretty and super sparkly? PrettyKittyClaws has Smitten Polish You're Turning Violet, Violet blinging out her nails!
Vic's feeling a little behind with the times as she's only just done her first set of galaxy nails. She found a fabulously blinging star to go with them though.
Lou had a quiet week this week trying out her new Indie polishes from KBShimmer which is quickly becoming her favourite polish brand
Alexis at Glitter Tips tried some Autumn butterfly nail art
Sarah Louise plays with her Image plates from MoYou / OMG Nails and creates a Crosses & Dot's Manicure
Despite being poorly, The Crumpet has kept up with the 31 Day Challenge and has even had time to launch a Zoya Giveaway - so make sure you enter!
Until next week...
Hx
HoloWeek - Adventures in Stamping goes Holo
Hi loves
It's turned all chilly here today, brr! Not a good day for a holo I must say! Anyway, this week's adventures in Stamping theme was to let someone else chose an image for you. Mr NN took about 3 seconds flat to choose BM213 and the shoes - which is an image I hadn't used before. It could have been worse, right? I went for a double accent using Orly Au Champagne (white and not holo, but sparkly!) and Color Club Wild at Heart (purple, holo, yummy!) I stamped the shoes with Wild at Heart and Konad White. It's such a miserable day, I couldn't capture the full holo effect, but it's peeking through - just!
Tomorrow, holo week continues with a GOSH Holographic Hero wear test...is it really for one night only?
Hx
It's turned all chilly here today, brr! Not a good day for a holo I must say! Anyway, this week's adventures in Stamping theme was to let someone else chose an image for you. Mr NN took about 3 seconds flat to choose BM213 and the shoes - which is an image I hadn't used before. It could have been worse, right? I went for a double accent using Orly Au Champagne (white and not holo, but sparkly!) and Color Club Wild at Heart (purple, holo, yummy!) I stamped the shoes with Wild at Heart and Konad White. It's such a miserable day, I couldn't capture the full holo effect, but it's peeking through - just!
I flipped it on my right hand...
Hx
Saturday, 22 September 2012
The Nail Newbie on Instagram
I've entered the world of Instagram...something I've wanted to do for a while but when I had an Android phone it wasn't available on Android, then by the time it was available on Android I'd moved over to a Windows phone. Now I've crossed over to the dark side and got my mitts on an iPhone (albeit possibly temporarily if Mr NN wants it back...) one of the first things I did was download Instagram and take a photo of my lunch...
So, if you have Instagram and want to follow me over there, my handle is HellyBooBear. Leave me your links so I can follow you too!
My posts wont all be polish related...so be warned. But if you like cats, kids and food there's a good chance you'll see some of that!
Any other iPhone apps you'd recommend? It keeps beeping at me and I don't know what it wants...
Hx
So, if you have Instagram and want to follow me over there, my handle is HellyBooBear. Leave me your links so I can follow you too!
Any other iPhone apps you'd recommend? It keeps beeping at me and I don't know what it wants...
Hx
Welcome to HoloWeek!
Yes, that's right, it's holo week here at The Nail Newbie! I'm going to post every day with various holo polishes and designs, and hopefully it will get me out of my funk...that's the plan anyway!
We're starting the week with a fairly simple design using two of my favourite holo polishes. I started with 2 coats of charcoal holo Color Club Revvvolution, and then freehanded a tribal accent nail on ring finger and thumb using the new GOSH Holo Hero and my new nail art brushes. The dots were added with a dotting tool, but if I'd had big enough loose glitter I might have used those instead.
I need more practice with the brushes, but I liked using them. Compared to my old nail art brushes they're 100 times better! And thank goodness for a sunny day :)
Coming up this week - stamping with and on holos, a GOSH Holographic Hero wear test and tomorrow, Adventures in Stamping goes holo! Wish me luck!
Hx
We're starting the week with a fairly simple design using two of my favourite holo polishes. I started with 2 coats of charcoal holo Color Club Revvvolution, and then freehanded a tribal accent nail on ring finger and thumb using the new GOSH Holo Hero and my new nail art brushes. The dots were added with a dotting tool, but if I'd had big enough loose glitter I might have used those instead.
I need more practice with the brushes, but I liked using them. Compared to my old nail art brushes they're 100 times better! And thank goodness for a sunny day :)
Coming up this week - stamping with and on holos, a GOSH Holographic Hero wear test and tomorrow, Adventures in Stamping goes holo! Wish me luck!
Hx
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