Hi!
I've come up with this new little mini-series in a bid to improve my swatching and photography skills. I realise that my swatches, and indeed photos, are not always up to scratch and I want to change that. Now, to me a palate cleanser may not just be a plain old polish - but a special polish (be it creme, shimmer, foil, duochrome...) on it's own, no nail art, no stamping, no accent nails. And I couldn't think of a better polish to start with.
This is the only Estee Lauder polish I own, because they are rather pricey; this one was a gift. But it is a stunner. Bronze, with a foil finish, and almost, almost duochrome in the right light. This was three coats, an there is still a little VNL, but not so much that it bothers me. Application is smooth and easy and dry time is good. I used a base of Duri Rejuvacote and a top coat of Poshe.
Pretty? Not something I reach for a lot, but I like it none the less. So, this is my starting point. I hope my swatches get better and better from here! Any tips gratefully received!
Hx
Showing posts with label foil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label foil. Show all posts
Friday, 13 December 2013
Monday, 2 December 2013
33 Day Challenge day 31 - 3 favourite polishes!
Just three days to go on the challenge! Eek!
Today's theme was to use your three favourite polishes and I'm sure I've said this before but asking me to pick a favourite polish is like asking me to pick a favourite child, and I only have two of those not nearly 900! So I went with three of my favourites, China Glaze Ruby Pumps, Barry M Gold Foil and Color Blub Revvvolution, and skittled it up! I started with a base of Ruby Pumps on three nails, and once that was dry I added a rough line down the middle with Gold Foil and a fan brush. The ring finger was painted in Gold Foil and a heart was added in Revvvolution and on my index I went for a fail safe braid with all three.
Not perfect (is it ever?) but quite festive I think!
Hx
Today's theme was to use your three favourite polishes and I'm sure I've said this before but asking me to pick a favourite polish is like asking me to pick a favourite child, and I only have two of those not nearly 900! So I went with three of my favourites, China Glaze Ruby Pumps, Barry M Gold Foil and Color Blub Revvvolution, and skittled it up! I started with a base of Ruby Pumps on three nails, and once that was dry I added a rough line down the middle with Gold Foil and a fan brush. The ring finger was painted in Gold Foil and a heart was added in Revvvolution and on my index I went for a fail safe braid with all three.
Not perfect (is it ever?) but quite festive I think!
Hx
Labels:
33dc,
Barry M,
black,
braid,
China Glaze,
color club,
crumpets nail tarts,
foil,
freehand,
glitter,
gold,
holo,
nail art,
red
Monday, 18 November 2013
33 Day Challenge day 25 - new technique!
Hi loves!
I had an utter brain block when it came to this challenge. I've been blogging and doing nails for a few years now, and I could not think of a technique that was new! I've tried drag marbles, splatters, spun sugar, tape, cling film, watercolour, one stroke, plaid, water spotted, stamper decals, fan brush... Stumped. In the end I went with something that I have played with before, but not posted on the blog, and added a new element too! My lovely friend Tracy sent me some foils to try a while ago, and they are a lot of fun! I've not perfected it quite yet, but with the foil I chose today it didn't matter too much. And then I stamped on top of them too, which I'd never done before. I loved the result!
I started with a base of China Glaze Aquadelic, which was the closest colour I had to the base colour of the foils. That way, if there are any gaps once you've transfered your pattern, it's not so noticeable. Once that was dry I added a layer of foil adhesive and let it go tacky - about 10 mminutes. Then it's simply a case of applying the foil, rubbing it over with a cotton bud and hey presto, the image transfered! I did miss a couple of patches, but as you can see it wasn't too noticeable, and as this wasn't a repeating pattern I put on a bit more glue and went over it again.
I then topcoated - and this is where it could have gone horribly wrong! See, metallic foils don't tend to like topcoat, especially fast drying ones like my favourite Poshe. The topcoat wrinkled the foil a little bit, but actually it didn't matter because of the pattern again. But a top tip I learned in hindsight is to apply a layer of PVA glue (like the glitter peel off method) and let that dry before topcoating. It just adds a layer of protection between the foil and the chemicals in the topcoat. Anyway, once that was dry I stamped over with an image from Bundle Monster 406 and Konad Black Pearl.
You could get the same effect using the cling film/saran/plastic wrap method, but I think the gold is bolder using this foil and I loved it! I really must play more often :) That's if I ever manage to stop browsing websites looking for more...
Hx
I had an utter brain block when it came to this challenge. I've been blogging and doing nails for a few years now, and I could not think of a technique that was new! I've tried drag marbles, splatters, spun sugar, tape, cling film, watercolour, one stroke, plaid, water spotted, stamper decals, fan brush... Stumped. In the end I went with something that I have played with before, but not posted on the blog, and added a new element too! My lovely friend Tracy sent me some foils to try a while ago, and they are a lot of fun! I've not perfected it quite yet, but with the foil I chose today it didn't matter too much. And then I stamped on top of them too, which I'd never done before. I loved the result!
I started with a base of China Glaze Aquadelic, which was the closest colour I had to the base colour of the foils. That way, if there are any gaps once you've transfered your pattern, it's not so noticeable. Once that was dry I added a layer of foil adhesive and let it go tacky - about 10 mminutes. Then it's simply a case of applying the foil, rubbing it over with a cotton bud and hey presto, the image transfered! I did miss a couple of patches, but as you can see it wasn't too noticeable, and as this wasn't a repeating pattern I put on a bit more glue and went over it again.
I then topcoated - and this is where it could have gone horribly wrong! See, metallic foils don't tend to like topcoat, especially fast drying ones like my favourite Poshe. The topcoat wrinkled the foil a little bit, but actually it didn't matter because of the pattern again. But a top tip I learned in hindsight is to apply a layer of PVA glue (like the glitter peel off method) and let that dry before topcoating. It just adds a layer of protection between the foil and the chemicals in the topcoat. Anyway, once that was dry I stamped over with an image from Bundle Monster 406 and Konad Black Pearl.
You could get the same effect using the cling film/saran/plastic wrap method, but I think the gold is bolder using this foil and I loved it! I really must play more often :) That's if I ever manage to stop browsing websites looking for more...
Hx
Labels:
33dc,
aqua,
black,
Bundle Monster,
china glaze aquadelic,
crumpets nail tarts,
foil,
gold,
konad,
stamping
Thursday, 19 September 2013
2 good to be true? 2True review + Giveaway!
Hi loves!
I was contacted recently by budget brand 2true who asked if I'd like to share some of their products with you. Recently they've created a 'pro' range and made some additions to their usual line of nail polish and make up available in Superdrug. Nothing in their regular line costs more than £2, and you can usually get 3 products for £5, so it's well worth a gander! For such inexpensive products they really are great quality too, so you can't go wrong.
The products I was sent were 2 creams from their Fast Dry Colour Quick range, 2 shimmery foils from their Crystal range, 2 new beautiful glitters from their Pro Sequins range and some new loose nail glitter.
Next, I teamed Fast Dry Colour Quick shade 10 with Tyra. Shade 10 is a perfect navy creme - in fact, it was already my go-to dark blue. What you see here is one perfect coat, and no topcoat. The shine! If you have this, there is no need to have any other navy blue in your stash. Trust me. It does dry fast, is so glossy and doesn't stain when you take it off either (always use base coat though kids!) I used it as an accent with Tyra, and left it plain this time so you could see the textured effect. I couldn't stop looking at my nails, and couldn't resist adding a little anchor to the accent for a nautical twist.
Since I already have two of the polishes I was sent in my stash, 2true kindly agreed I could give them away to one of my lovely readers! I'm afraid this giveaway is UK only due to postage restrictions. The polishes you will receive are brand new and unused, as I used my own polishes for this post. For your chance to win a bottle of Fast Dry Colour Quick shade 10 (navy), and Crystal shade 8 (purple), just fill out the Rafflecopter below before midnight on October 17th and good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I was contacted recently by budget brand 2true who asked if I'd like to share some of their products with you. Recently they've created a 'pro' range and made some additions to their usual line of nail polish and make up available in Superdrug. Nothing in their regular line costs more than £2, and you can usually get 3 products for £5, so it's well worth a gander! For such inexpensive products they really are great quality too, so you can't go wrong.
The products I was sent were 2 creams from their Fast Dry Colour Quick range, 2 shimmery foils from their Crystal range, 2 new beautiful glitters from their Pro Sequins range and some new loose nail glitter.
The ones I was most excited to try were the Sequins, and I was not disappointed. They're all named after supermodels and I was sent Naomi (purple) and Tyra (gold), and they are super pretty! They're a mix of different sized glitters, teeny tiny ones through to larger hexes and they aren't dissimilar to liquid sands and textured polishes without topcoat. Of course if you prefer things shiny, a good topcoat sorts that out but for those of us in the UK these are a great, easy to find (and affordable) liquid sand/fairy dust/sugar coat alternative. I paired Naomi with Shade 14 from the Fast Dry Colour Quick range, as it's a lovely, two coat uber pale lilac, that screamed at me to use them together for a glitter gradient! I used a topcoat on this one.
Next, I teamed Fast Dry Colour Quick shade 10 with Tyra. Shade 10 is a perfect navy creme - in fact, it was already my go-to dark blue. What you see here is one perfect coat, and no topcoat. The shine! If you have this, there is no need to have any other navy blue in your stash. Trust me. It does dry fast, is so glossy and doesn't stain when you take it off either (always use base coat though kids!) I used it as an accent with Tyra, and left it plain this time so you could see the textured effect. I couldn't stop looking at my nails, and couldn't resist adding a little anchor to the accent for a nautical twist.
Finally, the two polishes I was sent from the Crystal range. These are pretty, shimmer packed foil finish polishes and these two shades are perfect for autumn. Shade 8 has a purple base with flecks of blue, silver and red running through it and took 3 coats, while shade 9 has a copper base with gold and red flecks, opaque in two coats. Shade 9 is going to be my next pedi colour, I love it!
The Crystal and Fast Dry Colour Quick lines are just £1.99 each (their Glitterati line, squishy jellies packed with glitter are also worth checking out at this price), while the Sequins are from the Pro range and so cost a little more at £4, all from Superdrug. In the pro range they also have Metallica foil polishes (great for stamping apparently) and a Salon Shine line, giving a gel effect. Definitely worth checking out!Since I already have two of the polishes I was sent in my stash, 2true kindly agreed I could give them away to one of my lovely readers! I'm afraid this giveaway is UK only due to postage restrictions. The polishes you will receive are brand new and unused, as I used my own polishes for this post. For your chance to win a bottle of Fast Dry Colour Quick shade 10 (navy), and Crystal shade 8 (purple), just fill out the Rafflecopter below before midnight on October 17th and good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The product featured was a PR sample provided to me for free for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own and 100% honest. Please see my disclaimer in the tab above for further details.
Sunday, 7 July 2013
Sunday Stamping - Birthstones
Morning! I hope it's as sunny where you are as it is here, gorgeous. But of course we can't get to enjoy it because the plague is still going around! The baby had it last weekend, then the older one got it Friday, and now I think Mr NN has it... So not long before I succumb too I'm expecting! No sleep for Helly! I feel like I've not had a full nights sleep in about 6 years...that'd be right before son number one came along then...
Anyway, I have still managed to participate in this week's Adventures in Stamping theme - and on time this week! The theme was to be inspired by your birthstone, and since I was a February baby that's amethyst. Not complaining that I get to play with purple! I have a couple of polishes in my collection named amethyst, so I chose this pale lilac foil by budget brand La Femme as my base, and then stamped with Color Club Wild At Heart (never lets me down for stamping). The plate used was Gals Fairy GA38. I really love the outcome. Not particularly summery for this gorgeous weather, but then February isn't exactly a summer month...
I hope you like them! What's your birthstone?
Hx
Anyway, I have still managed to participate in this week's Adventures in Stamping theme - and on time this week! The theme was to be inspired by your birthstone, and since I was a February baby that's amethyst. Not complaining that I get to play with purple! I have a couple of polishes in my collection named amethyst, so I chose this pale lilac foil by budget brand La Femme as my base, and then stamped with Color Club Wild At Heart (never lets me down for stamping). The plate used was Gals Fairy GA38. I really love the outcome. Not particularly summery for this gorgeous weather, but then February isn't exactly a summer month...
I hope you like them! What's your birthstone?
Hx
Labels:
adventures in stamping,
color club,
foil,
holo,
la femme beauty,
purple,
stamping
Friday, 7 October 2011
NOTD - 2true Crystal nail polish
Hi de hi!
I showed you a new 2True polish topped with I Lily Love You here, but I also picked up two new Crystal polishes that they've bought out (any 3 items from 2True are just £4.99 from Superdrug). These aren't even on the 2true or Superdrug websites yet, and in 3 different Superdrugs I've looked in these were the only two colours each of them had, although there were spaces on the stand for more. So if you like glittery foil finishes keep an eye out!
The colours I've found are Shade 3 (greeny-blue) and Shade 4 (mauve). These pictures were two coats, no topcoat day 2 of wear. Impressive for a budget brand! On my left hand I used Shade 3 as accent nails, and 4 for the rest, and reversed it on my right hand, for a super quick I-wanna-go-to-bed-now-please mani.
I'll definitely keep my eye out for more of these polishes, I was very impressed.
As you can probably tell I've spectacularly broken the no-buy. I'm just waiting for one polish to arrive from ebeast and then there will be a haul post, as I've not done one of those in a while! I also have September favourites coming up, probably tomorrow.
I hope you're well! Have a nice weekend.
Hx
I showed you a new 2True polish topped with I Lily Love You here, but I also picked up two new Crystal polishes that they've bought out (any 3 items from 2True are just £4.99 from Superdrug). These aren't even on the 2true or Superdrug websites yet, and in 3 different Superdrugs I've looked in these were the only two colours each of them had, although there were spaces on the stand for more. So if you like glittery foil finishes keep an eye out!
The colours I've found are Shade 3 (greeny-blue) and Shade 4 (mauve). These pictures were two coats, no topcoat day 2 of wear. Impressive for a budget brand! On my left hand I used Shade 3 as accent nails, and 4 for the rest, and reversed it on my right hand, for a super quick I-wanna-go-to-bed-now-please mani.
I'll definitely keep my eye out for more of these polishes, I was very impressed.
As you can probably tell I've spectacularly broken the no-buy. I'm just waiting for one polish to arrive from ebeast and then there will be a haul post, as I've not done one of those in a while! I also have September favourites coming up, probably tomorrow.
I hope you're well! Have a nice weekend.
Hx
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