tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44683072757071747432024-03-06T03:55:04.733+00:00Polished ArtSamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.comBlogger331125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-11611278405021380082018-07-17T20:30:00.000+01:002018-07-18T21:08:14.032+01:00Pearly Gels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Good evening everyone :)</div>
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The UK is still outrageously warm but somehow I haven't melted yet (well, just a little bit). Apparently we're going to have cooler temperatures and rain next week though and I CANNOT WAIT. Guaranteed I'll be complaining about the rain after two days, but such is life.</div>
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I have another <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/index.php?ref=1253&affiliate_banner_id=94" target="_blank"><b>Born Pretty Store</b></a> review today (I will post something else soon, honest! Maybe...). It's another gel polish but this time one with a pearl effect.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU4uaxdMoKWiKQIvnK_Nhr8-kquMJ-iYSL5T8rnbePIouri_3q1aL3mAG-nYU3UwQ6L6_gzLMXupBp8cWE6bP6mt-9C3WgIIHchBpzfvVNkIFZwHKjyKREo1YIKmGk_wHgeMS4pT41ZTn/s1600/IMG_0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfU4uaxdMoKWiKQIvnK_Nhr8-kquMJ-iYSL5T8rnbePIouri_3q1aL3mAG-nYU3UwQ6L6_gzLMXupBp8cWE6bP6mt-9C3WgIIHchBpzfvVNkIFZwHKjyKREo1YIKmGk_wHgeMS4pT41ZTn/s400/IMG_0206.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is Chameleon Pearl Lustre Gel Polish in BP-11.<br />
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The website advises using it over black or white to show it off properly, so I decided to show you both. I also used it over grey on my ring finger, just to make it look a bit less random having one white nail.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ibpdZK8gnkW9pKrIig5zBIHkdjaKfqkDBMTC5NTHogcRsGEU2fJH8A8nQeosskxDMC7pg_WFFaqnKq98YbONiXigUspgIoaPFpkEgf2e8XtTK2yUypK4emtPyYnYtONp3bqVNz5qPbJi/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ibpdZK8gnkW9pKrIig5zBIHkdjaKfqkDBMTC5NTHogcRsGEU2fJH8A8nQeosskxDMC7pg_WFFaqnKq98YbONiXigUspgIoaPFpkEgf2e8XtTK2yUypK4emtPyYnYtONp3bqVNz5qPbJi/s400/IMG_0207.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Application was mostly fine. I used two coats, but I thought it looked a bit patchy on the black nails so I went for a third. Wish I'd stuck wih two in the end because I don't think it improved the patchiness but it made it a bit pale for my liking.<br />
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This polish wasn't for me to be honest. Nothing wrong with the polish itself, just the look isn't one I like to wear (so yeah...don't know why I chose this polish. Oh well!). I don't mind it over the white and grey actually, but over the black I find it a bit dated maybe..?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JApGeMu8HWXc-ippC4_h4qyxK12-dd4vj-fytkth2luQFEHcuBRsV9FMadzRck5fjRGMbspBtIfoXa8w5nDPRydzDu_r3yrxbf9a5pwPZ4BmOSuKvUpVeMjfn5IiMLhq1yRveFscGJMq/s1600/IMG_0208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JApGeMu8HWXc-ippC4_h4qyxK12-dd4vj-fytkth2luQFEHcuBRsV9FMadzRck5fjRGMbspBtIfoXa8w5nDPRydzDu_r3yrxbf9a5pwPZ4BmOSuKvUpVeMjfn5IiMLhq1yRveFscGJMq/s400/IMG_0208.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you are a fan of this look though, you can find the polish in 6 different colours <a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/bottle-born-pretty-chameleon-pearl-lustre-mermaid-shell-color-nail-soak-polish-p-41342.html?affiliate_banner_id=1&ref=1253" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. It's £3.33 a bottle or if you buy all 6 then you can save yourself a few quid. Don't forget you can use the code LKL91 for 10% off storewide and delivery is free wherever you are in the world.Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-39546141120409406012018-06-30T10:00:00.000+01:002018-06-30T10:00:09.432+01:00Review: Born Pretty Store FlakiesIt's the weekend, hurrah! Although I did only work one day this week (and that wasn't work so much as watching people present and eating a free lunch)...but still, weekends mean family time :) And even more so this weekend because the in-laws have come to stay!<br />
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Today I have the second item I received for review from <b><a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/index.php?ref=1253&affiliate_banner_id=94" target="_blank">Born Pretty Store</a></b>. Prepare yourself for holo flakie goodness.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUhK9UGR39sMy9XC-kAAEYqi9QxnTONW6dF-cDRPlPIfpdbKLAdf6dyTVrAHhvplSJqFV8u9noLTJlmP3qfckH39JMy0_vcwr_KNQb8RatR6G95efi4wl_y6ay968uwIRvuFafmCP2h7l/s1600/IMG_0170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUhK9UGR39sMy9XC-kAAEYqi9QxnTONW6dF-cDRPlPIfpdbKLAdf6dyTVrAHhvplSJqFV8u9noLTJlmP3qfckH39JMy0_vcwr_KNQb8RatR6G95efi4wl_y6ay968uwIRvuFafmCP2h7l/s400/IMG_0170.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Honestly, the pictures do not do this justice (blogger fail...oh well!). I literally gasped when I applied it. I do like me some sparkle...<br />
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I was a little confused by the instructions though. Not that they weren't clear, more that I was a doubter. So it says for a full coverage mirror look you should cure your no-wipe gel top coat and then dab it on - the pot even comes with a little applicator by the way! Alternatively, for more of a flakie look, the instructions say to apply to your top coat before curing. I didn't understand how it would stick after curing, so I went for the flakie look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0plndwbPE5_FdrBrlvhUZ42WumfjrCMg4x3gA2tQAnqvDRYZr6TDqnleooAyL8WDlj9eCVtBeTuFnwlf5dEzIckYuNH_8qpa3O0g8ecSf5Xb6-RyuepB8SMxU1AMaRzARtHGkkNaXRk8/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD0plndwbPE5_FdrBrlvhUZ42WumfjrCMg4x3gA2tQAnqvDRYZr6TDqnleooAyL8WDlj9eCVtBeTuFnwlf5dEzIckYuNH_8qpa3O0g8ecSf5Xb6-RyuepB8SMxU1AMaRzARtHGkkNaXRk8/s400/IMG_0171.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The flakes are mostly a lovely warm purple and dark blue. Then there's also holo glitter in there so you get the flashes of that as well. Frankly, it is perfection. Oh and it's shown here over black polish for best effect of course.<br />
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I used this with gel polish as per the instructions (I'm a stickler for following the rules don't you know). When I googled for reviews of it though whilst trying to sort out my confusion about when to apply it, most reviews I read had just used it on normal polish applied to wet top coat, so that's also an option. If you don't use gel, you don't need to miss out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkK74ZteJfCmwXtYNl-dEouvXfFnlm-08EvjOuJ9ISd7QEU8YgehEBaeN0RfBw1svBNP2bTccB9tVSiENxGE3-dsfSRTnvqXv20plw0SQA_bq6VlbtPUAj9NqMyNGPYAV9Deh4CgSWg8Cm/s1600/IMG_0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkK74ZteJfCmwXtYNl-dEouvXfFnlm-08EvjOuJ9ISd7QEU8YgehEBaeN0RfBw1svBNP2bTccB9tVSiENxGE3-dsfSRTnvqXv20plw0SQA_bq6VlbtPUAj9NqMyNGPYAV9Deh4CgSWg8Cm/s400/IMG_0172.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can find this glitter <b><a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/product_info.php?ref=1253&products_id=41970&affiliate_banner_id=1" target="_blank">here</a></b>, and the colour I've used is <b>#3</b>. Don't forget, shipping is free to wherever you are in the world and you can get 10% off with the code <b><a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/index.php?ref=1253&affiliate_banner_id=94" target="_blank">LKL91</a></b>. And while you're there you might as well treat yourself to a few other bits...Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-90175544611954314012018-06-28T10:00:00.000+01:002018-06-28T10:00:03.819+01:00Review: Born Pretty Store Thermal Gel PolishHappy Thursday!<br />
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Our heatwave here in the UK is still going strong, and somehow I've survived. We bought a gazebo earlier this week so now we can actually go out in the garden rather than cowering in the house with the blinds all closed (this skin was not made for sun exposure).<br />
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Today I have the first of my latest haul of <b><a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/?ref=1253" target="_blank">Born Pretty Store</a></b> products to show you. Just so we're all clear from the offset - I LOVE THIS.<br />
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So what is this? Well it's only the most fabulous thermal gel polish I have ever seen (also the only one, but let's not let that take anything away from it's wonderfulness). I've long been a fan of thermal polishes, what with them basically being magic and all, but I haven't tried a gel one. I was a bit dubious...I've found in the past that sometimes thermals don't work that well if you paint it on too thick, so I wondered how well it would work what with gels generally being thicker.<br />
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Well, it worked bloody wonderfully.<br />
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When it's warm, this polish is a sort of hot barbie pink.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwUv1uGLXA6lJWkUT35Nr3KPmOz3t0V24l30OrL7sTf8R9fbxC-uxoEvHW_wuz3Fbkik0VemS7TH4c7RGSLRDNFurHc4Ikh_0ZCUuuJ1rf6NgiLR-dD3H31I1O03SyV_pvHstc0qqrgcj/s1600/IMG_0157.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1536" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwUv1uGLXA6lJWkUT35Nr3KPmOz3t0V24l30OrL7sTf8R9fbxC-uxoEvHW_wuz3Fbkik0VemS7TH4c7RGSLRDNFurHc4Ikh_0ZCUuuJ1rf6NgiLR-dD3H31I1O03SyV_pvHstc0qqrgcj/s400/IMG_0157.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA_9LprkfKPiaiy5tiFJDnbPZax1iImvxbGScX2PvDrdutq7o51Sy5YCV8OLkrLZ2XE8TFsH6_GqRbVCyJ6oP9K2Qj-kw4f2YnvMMwxno8ErriKuV230LhpgIoQNtPt8KbSfDfqB-Kae1/s1600/IMG_0158.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1141" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA_9LprkfKPiaiy5tiFJDnbPZax1iImvxbGScX2PvDrdutq7o51Sy5YCV8OLkrLZ2XE8TFsH6_GqRbVCyJ6oP9K2Qj-kw4f2YnvMMwxno8ErriKuV230LhpgIoQNtPt8KbSfDfqB-Kae1/s400/IMG_0158.PNG" width="398" /></a></div>
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When cold, it went to a really deep purpley mauve. I know these are like the vaguest colour descriptions ever, but they were hard to pin down!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4peIsGqrr1jW2D4vNmBYWVwhF4w0gJRgnJ39rRfjfVz-7ksOdLS-Mk_Vb0isHwI8PzYdpwS4feo_ooOt4Ai5_Q6-7jjxLKXljLkyoJPmAOLRBrp-PwbxCb4vyou9VUCI3Q1mCma463QD5/s1600/IMG_0159.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1139" data-original-width="1518" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4peIsGqrr1jW2D4vNmBYWVwhF4w0gJRgnJ39rRfjfVz-7ksOdLS-Mk_Vb0isHwI8PzYdpwS4feo_ooOt4Ai5_Q6-7jjxLKXljLkyoJPmAOLRBrp-PwbxCb4vyou9VUCI3Q1mCma463QD5/s400/IMG_0159.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpJvUZUr1nRfwVNBrwquvOQSE0quZo3ZhZYNeADx1oQVpmZ3gXE7JJBoXzAjJsJCBUfUbyaB8OLgn_Ajj3XyWDkoGczCiaG2FyxJ4jj7Vz9Wwh-2Bng35me0zzVIs58Q54O-1vXOqqxBs/s1600/IMG_0160.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1525" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpJvUZUr1nRfwVNBrwquvOQSE0quZo3ZhZYNeADx1oQVpmZ3gXE7JJBoXzAjJsJCBUfUbyaB8OLgn_Ajj3XyWDkoGczCiaG2FyxJ4jj7Vz9Wwh-2Bng35me0zzVIs58Q54O-1vXOqqxBs/s400/IMG_0160.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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What I really loved about this polish is that most of the time it had an amazing gradient effect. I have pretty cold hands and the last thermal polish I tried was just constantly the cold colour unless I put my fingers in hot water (which obviously I did). I also love the gradual transition between the colours rather than a sharp line between the hot and cold colours.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaY5rRkRtKzU10eRmu3wFW-xiJmo8p8g7hpVHJTGncZl5DRV_wwTJuKirUrymaeZUdlVeFDdUBfCEttZX7kBvDpcmT5525Lnfgt1WsiDE-zBdn2YsS-sKML8jaj3QdlcXOU-EeXz1FcJu/s1600/IMG_0161.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1140" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaY5rRkRtKzU10eRmu3wFW-xiJmo8p8g7hpVHJTGncZl5DRV_wwTJuKirUrymaeZUdlVeFDdUBfCEttZX7kBvDpcmT5525Lnfgt1WsiDE-zBdn2YsS-sKML8jaj3QdlcXOU-EeXz1FcJu/s400/IMG_0161.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The picture below shows the polish transitioning from warm to cold.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MXVED15t0G4QvhGUMowUzELCrpTANZT2qZLEbjd4bVdvcoV8tcce8R62m0OxiJnjvE4UxKJJdgE16ZtWg9LpxxmfRmgMQ5xoLOjxnZlzaZlUfrLaR9VMX0YBy1vaqWo8gpegBIF79L9h/s1600/IMG_0163.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1530" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8MXVED15t0G4QvhGUMowUzELCrpTANZT2qZLEbjd4bVdvcoV8tcce8R62m0OxiJnjvE4UxKJJdgE16ZtWg9LpxxmfRmgMQ5xoLOjxnZlzaZlUfrLaR9VMX0YBy1vaqWo8gpegBIF79L9h/s640/IMG_0163.PNG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And lastly, for your amusement... I have Raynauds but for some reason decided it would be a good idea to photograph this polish after taking the bins out in the cold. Evidently my ring finger warmed up quicker than the others...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEubENtk1QxNfRg1QJG7Dmk7lnqiI6Hy49jAyy8ybOJVaewZsbalQUeKBQX6Rw_LqAGhGClNtMWjAhPGoQkWs-UJWpbOwpbxMhN36nJ1u-SyXypa8CIC4XGcklXc4KPsIBja1xJsXvqrFL/s1600/IMG_0162.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="born-pretty-store-thermal-uv-led-gel-nail-polish-strawberry-shake" border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="1531" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEubENtk1QxNfRg1QJG7Dmk7lnqiI6Hy49jAyy8ybOJVaewZsbalQUeKBQX6Rw_LqAGhGClNtMWjAhPGoQkWs-UJWpbOwpbxMhN36nJ1u-SyXypa8CIC4XGcklXc4KPsIBja1xJsXvqrFL/s400/IMG_0162.PNG" title="Born Pretty Store thermal gel polish in Strawberry Shake" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you would like your very own fabulous thermal gel polish (and you should) you can find it <b><a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/product_info.php?ref=1253&products_id=41673&affiliate_banner_id=1" target="_blank">here</a></b>. The colour I'm wearing is <b>BP-11 Strawberry Shake</b>. Don't forget, shipping is always free and you can get 10% off your order using the code <b><a href="http://www.bornprettystore.com/?ref=1253" target="_blank">LKL91</a></b>. Happy shopping!Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-55774427123118368462018-06-26T20:01:00.001+01:002018-06-26T20:02:48.723+01:00More Stranger StampingHello everyone.<br />
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Today is probably the hottest day of my life. It's literally insane. If I don't literally melt by the end of the day it will be a miracle.<br />
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My daughter currently refuses to let me put her to bed, so while my husband is doing that (after me trying and resulting in her screaming the house down - sorry neighbours!) I thought I'd catch up on some blog posts. You know, because the cleaning can wait.<br />
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So this is the final look I have that I did over my base of <b>OPI On Stranger Tides</b> with the <b>Sensationail Polish to Gel Transformer </b>top coat. As the floor outside Swansea train station says, ambition is critical. Sometimes, however, you need to reign in that ambition and be realistic about your capabilities. So this time I only attempted stamping on one nail instead of them all.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWmDSF7-O5gevW6RE5G1rDAbS-ghaG7CLRGaE9Loebb_MXOfx7hPYxSyzG_zJOF74QQhji_gZVycZzKhMR-QBKbgKcDSRr6Vjy7WaVTXFLG5E__7NY_8lbcygkUIazY7BYLVSkYqk34sj/s1600/IMG_0167.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="opi-on-stranger-tides-sensationail-polish-to-gel-transformer-uv-led-polish-barry-m-gold-foil-stamping-konad" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipWmDSF7-O5gevW6RE5G1rDAbS-ghaG7CLRGaE9Loebb_MXOfx7hPYxSyzG_zJOF74QQhji_gZVycZzKhMR-QBKbgKcDSRr6Vjy7WaVTXFLG5E__7NY_8lbcygkUIazY7BYLVSkYqk34sj/s400/IMG_0167.JPG" title="OPI On Stranger Tides with gold accents" width="400" /></a></div>
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The gold accents are my old faithful <b>Barry M Gold Foil</b>. Yet again my Seche Vite smudged my stamping so we're not on talking terms at the moment, although it's probably my fault for neglecting it for like two years and then using it without adding any thinner. Oh well.<br />
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Anyhoo, this is the last manicure I did over my Sensationail base because I received some items to review for Born Pretty Store and I was itching to try the thermal polish. This was great though, so easy to remove the nail art with an acetone-free remover so you can switch it up a bit, meaning you get all the benefits of gel without being stuck with the same boring manicure for two weeks. Yay!Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-52177902090658940452018-03-06T21:07:00.000+00:002018-03-06T21:07:11.027+00:00Stamping on Stranger TidesAs I said in my last post, I tried a couple of different stamping looks over my OPI On Stranger Tides and Sensationail Polish to Gel Transformer manicure. This is the first of those.<br />
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I think the lovely muted green of the polish calls for some delicate white and gold detailing, so I rummaged through my plates and settled on this floral design from <b>Konad plate M73</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEzTtMEjfrIIq_8T34EgR7OOGUSPsfsHTdhXFSXF1hLJEriY2jw9qE7jbTCAjVmQh_AbQqI5UyXpMIYwMipMvfmNGMS5NITUoT9FvtdBrx5-D6D-eTiSD15Wnmd_aCJxbTmgpXjUcyp4J/s1600/IMG_0130.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1515" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEzTtMEjfrIIq_8T34EgR7OOGUSPsfsHTdhXFSXF1hLJEriY2jw9qE7jbTCAjVmQh_AbQqI5UyXpMIYwMipMvfmNGMS5NITUoT9FvtdBrx5-D6D-eTiSD15Wnmd_aCJxbTmgpXjUcyp4J/s400/IMG_0130.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I then added some little gold dots that you can’t actually see, such is their delicateness, but I assure you they make all the difference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU9Kb-sjVF2-1c0WME-NqOvMto5lOaEHsVWtMFr3pY9YsOKKqrt6QGXBynCmawgmGz2p8b-HlTOyeKR4hy0pq5qvLBsWt1yU1e7eIK0e-dr4VJDncBPesir-MWIsqSnlSLv5gF5RmpQNP/s1600/IMG_0129.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1385" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKU9Kb-sjVF2-1c0WME-NqOvMto5lOaEHsVWtMFr3pY9YsOKKqrt6QGXBynCmawgmGz2p8b-HlTOyeKR4hy0pq5qvLBsWt1yU1e7eIK0e-dr4VJDncBPesir-MWIsqSnlSLv5gF5RmpQNP/s400/IMG_0129.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then I added Seche Vite topcoat but it had gone all gloopy and smeared my stamping everywhere leaving me with this mess of a manicure, and I probably shouldn’t even admit this but this is actually the third attempt on my ring finger, at this point I just gave up. So yeah...stamping 1, Sam 0.<br />
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My second look was marginally more successful, so keep an eye out for that in the next few days!Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-35257037394179963402018-02-28T10:00:00.000+00:002018-02-28T10:00:04.378+00:00On Stranger Transforming TidesAs mentioned in my last post, I was bought a gel polish starter kit for Christmas. So obviously I had a little spree and bought myself lots of pretty gel polishes. It did seem a shame that all my (hundreds of) normal polished would now be sitting neglected though.<br />
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But then! I was reading a post on Mumsnet about gels and someone mentioned <b>Sensationail Polish-to-Gel Transformer</b>. Obviously I had to order it from Amazon immediately.<br />
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As the name suggests, the transformer allows you to convert a normal polish into a gel. There are two ways of doing this - you can either mix the transformer with the polish to create a gel polish, curing each coat, or you can just apply your polish as normal and the use the transformer as a topcoat, so only that coat needs curing. Naturally I went for the second, far less faffy option.<br />
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I decided to try it out with <b>OPI</b> <b>Stranger Tides</b>, which is one of my favourite muted shades.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyHuZ4kQ4O-nehqyTIUgcgo3QOlFes5jj2q_EZz88Rch38WMUt9__JgOwdlhOnnIsx36zlzYXQ896FIZ0nNY9sfeUKfIi36Rl4iI1euIo82UNE6D_6V4VdChqX7hIHs1D0-2w5_1eBonC/s1600/IMG_0025.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1529" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyHuZ4kQ4O-nehqyTIUgcgo3QOlFes5jj2q_EZz88Rch38WMUt9__JgOwdlhOnnIsx36zlzYXQ896FIZ0nNY9sfeUKfIi36Rl4iI1euIo82UNE6D_6V4VdChqX7hIHs1D0-2w5_1eBonC/s400/IMG_0025.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I applied my usual <b>OPI Natural Nail</b> base coat followed by two coats of my colour. The instructions then say to leave your polish for 30 minutes or so to ensure it’s fully dry, so I resisted the urge to Seche Vite them and waited like I was told (convinced the baby would wake any moment and it would be game over). Then it’s simply a case of applying your Transformer, curing and you’re done!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20taxV9RxAgqxLtS8qHxg2kYbUvrXsrpHvQMazR8ro0SQ0mpN0PILFq4G0PWjt-C0PBvkXSP1enjc6mDIzHE2Zj7wOVe4ccxos0syhtK3dif0wPjQs-d-o3sR84MA952ZCv2SDQIS6Jb5/s1600/IMG_0027.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1531" data-original-width="1148" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20taxV9RxAgqxLtS8qHxg2kYbUvrXsrpHvQMazR8ro0SQ0mpN0PILFq4G0PWjt-C0PBvkXSP1enjc6mDIzHE2Zj7wOVe4ccxos0syhtK3dif0wPjQs-d-o3sR84MA952ZCv2SDQIS6Jb5/s400/IMG_0027.PNG" width="298" /></a></div>
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I don’t think they’re as shiny as full gel nails, although I haven’t used any other Sensationail products to compare with, and perhaps your choice of polish underneath makes a difference. These nails definitely lasted longer than they would have with just Seche Vite, although I did start getting a bit of tip wear after a few days. With it being a light colour though it wasn’t really an issue. And to be fair, I had been messing around with stamping on top and removing with acetone...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0PZ94iI0aNBNK14ptOaaoTM6-nfLczuU-kRJfKhLe1_xderJJyCLv8hXhmPwGswkofPcav0e8FPJMvypg4tlQuw3tDZRKIx79LPK63WXoTMLPTyeAFxoAIQlGIwKIqwz1eG9ZnoJCpY1/s1600/IMG_0026.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="1149" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0PZ94iI0aNBNK14ptOaaoTM6-nfLczuU-kRJfKhLe1_xderJJyCLv8hXhmPwGswkofPcav0e8FPJMvypg4tlQuw3tDZRKIx79LPK63WXoTMLPTyeAFxoAIQlGIwKIqwz1eG9ZnoJCpY1/s400/IMG_0026.PNG" width="300" /></a></div>
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When the time came to remove the polish, it was so easy. I used the usual method for removing gels (although didn’t bother filing the surface), and within 5 minutes in foils the polish was clean off. Hurrah!<br />
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I’ll definitely be using this again and would absolutely recommend it. No, you’re not going to get the same wear out of it as you would a full gel manicure, but application and removal are both MUCH quicker, and you can use all your non-gel pretties! I think next time I’ll try applying the transformer top coat straight after my colour though (not that I’m impatient) and see if it actually makes a difference, unless anyone comments before then to say they’ve tried it and it was a disaster.<br />
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I did try a few different stamping looks over the top of this which I’ll be posting in the next few days, or you can go to my Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to have a sneak peek (links in the sidebar).Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-91105910409961375762018-02-25T10:00:00.000+00:002018-02-25T10:00:13.705+00:00Two and a Half Years LaterI’m alive, hurrah!<br />
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I can’t actually it’s been so long since I last posted, although it has been a very busy two and a half years. When I last posted I was living in Kent and was in the last few months of my training scheme. Since then, I’ve finished my training, got a new job, moved back to Wales, moved again when we bought our first house and had a baby!<br />
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I don’t know why I’ve decided that now, when I spend most of my day running around after my 9 month old trying to stop her head butting sharp edges on furniture, is a good time to restart my blog, but I have. So there we go.<br />
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There’ll be a few changes from back in the day. Firstly, you’ll have noticed the blog has a new look (all feedback gratefully received! - I’m aware of the issues with the background displaying on iPhones and will sort it once I work out how the heck to edit the code). Secondly, I’ll be making no promises about posting several times a week or anything like that, my daughter will mostly be deciding my posting schedule... With less time to write blog posts though, I will be more active on social media. Some manicures may never make it further than my social media accounts, and you’ll get sneak peeks of any upcoming blog posts, so make sure you’re following me on either <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PolishedArtBlog" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/PolishedArtBlog" target="_blank">Twitter</a> or <a href="https://www.instagram.com/polishedart/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>. Lastly, my Mum bought me a gel polish kit for Christmas so expect to see lots of gel nails! As well as obviously lasting longer than normal polish, gels have the added advantage of not chipping when my daughter chews my fingers, which can only be a good thing.<br />
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So, I think that’s all I have to say for now, now to get on with posting some nail art!Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-17287341741893426402015-06-28T12:35:00.002+01:002015-06-28T12:35:27.404+01:00London CallingHappy Sunday everyone! I'm having one of those weekends that feels like longer than two days, so I'm very happy :) I was intending to post yesterday but I went to the park instead - got to make the most of British summer while it lasts (which could well only be a day or two).<br />
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And on the subject of British - today's nail art is London-themed. I used the MoYou London Tourist Collection 01 plate, which I bought ages ago because it looked awesome but have only just got round to using.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VQ4IBON53kIQ1BEmSgU0OI_BqwjdHMnDGglYRc9V6Jvnh9J45lnaybN96YoRkoydvLfGmc82f6H-et-VqTvZP4qLTGqCVqcYz7_ReYJn0faktIhamV6ZoUpuypU8pzh6fxF0sPlTW3gm/s1600/London1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="london-stamping-nail-art-moyou" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VQ4IBON53kIQ1BEmSgU0OI_BqwjdHMnDGglYRc9V6Jvnh9J45lnaybN96YoRkoydvLfGmc82f6H-et-VqTvZP4qLTGqCVqcYz7_ReYJn0faktIhamV6ZoUpuypU8pzh6fxF0sPlTW3gm/s640/London1.png" title="London stamped nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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For stamping I used Konad stamping polishes in white, red and blue, along with Barry M Black and Silver Foil. The polishes used for the base colours are Barry M Cotton, Nails Inc Southwark, Ciate Boudoir and Barry M Red Glitter.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOk4374l9lGgZoCO7yarjkkv9195GuCpSPAHNL3vxjgVDtAbhqkOMCFp4YdPZHMji2f_1HSXRnlZ-V1Iy8H9D-sr1jcPLb3hYSAZnMJTWAlxw1RF6hnM7We3uorJBIio_w58SEMqoLyne/s1600/London2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="london-stamping-nail-art-moyou" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOk4374l9lGgZoCO7yarjkkv9195GuCpSPAHNL3vxjgVDtAbhqkOMCFp4YdPZHMji2f_1HSXRnlZ-V1Iy8H9D-sr1jcPLb3hYSAZnMJTWAlxw1RF6hnM7We3uorJBIio_w58SEMqoLyne/s640/London2.png" title="London stamped nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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So this isn't a particularly coherent look, and I'm not really happy with how it turned out. But I did use a few new techniques! So for the little Queen's Guards I attempted two colour stamping. The Union Flag stamp that I used on my thumb is all just one stamp, but I wanted to use both the red and blue. So I made two decals - I stamped in each colour then removed the bits of the image I didn't want from the stamper with a toothpick, then made a decal by applying top coat over the image on the stamper and letting it dry. I think this shrunk slightly though so it doesn't quite fit my nail, but we'll just pretend that's the look I was going for.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOd_2XBoIlboJU7yQT91MY8by1APLExWAxbvFTdqE8DTzynBz_I1S3RRwqfKstkpH5p7wErlUQWNOAEWzvVcXq2uW5lZH1l3UkP2xUga_merfiS6ejQqqHDROAkjz8dcs8P8_Y01-KYcV/s1600/London3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="london-stamping-nail-art-moyou" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOd_2XBoIlboJU7yQT91MY8by1APLExWAxbvFTdqE8DTzynBz_I1S3RRwqfKstkpH5p7wErlUQWNOAEWzvVcXq2uW5lZH1l3UkP2xUga_merfiS6ejQqqHDROAkjz8dcs8P8_Y01-KYcV/s640/London3.png" title="London stamped nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also didn't intend to stamp 'London' on my index finger, but my London Eye ended up so off centre I had to add something else to make it look intentional. Think my stamping still needs a bit of work!<br />
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If you've used this plate, I'd love to see what you've come up with :)Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-57027969246741630982015-06-23T19:38:00.001+01:002015-06-23T19:38:39.667+01:00Quick Swatch: Jessica Ruffled BottomsA long long time ago, I can still remember...I was looking for my ideal purple polish. My auntie suggested I try Jessica Ruffled Bottoms, and I've been in love ever since. As an expression of my love for this polish, I thought it was time it had it's own blog post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UXUuCNk8b4VmEkb1USh9RV0Z2Yy3twYF7QCfmO0LN7t7xQ1TkittBK8baT-mFBry_iRUwDgpZBCpNa5QWDUHpUSgyO2GtOT4TT88qT-EE2bvDLi8NBwnk22NT6qec8YZtywO-HwrNU8Z/s1600/Ruffled+Bottoms.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4UXUuCNk8b4VmEkb1USh9RV0Z2Yy3twYF7QCfmO0LN7t7xQ1TkittBK8baT-mFBry_iRUwDgpZBCpNa5QWDUHpUSgyO2GtOT4TT88qT-EE2bvDLi8NBwnk22NT6qec8YZtywO-HwrNU8Z/s640/Ruffled+Bottoms.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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It matches my phone and kindle and camera and laptop and just generally makes me happy. I heart purple.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VFTkjjId1eFMt6rs75GwqROhYRZFRfcDdgZNyLYAemB-v450X1T4dq1dQcTUiRxGKr74tgRrzTp0WJ2uUu1CgarhNJVVFSq4lljOmARD5pZDzgHsW06PMn_rexQ9Nkkhe4m_fTIxc81m/s1600/RuffledBottoms2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3VFTkjjId1eFMt6rs75GwqROhYRZFRfcDdgZNyLYAemB-v450X1T4dq1dQcTUiRxGKr74tgRrzTp0WJ2uUu1CgarhNJVVFSq4lljOmARD5pZDzgHsW06PMn_rexQ9Nkkhe4m_fTIxc81m/s400/RuffledBottoms2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Great formula as well. This polish can do no wrong.<br />
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What's your go to purple creme?Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-28125893156718422992015-06-21T12:59:00.001+01:002015-06-21T12:59:17.092+01:00Daisy NailsHappy Sunday! I do love Sundays, it's just a shame they're always followed by Mondays. Never mind! Plenty of hours of laziness left yet. Think I'm going to have a binge session of The Box whilst drinking unhealthy amounts of coffee.<br />
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So anyway, a couple of weeks ago I was sent some lovely summery colours to try from the SEVENTEEN Gel Colours range. You can see my swatches and what I thought of them <a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/seventeen-gel-colour.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>. These colours just screamed daisy nail art to me, so that's what I have for you today :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqtfh0g_bZL30N1Iwb9NMu2jtr6ikmHmdFk0AKAfV3B6AL5mgUelYoL9SXYx9mZQJcztMai3AYLF3z8zjR4CT3nS2vKt4m8tY12oHIcseQpRWk_FtvthwLWqUIfsKYmvnqzz2WyF-G4Vy/s1600/Daisies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colours-daisy-nail-art" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqtfh0g_bZL30N1Iwb9NMu2jtr6ikmHmdFk0AKAfV3B6AL5mgUelYoL9SXYx9mZQJcztMai3AYLF3z8zjR4CT3nS2vKt4m8tY12oHIcseQpRWk_FtvthwLWqUIfsKYmvnqzz2WyF-G4Vy/s640/Daisies.png" title="Daisy nail art with SEVENTEEN Gel Colours" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used Summer Sling for the base (which is a little warmer than it appears here - stupid camera) and then painted the petals on with White Lady and a small nail art brush, and used a dotting tool to add the dots of Lemon Drop.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPBrmve2-lVKmbs0-RTUZLakbJJc6ix_w9OcMGNS0bo5iA1tn8Wmpa308haAEf95mQsYlACbvXX4naDo_Yye3oAoRl1Q_kJH_M6TbnExEoiv7fKxDCRZXDA_0nZIBrz8AmgGfsvBE-7fp/s1600/Daisies2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colours-daisy-nail-art" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPBrmve2-lVKmbs0-RTUZLakbJJc6ix_w9OcMGNS0bo5iA1tn8Wmpa308haAEf95mQsYlACbvXX4naDo_Yye3oAoRl1Q_kJH_M6TbnExEoiv7fKxDCRZXDA_0nZIBrz8AmgGfsvBE-7fp/s640/Daisies2.png" title="Daisy nail art with SEVENTEEN Gel Colours" width="640" /></a></div>
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Very simple and very summery :)<br />
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What are you getting up to with your Sunday?<br />
<br />Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-67481544959971510542015-06-19T20:10:00.004+01:002015-06-19T20:10:44.898+01:00Geometrically PinkingHellooooo!<br />
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So this week has been busy! I had my MSc viva on Tuesday, and so my Master's is now done! Had an email today to let us know we all passed (always a relief!), but have to wait until July to find out how we did. Now just all the professional exams and assessments to do...ugh.<br />
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A few weeks ago I was desperately searching for a dress for a black tie event. It was TK Maxx that came through for me in the end, and while I was there it seemed sensible to treat myself to the China Glaze Road Trip mini collection. This is Pinking Out The Window.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vDXaD241jLjC7cnPmlbel798HLlmSoie_rRzY4ZwnE4rCEbcgBltpQOPojwDGcNo14S7b6qLj29t4ttzc7uSphFVE1tsc3q7p5uq3lQznEQ_jMZ41V5sszAV9rfDXEe09XcyMY_MWqlk/s1600/PinkingOut1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="china-glaze-pinking-out-the-window-road-trip-swatch" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4vDXaD241jLjC7cnPmlbel798HLlmSoie_rRzY4ZwnE4rCEbcgBltpQOPojwDGcNo14S7b6qLj29t4ttzc7uSphFVE1tsc3q7p5uq3lQznEQ_jMZ41V5sszAV9rfDXEe09XcyMY_MWqlk/s640/PinkingOut1.png" title="China Glaze Pinking Out The Window" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a weird polish - in a good way. Sometimes it's really pink, and then sometimes it's far more peachy. And occasionally it decide to be neon. As you do.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KVwhRmuuWfVxX449tHmPcmVknjj_nAlIgrFuJFVri01EmNYsayxWmUvOSPOWkWLx1d6NTghBNa4bUJxcd2cTCnf_jFLh6tT1h4YKv2VlwsZSudEkIj_d1hI9kBBAxPin0QcP0zJlm16q/s1600/PinkingOut2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="china-glaze-pinking-out-the-window-road-trip-swatch" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6KVwhRmuuWfVxX449tHmPcmVknjj_nAlIgrFuJFVri01EmNYsayxWmUvOSPOWkWLx1d6NTghBNa4bUJxcd2cTCnf_jFLh6tT1h4YKv2VlwsZSudEkIj_d1hI9kBBAxPin0QcP0zJlm16q/s640/PinkingOut2.png" title="China Glaze Pinking Out The Window" width="640" /></a></div>
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After a couple of days wear, I decided to add a bit of a gold geometric pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxWmNDTDIyRMBVCT8iWv7MxHu0mxcUlPEm-aH67xgo626RC9k2PaoDUcegG90yLQv4WCBe6azgUYURxEQtkriuPUCmPJvvw6dNFMnv5LHiRd0JuZ4OfYmtOBKM85brGgWN27-GteH-ojB/s1600/PinkingTape1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="geometric-tape-nail-art-mani-china-glaze-pinking-out-the-window-road-trip" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxWmNDTDIyRMBVCT8iWv7MxHu0mxcUlPEm-aH67xgo626RC9k2PaoDUcegG90yLQv4WCBe6azgUYURxEQtkriuPUCmPJvvw6dNFMnv5LHiRd0JuZ4OfYmtOBKM85brGgWN27-GteH-ojB/s640/PinkingTape1.png" title="China Glaze Pinking Out The Window geometric tape nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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I didn't actually mean to paint the bottom part of my index finger nail, but I was watching TV and obviously not paying enough attention...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NHuDeyr1KaoVc33Fxzv7ifcaWHdzx5UIAZianm_rzwzCHoNgIfyBh7aoXZacB5XphydFITrfNNuaIHBc-amdfaBxDU_imddEJfOtl7yF6Ipl1GZbbVgB1LmZBrWKezyQQB8jUXof17uc/s1600/PinkingTape2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="geometric-tape-nail-art-mani-china-glaze-pinking-out-the-window-road-trip" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8NHuDeyr1KaoVc33Fxzv7ifcaWHdzx5UIAZianm_rzwzCHoNgIfyBh7aoXZacB5XphydFITrfNNuaIHBc-amdfaBxDU_imddEJfOtl7yF6Ipl1GZbbVgB1LmZBrWKezyQQB8jUXof17uc/s640/PinkingTape2.png" title="China Glaze Pinking Out The Window geometric tape nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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This design was created using striping tape and Avon Golden Vision.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRvdWMS3x-rxZp8Ezz36j9Xd0y3Cypex-BCAwsSQLQOZfqO2CXP-vBco5Ucdu-mOqZsLxxXv4TbK8-x4GIK56i8YUn4aXSFUgfCebGG8PIykjJ8IeaSXygirBPS1i5AlzHSFrcM_2mtOa/s1600/PinkingTape3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="geometric-tape-nail-art-mani-china-glaze-pinking-out-the-window-road-trip" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRvdWMS3x-rxZp8Ezz36j9Xd0y3Cypex-BCAwsSQLQOZfqO2CXP-vBco5Ucdu-mOqZsLxxXv4TbK8-x4GIK56i8YUn4aXSFUgfCebGG8PIykjJ8IeaSXygirBPS1i5AlzHSFrcM_2mtOa/s640/PinkingTape3.png" title="China Glaze Pinking Out The Window geometric tape nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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Please excuse the dint in my thumb!<br />
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Have you tried any of the China Glaze Road Trip collection?Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-57861423734181085542015-06-13T14:24:00.003+01:002015-06-15T20:17:08.167+01:00SEVENTEEN Gel ColourHello my lovely readers :)<br />
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I was very excited to receive an email a couple of weeks ago from Boots asking me if I'd like to try out some of their new Seventeen Gel Colours. Umm...yes please! I was sent the four colours below to show you (plus an adorable little gift bag):<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iOx4EPkLvCZ4_jBOo6mvusbr2Sj5B_IFTzXyorytRQiPJtqe1OOLwlvkTOd9hVxQJtT9vfft1jWHEwwYXvqjf2PFeV8AXHHgYo-fFLfe6QXoc0dF8uH45frrvmbOnqqhdvJFRiYozXCI/s1600/17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colour-nail-polish" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iOx4EPkLvCZ4_jBOo6mvusbr2Sj5B_IFTzXyorytRQiPJtqe1OOLwlvkTOd9hVxQJtT9vfft1jWHEwwYXvqjf2PFeV8AXHHgYo-fFLfe6QXoc0dF8uH45frrvmbOnqqhdvJFRiYozXCI/s320/17.png" title="SEVENTEEN Gel Colour" width="320" /></a></div>
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To clairfy, these are gel <i>effect</i> polishes, so just apply like normal polishes - no curing or any of that malarkey. <br />
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All swatches are shown without top coat. For some of these I used three coats to get a perfect macro coverage, but I think you'd probably get away with 2 with careful application.<br />
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First up, <b>Mint Cooler</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfyqaNXY8-lwyNUJP0-vIQ7d30Dq7ITCS5sNyceEkg3w_UGNBvIW-WA9Z6EZb9xiDSYmv4aQYRyNOWjKW3oNIpQ9aOM60Iz-tpGmZpN2-70vpo3dk87IKvCALI2K9ud-D0WLiXah5CxGA/s1600/17mint1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colour-nail-polish-mint-cooler-swatch" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfyqaNXY8-lwyNUJP0-vIQ7d30Dq7ITCS5sNyceEkg3w_UGNBvIW-WA9Z6EZb9xiDSYmv4aQYRyNOWjKW3oNIpQ9aOM60Iz-tpGmZpN2-70vpo3dk87IKvCALI2K9ud-D0WLiXah5CxGA/s640/17mint1.png" title="SEVENTEEN Gel Colour in Mint Cooler" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a gorgeous bright mint colour, absolutely perfect for summer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaYzwBfkv5EE9WXdgV9a4gnkOanaie14T82xXGawk_jMMgYIuT4LyLwVOdzUB-5KNpm7k3XSrbt_bG3jbGnDFKQ2A_CdM_V9R-lChBgYdXBOU6cRq_Mak2RHtLNZFSF8YUMI6fPmEzRG6/s1600/17mint2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colour-nail-polish-mint-cooler-swatch" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfaYzwBfkv5EE9WXdgV9a4gnkOanaie14T82xXGawk_jMMgYIuT4LyLwVOdzUB-5KNpm7k3XSrbt_bG3jbGnDFKQ2A_CdM_V9R-lChBgYdXBOU6cRq_Mak2RHtLNZFSF8YUMI6fPmEzRG6/s400/17mint2.png" title="SEVENTEEN Gel Colour in Mint Cooler" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've used three coats here.<br />
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Next, <b>Summer Sling</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4P4X9dDN2VI9pxPGX-hzOXjyLuivSbyGSuDy3QxZ2HQV3UrDRJzyb6LqlfttBIe5pKrl8S51I2t6yDK6D1d1eBqVFStUVEE4941Q-ubOwV5rcudMZrTNf7C52k6WgbP9qg4uiZULWGqB/s1600/17purple1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colour-nail-polish-summer-sling-swatch" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4P4X9dDN2VI9pxPGX-hzOXjyLuivSbyGSuDy3QxZ2HQV3UrDRJzyb6LqlfttBIe5pKrl8S51I2t6yDK6D1d1eBqVFStUVEE4941Q-ubOwV5rcudMZrTNf7C52k6WgbP9qg4uiZULWGqB/s640/17purple1.png" title="SEVENTEEN Gel Colour in Summer Sling" width="640" /></a></div>
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My camera has something against purples, but I've just about managed to get this one colour accurate! More so in the top image. This is a lovely warm, not-quite-pastel shade.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZc8idtwqRcvYDgEYOtg-Og0kBn53tdcVaWsoIZhe5SQPDDdMCHGeb0LA1_VKHwZDS1CGV5aLLY5FRSwxG9WffEIxhFqlq9YvCvraNXgFZgXnofyS9xbO9AUAv3eVDSTe3UjuOOCxcpYn/s1600/17purple2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colour-nail-polish-summer-sling-swatch" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZc8idtwqRcvYDgEYOtg-Og0kBn53tdcVaWsoIZhe5SQPDDdMCHGeb0LA1_VKHwZDS1CGV5aLLY5FRSwxG9WffEIxhFqlq9YvCvraNXgFZgXnofyS9xbO9AUAv3eVDSTe3UjuOOCxcpYn/s400/17purple2.png" title="SEVENTEEN Gel Colour in Summer Sling" width="400" /></a></div>
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This one only needed 2 coats for a flawless finish.</div>
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Up third is <b>White Lady</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88r-0_Sxm8xtBhOAXlEPBzhhiycEqRD2RYs-buvSrpWat0cUCo5FklUIwL8Q6kvcBpX0pw-PqynSfvs9K8qj9iSlEnFJFM6KlOf1NnT47ZHr-RvkpDFrA-rBlB6AGQ0lNygDVSxOy_yu-/s1600/17white1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colour-nail-polish-white-lady-swatch" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88r-0_Sxm8xtBhOAXlEPBzhhiycEqRD2RYs-buvSrpWat0cUCo5FklUIwL8Q6kvcBpX0pw-PqynSfvs9K8qj9iSlEnFJFM6KlOf1NnT47ZHr-RvkpDFrA-rBlB6AGQ0lNygDVSxOy_yu-/s640/17white1.png" title="SEVENTEEN Gel Colour in White Lady" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look at this beauty! No messing around with hints of grey or cream, this is a true, super-bright white. This'll make a great base for nail art (bye bye Barry M Matt White...).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKzOzX-hfK5DJTDh6ZTvI4tTgZfA53l4LFO0F1K2Xr88rV3Usn3uTUgm8mKf_3yKVmvq2dHYOYbwhlEAgvO3u1fU-r9L9_-PRoFfYiwZiTIIDAydPO9pVYmnK2FpNl2lnhV9tf_C99KdT/s1600/17white2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colour-nail-polish-white-lady-swatch" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKzOzX-hfK5DJTDh6ZTvI4tTgZfA53l4LFO0F1K2Xr88rV3Usn3uTUgm8mKf_3yKVmvq2dHYOYbwhlEAgvO3u1fU-r9L9_-PRoFfYiwZiTIIDAydPO9pVYmnK2FpNl2lnhV9tf_C99KdT/s400/17white2.png" title="SEVENTEEN Gel Colour in White Lady" width="400" /></a></div>
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Again, this one was another three coater for me.<br />
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And lastly, my favourite of the four - <b>Lemon Drop</b>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipso4CZ2CQqLJ5bf4AJBVaSPE3yZkklhWBwS0tRZj1dzC2GUFm6aAPd4ewzcWqSkyjyQCutZT0Jgajf3t3euY1X-14TIPMGPMHU9Vl4haQ2TvJQpe2E_eWgIhkGpYLJSJXZrBxsgQa7yP/s1600/17yellow1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colour-nail-polish-lemon drop-swatch" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgipso4CZ2CQqLJ5bf4AJBVaSPE3yZkklhWBwS0tRZj1dzC2GUFm6aAPd4ewzcWqSkyjyQCutZT0Jgajf3t3euY1X-14TIPMGPMHU9Vl4haQ2TvJQpe2E_eWgIhkGpYLJSJXZrBxsgQa7yP/s640/17yellow1.png" title="SEVENTEEN Gel Colour in Lemon Drop" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a stunning bright lemon yellow. Absolutely perfect for summer (even if it doesn't look like we're ever going to get a summer in the UK this year) and look at that coverage! I don't own a single other yellow polish that gives me coverage like that without white undies. If you're on the market for a yellow, I would absolutely recommend this one.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvq9nCofl4bX2oUqKZP0tKDVIHbSRqOXBf-_n85yIhLEy7lYuejVEf7nWh0TFYQWEhwNjqlA5UUTMhfPKJhTseDuT6oBHlhxF0xlxXWQSa2j0iSTkzLATfNtKqvISL7pk594lYghWzfqkO/s1600/17yellow2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="seventeen-17-gel-colour-nail-polish-lemon-drop-swatch" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvq9nCofl4bX2oUqKZP0tKDVIHbSRqOXBf-_n85yIhLEy7lYuejVEf7nWh0TFYQWEhwNjqlA5UUTMhfPKJhTseDuT6oBHlhxF0xlxXWQSa2j0iSTkzLATfNtKqvISL7pk594lYghWzfqkO/s400/17yellow2.png" title="SEVENTEEN Gel Colour in Lemon Drop" width="400" /></a></div>
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Again, I used 3 coats.</div>
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You can see from these swatches that all of these polishes have a lovely glossy finish - and these are all taken in a lightbox, which dulls the shine a little. The formula on these was good, slightly thick but in a good way that meant there was no pooling. The brush, as you can see below, is wide and flat, which is my preferred type of brush. Although not as wide as the Rimmel brushes which are wider than my little finger nails... It has a curved-shape to end that meant it was easy to get a clean cuticle line without any clean-up. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThmSD-qV602aP7bRluxIeZ09XGjZDNEvZQIzD7CUMHmF8_mzoGHjuI56nhWceCyeVaC2K1r-DZYka0KWV_u9YXICzayseC9HOepmBkqMx3h7bEe0dv6Z46H8m2VsMz7Kqu-Jf4No6EdiP/s1600/17brush.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThmSD-qV602aP7bRluxIeZ09XGjZDNEvZQIzD7CUMHmF8_mzoGHjuI56nhWceCyeVaC2K1r-DZYka0KWV_u9YXICzayseC9HOepmBkqMx3h7bEe0dv6Z46H8m2VsMz7Kqu-Jf4No6EdiP/s320/17brush.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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All in all, I really like these polishes and will certainly have a nose at what other colours are available next time I'm in town, and at £3.99 a pop they're great value. You can see the full collection <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/SEVENTEEN-Gel-Colour_1415685/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.<br />
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And lastly! These polishes claim 8 day wear, so obviously I have to test that... I've used three coats of Mint Cooler with my usual base and top coats (OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and Seche Vite). I'm currently on day 5 and still going strong, with no chips or tip wear at all, which is really good going for me! I'll update this post when I reach day 8 :) And watch this space for some nail art using these polishes...<br />
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I hope you're all having a great weekend!<br />
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<b>UPDATE:</b><br />
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So, it's day 8, and the verdict is...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTA2jGEVWojHZ4rFeBgZLJuNFTus8V1CCNtNioi7l8TZS67gNIvgpNncj1AbJRHfvB-ournwX0y1ugYpB2pLcPYD-tO9ZZECKS7bWWF2pz_lN9HPvsV5aCLUg40nU2f84UciYKVWFL0wRu/s1600/17mintday8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTA2jGEVWojHZ4rFeBgZLJuNFTus8V1CCNtNioi7l8TZS67gNIvgpNncj1AbJRHfvB-ournwX0y1ugYpB2pLcPYD-tO9ZZECKS7bWWF2pz_lN9HPvsV5aCLUg40nU2f84UciYKVWFL0wRu/s640/17mintday8.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not bad? These chips happened yesterday, so I got 7 days chip free wear. I normally get about 3 days if I've been super super careful with application, so this is great for me. The chips are in a bit of a funny place, but I think it's just cracked where my nails bend when I bash them against things. You'll notice the other nails don't even have a hint of tip wear, which is amazing. So possibly with shorter nails you might get even more than 7 days out of it. If you can handle having the same colour nails for that long...I know I'm itching to do some nail art!Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-9387196809023291742015-06-10T22:09:00.000+01:002015-06-12T21:18:06.985+01:00Tiger FeedingAny post that involves pictures of tigers is good right?<br />
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For Christmas, my lovely husband bought me a Big Cat Encounter at <a href="http://www.whf.org.uk/" target="_blank"><b>Wildlife Heritage Foundation</b></a> in Kent. WHF is a big cat sanctuary, but run a little differently to a normal zoo - it isn't open to the public other than by booking one of their experiences or on their annual open days. The Big Cat Encounter included a couple of hours seeing all the cats with a keeper for tour guide, plus getting to feed some of the cats (through the fence...I still have all my limbs).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZtFz9neIHHXHJfhZSnK_PuXTzAh-aRA9GRevb3L3xYS6mpyFIfprA2euSIFpd-dGLXGWbW5TYuvzEyn4Ggm_fE_Jfn9341Jvtb_N7788754jA4O8dm3sma4b-nTS4e45gJkKVs-6PkmK/s1600/Tiger4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildlife-heritage-foundation-puna-sumatran-tiger" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZtFz9neIHHXHJfhZSnK_PuXTzAh-aRA9GRevb3L3xYS6mpyFIfprA2euSIFpd-dGLXGWbW5TYuvzEyn4Ggm_fE_Jfn9341Jvtb_N7788754jA4O8dm3sma4b-nTS4e45gJkKVs-6PkmK/s640/Tiger4.png" title="Wildlife Heritage Foundation - Puna" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is Puna. Whilst I obviously love all tigers equally, Puna is like the prettiest tiger ever. Look at her little face! She was a bit scared of John though bless her, although that didn't seem to be an issue when he was offering her chicken...<br />
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Anyway, nails. I just did a simple tiger manicure (you can see my tutorial <a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/tiger-print-tutorial.html" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>) using OPI A Roll In The Hague, with some Barry M Matt White sponged on, and a very very old and very very thick black striper pen.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhXw3Bv1iQPo8MaasDJDIXgkPkT7PDgq3Mh3cc4VFp-8P1ymKHHoMfIAEMhIVFSDOxmZQBWK9zTForwzZhjP4OSHetRNBIT7TV4M29GXtt6306mRacjyMkuGh7EmiCEyUYV4JG7p1JUSo/s1600/Tiger1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildlife-heritage-foundation-tiger-nail-art" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhXw3Bv1iQPo8MaasDJDIXgkPkT7PDgq3Mh3cc4VFp-8P1ymKHHoMfIAEMhIVFSDOxmZQBWK9zTForwzZhjP4OSHetRNBIT7TV4M29GXtt6306mRacjyMkuGh7EmiCEyUYV4JG7p1JUSo/s640/Tiger1.png" title="Tiger nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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More tigers!<br />
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This is Puna's boyfriend (also a big fan of chicken). When we visited, Puna had just had a contraceptive implant so that they can live together <3 They have been a breeding pair previously, but no more babies for the time being!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVujBTCIzZXUwEGpdz_vvmvywxiv0bcdkHJnAjx_t9vPR6lWBVKyB1g-HBjA-NeTtvUphA-6Kn-2OWqHFpYHl1Ldyfy78VP4-iR2d823K2chnYo01iRU0Jmtj9hSSB6jBc0AyeIPQ4i7cK/s1600/Tiger5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildlife-heritage-foundation-sumatran-tiger-big-cat-encounter" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVujBTCIzZXUwEGpdz_vvmvywxiv0bcdkHJnAjx_t9vPR6lWBVKyB1g-HBjA-NeTtvUphA-6Kn-2OWqHFpYHl1Ldyfy78VP4-iR2d823K2chnYo01iRU0Jmtj9hSSB6jBc0AyeIPQ4i7cK/s640/Tiger5.png" title="Tiger feeding at Wildlife Heritage Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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I like that John looks like he's interviewing him...<br />
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I also added a little white nail, striped with China Glaze Call Of The Wild, for Narnia, the lovely white tiger below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG2rp0q3eJ-7LbKCoVGUIo__JjlhrkCwQjl2XQ4XAbsIReBuWU5wSOpXFHSLKOxXosIyFSjejdqn-gX5mzIQ0j13Rvu0vw90RZlBaHs6O6AKdFpistQKI2ykTojBIRQcwFk4eZUMrCeGG/s1600/Tiger2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildlife-heritage-foundation-tiger-nail-art" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG2rp0q3eJ-7LbKCoVGUIo__JjlhrkCwQjl2XQ4XAbsIReBuWU5wSOpXFHSLKOxXosIyFSjejdqn-gX5mzIQ0j13Rvu0vw90RZlBaHs6O6AKdFpistQKI2ykTojBIRQcwFk4eZUMrCeGG/s640/Tiger2.png" title="Tiger nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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Narnia was the first tiger I fed and I was a little nervous, but she didn't eat my hand so it's all good. It's crazy how much bigger they are up close though, even than they look in these pictures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGxri5IkG5wBEL6s6UFz7rS6AiBVzqsbcdsqp5joYsgJCbSAJ2_oAzBNRr-Bd3jMbF6di1JVNhmNic_jrLocnFqmV_TECffll00GoR1kkFAbDDeR8cIX6TmocASQxNGx5hJo6WBj3W_WY/s1600/Tiger3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wildlife-heritage-foundation-narnia-white-tiger-big-cat-encounter" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGxri5IkG5wBEL6s6UFz7rS6AiBVzqsbcdsqp5joYsgJCbSAJ2_oAzBNRr-Bd3jMbF6di1JVNhmNic_jrLocnFqmV_TECffll00GoR1kkFAbDDeR8cIX6TmocASQxNGx5hJo6WBj3W_WY/s640/Tiger3.png" title="Feeding Narnia at Wildlife Heritage Foundation" width="640" /></a></div>
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We also got to see the beautiful jaguar Athena, the pumas, the pride of white lions, a cheetah called Martin and lots of other tigers and little cats :) And another massive lion who's moving soon so he can have some lady tigers for company. We then spent the afternoon visiting Wildwood, which is like a zoo but for British animals. Far less exotic, and mostly nocturnal. Give me tigers any day...
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-29861359912141813492015-06-07T22:18:00.001+01:002015-06-12T21:18:31.208+01:00Sheer GradientHelloooo :) So I survived One Direction! It was quite good fun really and my sister is still in a bit of a daze, so it was worth it. We did somehow find ourselves being shouted at by some crazed Niall fan to help her hold up her sign she'd made though...and she was not a child lol. I'll post a few pictures if my sister ever comes out of her daze long enough to send me them.<br />
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Today I just have a very simple gradient to show you using OPI Sheer Tints.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J6qdpPWKc7eCQr2ZYrATmn5u3eMMlsaMJP4PW76RICB6iGiXQDpRXTqpq8C6H1owjiCKwZ5ntyFu5KwTYrRq5mqSm07ytJnEqzFAmqP_-MwJan103nmLO2Jl496rnuaaqtBiEkE-6oAl/s1600/ST+Gradient1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="opi-sheer-tints-i-can-teal-you-like-me-gradient-nail-art" border="0" height="485" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_J6qdpPWKc7eCQr2ZYrATmn5u3eMMlsaMJP4PW76RICB6iGiXQDpRXTqpq8C6H1owjiCKwZ5ntyFu5KwTYrRq5mqSm07ytJnEqzFAmqP_-MwJan103nmLO2Jl496rnuaaqtBiEkE-6oAl/s640/ST+Gradient1.png" title="Sheer gradient" width="640" /></a></div>
I used a base of Barry M Matt White (I'm on the market for a new white if anyone has any suggestions?). Then I added rough layers of OPI I Can Teal You Like Me. For some reason my camera likes to blend all the layers together, so here's a picture from my phone where the layers show up a bit better:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-Pch1aUqr8C_Lu5R8qta2MF-JroXxyiWf785Fv8apCDfNFfs2pPboXQOGKXElrBbvmOXjpCaXxhEh_2EmRJenNXuBlQiTuwm0J_BYyysCpAigDlug_21ro0bsGfVRu93tLUzINhGD6aj/s1600/ST+Gradient2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="opi-sheer-tints-i-can-teal-you-like-me-gradient-nail-art" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr-Pch1aUqr8C_Lu5R8qta2MF-JroXxyiWf785Fv8apCDfNFfs2pPboXQOGKXElrBbvmOXjpCaXxhEh_2EmRJenNXuBlQiTuwm0J_BYyysCpAigDlug_21ro0bsGfVRu93tLUzINhGD6aj/s640/ST+Gradient2.png" title="Sheer gradient" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lastly, I added some fishy stamping from one of my MoYou plates, using Star Gazer 232.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmXWh4oaRWFoPKLGzVDscSdgT-JSqGw0Te9GZRHbFIM6nuVlXOZjKyftzER-TtNn9kPiZB4Br_d7d8IDTzXZ_qkFp-CM3Vl9jSULU9FRCTGUaLAy6WYHqKQqvKoDhfGqEB84aYjmXvpEn/s1600/ST+Gradient+%252B+stamping.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="opi-sheer-tints-i-can-teal-you-like-me-gradient-moyou-stamping-fish-nail-art" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmXWh4oaRWFoPKLGzVDscSdgT-JSqGw0Te9GZRHbFIM6nuVlXOZjKyftzER-TtNn9kPiZB4Br_d7d8IDTzXZ_qkFp-CM3Vl9jSULU9FRCTGUaLAy6WYHqKQqvKoDhfGqEB84aYjmXvpEn/s640/ST+Gradient+%252B+stamping.png" title="Sheer gradient with MoYou stamping" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'd love some more suggestions for nail art looks to try out with these polishes! Just leave a comment :)<br />
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-16866669380643921812015-06-05T10:00:00.000+01:002015-06-12T21:18:38.702+01:00Racing FlagsWhen I made my (rather undramatic) return to blogging and showed you <a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/multiple-blings.html"><b>these nails</b></a>, I told you that these weren't actually the first nails I did, but the first ones were just too bad to show you after not posting in such a long time. Well, the time has come.<div>
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I was struggling for inspiration, so I dug through a load of old stickers and transfers that I bought way back when before I even started this blog. I selected some tip stickers that sort of remind me of racing flags, and decided to pair them with <a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/viva-la-nails-polish.html"><b>Viva La Nails Creme Brulee</b></a>.</div>
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Here you go...are you ready for it..?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUOL6pigOF-nbi7W11pJfU4ZGEL7uISxpU0I4MNiBBL7pV7XzndBbt-_RVCXQ_WiD3Kqi91Bkhh6xhw_CwVJNtWTyFjZDCqczMnfHD5JbcMMVkfEJb2FVY01cAJflFJgn_RHBlWBNziLt/s1600/Racecar.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUOL6pigOF-nbi7W11pJfU4ZGEL7uISxpU0I4MNiBBL7pV7XzndBbt-_RVCXQ_WiD3Kqi91Bkhh6xhw_CwVJNtWTyFjZDCqczMnfHD5JbcMMVkfEJb2FVY01cAJflFJgn_RHBlWBNziLt/s640/Racecar.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think I actually would have done a better job if I'd freehanded them, which is saying something... Unfortunately, the stickers weren't quite wide enough for my nails, and something funny happened around the edges of the stickers when I added top coat. I also, somehow, managed to get a load of yellow polish in my hair. So yeah...not my best.</div>
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I hope you all have a lovely start to the weekend! I'm back in Wales this weekend, taking my sister to see One Direction...lucky me...</div>
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-1108767505484566872015-06-03T10:00:00.000+01:002015-06-12T21:18:51.199+01:00Leafy Branch TutorialI couldn't work out what this pattern should be called, so I've ended up with leafy branch! Not that it particularly looks like leaves or branches...<br />
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This is another really simple nail art look that's super quick to do. You can see some of the ways I've used this pattern by clicking the links below:<br />
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<b><a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/china-nails.html">China Nails</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/colour-me-crazy-red.html">Leafy Branch Ombre</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/i-will-go-to-ball.html">Glequin Skittlette</a></b></div>
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For this tutorial, all you'll need is:</div>
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<li><b>Base colour</b></li>
<li><b>Nail art pen </b>or<b> Sharpie</b></li>
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You can of course use a thin nail art brush and polish rather than a pen. I personally prefer to use a Sharpie - I have the double ended ones and use the thin end.</div>
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Here's the step-by-step picture tutorial:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoetcszDcDj5e2_vT7NjJeljSS0G2xA3Q2djSt3y4_tLJ3c8koFGgo3BcRu9A8hw0JvyTlklW-EDlau57-T1ZFxBdX2ZBJ9jPIPGPldlFW2UaluTm-SzJkkbjR2GRtB9afqe_L1MbOolQ/s1600/Leafy+Branch+Tutorial.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="leafy-branch-step-by-step-picture-tutorial-nail-art-sharpie" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoetcszDcDj5e2_vT7NjJeljSS0G2xA3Q2djSt3y4_tLJ3c8koFGgo3BcRu9A8hw0JvyTlklW-EDlau57-T1ZFxBdX2ZBJ9jPIPGPldlFW2UaluTm-SzJkkbjR2GRtB9afqe_L1MbOolQ/s640/Leafy+Branch+Tutorial.png" title="Leafy Branch Tutorial" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. Prepare your nail as usual and apply your base colour. Give this plenty of time to dry before you start drawing on it.</div>
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2. Use your pen to draw a gently curving line on your nail, starting from any edge. Finish the line off with a little loop.</div>
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3. Add more loops, alternating side as you go down the branch.</div>
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4. Colour in all your loops.</div>
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5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you're happy with the coverage. For some of the spaces, you might just need a little peak of a leaf coming in from the edge, as I've done at the bottom of my nail.</div>
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6. Give that plenty of time to dry again (nothing worse than smudged Sharpie!), apply your favourite top coat and you're done!</div>
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If you have any tips for how to improve my tutorials or any ideas for tutorials you'd like to see, please post your suggestions in the comments.</div>Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-48486465163133922882015-06-01T20:17:00.002+01:002015-06-12T21:19:03.942+01:00Grape NailsHappy Monday! If there is such a thing (Bank Holiday Mondays I suppose?). I hope your weeks all got off to a good start :)<br />
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I said in my last post that I was off wine tasting with some friends this weekend. Unfortunately one of my friends couldn't make it in the end, but we still had a lovely time. And it also meant we ended up rather tiddly because we used her tokens too... If you're near London and haven't been to Vinopolis yet, you should visit. You get a little masterclass in how to taste wine properly and then you're let loose to taste whichever wines you fancy. It's good fun, and we managed to spend four and a half hours in there, so we definitely got our money's worth!<br />
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I couldn't really picture how to do wine-themed nails, so I went for some grapes instead!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mLBK3U2XjHWLZCW1zAEwOFvw4FD5EFGvUtWWesq6mlGNzKXJacArV809qwAiiWiOY2pt6WE7VvkmQTUdCbGoAWhMnl0iIQF8WL5UIekpfix1HpHs6BMQOSylzLQZexglH2e3fAN1xiv_/s1600/Grapes1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="grape-nail-art-opi-my-vampire-is-buff-sharpie" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2mLBK3U2XjHWLZCW1zAEwOFvw4FD5EFGvUtWWesq6mlGNzKXJacArV809qwAiiWiOY2pt6WE7VvkmQTUdCbGoAWhMnl0iIQF8WL5UIekpfix1HpHs6BMQOSylzLQZexglH2e3fAN1xiv_/s640/Grapes1.png" title="Grape nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used a base of OPI My Vampire Is Buff. I love this for doing nail art on - it's just that bit softer than using a true white.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7SjYYIWu8L5__dFTvstLHqOGrLRtO17AdotUYnyJAW8AughuQYoZKmoygJKsjmthfBXDJW06QM0OUHNHVVat43IbAUkrsgpuGfZ9C8NeULeX4MGoyOYxJ1LFA7RwgYFRe_2KvQKmv2L3/s1600/Grapes2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="grape-nail-art-opi-my-vampire-is-buff-sharpie" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7SjYYIWu8L5__dFTvstLHqOGrLRtO17AdotUYnyJAW8AughuQYoZKmoygJKsjmthfBXDJW06QM0OUHNHVVat43IbAUkrsgpuGfZ9C8NeULeX4MGoyOYxJ1LFA7RwgYFRe_2KvQKmv2L3/s640/Grapes2.png" title="Grape nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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I then drew some bunches of grapes with a Sharpie (visit my Facebook page to see how this turned out on my right hand...more spirograph than grapes...). Then I just blobbed the colours over the tob of the drawings, and viola.<br />
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I used Barry M Spring Green for the leafy bits, and OPI Who The Shrek Are You? and Boutique Lay It Out In Lavender for the grapes. I think this would also look good with foil polish for the grapes?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9ZJhv6Z6DOrqlub4SbwGRnUbja76v1nyxtN9egjdSx1ZaVUhrtT5iWXapaEHvi3HUiuWTR1LIxOZElgG86lKyp07V49B0Le5GwhjIj-LTBd3xKS-w0qIpNcl0etYDRIG4zxZwN9udFx_/s1600/Grapes3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="grape-nail-art-opi-my-vampire-is-buff-sharpie" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje9ZJhv6Z6DOrqlub4SbwGRnUbja76v1nyxtN9egjdSx1ZaVUhrtT5iWXapaEHvi3HUiuWTR1LIxOZElgG86lKyp07V49B0Le5GwhjIj-LTBd3xKS-w0qIpNcl0etYDRIG4zxZwN9udFx_/s640/Grapes3.png" title="Grape nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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After wine tasting, we then stuffed our face with pizza/crisps/chocolate etc and watched some Disney films. All in all, an excellent weekend! What did you get up to?
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-55936641910981189632015-05-30T10:00:00.000+01:002015-06-12T21:19:18.380+01:00Sheer FlowersIt's the weeeeeekeeeend! Hurrah! Today is wine tasting day and I have some suitably winey nails that I'll show you in my next post...<br />
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Today, however, I have something else for you. If you follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PolishedArtBlog"><b>Facebook</b></a> (and if you don't, please do!), you'll know that last weekend I was playing with my OPI Sheer Tints. My husband bought me the mini set for Christmas, and I'm ashamed to say this is the first time they've been out of the box. Although I probably also have dozens of other untrieds, but it's not so obvious when they're not all sitting in a nice box together.<br />
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Anyway, here's one of the nail art looks I tried. I want to say this is called a pond manicure..? Please correct me if I'm wrong! Inspired by a manicure I saw on <a href="http://www.chalkboardnails.com/"><b>Chalkboard Nails</b></a> ages ago :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYtsR2SHlB_fCQ0n99Ye0sCSVy1LQ16P-TR6ULM7RR8pN-LxOcy6wwEqiWK6BUH7Y_sqyFUWuGSUypnRIHEawR34prVERQaCy91kAN1Z4KtC-kyW3TBaizBIWMyqmg8Zc12bKvtlHMK9T/s1600/ST+Flowers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="opi-sheer-tints-don't-violet-me-down-flowers-floral-pond-nail-art" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYtsR2SHlB_fCQ0n99Ye0sCSVy1LQ16P-TR6ULM7RR8pN-LxOcy6wwEqiWK6BUH7Y_sqyFUWuGSUypnRIHEawR34prVERQaCy91kAN1Z4KtC-kyW3TBaizBIWMyqmg8Zc12bKvtlHMK9T/s640/ST+Flowers.png" title="Floral pond nail art with OPI Sheer Tints" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used Jessica Ruffled Bottoms for my base colour, then used my Barry M Nail Art Pen in White to draw some flowers. I did two layers of flowers, with a coat of OPI Don't Violet Me Down in between, then topped it off with some dots of Barry M Matt White and one last coat of the sheer tint. I think next time I'd use two coats of the sheer tint between even layer to get a bit more of a contrast between the layers?<br />
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Do you have any suggestions for other uses of these polishes? I have a lead lighting manicure planned just as soon as I track down a black stamping polish!<br />
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I hope you all have a great weekend :)
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-2194726640548150812015-05-28T19:21:00.000+01:002015-06-12T21:19:27.557+01:00Blue Feather Hello once again :) It is so nearly Friday and I cannot wait for this week to be over! I STILL have a cold and I'm feeling very fed up, but sadly not ill enough to not go to work :p I'm meeting up with some friends this weekend though, which I'm very excited about. We haven't all gotten together since Christmas :) We're going for a spot of lunch, followed by wine tasting and I imagine it'll all go downhill from there (we once managed to drink a pub dry of prosecco, but I like to think that's because they were poorly stocked...). <br />
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Anyway, nails. I bought some feathers absolutely ages ago after seeing a great feather nail art tutorial on the Nailasaurus (which you can see <a href="http://www.thenailasaurus.com/2012/11/real-feather-nail-art-tutorial.html"><b>here</b></a>), but they've since sat unused and unloved like so many other nail art supplies... So I decided it was finally time to use them! </div>
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When I bought these, for some reason they only had brightly coloured feathers in Hobbycraft. Nothing remotely natural looking. So, I present to you my bright blue feather manicure:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcZ_PiLtJ0pJyy9AnTGb56M_24SOeWsvDax49Qnv_B_Dng7VoQo3fKSgk8wH0cYYAXui5Bm2RZaYK3dKYz3Mf7twP-a5Z67V2_VWB0DCi0ixIsZ0k-auTXCHJhLegU9asUj5JLbWgBPHT/s1600/Feather1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blue-feather-nail-art-glitter-china-glaze-manhunt" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLcZ_PiLtJ0pJyy9AnTGb56M_24SOeWsvDax49Qnv_B_Dng7VoQo3fKSgk8wH0cYYAXui5Bm2RZaYK3dKYz3Mf7twP-a5Z67V2_VWB0DCi0ixIsZ0k-auTXCHJhLegU9asUj5JLbWgBPHT/s640/Feather1.png" title="Blue feather nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember that glitter from my <a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/multiple-blings.html"><b>last post</b></a> that I said ended up everywhere? Yep, that's it there on my middle finger. Oops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsLi5itKNuZbwTbEUL2SW5GMr4xloFXzsVUk0ThO43_Sj_EjiM-UgGuB6bZHVOfcfTvaXMSGuXUE9l86VHizyUWu9TOt-tfWKdkaKK22zFF8Nfj6jQgIiR4GrFs1X8Kjt-JAhsv4UYszN/s1600/Feather2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blue-feather-nail-art-glitter-china-glaze-manhunt" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizsLi5itKNuZbwTbEUL2SW5GMr4xloFXzsVUk0ThO43_Sj_EjiM-UgGuB6bZHVOfcfTvaXMSGuXUE9l86VHizyUWu9TOt-tfWKdkaKK22zFF8Nfj6jQgIiR4GrFs1X8Kjt-JAhsv4UYszN/s640/Feather2.png" title="Blue feather nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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The polish that has been unceremoniously dusted with leftover glitter is China Glaze Manhunt - definitely one of my favourite blues. It's just so darn glassy. On my thumb I added a coat of Barry M Blue Glitter over the top, and then added a little freehand feather just to try and tie the look together a bit. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg4VwQNSw45v00XEaxZqiMCjttsTn13CGkIaZYf5foi1G9giXe0WqSv6W8gUQoNrxeX4AgPwQPuXQVWaoFQqIQ9qIhOCwEAa74tka1IgJFIKXcJQs88NUucPGLh42PfD4QquklHvZAGn-/s1600/Feather3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="blue-feather-nail-art-glitter-china-glaze-manhunt" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMg4VwQNSw45v00XEaxZqiMCjttsTn13CGkIaZYf5foi1G9giXe0WqSv6W8gUQoNrxeX4AgPwQPuXQVWaoFQqIQ9qIhOCwEAa74tka1IgJFIKXcJQs88NUucPGLh42PfD4QquklHvZAGn-/s640/Feather3.png" title="Blue feather nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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On my little and ring fingers I used Nails Inc New York Noir - I know it's irrelevant because I top coat everything, but this polish is so amazingly glossy. For the feather accent I pretty much did what's in the Nailasaurus' tutorial except not as well. I decided I didn't want all the thin, sparse bit at the end of the feather on my nail so I just stuck like a middlish part of the feather on my nail and for some reason thought I'd be able to trim around my cuticle with scissors afterwards? I blame my cold...it's affecting my brain. Anyway, as you can see, that didn't work,so don't do that. I did manage to trim it down a bit shorter but I stopped before I started shredding my cuticles, so it isn't as clean a line as I'd like. You live and learn... Also, I added another coat of Seche Vite after filing off the excess feather, just to ensure my ends were wrapped and it was all sealed in.</div>
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What do you think? Have you tried using feathers in your nail art before? I'd love to see if you have :)<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-44418515807202438042015-05-26T21:48:00.000+01:002015-06-12T21:19:38.622+01:00Multiple BlingsHello! Yes, I'm still alive. I can't believe I haven't posted all year, oops... This year is just flying by though, as if we're in May already. Is this just what happens when you get older? I don't like it at all...<br />
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So this bank holiday weekend, my husband was away and I was far too ill to go anywhere further than the sofa, so I cracked out all my nail goodies and did a few manicures :) It's ages since I did anything more than a plain manicure, maybe with a bit of stamping, and my first attempt was...erm...a bit of a disaster. So I thought I wouldn't kick off with that, and instead I'd show you my second (far more successful) attempt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRpWatBqg7MVv4_5pTBHMmrIscs4-zFEtYAPuy_20pORx8mAiFRU5KmIHHeyqWqaQOo68l-T1EHfSweSlibGjMjp_NqnalLdXT3Xb7zj-GeKxiekW-laD8JsV3Tm2BdVWpWrAO1yxci0j/s1600/Bling.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="nail-art-ciate-foil-opi-gems-rhinestones-kiss-nail-dress-glitter" border="0" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbRpWatBqg7MVv4_5pTBHMmrIscs4-zFEtYAPuy_20pORx8mAiFRU5KmIHHeyqWqaQOo68l-T1EHfSweSlibGjMjp_NqnalLdXT3Xb7zj-GeKxiekW-laD8JsV3Tm2BdVWpWrAO1yxci0j/s640/Bling.png" title="Blingy nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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The ring finger is a Kiss Nail Dress that came free with a magazine I bought ages ago. There were 6 designs but only one of each, so totally useless other than for manicures that only survive long enough to be photographed on the blog, but there you go. It applied very easily - it was thick but easily shaped to my nail, and still looked good the next morning, although that probably isn't a very good wear test...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX_fTMcFAeWkfp4knpq12ciEhkVSlYXopAJjzeHZRYpH3VpD7pCISHgO_EGnHTwHrN17FA-Wn3dDUdmmKXEpArApMZfsyVGVKjqYOHMP5pwhO5azHImx8m2CmzwxJgjmCCYHPDzS8C-Hr/s1600/Bling3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="nail-art-ciate-foil-opi-gems-rhinestones-kiss-nail-dress-glitter" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMX_fTMcFAeWkfp4knpq12ciEhkVSlYXopAJjzeHZRYpH3VpD7pCISHgO_EGnHTwHrN17FA-Wn3dDUdmmKXEpArApMZfsyVGVKjqYOHMP5pwhO5azHImx8m2CmzwxJgjmCCYHPDzS8C-Hr/s640/Bling3.png" title="Blingy nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyhoo, I then covered my little finger nail with blue glitter from Viva La Nails (you can see my review of this <a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/zig-zag-glitter.html"><b>here</b></a>). It ended up everywhere...I foolishly glittered while all my other nails were still tacky. Rookie mistake.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlbxLWpBxSjO0JKWtSPvxeRYQOpK7raqDeumygbKF1oEedwY_oOP9Wwx1wq3FZg3nfD6yN4qkxiZ5GfHr2RnYA6wWLsxWO9_bz9bLgArEr8BzGemC0fWZYLPyVylxb0igKLSsBVx6gJrd/s1600/Bling2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="nail-art-ciate-foil-opi-gems-rhinestones-kiss-nail-dress-glitter" border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlbxLWpBxSjO0JKWtSPvxeRYQOpK7raqDeumygbKF1oEedwY_oOP9Wwx1wq3FZg3nfD6yN4qkxiZ5GfHr2RnYA6wWLsxWO9_bz9bLgArEr8BzGemC0fWZYLPyVylxb0igKLSsBVx6gJrd/s640/Bling2.png" title="Blingy nail art" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used my favourite nude, OPI Don't Pretzel My Buttons, on my index and middle fingers, then added some rhinestones in (slightly) different sizes to match the colours on the Nail Dress. Lastly, on my thumb I used a Ciate nail foil. Despite using Special FX Sealer, it still crinkled. Any tips for a topcoat that works well with foils?<br />
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So there it is, my first post of 2015! I hope you like it and I promise to be a better blogger and post more soon :) Let me know what you'd like to see more of: leave me a comment or pop over to my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PolishedArtBlog"><b>Facebook page</b></a>. You can also get sneak peaks of upcoming blog posts by following me on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/polishedart/"><b>@PolishedArt</b></a>.<br />
Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-91419577428251459102014-12-30T12:00:00.000+00:002015-05-26T23:15:35.206+01:00Honeymoon Nails: HonuHello all :) I hope you've all had a lovely Christmas and have some exciting plans for tomorrow night! I just thought I'd squeeze in a quick post before the new year.<br />
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As I've mentioned before (once or twice..), in August this year, my husband and I went to Hawaii on our honeymoon. I've previously shown you some dragonfly nails inspired by Hawaii, which you can see <a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/honeymoon-nails-dragonflies.html"><b>here</b></a>, and today I have some more Hawaii-inspired nails to show you.<br />
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Our hotel had a tidal lagoon that was FULL of turtles! It was totally amazing. We went out snorkeling everyday (me with my life jacket on, since I float like a brick) and there were so many lovely turtles around. They'd also come up on to the beach every afternoon to soak up some sun before sunset. Turtles have well and truly established themselves in my top 5 animals, which of course is where every animal aspires to be...<br />
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So, first a real turtle:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSaD8nvKRrreH4RFS6w33-nsRmdZm6IQ2lnriVsSI8lt7N75erNC22NfZUcdxc8OIJ694FziI9WrhOCxFeI5IkT1ipfHQ8X2hM3JyF6WzVvexT8AwQQW9zyvHz2cLeru1H3XeCxKiuke7/s1600/SAM_7039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSaD8nvKRrreH4RFS6w33-nsRmdZm6IQ2lnriVsSI8lt7N75erNC22NfZUcdxc8OIJ694FziI9WrhOCxFeI5IkT1ipfHQ8X2hM3JyF6WzVvexT8AwQQW9zyvHz2cLeru1H3XeCxKiuke7/s1600/SAM_7039.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And now my attempt:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0qDGIWhpaWuEOP8J1aKWqBGzPINgaR0SOtAtiiNrtTipkndYngZE-hmZ5qDX4w7nLJGRoHaMuGgQkoWzRxYTqfAfdWUoOIJnRt0nNN5qAN5ex8KUVtKA6bc4S8JwfIUQ1s4QS6jvcQqO/s1600/Honu.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="honeymoon-nail-art-honu-sea-turtle-sponged" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0qDGIWhpaWuEOP8J1aKWqBGzPINgaR0SOtAtiiNrtTipkndYngZE-hmZ5qDX4w7nLJGRoHaMuGgQkoWzRxYTqfAfdWUoOIJnRt0nNN5qAN5ex8KUVtKA6bc4S8JwfIUQ1s4QS6jvcQqO/s1600/Honu.png" height="486" title="Honeymoon nails: Honu" width="640" /></a></div>
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I sponged on some turtley colours - this is super simple and I love the effect, but if you're not sure how to do it you can take a look at my tutorial <a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/sponged-nails-tutorial.html"><b>here</b></a> - and then added my little gold honu. Looks just like the real thing, no..?<br />
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What do you think? Do you think I managed to capture enough turtliness with the sponged background, or would you have gone for something different?<br />
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PS. Happy new year!<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-4223989672768172802014-11-02T17:03:00.000+00:002015-05-26T23:15:44.015+01:00Halloween Challenge #4: Inspired by a Film or TVIt's finally here! It's still Halloween week so it isn't really that late (we'll just ignore the fact it's November). the next challenge I shall be more prepared, honestly!<br />
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So the prompt for the final day of the challenge is Halloween themed TV or movie inspired.<br />
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10361518_10152504086830805_5833240846049020654_n.jpg?oh=d2dc984313e6656a679215835e86962a&oe=54F6206A&__gda__=1425287189_d91295ca1256283ce022dafb2a5d1708" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10361518_10152504086830805_5833240846049020654_n.jpg?oh=d2dc984313e6656a679215835e86962a&oe=54F6206A&__gda__=1425287189_d91295ca1256283ce022dafb2a5d1708" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll be honest...mine aren't inspired by a TV or film (is that cheating?), so take your pick - Sabrina, The Worst Witch...<br />
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Here's what I did anyway:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJa5EMnYWFEgp_TUQH9LXUdp-sZ3nWbrQP37uNbK8bYpoin4O62Qm3JXMpQNT4r76JDoPxGUsq-sRrxSos_IO9zEy1VXyk9OUiNl4X2CjR4qH_rXiw5ftYCaa9S2fO6B8Z2b9cLKaxg5aC/s1600/Halloween4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="halloween-challenge-nail-art-witch-china-glaze-put-a-bow-on-it" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJa5EMnYWFEgp_TUQH9LXUdp-sZ3nWbrQP37uNbK8bYpoin4O62Qm3JXMpQNT4r76JDoPxGUsq-sRrxSos_IO9zEy1VXyk9OUiNl4X2CjR4qH_rXiw5ftYCaa9S2fO6B8Z2b9cLKaxg5aC/s1600/Halloween4.png" height="486" title="Halloween Challenge #4: Witchy Nails" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's just take a moment to appreciate the fact that my camera has managed to accurately capture the colour of a purple polish :o<br />
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Moment over. Anyhoo, hopefully you can tell I was going for witchy nails! I used<b> China Glaze Put A Bow On It </b>for my base, and then all details were added using my <b>Barry M Nail Art Pen in Black</b> and <b>White</b>, with a touch of <b>Barry M Gold Foil</b> on my thumb. Apologies for the very poor tip-wrapping on my thumb!<br />
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What are your thoughts? I did fully intend on actually using tape on my ring finger, but laziness got the better of me. Plus I flipping hate tape. I also intended to colour the hat in a dark grey so that the creases would be black, but I decided maybe it'd look odd that nail being more grey when the others were black?<br />
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As always, don't forget to check out the final challenge manicures from all the other lovely bloggers participating!<br />
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I hope you all had a great Halloween!<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-53751085471376015392014-10-30T22:34:00.001+00:002015-05-26T23:15:54.763+01:00Halloween Challenge #3: Halloween VillainsEvening all! Just a quick post tonight, because I've been to the pub for tea and I am sleepy (possibly wine-induced). Also, I shall be honest...these nails were supposed to be for tomorrow, but I haven't done my nails for tonight, so I'll just have to make tomorrow's nails that would have been tonight's nails fit tomorrow's theme. That makes sense right...?<br />
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Here's a reminder of the prompts:<br />
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So my Halloween villain of choice...mummies!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd-7A1mugQFPvpxUU3ZMTEHoUFIOOy7ONjZ5OBjBeno58x8EBbQO3_eF3lxKZin2aig9EX2VDgUtiC4hHOiMp8ymFjf1wi8Z8XySlx9chyqgy5YKuP5XuPFBW1JQJd8elFMQPZzAakOXa/s1600/Halloween3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitd-7A1mugQFPvpxUU3ZMTEHoUFIOOy7ONjZ5OBjBeno58x8EBbQO3_eF3lxKZin2aig9EX2VDgUtiC4hHOiMp8ymFjf1wi8Z8XySlx9chyqgy5YKuP5XuPFBW1JQJd8elFMQPZzAakOXa/s1600/Halloween3.png" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm aware that these are not remotely original, but it's something I've seen a lot and wanted to try :) Believe it or not, I sponged three colours for my base. And then, it would seem, the brightness of my lamp just washed it all out. I had the same problem last night with getting the lines on my pumpkin to show up...think I need a rejig of my setup. The three colours, not that you can see them, are <b>OPI My Vampire is Buff</b>, <b>Don't Pretzel My Buttons</b> and <b>Did You 'Ear About Van Gogh</b>. I was aiming for a bit of an aged/yellowing look, which did work in person, but you'll just have to take my word for it :D Then I used a black striper pen for my lines - these probably could have been thinner!<br />
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Don't forget to have a look and see what villains everyone else chose!<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-52986727272513221082014-10-29T22:38:00.000+00:002015-05-26T23:16:21.748+01:00Halloween Challenge #2: Pumpkin FacesIt's 10:27pm here, and I should really be in bed, but instead I've just finished off my second challenge manicure for the Halloween Nail Art Challenge. Too much good TV on a Wednesday night, that's the problem...<br />
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So, here's a reminder of the challenge prompts - today we're on pumpkin faces:<br />
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I actually attempted some pumpkin nails a couple of years back, which you can see <a href="http://polishedart.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/halloween-pumpkins.html"><b>here</b></a> if you fancy a laugh.<br />
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To be honest, I didn't think I could do a much better job this time, so I decided to go down a slightly different route and attempt a pumpkin that spanned all my nails. He's got a bit of a wonky nose...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpRYN4FXPJy7UtqPyOc7MbnQoOsG5VAmQEV04jRWOrGxqP_eJu3rOEwZmDv3-b-z-SawjEv6cprGQEWCTQu3NrcyyeDgYM8mdahowxtZj96EWAlzxoe9OnsTfPKJtySl2EusKkhwA4f-R/s1600/Halloween2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="halloween-nail-art-pumpkin-jack-o-lantern" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpRYN4FXPJy7UtqPyOc7MbnQoOsG5VAmQEV04jRWOrGxqP_eJu3rOEwZmDv3-b-z-SawjEv6cprGQEWCTQu3NrcyyeDgYM8mdahowxtZj96EWAlzxoe9OnsTfPKJtySl2EusKkhwA4f-R/s1600/Halloween2.png" height="486" title="Halloween Challenge #2: Pumpkin Faces" width="640" /></a></div>
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I can only apologise for the atrocious clean up - I just could not get that stuff off my skin!<br />
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I used <b>OPI A Roll in the Hague</b>, <b>Max Factor Bright Orange</b> and <b>Viva La Colour Creme Brulee</b> for the pumpkin and then my <b>Barry M Nail Art Pen in Black</b> for all the detail.<br />
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Now I just need to carve my actual pumpkin...<br />
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Don't forget to check out all the other pumpkin manicures!<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4468307275707174743.post-51047018808464616522014-10-28T21:09:00.000+00:002015-05-26T23:16:30.180+01:00Halloween Challenge #1: Classic Orange and BlackHello!!!<br />
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So I decided a little while ago that I was going to join in with the Halloween Nail Art Challenge in the Challenge Your Nail Art group on Facebook. Here are the prompts (and a very cute graphic!):<br />
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I saw this a little while in advance, giving me plenty of time to prepare. And it's only 4 prompts, so there is some small chance that I may actually finish it. So how many manicures did I prepare in advance?<br />
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None.<br />
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I am a fool.<br />
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I am DETERMINED to actually do this though, so I have just been furiously painting my nails, and here's my first challenge manicure!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ys0EjWbXJw6HMi7lt7WFh1XGCWS71EkVCqgM-301m7psHvF-GPrudrN0KjfWD8WHPey4jxafo89R2Pdd8jdvwSZPnQnsHZeqlIQraWlGTb9cCTLvRH1IwlyinPwt0K3wWJyyI9gb68Yz/s1600/Halloween1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="halloween-nail-art-orange-black-watermarble-pumpkin-barry-m-w7-max-factor" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ys0EjWbXJw6HMi7lt7WFh1XGCWS71EkVCqgM-301m7psHvF-GPrudrN0KjfWD8WHPey4jxafo89R2Pdd8jdvwSZPnQnsHZeqlIQraWlGTb9cCTLvRH1IwlyinPwt0K3wWJyyI9gb68Yz/s1600/Halloween1.png" height="486" title="Halloween Nail Art Challenge #1: Classic Orange & Black" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, I did indeed attempt a water marble. Yes, I have lost my mind. I think it's not my worst attempt though...?<br />
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I used<b> Barry M Black</b> and <b>Max Factor Bright Orange</b>. Then I added <b>W7 Orange Dazzle</b> on my little finger nail, and painted the stem of my pumpkin with <b>Barry M Spring Green</b>. I'm pretty happy with this actually :) Although, I confess, it's only on the one hand... Must remember to take it off before work tomorrow!<br />
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Have you done any Halloween nail art yet? I'd love to see - leave your links in the comments or post a picture on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PolishedArtBlog"><b>Facebook page</b></a>!<br />
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And don't forget to take a look at all the other orange and black manicures!<br />
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Samhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10398822243804699024noreply@blogger.com8