Racing Flags

When I made my (rather undramatic) return to blogging and showed you these nails, 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.

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 Viva La Nails Creme Brulee.

Here you go...are you ready for it..?

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.

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...

Starry Starry Nails

Hello lovelies :)

Sorry I've been a little quiet recently!  I've had these photos on my laptop ready to go for days, but motivation to write a post has been at zero.  And last night I fell asleep whilst watching Coronation Street and so went to bed at 8pm.  And I'm still tired, how does that even happen??

Tomorrow I shall be venturing into theatre for the first time to watch a sentinel node surgery.  Fingers crossed I won't faint!  Then on Saturday, HOPEFULLY, my lovely fiance should finally be home!  Fingers super super crossed!

So anyway, what am I showing you today?  Some more fab products from Born Pretty Store :)  For anyone who hasn't come across Born Pretty Store before, they sell a whole array of nail art supplies and polishes (and other cosmetics if you're so inclined) at super cheap prices.  Today I'm showing you some glittery star stickers!

This is only half the pack (it's folded over).  It is seriously huge.  We're talking about 700 stickers, in a range of sizes.  So you won't have to rebuy anytime soon!

First of all I went for an all-over starry look.

I used Barry M Grey for my base and then randomly stuck some stickers everywhere, cutting some of them in half because I think they look nice when they go off the edges :)  I will reiterate that these are stickers...not that that isn't clearly stated on the pack...but...er...  I cut out my first star, dunked it into my glass of water, and waited 10 seconds.  Tried to slide it off and it wouldn't budge.  OK, must need a little bit longer.  Stuck it back in for another 20 seconds.  Still wouldn't budge.  Hmm...this is going to take a while!  Stuck it in for another 30 seconds.  STILL wouldn't budge!  As I was trying to force the thing to slide off, I bent the paper and it popped off...  Oops, not a water decal.  Most definitely a sticker.  And very easy to peel off the paper.

The stickers sat quite happily on my nails, no sticking up or curling or the like, and I don't thin top coat dulled the glitter at all.

For my second manicure I decided to use the stickers like I like to use studs, over Barry M Matt White and Orly Miss Conduct.  I used different size stars on all my nails :)  I hadn't quite given my white polish long enough to dry here, so I couldn't press my stickers down properly, which is why the corners look slightly raised here.  Top tip: don't be impatient.

Verdict?  I think they're fab.  And they're also available in other colours if you're not a fan of pink.  You can see them here.  One sheet costs only 99 cents (65p) with free shipping to wherever you are in the world.  Don't forget, if you decide to buy these or anything else on the website, you can use the code LKL91 for 10% off.

What do you all have planned for the bank holiday (if you're in the UK!) weekend?

Sticker Nail Art

Happy Sunday!  I hope you've all had a nice relaxing weekend :)

I have another product from Born Pretty Store to show you today.  This time it's a sheet of gold nail art stickers.

This sheet is HUGE.  There are 12 different sections each with 25ish stickers, depending on the size.  12 multiplied by 25ish = a lot.

There's a great selection too.  There's lots of bows and some pretty frames and flowers.  There's also some cute little characters with phrases such as 'I love you', and I love the jewellery-looking stickers on the top right - how great would these be for some tips??

Here's a couple of looks I came up with.

Firstly, I saw the crowns and came over all patriotic, so I did this simple British manicure.  God Save The Queen and all that.

The polishes I used here were Barry M Gold Foil and Matt White, OPI Flick Chick Cherry, China Glaze Manhunt and Barry M Gold Glitter.  Then I used Sharpies to draw the Union Flag, and topped it off with a crown sticker.

There's not a lot to say about the use of the stickers - they're as easy to use as you'd imagine!  Just peel them off and stick them on :)  I didn't have any issues with tearing, and they smoothed out lovely with one coat of Seche Vite.

Next up, I thought these baroque-style stickers would make great half moons!

Most of the designs come in three or four different sizes, which means they fit all the nails nicely :)  Here I used China Glaze Call of the Wild, with Barry M Gold Foil and Gold Glitter for the accent nails.

You can see these stickers here.  They're $4.51 (£2.98) with free shipping worldwide.  As always, if you decide to treat yourself to anything, you can use the code LKL91 for 10% off (which means you can buy 10% more :p ).

A Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge: We wish you a merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Just a quickie today, as I have to go eat turkey and stuff.

Today's the final day of the Christmas challenge!  I decided to make use of some little tree stickers I picked up in Poundland a few weeks ago.

I used China Glaze Winter Holly and Barry M Gold.  The stickers have curled up a little at the edges, but somehow I haven't picked them off yet.  They may survive until after dinner...

If you want to relive the challenge, you can see my manicures by clicking the picture below, or you can of course take a wander over to the Pinterest board to view everyone's manicures.

Hope you all have a fantastic day!!