tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22742444857778882792024-03-05T22:40:16.855-05:00Queen of Friggen CrapQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.comBlogger281125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-22801858450456920742014-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:002014-05-02T06:00:05.647-04:00Little updateI got too busy to post again. I've slowed down taking Clients and hardly even snap photos anymore if I do. I've still got this shitty blackberry camera but I'm probably getting a new phone soon, we'll see if that's any better.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140303-00359_zpsee5caaca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140303-00359_zpsee5caaca.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I also had to change my photo storage since Flickr demanded I sign up for Yahoo and well, Yahoo demanded I give them my cell # which will happen over my dead body. Fuck you Yahoo and Flickr for taking my access away from my own photos! Anyways, this is OPI Gelcolor Black Onyx with red holo foil dabbed on and this pic doesn't do it justice. I loved wearing this.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140216-01702_zpscb47ce72.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140216-01702_zpscb47ce72.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I visited my sister in Delaware and picked up the CND Shellac Additives Paradise collection and tried it out over white Gelaze. I picked up probably 8 Gelaze polishes down there as well for $5 a pop with my pro card when they were bogo in March. They're pretty good value at their regular $11 or whatever they cost anyways. They are much thicker than other gels but I found they lasted just as long as other gels and no problems with removal at all. I did test them out with a base coat and they ended up peeling.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140216-01704_zpscd2358cb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140216-01704_zpscd2358cb.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Now this one is one of the LeChat Mood Gels in Twilight Skies. It's neat but not my colour really.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140308-00364_zps3c366170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140308-00364_zps3c366170.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Also while in Delaware I gave my sister gel extensions and painted them with Gelaze.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140413-01716_zpsbba34471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140413-01716_zpsbba34471.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been so bad with taking photos you'll find many of my photos have a weeks worth of wear.This was my first mani with my brand new OPI LED light that I picked up in Delaware for a steal. I can now do my own nails in half the time with the LED light!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140413-01715_zpsb12022e0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140413-01715_zpsb12022e0.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I used Gelish Mint of Spring with the new CND Sizzling Sand additive, Gelaze Turned up Turquoise and some silver holo glitter. This was fun to wear. Love the Sizzling Sand additive, I've used it several times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140426-01719_zpsb3b24153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140426-01719_zpsb3b24153.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I gave my other sister a crazy neon french with Gelish colours. Just did a sloppy freehand job on them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140426-01718_zps8effd569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140426-01718_zps8effd569.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And of course my niece wanted rainbow nails just like mommy. Even more sloppily done with just Billie polishes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140426-01723_zpsb6bc73eb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140426-01723_zpsb6bc73eb.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This one is Gelish Gossip Girl with black additive scrubbed in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140426-01725_zpsf9d98fb8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140426-01725_zpsf9d98fb8.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
This was the last of my almond shaped manicures. I'm just too lazy to maintain the shape. But I did really enjoy them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140426-01731_zpsbb7dc92a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1294.photobucket.com/albums/b619/sillyrabbit74/IMG-20140426-01731_zpsbb7dc92a.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And lastly I've gone back to my old standard squoval nails. This is OPI Gelcolor Can't Find my Czechbook with CND Additives in Midnight Tide. Just a crappy rushed job. Maybe I'll find some more time to post this summer, but then again maybe not.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-68691850296059508772014-02-11T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-11T06:00:01.165-05:00I'm still aliveJust lazy is all. So here's a whopping post for ya.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/12438171765_29f7080221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/12438171765_29f7080221.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is Vinylux in Masquerade with an accent nail in OPI Designer...De Better.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2855/12438299983_025481f079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2855/12438299983_025481f079.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This one is OPI Gelcolor in Lincoln Park After Dark with Shellac Haute Pink Additive scrubbed in and a water decal on the accent nail. I hated wearing this for some reason.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/12438174635_e908be5c7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3831/12438174635_e908be5c7d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is an ugly xmas sweater manicure done in Shellac Red Baroness with konad stamping.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/12438183415_fc711cb494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/12438183415_fc711cb494.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is a gel rockstar with Martha Stewart glitter (blue), holo glitter and OPI Gelcolor Kyoto Pearl with konad stamping.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/12438312383_fe68618278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/12438312383_fe68618278.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is Shellac Cream Puff with Ice Vapor on top and a holographic glitter accent nail.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/12438313513_d3d28b9bd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/12438313513_d3d28b9bd6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is Gelish Night Reflection with OPI Gelcolor All Sparkly and Gold (Mariah Carey) accents. I stamped 2014 (barely visible) on them in an antique gold random polish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/12438192075_aed86e7b5c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/12438192075_aed86e7b5c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wanted to try and create a 'dragon scale' manicure and ended up failing miserably. I started with 2 coats of Shellac Pretty Poison, then I took some garlic netting, placed it on the nail and brushed on random spots of gold, brown and black mineral shadows. I topped it off with Gelish Matte coat and you could barely see the effect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/12438668784_aca457abc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/12438668784_aca457abc4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was somewhat better with a proper top coat but still a fail since you really couldn't see the design unless you looked closely.<br />
<br />
And this is the point at which my old blackberry (camera) died so I missed a whole shitload of manicure photos but did take a random few on my crappy phone: <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/12438675964_86e6e30f4d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/12438675964_86e6e30f4d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've been having a lot of trouble keeping my nails from splitting/breaking and decided it was time to change the shape so I started working on growing them almond shaped. This is Vinylux Gotcha.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/12438200505_07dd7f0f01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/12438200505_07dd7f0f01.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is Shellac Lilac Longing with Iced Coral on top along with zipper water decals and Gelish Seafoam zipper accents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/12438321563_77182a396d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/12438321563_77182a396d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And here I am rocking the almonds in OPI Do you lilac it? with OPI Designer...De Better accent. I am testing out the Vinylux Top Coat on different polishes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/12438196805_4c6a5e7b51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/12438196805_4c6a5e7b51.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I didn't enjoy the round shaped nails I tried awhile back but I am seriously loving the almond shape. I may just keep them like this.<br />
<br />
Sorry I still won't be posting regularly but I will pop in every once in awhile!<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-3820437606844961102013-11-27T06:00:00.000-05:002013-11-27T06:00:00.014-05:00Simple nail art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/10995168225_dd4dc6d5fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/10995168225_dd4dc6d5fc.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />This is 2 coats of OPI Gelcolor Wooden Shoes Like to Know. I added a fade with Additivies - Blush Bronze and Burning Ember, then dotted OPI Topcoat, cured and wiped with alcohol. The effect was very subtle.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/10995378133_f1caeb9882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/10995378133_f1caeb9882.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The first time I tried this effect I used Gelish Structure Gel and it turned out great but had a pretty bumpy finish. So I tried using Topcoat this time but I find that the dots ended up running together in some places. So I will definitely not use Topcoat again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/10995379873_d059119cba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/10995379873_d059119cba.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I felt my nails were yellowing slightly since I wore regular polish for a couple of weeks and decided to go with something light for a change. This is 2 coats of Shellac Cake Pop and some water decals. I put the decals over the 'finished' gel manicure and then top coated with Seche Vite. I didn't think I'd want to wear this for the full two weeks and I was right....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/10995329844_5f78a503de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3670/10995329844_5f78a503de.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I ended up removing the decals and stamped with one of my new Bundle Monster plates using China Glaze Cranberry Splash which I also used to paint an accent. Definitely my favorite red ever!<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-42899071807720540352013-11-20T06:00:00.000-05:002013-11-20T06:00:01.982-05:00More water decalsI seriously love these things! So easy to use and they look amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/10853929273_6d194f90c2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/10853929273_6d194f90c2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is two coats of Vinylux Lilac Longing with daisy water decals.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/10853743094_f45a77a34f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/10853743094_f45a77a34f.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The decals come about 20 to a sheet and they have slight variances in the designs. My order was for 100 sheets in about 15 different designs for 20 cents each! The zippers were 50 cents each but still a bargain. It's a cheap way to upgrade nail services and it's fun at the same time.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-55335987152642174712013-11-15T06:00:00.000-05:002013-11-15T06:00:00.967-05:00ZippersSo my order of zipper water decals is quickly depleting. Everybody wants them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/10853656276_da161bbca9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7404/10853656276_da161bbca9.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wore a few on myself and got TONS of compliments on them. I even had the girls at the local beauty supply order some from me! This is Gelish Garden Teal Party with Shellac Ice Vapor on the accent nail.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/10853744214_95ef026a8d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/10853744214_95ef026a8d.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is Gelish Night Reflection with Shellac Lilac Longing on the accent nail. If I'd known these were going to go over so well I would have tripled my order. Now I have to wait another 3-4 weeks to get more from China.<br />
<br />
They are pretty fun though.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-34205331488114584462013-11-06T06:00:00.000-05:002013-11-06T06:00:01.321-05:00FFSSo being too busy and lazy to re-do my soak off, I've been wearing a lot of regular nail polish. So guess what happened? I broke a friggen nail of course!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/10608041805_d6854ba715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3801/10608041805_d6854ba715.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So I'm sporting one acrylic nail now - the middle one obviously. I don't even remember the last time I broke a nail this badly.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/10608042905_f226cfb2fc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/10608042905_f226cfb2fc.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Funny how it looks completely different under different lighting. Anyways after I fixed my broken nail with acrylic I painted a fresh soak off manicure. This is Entity One - Test Shot with CND addititive Haute Pink scrubbed into the bottom half and then the accent nail is OPI Gelcolor Pompeii Purple topped with Akzentz Aurora Pink Sparkle. Not really a great colour combo so I ended up painting over them all (except the ring finger) with regular black polish but didn't take a photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/10608037225_c5169ea738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5517/10608037225_c5169ea738.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is similar to one I've done before. It's Gelish Seafoam but with one of the new holiday additives - Plum Love scrubbed into the tips.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/10608047424_180bb3a2e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/10608047424_180bb3a2e9.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And I added a little water decal accent again.<br />
<br />
Simple, just the way I like it.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
P<br />
<br />Queen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-4169546694943192212013-11-01T09:09:00.001-04:002013-11-01T09:09:31.925-04:00Crazy postOops I haven't been around in awhile. I also haven't done many nails worth posting but here's a bunch of random ones:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/10608036605_5d6689c016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2840/10608036605_5d6689c016.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've worn quite a bit of regular polish lately since I've been consumed with stuff and can't take an hour out of my day for a soak off manicure. This is 2 coats of OPI Peace Love and OPI. Nothing special.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/10608040065_61ee9f8dcf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/10608040065_61ee9f8dcf.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And another RNP - Vinylux in Cake Pop with a water decal. This was my first stab at water decals and can I just say that I absolutely love them!!! I actually ended up ordering 100 packs of decals for $.20 each from China - it's a steal considering most 'nail sites' sell them for $2-4 each. I won't post the site but you can message me and I'll gladly share it with you.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/10608043965_0658314a19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/10608043965_0658314a19.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And some more water decals on black and China Glaze Spontaneous. These decals are pretty fun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/10608035645_6672441ea9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/10608035645_6672441ea9.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
These are the Princess of Poo's freakish nails. She's got natural duck feet lol. I used an orange OPI and sponged on China Glaze Mahogany Magic. She wanted something for Autumn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/10608282853_082f9c77c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2846/10608282853_082f9c77c6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I added some bundle monster stamped leaves in an old antique gold polish and finished it off with Seche Vite. I believe she wore this longer than any manicure I've ever done for her.<br />
<br />
I'll save the gels for the next post.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
P<br />
<br />Queen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-63508963862216362652013-10-16T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-16T06:00:00.714-04:00Gel fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/10156357026_d4af83e61c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3790/10156357026_d4af83e61c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here I've started with 2 coats of Shellac Lilac Longing on pinkie and index. 2 coats of Shellac Silver Chrome on middle, and 2 coats of OPI Gelcolor Kyoto Pearl on ring and thumb.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/10156275065_4b53251530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/10156275065_4b53251530.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On the tacky layer I've scrubbed holo glitter into the middle finger and scrubbed a purple and blue fade into the ring finger with additives/loose eyeshadow.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/10156181514_4e84c8c353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3734/10156181514_4e84c8c353.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Before I cured I dotted Gelish Structure Gel on the ring finger thumb and Top coated the rest, then cured as normal.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/10156179394_3e70fab9da.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/10156179394_3e70fab9da.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After curing I wiped them all off with Isopropyl Alcohol to reveal the dotting pattern I made. The alcohol completely removes any powder that wasn't covered in cured gel...pretty cool eh? Anyways, after curing I top coated the whole manicure again to finish it off. I have a ton of ideas using this method now and can't wait to try them.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
P<br />
<br />Queen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-43794271648061036122013-10-09T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-09T06:00:03.027-04:00Playing with additivesThe last trip we recently took to the US, we went to Buffalo. We typically go to Port Huron, Michigan but we had to drop someone off at the airport in Buffalo this time. We've found that Buffalo shopping sucks other than the fact that they have a Chipotle!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/10019832903_63b2c5d3b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5535/10019832903_63b2c5d3b1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This trip was no exception. I purchased the OPI Gelcolor Matte Topcoat and when I got home found it was hardened and unusable. But fortunately I begged the girls at Cosmoprof in Canada to let me exchange it for this - OPI Gelcolor Wooden Shoes Like to Know. I'm curious...does the rnp version of this drop the 's' because that's just weird? Anyways, I thought this was a creme finish but it actually has a subtle shimmer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/10019755076_ed3c8e5400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/10019755076_ed3c8e5400.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I also picked up the Forbidden Additive Collection in the US and decided to try out Burning Ember over some striping tape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/10019743784_e7670ab25a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/10019743784_e7670ab25a.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I probably could have done a better clean up job here but eh whatever. There's just something a little off about this colour combo for me. I'm not sure why, but I seem to have a really hard time coordinating colours, it frustrates me.<br />
<br />
Also when I got home from this US trip I noticed that one of my shirts still had the friggen ink security tag left on it! How annoying is that? Now I have to track down a store here that can remove it for me without damaging the shirt! You know I learned a long time ago to always twist open nail polish bottles in the store before I buy them since I've been burned before. I have no idea why I didn't do it this time. I need to start being extra careful of things I buy in the US because it's not so easy to return!Queen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-28118895233359541122013-10-03T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-03T06:00:01.049-04:00Pink overload<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/10019690264_e83c279003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/10019690264_e83c279003.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've been too busy to re-do my gel lately so I went with regular polish for a few days. Vinylux again. It still doesn't work well for me but since I purchased about 10 of them I might as well use them, right? This is Tutti Fruitti and Gotcha as an accent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/10019874563_001f20e969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5499/10019874563_001f20e969.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I wanted to practice my acrylics on the Princess but she came to me with such nice nails I decided to do the 'make it look fake' nails on her instead. I squared them off a bit and did a glitter french.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/10019797226_94917d8236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/10019797226_94917d8236.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I used Gelish Gossip Girl on her tips and scrubbed in some raspberry holographic glitter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/10019797876_315791aaf6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/10019797876_315791aaf6.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I also embedded a fimo slice on each accent nail.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/10019798706_b26f397949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/10019798706_b26f397949.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And then the little Countess wanted some pink stamping but couldn't decide between hearts or stars so we did both! I used Kleancolor Metallic Pink to stamp.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-65496649332700141932013-10-01T06:00:00.000-04:002013-10-01T06:00:02.234-04:00Just a little blingThat's all she asked for...just a little bling accent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/9842038675_979c3c47df.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3683/9842038675_979c3c47df.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is IBD Just Gel in Dolomite which is a rich dark brown with a glittery finish that just doesn't show in photos.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9842039245_e389e4ab92.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9842039245_e389e4ab92.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It's also one of my favourite gel polish colours in my collection even though I haven't worn it yet. This Client loves it too since it's the second time she's worn it! On her accent nails I scrubbed in some light gold Martha Stewart glitter. Love this combo.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-20009425182717485152013-09-25T06:00:00.000-04:002013-09-25T06:00:00.757-04:00Chaos...is the state of my life at the moment. I've stopped taking on new Clients for awhile and am just too busy to paint my own nails, let alone others.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/9842126833_a9dcb2b10f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5459/9842126833_a9dcb2b10f.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So this is one you've seen before but I liked it so much I decided to try it in gel polish. I also made the 'moon' a little larger than I do typically on a ruffian. The red is one coat OPI Gelcolor Big Apple Red with one coat of Gelish Big City Siren. Then just a plain old black on top - OPI Gelcolor Black Onyx. I did not like this one near as much as when I did it with regular polish but I think it might be the glitter (Gelish) that I wasn't too fond of.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/9842013454_d1a7e09458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/9842013454_d1a7e09458.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I offered to do the Princess of Poo because I was feeling generous. I used 2 coats of OPI Gelcolor Can't Find My Czechbook and used 1 coat of LeChat Hologram Diamond on the ring fingers. Love this colour, it's just too bad that the photo is so dark.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9842014004_8a5fde938b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/9842014004_8a5fde938b.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And the little Countess of Caca, for the very first time, sat and let me paint her nails (well she sat as nicely as possible for a fidgety 3 year old). And she hilariously demanded that I take a photo of her nails just like Mommy's and we almost rolled over laughing as she laid her hands down on the table in perfect position to take a manicure photo! So how could I resist posting it for her? I used one coat of an old purple Nicole by OPI polish but I can't be bothered to find out which one. She sometimes lets me stamp a little konad star or two on her nails but this is the first time she let me properly paint both hands and didn't scream or wipe it off. You may see more little countess nails in the future!<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-87737709191179341412013-09-19T06:00:00.000-04:002013-09-19T06:00:01.073-04:00I need new brushes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/9725351920_d7b57b53b8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/9725351920_d7b57b53b8.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I pretty much have only one useable nail art brush left. I've basically ruined them with acetone and alcohol. I had one hell of time with these one-stroke flowers and my dried up brushes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/9725350756_cca3e4655f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7399/9725350756_cca3e4655f.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I'm kicking myself for not taking a photo before the nail art because the colour itself was pretty amazing. I used 2 coats of Gelish Garden Teal Party and added 1 coat of Shellac Hotski to Tchotchke on top. I used regular acrylic paints for the flowers and she was really happy with them, but I wasn't. <br />
<br />
When I do acrylic paint or konad stamping on gel polish I always finish the gel manicure completely before doing any art. After I do the art I seal it with a regular polish top coat. That way if my Clients decide they don't like the art several days later, they have the option to remove it with non-acetone remover and it's like they have a new manicure. It's great for people who don't want to wear the same thing for 2 weeks straight.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-57933525382271730402013-09-17T06:00:00.000-04:002013-09-17T06:00:02.526-04:00Happy Birthday Duchess of Doo!Boring post today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9677155051_3a6db3d777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9677155051_3a6db3d777.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is Gelish Shake it til you Samba (again) with OPI Gelcolor Black Onyx accent nail. I think this is the first time I've sported a bright colour of pink like this for a long period of time. I had intended to do all sorts of crazy stamping and nail art on it but then life got in the way and this is what it looked like pretty much for a solid 2 weeks.<br />
<br />
I'm so glad fall is almost here and I can break out the vampy polishes again!<br />
<br />
And Happy 35th Duchess! Damn we're old!<br />
<br />
Later<br />
P<br />
<br />
<br />Queen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-56149531685303937002013-09-12T06:00:00.000-04:002013-09-12T06:00:03.398-04:00Shake it girl, until monkeys flyOne of my biggest annoyances in the nail world is polish names. I managed to wrap up two of the main offenders in one post/manicure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/9677154145_ec785ccc24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/9677154145_ec785ccc24.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Here we have Gelish Go Girl (ok not so bad, right?). However the accent nail is Gelish Shake it til you Samba and OPI Gelcolor When Monkeys Fly. Not as long as some of the names but still ridiculous.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/9677154279_d1c66de9a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5453/9677154279_d1c66de9a2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I actually really liked this manicure a lot. And truth be told, I was just dying to use When Monkeys Fly on someone. Surprisingly it didn't even require a second top coat! I would wear it myself only I'm not sure if I could live with the glitter for 2 entire weeks straight. I've yet to hear back from this Client but I've read online that Gelish Go Girl tends to fade. I will update if I hear back.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-49481776714757402212013-09-10T06:00:00.000-04:002013-09-10T06:00:01.643-04:00Gel TroubleshootingSomething I hear all the time is 'well I tried gel polish (or extensions) before and it ruined my nails'.<br />
<br />
Well this is a false statement because I can guarantee that either a) They weren't properly applied or b) They were removed improperly. In most cases it's b. People tend to pick them off and ruin their own nails while trying to pry them.<br />
<br />In very rare cases some people can have an allergic reaction where your fingers will turn red and swell, in which case they need to be removed properly asap. The only gel polish I'm aware of that is hypo-allergenic is Shellac.<br />
<br />
Now having said that, gel polish (any brand) cannot be guaranteed to last the full two weeks. It often does, but there are exceptions and I've even chipped my own gel polish at times for being too rough on them. If someone experiences chipping or problems with their polish in the first 5 days, I will generally fix it for free unless it's obvious you've picked it off. It's very easy to tell if you've picked it off by the white marks which are layers of your nail that came off with the polish when you peeled it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/9462091350_f8f42aa9de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/9462091350_f8f42aa9de.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Dead giveaway of a gel polish picker, tsk tsk.<br />
<br />
<br />
Chipping at the cuticle is almost always caused by improper cuticle removal or getting gel polish on the skin. Cuticle remover should be used before every application of gel polish to prevent this. Any polish on the skin should be wiped off with an orange wood stick. The same goes for gel extensions, lifting at the cuticle is also due to unremoved cuticles. Most people don't realize that the cuticle is actually a thin layer of skin on your nail plate and it should always be removed before polish application. What people think is the cuticle, is actually called the eponychium - google it if you want further explanation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7494082106_873b5d0915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7125/7494082106_873b5d0915.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Chipping at the edge is almost always caused by improper nail prep, dirt/oil touching the gel during the manicure or polish applied too thickly (especially base coat). Proper nail prep should always include a final scrub with Scrubfresh or 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. Nothing should touch the nails other than the product from that point on - take extra care not to touch face, skin or hair during application as this can compromise the manicure. Gel polish should be applied thinner than a regular nail polish but not too thin. The base coat however, should be scrubbed on to the nail plate with almost no product on the brush.<br />
<br />
Other causes for chipping and peeling can be from improper care. When cleaning or doing dishes, gloves should be worn. Read your labels on cosmetic products and try to avoid mineral oil. Wash your hands immediately after product use. Haircolour and tanning oils are especially damaging to your manicure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/9125384331_81a5583cf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/9125384331_81a5583cf2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The best thing you can do for gel manicures and for your nails in general is use cuticle oil daily. Try twice a day if you can manage it. This keeps them moisturized and keeps your gel polish from drying out. Anyone who wants to maintain healthy nails should always use cuticle oil whether you wear gel polish or not. Rockstar manicures (glitter) are especially prone to chipping so cuticle oil is an absolute must. And speaking of Rockstars, as well as french manicures, just an FYI, they do not typically last as long as a solid colour gel manicure. Don't be surprised if you only get about 10 days of wear out of them.<br />
<br />
Gel polish is not indestructible. I've also found that Shellac doesn't work on everyone. Generally speaking though I've not had any problems with Gelish (other than Vitagel). Gelish tends to be a bit harder to remove than other gel polishes but it lasts on my Clients who have problems with Shellac.<br />
<br />
Whether you go to a Nail Tech or DIY, it's not necessary to file your nail plate at all for gel polish application. Gelish instructions recommend to lightly file the shine off but from my experience it's completely unnecessary. There are times when filing the surface is beneficial but only a light swipe of the file to fix imperfections and 'peelies'. Peeling nails is one of the rare instances where if you don't file the plate it will continue to peel. This applies to nail health in general and not just gel polish application.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8043230967_136f7ecbc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8043230967_136f7ecbc2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So with all that being said, if you go to a Nail Tech to have gel polish applied:<br />
1. Don't let them file the surface of all your nails.<br />
2. Make sure they follow all steps, removing your cuticles and cleansing the plate before application.<br />
3. Make sure you can see the brand on the bottles they are using and make sure it's a professional brand. A lot of Salons advertise Shellac but in fact carry another brand of polish. Sometimes they carry another pro brand such as OPI Gelcolor, Gelish, IBD, Entity One, LeChat, EzFlow Trugel, and Artistic Color Gloss, which are all acceptable brands. Some notable knock-offs to avoid are Bluesky, CCO and Chu Jie. If you want to DIY and try those out, have at `er as they are cheapo brands that are notoriously difficult to remove. However if a salon is using these brands, run the other way!<br />
4. If your Nail Tech hurts you, don`t be afraid to let them know. If it continues, complain to management and/or leave.<br />
5. If you have any issues with your gel manicure for the first few days, please let your Nail Tech know! I am more than happy to fix a problem rather than never hear back from you again. A good Nail Tech should keep records of what was applied to their Client and backtrack to where a problem may have occurred. <br />
<br />
Any questions?<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-36365485982729484802013-09-05T06:00:00.000-04:002013-09-05T06:00:02.193-04:00ShinyOne of my most popular colours is Gelish Mint of Spring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5335/9599313119_57a917a492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5335/9599313119_57a917a492.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I have avoided wearing it myself since I've used it so many times on Clients but I finally gave in. Beware though, this is an extremely difficult polish to work with. It's thick and kind of 'stringy' I guess is the best word for it. The payoff is worth it though.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/9599317759_5ba4035b4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/9599317759_5ba4035b4c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On the ring finger I used only one coat of polish and for the second layer I scrubbed in some holographic glitter I got from JoAnns last time I was in the US. The glitter rockstar requires a minimum of 2 layers of topcoat. And just a tip for gel polish users - it's always best to keep a separate bottle of topcoat for rockstars. I have to say I loved wearing this. The photos are great at showing how shiny it is but the holographic glitter just doesn't come through like it should.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-63142020885442526822013-09-03T06:00:00.000-04:002013-09-03T06:00:05.634-04:00Curse my cameraThis was a really cool manicure on a really cool Client.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/9599312439_3194fb1978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5339/9599312439_3194fb1978.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Unfortunately my camera didn't like this one at all. She got 2 coats of Gelish Magneto in Drawn Together (dusty purple). On her ring fingers it's very hard to see but I used feathers on them. I loved this because in normal light it looks like polka dots on her ring fingers. (No, I didn't cut her finger, she came in like that. And if your Nail Tech does that to you...find a new one!) I can't tell you how many girls I've had that said they've had painful manicures. Nail Techs should never ever hurt you at all!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/9579726274_f0053fa1e7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/9579726274_f0053fa1e7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And here's just a quickie photo of one of my own recent manicures. This is after a week of wear and I had forgotten to take a photo so it looks like crap. It's 2 coats of Shellac Rubble on pinky and middle fingers and then 2 coats of OPI Gelcolor Did you ear about Van Gogh? on the other two. Nice colour, godawful name. Stamped with a konad plate and topped with a little gold gem. I preferred this mani without the stamping though.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
P<br />
<br />Queen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-70856979615299110852013-08-29T06:00:00.000-04:002013-08-29T06:00:02.122-04:00Opposite ends of the spectrumIt's very rare now that I do nails for my sister anymore. For starters she picks them off in less than a week. Secondly she never pays for them nor offers anything in return. Like at all...ever.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/9579725510_d81de706fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/9579725510_d81de706fa.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But every once in awhile I offer to do them for her because I want to try something new...in this case it was my new fluorescent Gelish colours. I started with a coat of white - Gelish Sheek White and then 2 coats of Gelish Shake it til you Samba with Gelish Amazon Flirt on the ring fingers. I dotted with a fluorescent green Billie polish but it came out too dark when it dried.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/9576939457_284274fcd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/9576939457_284274fcd1.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And while she was there I got her to snap a two-hand photo of my own week-old Gelish french. My nails have never been in such nice shape for such a long time. I still get the odd chip (you can see it in my slightly rounded middle finger) but I can't even recall the last time I actually broke a nail.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
P<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Queen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-78830461587820278932013-08-27T06:00:00.000-04:002013-08-27T06:00:01.838-04:00Back to basicsI had a creative block this week. Well maybe not entirely true because I do have quite a few ideas but since they all involve dark colours I set them aside until Fall.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9459312153_a544a83092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/9459312153_a544a83092.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I decided to go for the simple french manicure. It's funny because I never take photos of the french's I do on Clients...they're boring.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/9462090664_e78cf5d657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3813/9462090664_e78cf5d657.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I thought I'd mix it up a bit from my usual french. In nail school we were taught do pink then white but I've noticed some people use pink over the white to soften it up a bit. I kinda prefer the stark white myself but thought I'd try this out anyways. I'm trying to remember what I used here but I think it was Gelish Sheek White for the tips and OPI Gelcolor Bubble Bath over top. The cute little pink bows fell off the next day! I only applied them with regular top coat and I didn't go over top because I thought it would ruin them. I didn't even see them fall off so I'm pretty sure they are probably in my dogs belly right now...<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-81081820684625664362013-08-22T06:00:00.000-04:002013-08-22T06:00:02.540-04:00Just couldn't do it...People ask me all the time if my nails are fake. So why not try to intentionally make them look fake?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/9459309039_2f7c66e9ac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3814/9459309039_2f7c66e9ac.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
These are my natural, clean and freshly manicured nails. The length is pretty much as long as I can stand to work with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/9459309265_05e716f9b2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/9459309265_05e716f9b2.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In lieu of base coat I decided to go with a coat of Gelish Vitagel Strength.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/9462088364_b5a904fcf0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/9462088364_b5a904fcf0.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I used Gelish Sweet Morning Dew as a base colour, making extra deep curved smile lines for that 'fake nail' look. Before I painted the french, I removed the inhibition layer from the Vitagel with a wipe of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. This step is to ensure that there is no layer for the glitter to stick to in the next step.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/9462088566_ba494bfd35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/9462088566_ba494bfd35.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I scrubbed some orange iridescent glitter into the inhibition layer. Since the Vitagel had already been wiped there was no glitter stuck into the clear layer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/9459310263_8ff843ca17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/9459310263_8ff843ca17.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />The next step I added some larger glitter pieces, mylar hearts etc and covered them with a layer of Gelish Structure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/9459310541_a85f7593af.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3821/9459310541_a85f7593af.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And then another layer of Gelish Structure to smooth out any bumps and then removed the inhibition layer for the next step.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/9462089546_a2e6b608f7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/9462089546_a2e6b608f7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />I filed with a fine 240-grit file just to make it all perfectly smooth. Just a very light touch and a high grit file.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/9462090114_11c7167c3b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/9462090114_11c7167c3b.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lastly of course is the top coat. I almost always use Gelish Top It Off. It's definitely my favourite of the gel top coats. So did I achieve the fake/acrylic nail 'look'? Doesn't matter either way because I just couldn't wear this. I didn't even bother to do my other hand. I have my limits and this definitely hit it. I took it off the next morning. I'm sure someone out there would probably like this kind of thing though.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-40950746312875053522013-08-20T06:00:00.000-04:002013-08-20T06:00:01.351-04:00Gramma NailsOk ok so this is my Mom's nails but she is a Grandmother and the little Countess of Caca loves to see what Gramma's got on her nails every week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8070911212_3cc7680329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8070911212_3cc7680329.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So let's rewind here to October 2012. I was just finishing up my Nail Tech course and had done a couple sets of acrylics and a Shellac or two on my Mom - the chronic nail biter. After I removed her acrylics she actually had a bit of free edge which she had never had before in her life. Unfortunately I never did take a pic of her severely bitten nails.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/9462091350_f8f42aa9de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7359/9462091350_f8f42aa9de.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And here we are in July of 2013. You can clearly see from this photo that she picks her gel polish off! However I can't really complain since she's actually managed to keep some good length. She's also been militant in applying her cuticle oil so I'm happy that she's been able to keep them like this. Although she does routinely complain that they're too long. So this was before I shortened, shaped and re-polished them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/9462091664_b270108fdf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7321/9462091664_b270108fdf.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So how's that for Gramma nails? When my Mom comes to get her nails done I ask what she wants and her response is always 'whatever, as long as it's not black'. And I keep asking her to look online for designs she likes to bring to me because it's a lot of pressure to come up with something...actually no, it's a lot of pressure to come up with something fun for me but suitable for a Gramma lol. So I said fuckit, I'm gonna do what I want then, and that's what Gramma got! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/9462092026_af2a87d520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/9462092026_af2a87d520.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So I painted 3 nails in OPI Gelcolor Strawberry Margarita and now that I'm typing this I'm thinking 'oh shit I forgot that polish stains'. Then I took some tinfoil and added a drop of Shellac Asphalt and a drop of Shellac Cream Puff and mixed them and painted that on her pointer. Then I painted a coat of Gelish Vegas Nights on her ring finger and smirked at her and said 'nervous?' She said 'yeah a little bit'. Then I did another coat of each, whipped out the silver glitter scrubbed it in the ring finger and topped it off with a konad stamp in Pure Ice Silver Mercedes on the pink nails. I really like it and can't wait to hear what the Countess thinks of Gramma's nails this week.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
P<br />
<br />Queen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-62240688956025512292013-08-15T06:00:00.000-04:002013-08-15T06:00:02.090-04:00MinxSo last time I was shopping in Michigan I popped into Ulta and was surprised to see Minx in the clearance aisle for $3! That's a bargain I just couldn't pass up.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/9459314065_590097333f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/9459314065_590097333f.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The design I chose was Gold Moons. I would have purchased all of them but I wasn't sure I'd actually like these so I just bought one. I applied them over gel polish which was a good thing because they show every tiny little imperfection. I had a bitch of a time applying these actually. This was my first time using strips of any kind.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/9459313771_e5dd2919c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/9459313771_e5dd2919c7.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And on my toes the application again was shite but I enjoyed them much more on my feet. I ended up taking my fingers off after around 24 hours. Honestly there was no way those edges would smooth out perfectly and they drove me friggen insane catching on shit. The toes are a week and going strong. Would I do Minx again? Nope.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/9459313603_5c0cbe11d0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/9459313603_5c0cbe11d0.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So to cheer myself up I went a little crazy at the Cosmoprof Anniversary sale and picked up a crapload of Gelish and Shellac. The corals and fluorescent pinks seem to be the hot colours with Clients right now. My official count on the soak off gel collection is now exactly 100! Yeah that's 100 different colours of soak off gel. Honestly I'm still missing two very important colours in my collection though - a chocolate brown creme and a medium green creme. Somebody make these colours please and make my life complete!<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-22432032949874990072013-08-13T06:00:00.000-04:002013-08-13T06:00:00.596-04:00Everybody loves gel polishI have been doing gel polish almost exclusively on my Clients. Who needs extensions when gel polish can help grow your real ones? Not to mention no damage either.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/9350388955_5db7fc802c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/9350388955_5db7fc802c.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is RCM Dripping in Luxury with CND Additive in Haute Pink scrubbed into the tips. The accent nails have little embedded iridescent hollow hearts that you can barely see in the photo.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/9462087414_e126314149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3732/9462087414_e126314149.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This is RCM Toast of the Town with Konad roses stamped in black and pink. This matched a dress she was wearing to a wedding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/9462087656_b9fa11c1ec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/9462087656_b9fa11c1ec.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And just a bit closer. It's sometimes hard to tell Clients how to 'pose' for photos lol.<br />
<br />
I've slowed down a bit the last few weeks. The new job is wearing me out and sometimes when I get home I just want to cancel my nail appointments. Can't imagine having to deal with a boyfriend too...good thing I'm single right now.<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2274244485777888279.post-20872833738974997932013-08-08T06:00:00.000-04:002013-08-08T06:00:01.751-04:00Great Stamping PolishesThis is probably a long overdue post but I thought I'd share my favourite stamping polishes - both readily available and somewhat hard to find.<br />
<br />
My requirements for a good stamping polish is that they absolutely must stamp well on BOTH black and white backgrounds. Many polishes stamp decently on light colours but the true test is whether or not it shows well on black. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/9416868896_3769cfc406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/9416868896_3769cfc406.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sally Hansen Chrome polishes are fantastic for stamping. They stamp well on both white and dark colours. There are also old Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear polishes (white cap) that are almost exactly the same as these. All of these can often be found in bargain bins. I found all of mine in bargain bins for $.25 a couple of years ago with the exception of the square purple bottle on the right which I had purchased way back when these polishes were originally released.<br />
<br />
And now on to the more readily available polishes:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/9416868730_e1b00c19f0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/9416868730_e1b00c19f0.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Celeb City (top) is good but has a fine glitter in it and is a little more subtle than most of the 'chrome' type polishes. The other 3 are all Pure Ice, which is clearly available at Walmart for $2US lol. I've heard they carry these in Canada now but I'm not sure how much they are. From L-R or top to bottom: Silver Mercedes, First Time and Pussy Cat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/9416867424_eaca429a26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/9416867424_eaca429a26.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Once again we have Sally Hansen but it's the fabulous Insta-dri collection. These are hands down the BEST polishes for stamping that you can find in your local drug store for about $6 (or $4 on sale). The cremes especially stamp like no other brand - very opaque. Out of the 15 or so colours of Insta-dri I own, only one colour doesn't stamp well on black, even though my photo is shitty they do show really well. Above is L-R, top to bottom: Presto Pink, Jade Jump, Mint Sprint and Brisk Blue.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/9414102329_ffe6426fe9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/9414102329_ffe6426fe9.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kleancolor Metallics are worth an honorable mention. Although not all of them stamp well on black the bold colours are just not available in other brands.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/9416867062_4a47b59b59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5463/9416867062_4a47b59b59.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Where the Kleancolors really shine (literally) is once you add top coat. Those vibrant kind of colours don't typically come in the chrome finishes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/9416868268_d519b0f270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3701/9416868268_d519b0f270.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And of course the essential black and white polishes. The good ones are harder to come by than you think because just any old black or white polish isn't necessarily going to be opaque enough to stamp with. For blacks I've got L-R, top to bottom: Wet and Wild Black Creme, the original Konad Black and an old hard to find Sally Hansen No Chip in Black Berry. Truth be told nothing works better than the original Konad Black. When I use stamps that have fine lines like above or intricate designs, it absolutely has to be Konad. For everything else, Wet and Wild is my 'go-to' black. The Sally Hansen is a bit better than the Wet and Wild however it's close to empty and I've given up hope that I'll find another. As for white, I have so many that just don't cut it, my original Konad white is empty and the best white I have ever found is Billie French White. Unfortunately Billie is a Canadian polish that was sold in Dollar Giant stores across Canada. Dollar Giant was purchased about a year ago by the US Dollar Tree and although you can still find Billie polish at the Dollar Tree, I believe it's likely they won't be stocking more and are slowly depleting their supply. I've tried probably 6 different Dollar Trees now in SW Ontario and there is no Billie French White to be found. I do have one backup bottle left but my next bottle of white will likely be the Sally Hansen Insta-dri since I've read that their white is decent.<br />
<br />
And there you have it. The verdict is - cheap polish works best! And my two most used polishes - Wet and Wild and Billie - are less than $2 CAD! Notice there are no OPI's, Essie's or China Glaze's in this post. If you're just getting into stamping and looking for which polishes work you can't go wrong with the Insta-dri's. I also recommend picking up Wet and Wild Black Creme which is usually just under $2 and also Pure Ice Silver Mercedes at Walmart. And if anyone finds Billie French White in SW Ontario let me know!<br />
<br />
Later<br />
PQueen of craphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11279065301615802792noreply@blogger.com1