Sally Hansen Purple Alloy

I'm sure by now you've all heard about and maybe even seen the new displays of Sally Hansen Color Foils.  If you haven't picked any up yet, you nee to!  I was pretty sure they would be awesome but just in case they weren't I only bought one to start.  I absolutely LOVE it and need to go back and get a couple of other colors.  But just to start, here is a gorgeous purple foil.

Sally Hansen Purple Alloy is a pink-toned purple with a foil or chrome finish that applied like a dream.  It only took one coat (yes I said one coat) to get perfect coverage.  It's really difficult to capture the exact color on camera but the second photo is definitely the closest.  It's almost spot on.  The others are showing it a little darker but think of it more of a lavender foil.  Bottom line...it's gorgeous!  The photos above are shown using a layer of OPI Lay Down That Base and then Purple Alloy over and that only made it better than when I first tried it, but if you don't have the OPI base coat, don't fret.  It still looks amazing without it and you will hardly see any brushstrokes.  Just be sure to buff your nails smooth before application so that you don't see any ridges or snags.  I didn't use a top coat so I don't know how they react or how it might change the effect, if at all.  And because I didn't use a TC, the polish already started to wear on the tips and all I did was go out to eat.  If I actually wore this polish to work (which I will anyway), it would be completely chipped off in a hour, but I still love the effect and the ease of application and the color is to die for.  I can't wait to go back to Target tomorrow and pick up the green and teal ones and maybe a pink and the darker purple.  I don't know which yet, but I do know that I will be getting more for sure.  Have a great night/day (depending on if you slept yet).  I'm gonna hit the hay!

Pink Matte Glitter

So I haven't really been motivated or inspired to do any nail art lately.  I've been in kind of a funk so instead of just doing a solid color polish, I've been slapping on glitter and then moving on.  Here is my recent glitter mani.

I started with two coats of Zoya Micky which you will see swatched on the blog soon.  I used one coat of my black and white glitter Cover Band Sticks 'n' Stones and then one coat of OPI I Snow You Love Me which is the holo cirlces.  I just can't get enough of those holo circles!  When all was finally dry (yes it took a while) I added my Sally Hansen Big Matte top coat and away I went.  I received more compliments on this mani than any others recently.  I think it was just so Bubblegum Barbie and who doesn't love Barbie, right?

So what do you think?  Glitter manis for the win?  Let me know in the comments below! 

Winter Wonderland

Just because the holidays are over doesn't mean that Winter is.  Judging by everyone's Facebook posts, I think the cold weather is here to stay for awhile.  I live in Texas so for me to see the thermometer hit 20 degrees is exciting.  So instead of dreading it, let's celebrate it.

OMG look at these!  This definitely goes on the list of my all-time favorite manis.  It's so simple and easy but super pretty.  I started with two coats of Color Club Hydrangea Kiss then added one coat of Nubar 2010.  If you don't have 2010 you need it.  It was the first flakie polish I ever owned and still my favorite by far.  I actually need a new bottle because I'm almost out after two years.  When that dried I applied one coat of Spoiled Jewelry Heist and topped it off with Sally Hansen Big Matte.  I don't know about you but I just love glitters with a matte top coat.  Oh who am I kidding?  I love everything with a matte top coat.  lol
So what do you think?  Are you a big matte fan?  And what's on your nails this cold Winter evening?

Water Marble Wednesday

And here we are again with another edition of Water Marble Wednesday.  I didn't post one last week because it was the first day free from the 31DC and I needed a few days to post what I wanted to.  Not that I don't like Water Marble Wednesday but I hope you get what I'm saying.  I guess I could call it a break from "required" posts.  Anyway...

Today's water marble is an emerald green and pink diagonal design with some holo pigment in there.  I did the whole marble over a fuchsia creme polish but that one didn't want to work in the water so I used Zoya Micky for my pink color.  The emerald green is Sally Hansen Emerald Express and then I used Above the Curve Everyday is a Holo-day for something extra special.

So that's it for the mani.  I also wanted to let you all know that next Wednesday starts a string of really great guest posts from other bloggers.  I am going on vacation and won't be able to post and promote my own manis so be on the lookout for those.  Then when I come back on the 24th (my birthday...woot!) I will start my 7 Days of Halloween series.  I can't wait for you all to see what we have in store for you.  Have a great day! 

Sally Hansen Sugar Fix

So everyone that knows me knows that I'm a sucker for textured polish.  I showed you all China Glaze Bump & Grind awhile ago which I wasn't crazy about because there was no shimmer or glitter.  I think I've changed my mind all thanks to Sally Hansen Sugar Fix.

I've always loved a white mani and this one is no different.  Sugar Fix is a super bright white textured creme.  It dries semi-gloss and I only needed two coats for full opacity.

Here's a close up...

And here's a closer up...lol!  I think the creme based textures are growing on my as long as they have a good formula.  This one did for sure.  Now I want all of the newer Sally Hansen Sugar Coats.  They are so pretty.  How do you all feel about the non-shimmer textured polish?  Leave your comments below.

Water Marble Wednesday...

...was a bad idea.  lol.  I am really happy that Jacki from Adventures in Acetone decided to post a water marble today as well because hers turned out great.  Mine?  Not so much.  It was a good idea in my head but the execution was not what I imagined.  Let's take a look.

Why is it so bumpy and weird looking?  lol Well that's the result of the "great idea" I had.  I thought it would be really cool to use a textured polish as part of my water marble.  I started with one coat of a lighter green color that I actually didn't end up using in the design.  Then I used Sally Hansen Sugar Fix (the texture), Milani Nail Art Green Sketch, and Hard Candy Envy.  I just used the traditional flower design but because of the texture, it didn't come out right each time.  

I don't think it's terrible, but it sure isn't super pretty.  However, I am glad I tried it.  At least now I know, right?  Now that I've slightly tortured you with this mani, see Jacki's beautiful water marble HERE.  I'm not sure if she'll be able to join me every week, but if any other bloggers out there would like to please feel free.  Let me know so I can link to you!  (:

Tribal Stamped Mani

Happy Saturday Everyone!  Today I have a pretty fun mani for you all.  It's a little different from my usual mani.  Jacki from Adventures in Acetone mentioned in a conversation that she wanted to use some of Target's swimwear as inspiration.  With that being said, I had to try it myself.  This is the one I found and HERE is the link.

*7.21 UPDATE: THIS is the link to Jacki's Target swimsuit post.  I got to see it before she posted to her blog today.  Enjoy!*

Not only do I love this as a mani, but I want to own this swimsuit as well.  I love the design and the simple color choice.  Yeah.  I need it.

So there you have it.  I know on the swimsuit the tribal goes across and not the green but I stamped this so I couldn't figure out how to make that happen.  lol Even still I loved this mani so much I wore it for a good 3 days or so.  I started with the white base coat and then I did the stamping first using a sparkly black polish.  The stamp is curved on my middle and ring fingers because it's a design that is meant for a "funky french" mani.  For the other two, I just taped off my nail in a diagonal and used the same design.  Then I applied my neon green over the remaining white and done.

It was a lot simpler than I thought it would be.  Of course if I had freehanded the tribal design, it would have been more difficult and it also would have turned out sloppy.  I know that from past designs I've attempted.  lol

WHAT I USED:
Sally Hansen White Tip - white base
BBCouture Dark Knight - black
China Glaze I'm With the Lifeguard - green
Bundle Monster plate bm-219

Pinterest Week Day 5

So my recreation of this mani came out not quite the same, but I did my best.  Don't get me wrong.  It came out great, but it's a water marble so there was no way I could get it 100% right.  Check it out.

Day 5:  did my nails
MY PIN HERE
ORIGINAL POST HERE

Elizabeth of did my nails is part of the Twinsie group and as a theme for Twinsie Tuesday they did black and white manis.  I just loved her version of the water marble.

WHAT I USED:
Julep Meryl - grey
Sally Hansen White Tip - white
Nails Inc. noho - black

I haven't done a water marble in so long so I'm glad this one was super easy.  The Nails Inc. noho spread surprisingly well.  And it still came out leather-y.  It was cool.  Anyway when I dipped my fingers, I dipped them the wrong way so the flower design is on the wrong side.  Oh well.

This is Elizabeth's manicure.  Isn't it so cute?!  Glad I came across this one.  I also love that it's black and white.  It's very non-traditional for flowers.  Whatever.  I know this was a little late, but at least I finished it.  I was putting it off all day.  Not because I didn't want to do it, but because I kept getting distracted with Facebook and tv.  Oh and food!! (:

Dotticure

Hello Everyone!


First off, I wanted to let you all know that I started my new job today, and I think it's gonna be a really great experience.  I had so much fun, and all we did was training stuff.  I can't wait to go back tomorrow!


Now on to the good stuff.  I was on Pinterest last night, and I stumbled across THIS lovely pin.  When I saw I squealed with excitement.  I don't know why I thought it was the greatest mani on earth, but I just absolutely loved it.  I immediately pulled out all my polish and went to town.  10 minutes later, this emerged.

I'm really happy with it.  I know I have some mishaps like crooked lines and that damn drip on my pinky, but I really do love it.  I think those details give it character.  lol.  I changed up the colors because I've been in a very purple-y mood lately.  My last swatch was purple, my toes are purple, and now my dotticure is purple.  If only work would let me have purple hair.


WHAT I USED:
Sally Hansen White Tip - 2 coats for base
NYC Lincoln Square Lavender
China Glaze Señorita Bonita
Zoya Dannii
Zoya Julieanne


I am def going to recreate this very soon with maybe a different base color or just a different color story all together, so make sure you all check back.
D

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Product Review

*This product was provided to me from Influenster for review*

So I know we've all read product reviews on these and heard all the hype, but you haven't read mine.  My first attempt at any nail strips was with Sally Hansen (the ones with the skull and crossbones) and it was a disaster.  I figured it being my first time, I probably f'ed it up somehow because they we "chipped" and falling off within the hour.  This was not a good sign and I basically vowed to never buy them again.  Well, I still haven't, but I did get my Influenster Spring Beauty VoxBox (review/video coming soon) and low and behold, Sally Hansen Salon Effects were included.  So I guess I'll give them another go.

CLAIMS (from sallyhansen.com):

Nothing feels or wears like real nail polish. Now Sally makes it easy to get Salon Effects anytime, any place using real nail polish – with no dry time! Don’t settle for plastic imitations that peel off. We’re the real thing. Just peel, apply & file! Learn more at www.sallyhansen.com

• No dry time

• Lasts up to 10 days
• Removes easily with nail polish remover

• 40 must-have styles

Ok so 3 out of 4 ain't bad.  I agree that they have some amazing styles and yes they do remove easily.  However,  I have yet to see them last up to 1 day, let along 10 days.  I was lucky to get 5 days out of my Kiss Nail Strips and those I buy all the time.

APPLICATION:

I followed the instructions to the T and wiped my nails down with polish remover to get rid of the excess oils.  I applied them one by one to my nails, each one tearing so easily.  They tore so far back that I couldn't get them to cover the tips of my nails now.  STRIKE ONE!  I tried to pick the correct size for each of my nails, but that was a struggle in and of itself.  The smallest was too skinny for my pinky, the medium sized ones were too fat for my other fingers.  I did the best I could but that was definitely STRIKE TWO!  I then tried to use the file to remove the excess strip but again they kept tearing leaving small chips on my tips, and since they are glitter, they wouldn't file off evenly.  The tips of my nails look and feel rough and have chunks of glitter sticking out, and they are starting to peel up at the tips already.  STRIKE THREE!

I won't even show you all the photos because they are just terrible.  This is exactly why I vowed to never buy them again and I'm glad I did.  NEVER AGAIN!  I will stick with using my Kiss Nail Strips.  You can see my review on those HERE.  Have a great night everyone.

D

Comparison - Color Club Metamorphosis/Sally Hansen Emerald Express

Hey Ladies!  Just like I promised, I have a comparison of two really gorg emerald polishes.

So on the left we have Metamorphosis and on the right is Emerald Express.  In the bottles I can already tell a slight difference in color.  Emerald Express looks like it has a little more blue in it.

On my pinky and middle finger is Metamorphosis and my ring and pointer finger are Emerald Express.  So I was right.  EE is more blue and doesn't have that purple undertone that Metamorphosis has.

The difference in the finish is very easy to see as well.  Metamorphosis has a foil finish that is clearly seen in the bottle and EE is more of that pearl finish.  Another big difference in the two is opacity.  Metamorphosis required 3 coats and EE only 2.  It has that amazing wide brush so application is super easy.  I think I could have gotten away with 1 coat.  Isn't that the appeal of the Inst-dri anyway?


So yes, they are slightly different, but I don't need them both.   I still prefer Color Club Metamorphosis.  I just love that foil finish and flash of purple it has in the right light.  Goodbye Emerald Express.  Our time has been good.


Happy Wednesday!
D

Water Marble Wednesday

Hey Guys!


I'm back with another water marble for you.

So what do you think?
WHAT I USED:
CG Fireside Glow
CG Paper Chasing
OPI Dating a Royal - featured bottle
SH Sequin Scandal


I did get some bald spots with the Fireside Glow so if you do this combo, then use a base polish.


Thanks for checking in!
D

Sally Hansen Snappy Sprinkles

Just a quick post today of yesterday's mani with glitter.  So let me tell you a little anecdote.


I went to Ulta some time last year, around my birthday I think.  There was this beautiful bar glitter from Sally Hansen calling my name.  It was the last one.  However, I had already picked up at least 5 other polishes and some other cosmetics, and I had to narrow them down because, let's face it, I didn't need them all, and I sure couldn't afford them all.  I don't remember what I decided on, but I know that I put Snappy Sprinkles back and then regretted it as soon as I got home.


I've been to Ulta many times since then and had completely forgot about the glitter until yesterday.  There were so many polishes on clearance, so of course I had to check them out.  And as I was rifling through them all, there was that beautiful bar glitter from Sally Hansen calling my name again, but this time, half the price.  She is now sitting in my polish collection and is layered on my China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy.

Snappy Sprinkles is peach and mint bar glitter in a clear base.  The mint is just "sprinkled" in.  LOL.  Then to make it even more amazing, I added Essie Matte About You.

I'm not sure FFF is the best polish to convey the colors in the glitter, but I'm going to keep playing with it.

D

Sally Hansen Emerald Express

Yo!


I've been noticing a lot of greens on the blogs these past two weeks so keeping with the holiday spirit, I wanted to share one of my favorites.


Sally Hansen Emerald Express is a gorgeous, almost metallic emerald green with a slight shimmer.  This is two effortless coats considering the super wide brush and fast drying formula.  Also please excuse the greasy fingers...cuticle oil.

I think out of all the Sally Hansen polishes, the Insta-dri is my favorite.  I am just way too impatient to wait and I usually end up smudging my nails before I even get to take a photo.  This one seriously dried to the touch in about 5 minutes.  And that's without a top coat.

Sally Hansen Sequin Scandal

Just a quick post today my loves.

It is Sally Hansen's Sequin Scandal.  Probably my most favorite olive polish out of the ones I own.  It has the best brush, the best formula, and it's gorgeous.

So what do you think?  Is this your color?  Please leave your questions and comments below or email me at lacquerlover[at]hotmail[dot]com

Splatter Paint and My Latest Haul

Hello All!

This post is probably going to be really short because my BF is coming to pick me up for dinner and I don't have a lot of time.  So anyway, he just got back from out of town, and while he was gone I went shopping to make myself feel better and to not be so lonely.  Here is what I picked up:

First of all, excuse the mess and the background.  lol.  Anyway, I went to Ulta and found some great deals.  From L to R is Essence What  Do U Think?, Ulta Pro Green With Envy, Sally Hansen Sequin Scandal, and then a great butterLONDON gift set with Powder Room scented polish remover (smells like baby powder...terrible) and No More Waity, Katie.

After all these great items I got, I came home and used none of them.  I decided to save them for a special day and do a splatter paint manicure instead.  I've been seeing them a lot lately and they all look amazing, so I thought I'd try my hand at it.  Here is what was created:

WHAT I USED:
Nail Life base coat
Hard Candy Beetle - 2 coats
1st layer splatter - Orly Snowcone
2nd layer splatter - CG Liquid Leather
SV top coat

I was really pleased with myself and all my friends want me to do them too.  We'll see.  I loved how the cream colors complimented the Hard Candy duo-chrome and toned it down a little.  Thanks to whoever created the splatter paint mani.  I love it!

It looks like this post wasn't so short after all.  Have a great Thursday!