Nail Art for Less

This is a post I've been wanting to do for a long time, but I just never buckled down to make it happen.  Well today I wanted to get out of the house and what better thing to do when you're bored but shop.  I also don't have a ton of money right now so this post was perfect.

Tonight's post is all about being frugal when it comes to nail art.  I know there are a lot of companies out there pushing nail art supplies for gobs of money so with the popularity rising, I wanted to let you all know that you can create super fun manis for a fraction of the price.

These are all my goodies!  I got so much stuff.  Everything you see here is the essence nail art decoration kit in gold, Minx nail wraps in Summer Splash, All Season Naturals cuticle stick in French Vanilla, A.S.P crystal nail file, Claire's nail jewels, Claire's nail wheel with pearls, studs, and beads, and Claire's striping tape.

Here is the close up (the best I could get anyway) of the Minx nail wraps.  I got these at Ulta in the clearance section.  They had other designs as well, but this was the last one and the best one.  I didn't even read the package either so when I opened it and saw that is was and mani AND a pedi, I was pretty excited.  The price on the package says $4.99 (from $18) but my receipt says $2.99 so another great surprise.  Oh and it was 20% off.  Woot!

Here are some embellishments that I picked up from Ulta and Claire's.  The essence nail decoration kit contains 3 types of gold glitter, some tiny studs, and small sheet of gold flake.  This also comes in silver but they were out.  The Claire's gems and jewels are Buy 1, Get 1 50% off right now, so you should all check it out.  I picked up these beautiful jewel stickers that remind me of an Indian or Bollywood themed nails and the nail wheel is full of rhinestones and studs in silver and gold, but my favorite part is the white and black pearls.

Also at Claire's I saw they had striping tape and although I still have a roll unused, why not pick up more, right?!  I wanted to know how well it worked and it comes with 3 colors, gold, black, and silver.  For $6.50, I thought it was a great deal given the promotion that is running.

Now how could I buy all these goodies and NOT get a top coat?  I couldn't.  So I got the essence gel-look top coat which from what I understand is supposed to leave a super glossy gel finish...so like my Gelous, maybe.  We'll see.  Sally's had a coupon for the All Season Naturals cuticle stick so I thought I'd give it a try.  Oh the coupon was buy the cuticle stick, get the A.S.P nail file FREE!!!  I've never tried a crystal nail file so I'm nervous.  The sound is weird and makes me cringe a little.  lol

And the grand total...

$23.17!!

I really hope this post was helpful for all you ladies on a budget.  I can't wait to try all of my goodies and show you all what I come up with.  If you've found any great deals, let me know.  I'm always on the lookout.  Have a great night!

My Week at a Glance 2.17 - 2.23

So I just wanted to recap with everyone how my week went on the blog.  I feel like I really stepped it up this week while I was recreating some amazing manicures that I've pinned.  I tried to choose ones that would challenge me a bit and better my nail art skills.  I also got to do new techniques so that was fun.  I gained a few new followers so welcome to you guys!  I received some amazing nail mail and went a little shopping spree after a tough day at work.  Enjoy!

Pinterest Week Day 1 and Day 2 manicure comparisons

Pinterest Week Day 3 and Day 4 manicure comparisons

Pinterest Week Day 5 and Day 6 manicure comparisons

Pinterest Week Day 7/Sat-ART-day (1960s) manicure comparison and Zoya Posh - the color on Posh is not coming out right at all.  I guess that's because of my iPhone and the lack of lighting in my living room.  It's actually red for those that don't know.  It's beautiful!

My beauty supply haul from Thursday.  From L to R: Essie Buy Me a Cameo, OPI Lights of Emerald City, Sation Shyest Shade, Sation Class Clown, Color Club Fly With Me, Color Club Wing Fling, and Color Club Lava Lamp

My amazing Zoya PixieDust collection came in today.  I will have swatches for you very soon.  Maybe tomorrow.  We'll see.  ;)