Gradients

Everyone is doing gradients right now so last night I jumped on the band wagon and messed around with it using "The Sammy Method". Then I kinda thought to myself this is so easy Sammy deserves a Lot of credit. I remember a couple of weeks ago when a certain nail polish company got their panties in a wad because certain bloggers were calling their manicures caviar manicures. So, maybe Sammy should trademark her method before certain companies come out with these little kits for gradient nails. The new black company has come out with newspaper nails. Those have been around for as long as I can think. I really don't know how this happened, but I could see a little kit put out by the true owner of the method in stores. Easy Gradient Nails by Sammy has a nice ring to it. What do you think?

Easy Glitter Removal

Here is an easy way to remove glitter nail polish.  I saw it on somebody's blog tried it and was amazed. 

First step take a piece of cotton.  I used these cotton squares they sell at Sally and soak in acetone.  You can use polish remover but it doesn't work as well.

Next wrap the cotton around your finger.

Next wrap foil around your finger.  Wait around 10 minutes.

Voila.  Clean nails.

I know some of you may say ten minutes is a long time to wait but think of how long and messy it is when you just take it off with cotton.  It makes a mess and ends up taking the same amount of time.  Believe me I have tired it.  I avoided using glitter polish just because of the clean up,  now  I have not problem.  Sometimes I get so lazy I use it on regular polish.  

a-England Ascalon

A-England has a great line of nail polish.  Ascalon is a beautiful greyish lilac color.  Smooth application and fast drying.  The only problems I have had with A-England polishes is that sometimes they chip a little on the tip of my nails.  I know that can be resolved by in ensuring that when you put your top coat on do the paint a little under the tip of the nail,

inside with flash

outside without flash

A-England can be bought at their website, llarowe, overall beauty and ninja polish.  The cost varies depending on where you buy it from $10.00-$12.00.

Model Latina

Gold sandy beaches, lush green palm trees, and blue water as far as you can see.  Sounds like paradise, doesn’t it, but with 10 fiery Latinas competing to be the next Model Latina, it won’t be paradise.  When the sixth season of Model Latina starts on May 28^th, 2012 on nuvo TV at 10:00pm EST.  It’s an all-new season, with a whole new cast of chicas vying for the opportunity to win Model Latina with a prize that includes a modeling contract with a large modeling firm and a huge cash prize.  There will be more catfights, backstabbing and scheming.  This season there will be new judges the renowned designer Alfredo Lacosta will be returning for his fifth season.  , Singer-actor Carlos Ponce and can I say with him on the show it will be caliente.  The third judge is Ines Rivero, a Latina Victoria’s Secret Angel, and a new host, Jocelyn Pierce, a model journalist who has covered sports and entertainment for Fox and E!

Personally, I love reality shows.  I love the scheming, backstabbing, lying, and other devious deeds these girls can come up with.  I have to be honest I love the bad girl because we all know one of them. On TV we love to hate her and lets admit we watch to see the bad girl get her dues.  Then there is the girl that is just so sweet that everyone loves her but deep down inside you hate her because she can do no wrong, her hair is always perfect, she is super skinny with a perfect body.  She always knows exactly what she is doing.  I always root for the loopy girl.  The one doesn’t have a clue but comes out smelling like a rose.  I think we watch these shows because as girls we relate to them in some way it gets us to see a little part of them in ourselves. 

Through all the scheming and fighting, there is one thing for sure these girls don’t forget what they are there for and that is to win the coveted prize of Model Latina.

The Judges                                                                                                               

 
                 
Carlos Ponce                      Ines Rivera                 Alfredo Lacosta         


The Host

Be sure to watch!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Latina Bloggers Connect for this post.

butter London Trout Pout

Trout Pout had much the same consistency of Teddy and the color is absolutely beautiful.  The color is the color of a beautifully cooked salmon.  Two coats and a top coat and you are ready to go.  Stamping on this would look really nice if you have the time but wearing it plain is fine also.      

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

Trout Pout

I WON!

I won the giveaway polish fixation had on her website.  I was really excited and have finally had the time to swatch the polish.  It is from Nicka K.  Here are some swatches it was a total of

I totally love them and the colors.  So, when you see giveaways know that you too can win.

butter London Teddy

Butter London always has pretty shades but I always kind of just walk by and look at other things.  I saw this pink and knew I had to have it.  The formula was smooth and it dried really well.  I won't just pass by these polishes again.  I really love this one.

I got this Butter London at Ulta for $14.00.

Bootie Babe

These are Bootie Babe nail polish.  They are really cute.  My neice comes over to get her nails done and she says can I have the bootie stuff on my nails.  It is really funny.  So for this manicure I sponged the pink, blue, purple and green in the corners.  Then I dabbed just a small bit of the yellow.  I purposely in the middle knowing it would make other colors when it went over the pink, blue, purple and green.

THis is what it looks like after the sponging.  I cleaned the cuticles and used Konad special white to stamp the feathers from DKR-A plate.  Here was the end result.

Rock Star Nails-With Love

Rock Star Nails-With Love
Today, I have a nail polish from Rock Star Nails called With Love.  It is a glitter polish with red and white hearts.  I used OPI's My Boyfriend Scales Walls and then put the polish on.  With this polish you have to tap it on and move it around to get it to look right.  I just waited till it was almost dry and then when it dried I used two coats of top coat and I was on my way.  It is really cute, reminds me of valentines day even though it is not but everyday should be valentines day with your honey.  So, put use to this little bottle of love and treat your honey to a valentines day any day of the week.

Nail Polish Survey

Here's a survey I snagged from Ria Loves Pawlish.
Copy and paste it onto your blog and fill it out too!

How many polishes do you have in your stash?

I think I am rounding around 600


Which brand do you own the most of?
I would say opi.


What colors do you own the most of?
I couldn't say.   I like greens, purples, and blues.

Do you have a color/texture you do not own?
I've got pretty much every color and texture I want and if a I don't I try really quickly to feed my need for it.

What's the one polish you always pick up to lift your spirits?
OPI Will you Mari-ache Me.  It is just a lovely shade of beige with a beautiful pink shimmer.  I am also loving my Deborah Lippman, Stairway to Heaven.  I've been into some really ethereal shades lately.

What polish do you keep looking at and wondering why you haven't gotten rid of it yet?
NO!  That would be like thinking of giving one of my children up for adoption.

Franken any? or I'm nervous to try it?
I did.  I got some base and made a bottle.  I might show it on my blog.  I am not sure if it is legal to buy the base without something saying what you are using it for. 

Do you franken for new/original polish ideas or franken for polish you won't be able to own?
No, I do it because I just like to do weird stuff and always experimenting on making things.

Go-to Base Coat?
Orly Bonder


Go-to Top Coat?
Seche Vite

What's your sexiest polish?
 A beautiful gold.  So, I guess it would be OPI, Glitzerland or a Duri polish I just got.

Stamping vs Free Hand?
Stamping definitely.

Bling me, baby? or No bling for me, please!
Bling me I use rhinestones but only in moderation.

I consider my nails basically nekkid if they don' t have some kind of stamping on it. 
No, I like some polishes just as they are.

My favorite plate/tool/technique?
I love my DRK-B PLATE.

What I haven't tried and want to within the month?
Nars nail polish


The one elusive polish you want and can't seem to get?
The Lynderellas I bought and paid for in March.   I am still waiting.

What was the last nail related thing you bought?
Deborah Lippman Mermaid Dreams.

How many nail related hauls have you bought in the last 7 days (on-line/in-person)?
One


If you've ever been on a no-buy, how long did it last? Is that what you planned?
I  am starting one today.  I want my Lynderellas.

Fish eggs

Here is my version of the manicure that we cannot call a caviar manicure.  It is really easy to do but I don’t know if I would suggest it for all the nails.  It is messy but once you clean it up it looks really nice. Now the directions on the  Ciate caviar manicure say to lightly coat the tip of the nails. It did not feel natural to me and I had to glob a top a top coat all over the nail.  I don't know whether or not I could shower with it or sleep.  I could probably sleep since I do sleep on my back, I have the Ciate so one day this week.  I am going to experiment with both and see how they hold up.  The only problem is that the Ciate is somewhat expensive at $25.00 a pop and the beads are around $4-5.00 at Michaels the only place I have been able to find them.  I went to Hobby Lobby and Joanne’s and did not find them there.  I would recommend trying the this for fun or a night out on the town but definitely with a top coat.

OPI Announces NEW! Pure Lacquer Nail Apps

OPI launches Pure Lacquer Nail Apps for instantaneous manicures and pedicures created using precut nail strips made of 100% real nail lacquer – providing a high-gloss finish, long-lasting wear and zero dry time. Offered in both cream and shimmer finishes, Nail Apps are available in 14 different styles – ranging in design from edgy snake print and fishnet to feminine gold lace and floral.

“Nail art has become increasingly popular, with both consumers and trained professionals,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, OPI Executive VP & Artistic Director. “Pure Lacquer Nail Apps provide the perfect way to get a one-of-a-kind look that simply cannot be replicated by hand. Each nail strip is made of 100% real nail lacquer for a flawless final look with easy application.”

Combining base and color in one convenient product, Nail Apps adhere to nails in seconds and can be stretched for a perfect fit. Each pack contains 16 strips to ensure perfect sizing for all finger and toe nails. For best results, this product should not be finished with top coat. Simply remove with an acetone polish remover like OPI Expert Touch Lacquer Remover before trying a new design.

“To make Nail Apps last even longer, upgrade your service by having your manicurist cure the nail strips with a GelColor Top Coat. With this addition, Nail Apps will last up to two weeks,” explains Weiss-Fischmann. “If you chose at-home application, place each Nail App carefully, trimming where necessary. Top coat is not recommended. Within minutes, your nails will be uniquely designed like never before!”

Pure Lacquer Nail Apps are available at Professional Salons, including Beauty Brands, Beauty First, Chatters, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Pure Beauty, Regis, Trade Secret, and ULTA, for the suggested retail price of $11.95.

For more information, please call 800-341-9999 or visit www.opi.com. Follow OPI on Twitter @OPI_PRODUCTS and become a Facebook fan!

ABOUT OPI

As the world leader in the professional nail care industry, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. Known for its exceptional formula, fashionable colors and iconic names, OPI’s heavily-pigmented lacquers are super rich, long-lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. OPI nail lacquer is available in over 200 shades and contains no DBP, Toluene, or Formaldehyde. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide^™ Brush for the ultimate in application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items, including nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics.

MAC Cosmetics

MAC has finally released a line that isn't made up of all types of weird products that not even the salesgirls know what to do with them. Eyeshadows that we can actually depot to put in our already too full palettes. Lipsticks that make some sense and some good old fashioned powder blush. I am excited. It is online already and of course sold out of the blush I wanted, but will be in stores Thursday ,may 24th. So, i've been using MAC for so long I can call the girls at MAC and have them hold something. So, if you're into MAC and haven't seen the new line check it out on their website.

Goldie, what is wrong?

So, on Wednesday, Goldie was acting so weird.  Since her surgery, she has not been able to eat any treats and has to eat this yucky food.  So, since I was the one who gave her the food she acted like she was dying.  I kept calling my husband and he just kept saying she was ok, just punishing me for not giving her any treats.  Look at this dog. 

Doesn']t she look like she is going to die?   Would you have taken her to the vet or figured that she was playing "poor me"  no treats?

My Very First Deborah Lippman

I usually don't spend a lot of money on my polish but I just could not resist to treat myself to something just because so I bought a Deborah Lippman.   I bought it off a website called Whereshebuys.  They sell a lot of high end brands of every thing even ugg boots which I love.  Like I said I am saving for my winter ones.  I only have one summer pair and don't think I will be buying another pair unless I come into some extra money. 
So, when I was in junior high school.  Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin was the makeout song.  The whole album was totally makeout music.  Well, at  least that is what I heard.  LOL.  It is such a classic album, I still have it on LP.  The polish is beautiful and does relate to the first chorus of the song. 
   "There is a lady who sure all that glitters is gold and she is buying a stairway to heaven"
This polish is very lady like it isn't smooth like stairs and it is covered with gold flecks.  Very ethereal.  Everytime I hear that song I picture this lady wearing white walking up some gold stairs towards heaven.  I really think Ms. Lippman captured this.  Even though it is not smooth 2 layers of top coat smooths it out and if you use the foil method for removing glitter nail polish it comes off like a dream.  (I will do a tutorial on removing glitter polish using the foil method)  Ok. so here are pics of this beautiful fluid in a bottle.

Rockstar Nails #5 Denim Blues

inside with flash

This is from a new polish indie Rockstar Nails.  Her name is Erika Botello and is on Etsy.  This polish is absolutely gorgeous.  The color is denim and it has yellow stringy flakes.  I can't wait to wear it on a casual night out.  I bought a beautiful yellow one also but did not have time to swatch.  I am going to try to get some more swatching in tomorrow.  It has been a bad week.  Goldie has been sick and right now my stomach hurts so bad I literally want to cut it out of my body.  But back to the polish.  I really like this line and I am looking forward to her shop opening this weekend so I can buy some more stuff.

inside with flash