Happy New Year Nails!

I got inspired by a bunch of photos on pinterest (come visit me!) I was going for a glitter gradient type mani on deep blue/cobalt. Then I realized I don't really know how to do a good glitter gradient and I (shockingly) don't own a deep cobalt (at least I don't think I do!). So, I went with deep shimmery blue and metallic polka dots using my dotting tool and some toothpicks!

 My husband thought it came out more like fish scales (which he thought was a compliment because he loves everything to do with fishing) and after second thought he's right! I love it even though it wasn't quite what I was going for!

Something New and Awesome!

Nail Pearls!

Yes, I know Ciate had these first and they were called caviar. They also cost $25 a bottle. These were $7.99 and I chanced upon them at my favorite Rite Aid! There was a pink mix, a "party color" type mix and this one called "aqua".

I wasn't sure how I would like it, so I started out with the accent nail on each hand. (I used China Glaze For Audrey on the rest because it seemed to compliment the other colors nicely).

It's a neat set. It comes in a little plastic package with a tray and a tiny funnel so you can put all the little pearls back in the bottle when you're done! 

First you coat the nail with a layer or two of polish. Then pour the beads over the nail, fully coating. Hold your hand over the tray so the pearls don't scatter everywhere! It's actually pretty easy and if you're careful, not that messy.

 Turned out I liked it so much, I went for the full manicure! There are plenty of pearls left over in the bottle after using it on 12 nails. Not a bad deal for $8.00!

They definitely feel rough. I also noticed today with the accent nail, I could feel the rough edges "catch" on stuff. Similar to the feeling I get when i have a split nail. With the accent nails I used top coat on one and not the other. The one I didn't use top coat on seemed to have the pearls fall of faster and lose color. I got a day's wear out of the accent nails. Not sure what this full manicure will get.

Instructions on the back of the box.

MAD MAX is HOT!

I wasn't super interested in trying these Kat VonD polishes. I thought they were kind of over-priced and resembled the Wet-n-Wild craze bottles a little too much.

But, I spotted this on clearance ($7) at Sephora and it really caught my eye.

 The blue is so amazing, it kind of sent my camera into spasms. It's a little more electric in person. It shifts blue-teal with a hint of purple and is absolutely STUNNING in person!

Yup, still loving the marbling thing!

 Wet-n-Wild "Blue Wants to be a Millionaire"

Milani 3D Holographic in "Cyberspace"

 This is two coats of each over a layer of navy blue.

 Index and Ring: Cyberspace (definitely more opaque than the WnW)
Middle and Pinky: Blue Wants to be a Millionaire
The Wet n Wild is really thin, but more holo. Cyberspace is more blue-silver, denser but less holo.

Verdict: Not dupes
If I had to get rid of one: Brace yourselves folks, I'd probably get rid of both! What!? Shocking right? But, neither of them are as holo as I NEED them to be.

Feeling Festive!

L.A. Girl Glitter Addict in Celebrate

I think I bought this at Rite Aid a few months ago. I was saving it for July 4th (I think). But, wow, it's really awesome!

 This is over a Orly's Bombay Saphire. The glitter is suspended in a clear base. But there are are red, silver and at least two different blue colors of glitter in thee. Very fun! Definitely a celebratory glitter!

Glitter Sandwich!

Misa's "A Sin Worth Committing"

 Gets a little more special with some glitter sandwiched in the middle.

 One thin layer of A Sin Worth Committing, one layer of Afternoon Picnic which is suspended in a sort of clear-teal base.

 That's one layer of Afternoon Picnic there on my thumb.

 I love how this turned out!

Some Nail Art stuff I've been trying out...

 Needle Marble Mani

I'm still mastering this one, but I like it. It's not easy though!

 Part of my problem is, I can't stick to one look. I want to throw every color I own on at once!

I saw this tutorial on Youtube and wanted to try it. Mine did not come out as nice, but came out better than I thought it would. Definitely going to try it again!

I love the ombre/gradient look. I did this with a cut up makeup sponge and then added a layer of sheery pearly white over it. I didn't come out as seamless as I wanted, but I used like 4 different colors. Next time I think I'll just use two and sponge it on thicker...?