Matte Coral & Gold

I wanted something simple since I spent a good chunk of my polishing time tonight painting 150 thumb tacks to make my own dragon egg. (Try explaining whah a dragon egg is to the cashier to michaels- not easy!) I settled on a simple slanted french tip using nail vinyl guides. (I'm launching my very own vinyl shop soon so stay tuned!). I actually hated it at first (the colours) so I tested my new nyc matte top coat and voila- love!

Products Used

essie tarte deco

Loreal Because I'm Worth It

NYC Matte You Crazy

Straight Vinyls 

So simple and classy. This matte TC is way better than the China glaze which was previously using!

Are you a matte fan?

Xo Shawna 

Easter Eggs for #TGIF

I think two people played along (once each) for #TGIFnailartchallenge March, but it is such a great incentive for me to do manicures I have been putting off that I decided to go ahead with an April challenge as well!

My friend's daughter Sydney (hi!) asked what I was doing for my Easter manicure and the first thing that popped into my mind was Easter Eggs! So I grabbed a rainbow of pastel polishes and went for a mix-match look using vinyls, dotting tools and some good old free-handed painting. 

Products Used

Barry M Coconut

OPI Mod About You

NYC Cosmetics Lexington Yellow

China Glaze Highlight of my Summer

China Glaze Lotus Begin

Sally Hansen Babe Blue

INM Out the Door Topcoat

Dotting Tools eBay

Nail Art Brushes Amazon

Lou It Yourself Straight Vinyls (skinny & regular)

I looove this one, it better last all weekend! I also painted different designs on my Cindy hand because I'm OCD and couldn't just leave them white. The designs aren't as intricate (or neat!) but they're passable.

Happy Easter! Do you do anything to celebrate with your family?

xo Shawna

NYC Peel Off Base Coat

Yesterday I shared my latest find on my Instagram page- NYC Peel Off Base Coat! It generated huge response, most of which was asking how to use it and if it works! So I tested it out for you, my dear readers and prepared a short video to show you the results! (*sorry the video did not work before... it should be ok now!)

I had heard it could take ages to dry, but it only took a few minutes. (It's still slightly opaque when dry). I used Funky Fingers in Jawbreaker as the test control since last time I used it, it was a serious pain to remove. 

I wore it all day and there were no chips or anything! I should note I wear gloves at work, so it can be hard on my manis! 

Removal was easy as you can see. The glitter popped off in one piece with minimal manipulation.

Edited to add:
- polish must be dried fully for easy removal. (It did not work when I tried after half an hour. I'm talking s regular day's wear before removing. )
- proper removal will not damage your nails at all!

I highly recommend this product and its an amazing steal- it only only $1.77 at Walmart! Go get some ladies, this will change your life!

xo Shawna

Nimbus Nails

Tonight I finally ticked "Nimbus Nails" off my to-do list! I followed this tutorial from The Nailasaurus and I can't stop staring! I don't know I took so long to try this one, it really is pretty easy. I decided to go for a colour palette that reminded me of a galaxy manicure, so I chose purples and blues. (I actually tried using a silver as well, but it turns out that cremes work best).

Products Used

Barry M Coconut (base)

China Glaze Up All Night

NYC Cosmetics Nolita's Lavender

Sally Hansen Pacific Blue

(Sally Hansen Hi-Ho Silver)

(China Glaze Re-fresh Mint)

(the colours in brackets didn't really show up much)

The effect is so pretty! It does take a handful of cotton swabs but it definitely looks like a water-colour painting. I will do this again for sure, and maybe stamp or do other art on top- but for my first time, I am enjoying it all on it's own! 

Have you tried this technique? 

xo Shawna

Gray & Yellow Lace Manicure

Tonight's mani was a quickie! My nails are going to get wrecked tomorrow so I played around with some of my new colours and plates. 

Colours used are NYC in Sidewalkers and Lexington Yellow. The gray had good, smooth coverage in two coats whereas the yellow was three coats and still a little streaky. I used wet n' wild in black creme for the stamping.  I used a born pretty stamping plate (item # 6455) for the lace details. 

I need more practice centering but I really liked the look of the lace down the centre of the nail! 

Hope you like it :)

xo Shawna