Unicorn Blood Swatch

Super simple post today, gorgeous pics of Mad Scientist Lacquer in Unicorn Blood! (And yes, I confirmed its totally a Harry Potter reference). It's currently sold out, but being restocked soon- I scored this at our meet up! Enjoy the holo porn. 

I always forget that "holo" is not a well-known term for those who aren't in the insta nail community. It means holographic glitter! 

QOTD - are you a Harry Potter fan? ;)

xo Shawna

Watermarble & Glitterbombs

I went shopping across the border on Friday and picked up a few new polishes! I exercised some serious restraint and ended up with 3 new funky fingers shades, 2 Bonita colours, and an INM out the door top coat, which I've seen plenty of raves over. (Kmart had a ton of clearance options but they were all pretty similar to what I already have, or colours I didn't love- so I decided to put them back! I'm so proud of myself!) Upon arrival home I knew I had to get right into them - and what better way to do some water marble practice which I have been itching to do. 

Products Used

Sally Hansen Hi-Ho Silver

Funky Fingers Life's a Beach

Funky Fingers Bezerk Turq

Funky Fingers Sand and Stillettos

Sally Hansen Babe Blue

INM Out the Door

I love the colour palette- a perfect celebration of spring! And I'm happy to see my water marble skills are improving. Not perfect, by far, but these are the first marbles that came out relatively like I actually planned. Can anyone recommend a good tool to use for marbling? 

Hope you enjoy :)

xo Shawna

Extravagant Stamping

My version of celebrating St. Patricks was drinking a guinness, adding Irish cheddar cheese to my dinner (which was leftover Kangaroo bolognese- very international!) and painting my nails about as far from green as possible! These pretty patterns from an untried Born Pretty stamping plate were perfect as they don't obscure the base colour by being too dense of a design. Use my code SDPX31 to save 10% off your regular price purchase :) 

Products Used

OPI DS Extravagance

Konad Princess Polish Metallic Silver 

China Glaze Fast Forward

Born Pretty Plate BP-17

I received my very first Konad stamping polishes in the mail today and just had to try them out ASAP. I dug back into the untrieds box for the base colour and emerged with this gorgeous OPI I scored from winners for only $5! I think i've actually had this done on my toes at the spa before and loved it. It is such a stunning holographic plummy shade! And the Konad stamped like a dream. The silver stands out much more than the regular silver polish i was previously using. Those were also great bargain from nail polish canada! 

So, todays question: Guinness beer - yay or nay?

xo Shawna

Valentines Collaborations

*disclaimer: the first mani was done a month in advance!

A few groups of us on Instagram collaborated for Valentine's Day (collab pics below!). One was typical v-day lovey dove hearts etc, and the other was the opposite - Anti-Valentine's Day! 

For the first collaboration, organized by @nebularnailz, we didn't have any specific theme. I didn't want to do your typical in-your-face pink and red palette -  so after I painted on a coat of the gorgeous chrome Push and Shove by OPI, I decided dry brushing would provide just the hint of colours I was after. 

Products Used

OPI Push and Shove

OPI Mod About You

Deborah Lippmann Jessa

China Glaze Fast Forward

Dotting Tools from Amazon

I actually tested out painting little hearts and it was a very pathetic attempt.  (This was before I discovered how to use a dotting tool to make the entire heart). So, instead I went for a more abstract look by dotting an outline of a heart on a few accent fingers. I actually liked the way it turned out, and it was pretty simple and very quick to do!

And here's the final product of the first collaboration.

Next up, we have the Anti-V-day Collab! This was put on by @vampireprincessheart. I was thinking along the line of a "blackened heart" so I used saran wrap to create the effect on the two middle fingers. I was hoping the hearts would be more distinct so I don't completely love the way they turned out, but the amazing girls I collaborated with assure me it's great! Thanks ladies you are such sweethearts! 

Products Used

Deborah Lippmann Jessa

Wet n' Wild Black Creme

Finger Paints Striper Ch-Art-Coal Black

Cuter Cuticles Cutie Guard

China Glaze Fast Forward

And this is the result :)

Did you do anything to celebrate (or protest) Valentine's this year?

xo Shawna

Geometric #nailartnov

I decided to jump on board with the November Nail Art Challenge hosted by @californails on IG. I had already done the day one prompt (movember) so I'm right on track!

It's called the "totally doable" challenge with prompts every couple days. Today (day 04) is Geometric and as soon as I saw the prompt I knew exactly what I wanted to do! I hadn't had a chance to use my aztec chevron vinyls yet, or the other design on my born pretty stamping plate. After swatching one of my new Deborah Lippmann polishes from the "Girls" collection (I got it for a steal at Winners after coveting it for a while!) I knew a metallic colour palette would really pop. And I am in love with the result! 

Colours used:

Deborah Lippmann Hannah

OPI Love.Angel.Music.Baby

Sally Hansen Hi-Hi Silver

HK Girl Top Coat

China Glaze Matte Magic

I topped the mani off with a matte top coat, although I was expecting it to be a bit more flat. I love this colour palette and Hannah is such a gorgeous green - for sure a new fall/ winter favourite. 

 Here's a swatch of Hannah all by itself. Stunning!

Do you like matte manicures?

xo Shawna