Monday, September 29, 2014

Born Pretty Store Studs: Understated Elegance.

Evening Guys!

I hope everyone had a good weekend. Today I have another set of studs to show off from Born Pretty Store for you guys. These studs are super girly, and so incredibly unique, I don't have anything else even slightly similar to these in my collection!

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These 2mm-5mm Delicate Water Dropping Heart Rhinestones are incredibly elegant, and perfect to dress up any nail look. They retail for $3.30 for a pack of 350, and since Born Pretty Store offers free international shipping, these studs are a great piece to add to anyone's collection.

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Another shot outside of the stud wheel to show off the amazing reflective duo-chrome nature of these beauties! 


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I decided to use the white heart studs from this wheel, and although my light box dulls that reflective colour change somewhat you can still see it a bit in the photos. I promise though,  that duo-chrome effect shows up beautifully in person!  I decided to keep things incredibly simple, using nothing but a satin finish black as my base so that I could really let these studs speak for themselves on just how pretty they are. I love that although this look is simple, the heart studs make it look so elegant, and would be perfect for an evening out, or any kind formal event. 

These studs are a bit larger than studs I am used to using, but they are still incredibly easy to place, and I put them on the same way I always do with studs. I started with my base polish, and when it was mostly dry to the touch I took an orangewood stick and dipped it into  the top coat, I then placed a small dot on my nail where I wanted the stud to go. I then took that same orangewood stick and picked up the heart and placed it over the dot of top coat on my nail. I wanted to ensure that these studs were firmly in place so I sealed them in with a wax effect top coat that way it would keep the satin effect on my nails. After that was mostly dry, I took the orangewood stick and dipped it into the normal glossy top coat and placed that only onto the top of the stud. That way the stud was shiny and the nails weren't. You could also do this a bit faster, by simply using nail glue to adhere the studs, thus removing the need to seal it in with top coat, however since I change my nails so often I much prefer top coat, since it is much easier to remove. 

 I am always a fan of understated elegance, and thus am really digging this look. I am incredibly happy to add these studs to my collection and can see myself using them often. You can pick up a set of these studs here, or search item #16281. Don't forget to use my code AFLW10 for 10% off your purchase! Also,  while you are shopping don't forget to check out Born Pretty Store's  newly released set of stamping plates.  Alright, guys and gals, I think that covers it all for today, till next time Kittens! <3



**Studs were sent for review, however all opinions are my own.** To see more information please see my disclosure policy.

Friday, September 26, 2014

Loaded Lacquer Toasted Marshmallow gets Androidified!

Heya Guys!

Happy Friday! Today I have a bit of a fun post for you! Recently I bought some MJ and JR Plates from My Online Shop and they arrived here the other day. While removing the blue film and being ridiculously excited at all the cool images (and there are a lot to get excited over)  I came across one image that I just had to use right away!


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And I just couldn't resist taking a picture with my S5!


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To get this look, I started with a base of Load Lacquer Toasted Marshmallow on all my fingers. Toasted Marshmallow is a super squishy jelly polish, that was perfect in 3 thin coats. Although you could probably get away with 2.  Once that was dry, I stamped on my Android dude using MJ Plate XVIII and stamped in Mundo De Unas 39 Avocado. I then used straight vinyls from What's Up Nails. This was my first time trying vinyls from What's Up Nails, and I loved them. They are a bit longer in length then the vinyls I am used to using, and at first I thought it might be to big, but after using them I actually prefer that extra length, it makes them a bit easier to use. Once the vinyls were securely in place, I polished over them in Zoya Tilda. I top coated everything with KBShimmer Clearly on Top and the studs are from Born Pretty Store. 

I am a big fan of how this came out. I think it is so fun and adorable, and even you iPhone users have to admit the android dude is super cute!! :P I also love that this look was really easy to achieve. The pay off for how adorable it is, is really worth it.  The longest step in this whole look, was waiting for my base to dry! 

Alright guys and gals, I think that covers it for today! I really hope you enjoyed my Android nails as much as I do! Has anyone else done anything similar to this before? With either their phone, or another product? I would love to see it! Let me know in the comments! Till next time Kittens! <3

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Born Pretty Store Studs with some Major Personality!

Heya guys!


I hope everyone had a good weekend! Today I want to show off some super adorable studs from Born Pretty Store  These studs have so much personality, that I actually drew my nail inspiration from the studs!


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These 3mm crackle leopard print mini square/round studs come in a variety of colours, and will match tons of different manis. They are super affordable and retail for $3.50 for a pack of 300. Born Pretty Store also has free International shipping, deals don't get much better than that!


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As you can see, these studs are great for adding flare to any look. They have a flat back, so they sit nicely on the nail. Even with my wickedly C-curved nails I didn't have any problems with these lying flat. They are also incredibly easy to apply. I applied mine with an orangewood stick, and some top coat. Using the orangwood stick, I placed a dot of topcoat on my nail, then I used the same orangewood stick to pick up the stud and applied it over the fresh dot of topcoat. Once all the studs were placed I sealed the design in with a quick dry topcoat so that it would last.  I love using studs to dress up my nails. I find with just a couple easy steps, you can really bring a look to life.

I really adore how unique these are, I am always looking for great studs to use and these certainly fit the bill.  You can pick a set up of these yourself here or search item #14738,  you can also use coupon code AFLW10 to get 10% off your order. Also while you are there don't forget to check out their newly released set of stamping plates. I for one, am in love with that adorable Christmas plate! Oh, and the peacock plate! I have such a weakness for stamping paltes! :P Anyway, till Next time Kittens! <3


**These products were sent for review, however all opinions are my own.** To see more information please see my disclosure policy.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

KBShimmer Rust No One and Colors By Llarowe Orange Crush Comparison.

Heya Guys!!


I have a bit of a different post today. Recently I bought KBShimmer Rust No One, which is a gorgeous, red leaning orange holo, that is just perfect for fall. It arrived today, and upon unpacking it I noticed that it reminded me of something I already have. I searched my helmer and pulled out Colors By Llarowe Orange Crush, and sure enough the bottle shots made me wonder how close these two really were...so you get a comparison post today!


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As you can see, the bottle shots make them look pretty close, but how close are they really??  Read on to find out!


My pointer and ring are KBShimmer Rust No One, and my middle and pinky are Colors By Llarowe Orange Crush. I did 2 coats of both polishes, and a top coat of KBShimmer Clearly on Top.

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As you can see, NOT dupes, although  they are really close. I would definitely say sister polishes for sure! KBShimmer Rust No One leans a bit more red then Orange Crush does, and in most lighting you can tell the difference between the two, however, under dim lighting I wasn't really able tell so they are certainly close. Both polishes applied amazingly well, KBShimmer Rust No One is a tad more thick then CBL Orange Crush, but both are really easy to work with.  The holo on both is almost exactly the same in strength and look, neither washes out in the shade, and both make a bright, but not overly strong rainbow in the sun.

So, now the question is, do you need both!? The polish addict in me says yes since they aren't dupes, but they are pretty close, and Orange Crush was a limited release Super Bowl polish, so it might be hard to track down. I would say if you missed out on that, Rust No One is a great substitute and a good way to squash that CBL lemming if you have been lusting after it. Both are great polishes, and honestly I am glad both are in my collection!

Alright guys and gals I think that covers it for today. I know this isn't a normal post for me, but I really hope you guys liked it. I actually had a lot of fun doing this, so perhaps if this is received well I will do some more posts like this! Till next time Kittens! <3

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

OPI You're So Vain-illa Gets the Neon Treatment!

Heya Guys!

Happy Tuesday! Today I wanna show off something a bit on the softer/simpler side.  OPI You're So Vain-illa, from the recent Coca-Cola collection. This is a soft, yellowish beige colour, that although is somewhat close to OPI My Vampire is Buff, it is much warmer. I would say they are sisters, but certainly not the same.


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I also couldn't resist, adding a Matte top coat to this, since I was dying to see how it would look. I really love it both ways, but I think I prefer the matte look a tad more.Which one do you like better!?

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To get this look, I started with a base of You're so Vain-illa on all my fingers, once that was dry I stamped using Pueen  Encore plate SE01A in Mundo De Unas Neon Pink 29. The studs are from Born Pretty Store. The Matte top coat is OPI Matte Top Coat.As I said above, super simple, but I do love the end result!

You're So Vain-illa went on super smoothly, and only needed 2 coats to be opaque. I just love how creamy this is, it makes a great palate cleanser, or the perfect backdrop to nail art depending on your mood. I went a bit on both sides for this mani cause sometimes, we need a little simple nail art in our lives, and this fits the bill perfectly. It is simple and elegant, without being too plain Jane, the neon pink  really adds a nice bit of flavor.

Alright guys and gals, I think that covers it for today! I know, I am still wearing so many neons, you must be getting sick of them! Ha! I think I am trying to get my fix before fall officially sets in! Is anyone else trying to fit in all the neons they can before fall!? Or is that just me? Let me know! Till next time Kittens! <3

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Maybelline Bleached Neons Dry Brushed and Stamped.

Hey Guys!

Happy Saturday! I am glad it is the weekend, although the cooler weather we have been having, I am not on board with yet! I am still not quite ready for fall and today's nails are a testament of that, since they are anything but fall colours! A while back, I mentioned that I had won a giveaway, and there was some really awesome polishes in it. Well one of the prizes was the Maybelline Bleached Neons. Today's post features a few of them!





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First things first, although the bleached neons, apply alright, not great but alright, they had a terrible self leveling issue. I gave up after 3 coats. Maybe today wasn't my day, or I have been spoiled to much by awesome to apply polishes,  but either way, I advise super extreme caution when applying these, since they had more then a few hiccups and some of my images show that :l I still love the colours, even if they weren't the most fun to work with though!

To get this look, I started with a base of  Maybelline Day Glow Teal on my pointer, Maybelline Ultra Violet on my thumb (not shown)  and pinky, and Rica Whiteout on my middle and ring fingers. Once that was dry, I did a glitter gradient on my pinky using Loaded Lacquer Fluffy Macaroons, which is a super fun and whimsical glitter.  I then took Day Glow Teal, Ultra Violet, and Citrus Collide and did the dry brush technique over Whiteout, once I was satisfied with the coverage of my dry brush, I top coated to speed up dry time, and then stamped over it, with  MoYou London Princess Plate 14 in Mundo De Unas Peach. I then top coated everything with HK Girl.

I really love how fun and whimsical this is, and even though it is much more suited to spring/summer then fall, I still love it. As I said before, I am totally not ready for fall yet, so I am still squeezing in some spring/summer manis! :P Is anyone else totally not ready for fall yet? Or have you totally embraced everything fall??

Alright guys and gals, I think that covers it all for today! I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend, I am relaxing and trying to soak up some sun. Till next time Kittens! <3 

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Colors By Llarowe: Watermarbling, Glitter, and Stamping, Oh My!

Heya Guys!

I hope everyone is having a good week, mine has been busy as I play catch up from slacking all last week. :P I recycled Wednesdays mani since I wasn't over how awesome Connie You Saucy Minx is, and this is what I came up with!


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I think I like this "recycled" look better then the original. The last one had it's charms, but the far from perfect stamping, really bugged me up close, where as this one turned out exactly as I saw it in my head.


To get this look, I started with a base of Rica Whiteout on my thumb (not shown) middle and pinky fingers, and left the original mani of Colors By Llarowe Connie You Saucy Minx on my pointer and ring fingers. Once Whiteout was dry, I water marbled  using Sally Hansen Green With Envy, and China Glaze Grape Pop. Since I am still learning to water marble it was a slow process, but it actually went pretty well! I feel like every time I try this, it gets a little easier and little less fail! lol Once that was dry, I top coated with China Glaze Fairy Dust, cause seriously, who doesn't love some Fairy Dust!? and then a coat of HK Girl to speed up the drying process. I then stamped using MJ Plate VII in Mundo De Unas Violet 14. I then top coated that, and voila! water marble stamped nails! 

I was worried there would be to much going on with this, but I decided I liked the idea in my head enough to just go for it and I am so glad I did! I love the end result, since you can still see the pretty water marble underneath.

 As a side note, I mentioned  in this post about using OPI Glitter Off! as a base coat, and just realized I never updated you guys! It did last, it lasted another 2 days after that post was up, when I finally did take it off, no nails had popped off yet so I probably would have gotten more time out of it, had I not needed to change my polish for my sanity! So my verdict? I love Glitter Off! I know for a lot of people it didn't work at all, but something in my chemistry works wonders with it, so it is definitely something I will keep using, in fact I wore it on Wednesdays mani and I am still wearing it on this one. I would suggest trying it, and seeing for yourself, cause worst case scenario, it can be used around your nails as a quick clean up if it doesn't last on you, and best case, you have an awesome long lasting base coat that peels off! 

Alright guys and gals, I think that covers it for today. I hope everyone is enjoying Connie You Saucy Minx as much as I am, or at the very least isn't sick of  it! :P I promise my next post will feature a new polish! haha Till next time Kittens! <3



Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Colors By Llarowe Connie You Saucy Minx!

Heya Guys!!


Today I want to show off Colors By Llarowe Connie You Saucy Minx and how I wore it, Connie You Saucy Minx is a jaw dropping blurple jelly, with the most gorgeous intense shimmer, (which of course my camera refused to pick up!)














The shimmer in this is super intense, butas you can see, my lightbox dulled it a lot! I promise you though, it is there! This applied amazing, I know I say all CBL's  apply great, but honestly with this much shimmer and the fact that it is a jelly I was super impressed with how well it applied. I did 3 thin coats, although it was pretty much good at 2, I was just worried about nail line with the camera, since it is a jelly.  My photos also lean a bit more on the blue side then it is in RL. It is a lot more purple then my photos show. 

To get this look, I started with a base of Connie You Saucy Minx on my pointer and ringer fingers, and a base of piCture pOlish  Honey Dew on my thumb (not shown) middle and pinky fingers. Once that was dry, I stamped with MoYou London Princess Plate 12  in Mundo De Unas Violet. The studs are from Born Pretty Store.

I am still a bit on the fence with this look, I love the colours, and sometimes I look at this and love the look, but then others I look down at it and think..yeah not my favourite...lol!  What do you think!? 


Alright guys and gals, I think that covers it for today. I want to offer a super huge apology for being away all last week. With my favourite person being here, I simply lost track of days and before I knew it a whole week had passed and I realized I hadn't posted! :l I am really sorry about that, I know I said I wouldn't slack!! I hope you all can find it in yourselves to forgive me!? *offers up cute puppy dog eyes*  


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Indigo Bananas Maui Wowee goes Neon!

Hi Guys!


Today I want to show off a super gorgeous polish, Indigo Bananas Maui Wowee. Maui Wowee is an ice blue purple duo-chrome, with a bit of a foil like finish and a linear holo in the sun.  I am a bit pressed for time today, since my favourite person is still here, so let's get right to it!

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As you can see, I managed to capture a bit of the holo in my lightbox, and although this isn't a blinding in your face holo, it is stronger in person. There is so much going on in this polish, it is hard to narrow down what I love best. I think I would have to say the duo-chrome, which is super surprising, since I am much more of a holo addict then a duo-chrome addict. This polish applies really nicely,  without any dragging issues, although I will mention, wait a bit in between coats, or you will run the risk of dragging. This was 3 thin coats. It was opaque at 2, but I added a third for colour depth. 

To get this look, I started with a base of Indigo Bananas Maui Wowee on my thumb (not shown) middle and pinky fingers, and a base of Rica Whiteout on my pointer and ring fingers. Once that was dry, I stamped using Fun Plate 03 in Mentality Deuce, and then again stamping over that image with Fun Plate 03 in Mundo De Unas 29 Neon Pink. The studs came from a stud wheel of neon studs off eBay. 


I know, it is September, and that means fall colours, but as you can see, I am not quite ready to let go of summer. I think I will have to get in a few more neon-eque manis, before I finally submit to fall. Speaking of the end of summer, I hope everyone who celebrates Labour Day had an awesome weekend! I relaxed mostly, and soaked up the last official weekend of summer with some swimming and a bbq. 

Alright guys and gals, I think that mostly covers it for today. My favourite person is still here till the end of the week, and so I really should be getting back to playing hostess! I will have at least 1 more post this week, but I may be able to find some down time to squeeze in another! *fingers crossed!*  Till next time Kittens! <3