Rose are Red, Violets are Blue

Hello Lovelies! Today's nails are inspired by the poem 'Roses are red, violets are blue.' Of course, I always thought violets are violet, so that's the color I used for my violets. I created these for this week's WNAC, floral prompt…

Materials I used:

Base coat - I.A.M…Custom Color Cosmetics 'Cement Sticky Basecoat'

White polish - Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear 'White On'

Rose image - Pueen image plate Nature Lover 01

Violet image - Uber Chic Beauty image plate 5-02

Black stamping polish from bornprettystore.com

Red polish - IAMCCC 'Ixchel'

Dark purple polish - IAMCCC 'Enabler'

Medium purple polish - IAMCCC 'Secret Society of Poobahs'

Green polish - Revlon 'Emerald'

Fab Ur Nails squishy stamper and scraper

Small detail brush

Topcoat - IAMCCC 'Diamond Pro'

I started with a white base color over my protective base coat. 

I created a stamped decal for the rose and violets. It's fairly simple to create. Pick up the image, use a small detail brush fill in the image with desired colors. Apply a quick drying topcoat over the image. Peak the image from the stamper when it's dry. Apply a layer of topcoat to your nail and then gently place and press the decal onto the nail. Trim the excess decal with either scissors or nail clippers. 

Use gentle acetone and a brush to carefully remove any remaining extra decal, the acetone will also help mend any lose decal to the polish underneath. Finish up with a layer of your favorite topcoat. 

I repeated this process to create the violet. The initial image included two flowers but I was only able to use one flower. 

With this nail art design I have completed another month of WNAC. I'm hoping to be able to do next months challenge but I'm getting close to my delivery date and the arrival of our little guy. I appreciate all of you sticking with me through my sporadic posting. I'll keep posting for as long as I can, before I take a break. Thank you for stopping by, see you next time. 

Your Fellow Plebe,

Half Moon Radial Mani

Hello Lovelies!  This week's Nail Art Nation prompt of the week is Half Moons, and I've had this design in mind for a while, so this was the perfect opportunity to create them...

Materials I used:
Base coat - Dream Polish 'Smooth Gem'
Polishes - Gothic Gala Lacquers 'It's Green, Sir' & 'Partner in Crime'
Binder reinforcement dots
Striping tape
Topcoat - Sweet & Sour Lacquer 'Gloss Sauce'

After applying my ridge filler base coat, I applied two coats of my green and yellow polishes.  I alternated the colors to make them a little more interesting.  I choose these colors to give this mani a slightly St. Patrick's Day feel.  Both of these colors 'It's Green, Sir' & 'Partner in Crime' were limited edition polishes that Gothic Gala no longer offers, however, she has many other gorgeous polishes available, and I just love everything she makes.  Of course, I topped these base colors with a quick drying topcoat, because I used tapes to create the design.

After my topcoat was dry, I placed a binder reinforcement dot at the smile line of my cuticle. I cut the top of the reinforcement to allow it to flex more, so that I could get the placement I preferred.  I then used five stripes of stripping tape, to create a radial line affect.  Basically, I picked the center point at my cuticle and extended each tape from that point.  I then applied my secondary color (green over yellow, and yellow over green) over top, remove tapes immediately, in reverse order of application (so not to pull overlapping tapes and make a mess).

As usual, perform any necessary cleanup with gentle acetone and a brush, and apply your favorite topcoat.

This design is simple and fun.  I like this color combo because it has a slightly retro feel to it.  I think it is the mustardy yellow that lends to this vibe.  If I had used a gold versus the yellow this would be a perfect St. Patty's Day design.  I hope you enjoyed this nail art design, thanks for stopping by, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,

  

Smooshy Nails Sunday Collaboration

Happy Sunday Lovelies! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend so far.  This week I decided to participate in my first #smooshynailsunday collaboration. Four lovely Instagram nail artists, @nailsbychablis, @renai_madison, @nail_it_rong, and @dorisylhow, have been hosting this weekly collaboration for a bit and I just love doing smooshy nails, so I thought it was about time I jumped in on this challenge.

This week's colors were chosen by the lovely Chablis and included: holo purple, dark purple, and lilac. (Photo from below is from Doris' Instagram page, and are not the actual polishes I used.)

For my polishes I used Monster Polish 'For Peep's Sake!!!' (holo purple), I.A.M…Custom Color Cosmetics '30 Minute Work Week' (dark purple), and China Glaze 'In a Lily Bit' (lilac). Sadly, I failed to take a bottle shot picture before I put all my photo stuff away (and I'm too lazy to get it all out for one picture). 

In my opinion smooshy nails, or smoosh attack nails as I've referred to them in the past, are really fun and easy to create. They require little to no skill, and don't require many tools. There is really no way to do them wrong. 

This is how I like to create my smooshy nails: start by applying your favorite base coat, and something to protect your skin (either liquid latex or tape). Using a stamper, dot the polishes randomly on the surface. I found that using smaller dots worked best for me. Then Simply smoosh the polishes directly onto your nail. Repeat until you are satisfied with the appearance and opacity. 

Once, your happy with your smoosh remove your protection, perform any necessary cleanup with gentle acetone and a brush, and don't forget to apply your favorite topcoat.  It's really that simple! 

Here are a few other pointers I can provide for you that might help with your smooshy journey: 

🔹If your colors are not very opaque start with a coat of the lightest smoosh color. 

🔹If you want your colors to appear brighter, try a white base coat. 

🔹If you want a more spotty look (a little more color separation) use smaller dots of polish, and give them just a couple of seconds to set before smoothing them onto your nails. Use a direct press or dabbing motion. 

🔹If you are looking for a more blended appearance use slightly larger dots of polish. When smoothing the polish onto your nail, do so with a slight twist or swiping motion. 

🔹Don't have a stamper but want the same look, try out the plastic baggy method. Dab or dot polishes directly on to the nail and use plastic to smoosh the polish. 

I love this smoosh so much, Chablis picked out a wonderful color combination. I did apply some stamping over the top of this, but it came out so poorly that I didn't even bother taking pictures. Besides, this smoosh is just too pretty!

This weekly collaboration is available to anyone that want to join, so if your on Instagram be sure to follow one of the lovely hosts for the weekly color post. If you would like to see who else participated in this collaboration, checkout one of the host's Instagram feed and look for the picture below for the complete list. Also checkout my Instagram page, if you haven't already, @polish_plebe, I post there slightly more frequently, and add little snippets of my personal life too. 

I hope you enjoyed this super easy design, and found the tips useful. Thanks for stopping by, see you next time. 

Your Fellow Plebe,

Broken Hearts Pond Mani

Hello Lovelies!  For this week's Weekly Nail Art Challenge (WNAC) prompt the theme is a love/hate pond mani.  Around this time last year I created a Valentine's Day heart pond manicure, at the time I referred to it as Jelly Sandwich Hearts because I was unaware that the technique was actually referred to as a pond manicure.  So, this year I decided to do more of an anti-Valentine's Day design and went with a broken heart pond manicure instead...

Materials I used:
Base coat: Dream Polish 'Smooth Gem'
Sally Hansen's 'Big Smokey Topcoat'
China Glaze 'Seeing Red,' 'Strike a Rose,' & 'Spring in My Step'
Small dotting tool
Small detail brush
Topcoat - Sweet & Sour Lacquer 'Gloss Sauce'

After applying 'Smooth Gem' base coat, currently my favorite ridge filler base, I applied random small dots in a red, medium and pale pink using a dotting tool.  I followed that with a layer of 'Big Smokey Topcoat'.  Then using a small detail brush I painted a heart torn in half.  I followed that with another layer of smokey topcoat.  Then painted more broken hearts over top of this layer.  You can repeat this process for as many layers as you choose, but I recommend 2-3 otherwise you lose your pattern and it can become very busy and messy.

As usual perform any necessary cleanup with gentle acetone and a brush, and apply your favorite topcoat.

I like pond manis because they are not overly complicated.  The most difficult part of a pond mani, is choosing colors that won't wash into each other.  I recommend when creating a pond mani choose highly contrasting tones between your gelly polish and your opaque polish, like black and white, or pale pastels with darker hues.  The contrast in tone will allow you to be able to see you design easier through the gelly layers.

I hope you enjoyed this anti-Valentine's day nail art design, and found the tutorial and tips useful.  Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,

  

Halloween Water Decals - Lady Queen Review

Hello Lovelies! Today, I have a quick review for you of ladyqueen.com Halloween water decals.  Halloween decals?! Isn't a little too early or late for Halloween decals, I hear you asking.  Well, if you are like me there is never a wrong time for a grim Halloween-esque manicure.  Besides, there are some decals on here that are just perfect for your inner goth (or outer, if you like to wear it out there on your sleeve).

These are item #NA0755 - Pattern HOT-303, there are three different patterns you can choose from.  As you can see there are many decals on this one sheet, some are very Halloween specific and others are just ghoulish and fun.

Using water decals are relatively easy, and are a great way to dress up a dull manicure.  They are perfect for beginners because they don't require a great deal of advanced skill.  Start of with painted nails.  I used I.A.M...Custom Color Cosmetics 'Red's Club,' which is a really awesome thermal polish.  Shown here in a cool state, because my fingers are always cold lately.

Trim the desired decal out from the sheet, I choose this bad ass skull and crossbones.  Remove the protective film and submerge decal in water for approximately 10-20 seconds.  It really doesn't matter if the water is warm or cold, I typically use tepid water (it helps warm up my chilly fingers).  Remove the decal from the water. I recommend using a pair of tweezers and to pick the decal from the surface, be careful to only grab the paper backing and not touch the actual decal.  Carefully, slide the decal from the backing, dip the finger you are applying the decal to (to moisten it slightly) in water, and place the decal.  Pat the decal down gently, wetting your finger first will allow you to slide the decal into place without it sticking as much so you can get the desired placement more easily.

Once, the decal is in place and the water is dry from your finger (allow it to air dry for a few seconds), apply a layer of topcoat.  This will help to seal the decal in place and give it a beautiful shine.  Be sure to float the topcoat, otherwise you may pull the decal.

Head on over to ladyqueen.com to checkout their phenomenal collection of water decals, they have a little something for everyone.  No matter what your skill level or style I am sure there is something there you'll like.

While you are on their site checkout their Special Price, Hot Sellers, Top Trends, and don't forget their New Arrivals.  Be sure to use code: QJXS15 for 15% off your next purchase, between their reasonable prices, this generous code, and free shipping it's really a steal.

I hope you found this review useful, and the tutorial and tips helpful.  Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,

  

Love Letters

Hello Lovelies!  Today, I have nails for this week's WNAC Love/Hate Letters prompt.  I choose love letters for a couple of reasons; I've always wanted to create this design, and it gave me an opportunity to recreate one of @letsgetpolished nail art designs for her Instagram giveaway.  Not to mention it gave me the perfect opportunity to use one of my new gorgeous polishes from I.AM...Custom Color Cosmetics 'Love Mythos Collection.'

Materials I used:
Base coat - IAMCCC 'Cement Sticky Base coat'
Blue polish - IAMCCC 'Bastet'
White polish - Sinful Colors 'Snow Me White'
Pink polish - Savina 'Dazzle'
Dotting tool
Small detail brush (also from IAMCCC)
ArtClub Duo nail art stripper/pen 'Black'
Topcoat - IAMCCC 'Diamond Pro'

I started out with two coats of 'Bastet' on all my fingers, except my mid-finger which will be my love letter, after applying my protective base coat.  This blue is perfect for this nail art design because this blue represents the Egyptian goddess of love and fertility.  Besides, its blue which is my favorite color, and this blue is so pretty (see the macro picture at the end of this post to see all the lovely flakies and holo shimmer in this polish).

On my mid-finger I created my love letter envelope, over a white base.  Using the stripper brush of an ArtClub Duo, I drew a triangular flap on one side of my nail.  Then I extended two lines (as if creating an overlapped triangle) slightly up from the point of the previously painted triangle.  My envelope ended up being a little off center, I recommend giving yourself a starting point by placing a small dot in the middle of your nail for reference.

After creating the envelope, I drew a small heart on the seal.  Using a small dotting tool and bright pink polish, I placed two small dots side-by-side.  Switching to a small detail brush, I created a v-shape for the bottom of the heart and filled it in.

I also painted a heart at the smile line of each finger.  To make the pink appear neon over the blue, I first created the heart in white, and then filled in the white heart with the pink polish.

As usual, I performed a small bit of cleanup with gentle acetone and a brush and applied a shiny topcoat.  Sadly, even though I gave the black several minutes to set and floated the topcoat, I still ended up with some slight dragging on my envelope.

Between the blue polish representing Bastet, the Valentine's letter aspect (my favorite thing to get on Valentine's Day), and the fact that it is nail art, this is probably the most loving manicure I've ever created.  I hope you enjoyed this nail art design.  Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,

     

Holo Matte Hearts

Hello Lovelies!  Happy Monday to you all!  Today, I have a super quick nail art design for you.  I recently won a lovely giveaway from I.AM...Custom Color Cosmetics and I couldn't wait to use some of my goodies, so I threw together this quick mani using some of my prizes (not all items used are from the giveaway)...

Materials I used:
Basecoat - Dream Polish 'Smooth Gem'
Pink Holo - Glisten & Glow 'Raspberry Margarita'
Quick drying topcoat - Glisten & Glow 'HK Girl'
Heart shaped nail vinyls from Nails Redesigned
Matte polish - Bad Bitch Polish 'Masker'

After applying my protective ridge filler base coat, I applied two coats of bright pink holo polish.  I topped this with a layer of quick drying topcoat, because I am using vinyls to create my design.

Once, my topcoat was dry, I applied a couple of heart outline vinyls to my ring finger.  I applied a layer of matte polish over top, and than immediately removed the vinyls.  When working with vinyls or tapes and a matte polish, it is important to work quickly to prevent pulling.  I recommend if you are doing multiple fingers to work one finger at a time.

I repeated this process on my pinky finger, as well.  Then I performed a bit of cleanup with gentle acetone and a brush.  I did not apply any topcoat to my pinky or ring finger because I didn't want to negate the matte affect.

I love this color combination, the dark teal green and the bright pink really pop.  I also like the contrasting finishes too.  This makes a great Valentine's Day mani or just a cute mani to wear any ol' time.  I hope you enjoyed this nail art design.  Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,