Goblins, Ghost, and Gouls (Oh My)

Happy Halloween!

Everyone be safe and enjoy the candy

 

I Wear The Ribbon

One thing that I enjoy in October besides the weather changing and Halloween parties is how everyone pulls together to bring awareness to Breast Cancer.  You can see how everything becomes pink with the signature ribbon and the proceeds go towards research.  Coffee mugs, paper/pens, even pro football players aren't immune to the pink by sporting pink gloves and cleats!  

Fingernail polish is no different.  Three of my favorite brands OPI, Essie, and China Glaze all came out with a small collection in honor of the women who have battled this disease, the ones who have lost the struggle and to the ones who are currently still fighting.  I love the fact that everyone, men and women, are truly finding creative ways to raise money to help find a cure for Breast Cancer.  You can also help by donating or volunteering at local events which are sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the cure by clicking here.

A group of wonderfully unique women and myself (each affected by breast cancer differently, by either knowing someone who had this disease or by actually battling the disease themselves) donated and raised money to create a Romance Basket to be raffled off.  We then donated what we earned to Susan G. Komen and a few of us even walked the 5K!  Please do your part in helping to end this disease that has affected millions...

The Romance Basket we auctioned off

Nail Brushes vs. Paint Brushes

In today's economy the words "save" or "saving" has become sacred as everyone tries to find new ways to cut cost without cutting quality.  I myself have jumped on the bandwagon with millions of do-it-yourself(ers) as I'm constantly searching on Google and Youtube in order to practice or perfect my craft.  One thing that I kept coming upon was the fact that we can use paint brushes in replace of expensive nail brushes.  Well really this makes sense; they make perfect make-up brushes.

So I decided to go on my own little scavenger hunt.  First, I went to my local beauty supply store (which caters to license professionals) and choose a high-quality #6 Acrylic brush.  Depending on the brand the price range was between $12 - $23 per brush.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture like I wanted to b/c the sales associate kept peaking around the corner with this look on her face asking me if I needed anything.  Any by "kept peaking" I was really only in the store for about three minutes and she had already asked me 5 times (you do the math).  I could see if I came in with a trench coat and it was 101 degrees outside with a recyclable shopping bag but I didn't...geez.  So I didn't take the picture b/c I didn't want her to think  I was casing the place to come back and take them out of all their nail brushes (lol)!

I literally walked next door to this amazing craft store and right in the front when you first walked in where brushes made with the same quality materials (some even better) and found a #6 brush for $3.65 (and they were an extra 20% off).  I bought two and so far no complaints.

Verdict = paint brushes with the same size, shape, and quality materials that you need are so worth it; and NO ONE likes a paronoid skeed-up sales associate (smile)

Smoochies

Nail Appliques Rock!

I went to Sally's Beauty Supply with only two intentions in mind. One...to grab a few new fingernail polish shades and the other; I needed some fingernail files (I filed the others to the bare-no-grit bone).  So I'm walking around the store with the BF getting irritated with myself b/c I knew I should have came alone b/c I know that the BF is going to start getting antsy when I pick up one red...put it back down...pick up another...put it back down.  I knew the color that I had in mind but to him all of them looked the same and he was just wishing "that I'll hurry up already" and pick one (if it was only that simple)!  But call me a self-cutter b/c I like having him around, b/c once he sees a color (that would look great on a car) then it usually ends up being the color I get and love.
So n e way I'm looking and I come across Nail Bliss Appliques.  I've had some horror stories with so called nail appliques which really end up being nail stickers and basically look like thick "nail stickers" on top of your nails, but these were totally different.  Thin and blended well on my nails.  You guys check them out for yourselves and tell me what you think.  Until then...

Smoochies

Tribal Print Nail Art Design

Browsing endless photos of nail art is common for me, so recently I kept coming across this nail art design that many were calling the "Tribal Print".  I love the fact that you can use different colors, change your design, put on one nail as a statement piece or all ten!  So of course that meant that I had to try this.  I decided to paint my nails with China Glaze's Flying Dragon with one accent nail.  After I finished I knew this would be one of my go to designs when I wanted to impress but didn't want to put too much time into it.  The tribal print nail art that I choose was very easy to do but still held a bold presence.  To me a great nail art design is one that you go about your everyday activities and everyone notices.  Sign your credit card receipt and the cashier gushes, put your hand on your chin and everyone around immediately grabs your hand to get a better look...This design is definitely a winner!

Smoochies

Graffiti Kisses Nail Art

I just wanted to have a a little fun with my nail art so I added some thick gray leopard spots and free-hand hot pink kisses on top.  I took the bf to the Cheesecake Factory for his birthday dinner and our waitress was absolutely in love with it.  After they finish singing happy birthday (because u know that I had to embarrass him) she turned to the other waitresses and immediately showed them my nail art; take into consideration that I was in the middle of putting a big peace of Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake into my mouth.  So imagine me trying not to laugh too hard or talk too much since I knew that my teeth probably looked like I had been eating dirt.  But I gained a few new clients over this graffiti nail art design so just maybe they didn't notice...or they just didn't care!

Smoochies

Happy 4th of July!

I have to admit that this is one of my favorite holidays.  To me its not only a Declaration of Independence, but a day to official get out and enjoy summer and everything that summer has to offer.  Whether it's cooking out on the grill, sipping on something fruity (mine contains alcohol) in your lawn chair, splashing in the pool or going to the beach for family vacations; I believe that just because you're relaxing doesn't mean you have to relax on style.  Flip/Burn those hamburgers and hotdogs while rocking one of the eight Fourth of July Nail designs that I created.  Their simple but give you the impact of everyone's attention that you'll desire.  Below are close-ups of a few:

Everyone have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!!!

Smoochies

Galaxy Manicure

 
Not sure if you guys have heard of the Galaxy Manicure but one word...awesome!  When I first came across this design I knew I was going to have to try it; turns out it's quite simple.

• Start with a dark background (I used China Glaze Liquid Leather)

•  Using make-up sponges start to dab on the colors one by one (making sure to blend) that you have picked out to use (bright pinks and purples, grayish blues, and maybe even burnt oranges will show up better when layering)

• When you have reached you desired effect; using a dotting tool (or toothpick or the end of a bobby pin) dot different sizes of white polish for the moon and a few stars

• Using a sheer glitter polish (I used Orly's Shining Star) lightly brush on to represent a starry atmosphere

• Top with a quick Dry Top Coat (I use Seche Vite and of course use a base coat so the dark colors will not bleed into your nail bed and will help the manicure to last longer; I use China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat)  

I received so many request for this design when I first rocked it.  I absolutely love this manicure because of the many ways you can customize it.  Instead of having just a moon try including some planets!  I say go crazy and as always make your own fashion statement...

Smoochies

 Colors Starting From Back Left to Right:  Pelican Gray, White on White

Front Row Colors Left to Right:  Liquid Leather, Shocking Pink (Neon), Flying Dragon (Neon)

 Dotting Tool