ABC Challenge: Q is for Q-Tip Manicure

I spent all week thinking I didn't have a single Q polish, so I decided to do something with nail art. I was actually REALLY happy with how this mani turned out. I used Milani's Instant Pearl and then dabbed Essie's Turquoise and Caicos on a Q tip, and rolled it over my nails. The result is a subtle watercolor manicure. The problem? It doesn't photograph well AT ALL. After about an hour of trying, I gave up and just picked the best of the worst. It's really a shame, because in person it's such a sweet peppermint candy manicure.

 

Of course, after I go through all this, I realized that one of my Milani's is called "Quick Teal". *sigh* I need to organize my stash. 

ABC Challenge: P is for Purple Haze

Hey ladies. I'm so sorry I've been absent; as you've probably heard from Kimber, I've been away on vacation in South Africa. I had planned ahead and done my swatches for O before I left, and then left the photos on my other stick. *sigh*
So, here's my belated O: OPI's Live and Let Die.

Now, while on safari, my nails suffered unspeakable breaks. I mean, my right hand is utterly mangled. You can't even speak of nubbins, there's just nothing there. I'm traumatized every time I look at them, and I'm not even sure there's enough nail to get fake extensions. I'll have to see what I do. I may get those awful paste ons from CVS just to cope with it in the meantime. 

My left hand fared a tiny bit better; not much, but there's a little white on the tips at least. So, just, be warned!

I chose Ulta's Purple Haze, and OPI's Pirouette My Whistle for this challenge. I have actually never used an Ulta brand before, and I was not overly impressed. I thought it was very sheer, which some people like, but is just not my personal preference. As for Pirouette, I was obsessed with it when I first bought it, but I fear my constant travelling has caused it to gloop, and by the time I got around to taking photos, it had started to shrink. 

Overall, not my best mani week, although I daresay a lot of it has to do with the fact that I'm just painfully depressed over my nail breakage. I really do like the color combo as a whole, and Pirouette makes everything look like a snow globe, which makes me happy. 

That being said, here are some of my South Africa shots; hopefully they'll make up for me slacking off. =D

In case you couldn't tell from my face, I was petrified, holding that boa constrictor. I have a long-standing fear of snakes, so I was VERY proud of myself for holding one in spite of it.

ABC Challenge: N is for Nailtini

I've been kind of excited for N, because Nailtini is one of my absolute favorite nail polish brands. Not only is the name just amazing, but they did a collab with Janie Bryant to do a Mad Men collection, and since I'm a little obsessed with the fashion on that show, I was incredibly excited for this collection.

Today I'm featuring Blue Carnation, one of my few favorite pastels.

Not only is it a gorgeous eggshell blue, but it matches my favorite tea mug. I am not even ashamed to admit I was wearing this polish when I saw the mug and bought it just because they matched.

ABC Challenge, M is for Mine

Okay I'm late today because earlier I made the mistake of making my very first holographic nail polish. I love it so much I just don't want to take it off, so I talked to Kimber and she agreed that tears would be shed over its removal.

So I'm very selfishly making this post about my own polish.

First photo is two coats, second photo is one coat. This is my first time making a holo, so I'm really excited about how it looks; the draw back being that now I have to wait until I get back from my trip to get the new bottles I want to sell them in.

ABC Challenge: L is for Leopard

First galaxy nails, now leopard nails. I've had an adventurous week in nail art. Haha. I did two different versions of it, because the first one would NOT photograph. Something about the white and the pink just spazzed my camera out, and even topping the pink with purple did nothing to fix it.

Milani's Instant Pearl, Milani's Quick Teal, Orly's Passion Fruit, and OPI's DS Temptation. 

It looks nothing like the tutorial video I watched, but to be honest, I'm so excited that I did some form of nail art that I was still pleased as punch with it.

Regardless, it started chipping like crazy earlier today because I made the bottom layer way too thick, so I decided to do it over with Essie's Armed and Ready, Leading Lady (Ahhh another L! yay!), and Milani's Instant Pearl.

Essie's Armed and Ready, Essie's Leading Lady, and Milani's Instant Pearl. 

Still not reaaaaally a true leopard look, but it's splotchy and colorful, so I like it! That, and I'm a noob, and for being a noob, I think it's good. =D