manicure – Page 17 – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: manicure

Indie Spotlight: Goddess of the Two Lands Collection from Daphine Polish

Posted on August 30, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Friday! I always love discovering new indie nail polish brands, and today I have a review of one that I found on Instagram. Daphine Polish graciously sent me some polishes to review for all of you. Not only were the polishes packaged extremely well, but the bottles themselves are cute, too! Today I’ll be reviewing three polishes from the Goddess of the Two Lands Collection. Let me show you these gorgeous polishes!

First up is Bast, a dark grey polish with multi-colored glitters. Bast has an amazing formula that applies very well and is opaque in two coats. I am loving this one, especially for fall. The multi-colored glitter makes Bast really unique, and I love the added dimension it gives this polish. I definitely recommend this one!

Next up is Isis, a dark purple polish with pink glitters and a scattered holographic shine. Isis also has a great formula and is opaque in two coats. This polish is just beautiful, especially if you like purples. It has a satin finish, which I’m always happy to see. I love Isis just as much as Bast!

Last but not least is Sekhmet, a brown polish with red and purple glitters. Sekhmet is a bit patchy formula wise, so I strongly suggest thin coats. I applied two coats to achieve opacity. Despite the tricky formula, Sekhmet is gorgeous. The glitters really stand out against the base, and make for a sparkly manicure!

All in all, I am really liking these polishes from Daphine Polish! These jewel tones are great for fall, and I love that mini bottles come with a full sized brush. You can purchase the Goddess of the Two Lands Collection on Etsy HERE. The full collection of six polishes is $55, or each full-sized polish is $10. Be sure to follow Daphine Polish on Facebook HERE, and stay tuned for another review on this brand soon!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

What’s Under There? Part Three

Posted on August 22, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! It’s time for another edition of What’s Under There?! In this series, I share with you polishes that I layered under glitters, or used in nail art. Today I’ll be showcasing the polishes that served as the bases in my Kawaii Nail Lacquer post. You can see that review HERE if you missed it. Let me show you what was under those glitters!

First up is L’Oreal Breaking Curfew, a super dark, plum jelly polish. Breaking Curfew is definitely outside of my comfort zone! I got it at Rite Aid a few months ago because I wanted to try something new. Unfortunately, the formula is a bit difficult to work with, but three coats is a full coverage, opaque look. I do love the color, and I think it’s perfect for fall. I might have to try this as a jelly sandwich at some point!

Next up is OPI Skull & Glossbones from the Pirates of the Caribbean Collection! Skull & Glossbones is a gorgeous off-white polish with a hint of green. It is the perfect neutral shade, and applies really nicely. I need two coats to achieve opacity. I really love how Skull & Glossbones is understated and classy at the same time. Even though it is from a retired collection, it is still available on Amazon!

ncLA’s Malibu Beach Babe is up next. This is a deep teal creme polish that just screams “fall” when I put it on despite its summery name. Malibu Beach Babe has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. I’ve worn it twice now, and I’m sure I’ll continue to get even more use out of it. ncLA polish retails for $16, but it is worth the splurge for this one!

Last but not least is Julep Brandt, an off-black creme polish. Brandt is one of my favorite dark polishes of all time. It has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats, and is edgy without being a harsh true black. Brandt is great on its own, but I’ve also used it for nail art. This is just an all-around fabulous polish!

All in all, I hope you liked finding out more about these polishes! Make sure to stay tuned for more What’s Under There? posts in the future! Also, don’t forget to enter my Back to School Giveaway HERE. Leave me a comment telling me your favorite polish in this post!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Spreading the News About Colour Gossip Nail Lacquer

Posted on August 20, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! Today I have some gorgeous polishes from the boutique brand Colour Gossip Nail Lacquer to share with you. I first discovered this brand on Instagram, and couldn’t wait to try out some of their polishes! Colour Gossip graciously sent me a few polishes to review, and I am really impressed with them. Let me show you these amazing polishes!

First up is Just a Tease, a bright pink creme polish. Just a Tease has a perfect formula that is opaque in two coats. I love pink nail polishes, and this one is everything I could ask for from a polish! It is totally work appropriate, yet still girly and fun. If you have been searching for a great pink, I definitely recommend Just a Tease!

Next up is All About Me, a sky blue creme polish. All About Me has a very good formula that is opaque in two coats. The light, milky shade is prone to streaking, so paint with a bit of extra care to avoid that problem. I am truly loving All About Me! It’s not a polish color I typically reach for, but it’s quite pretty! I’m so glad to have All About Me in my collection.

Last but not least is Red Bottoms, a stunning red creme polish. Red Bottoms, of course, alludes to the famous shoes every girl dreams of owning, Christian Louboutins! Whether you wear this on your hands or your feet, I have good news for you. Red Bottoms is a one coat formula! I needed just one coat to get the flawless finish seen in the above photos. Red Bottoms truly is the perfect red nail polish, and I highly recommend it!

All in all, I am loving these polishes from Colour Gossip Nail Lacquer! I’m so impressed with the formulas, and how easily they apply to the nails. The cheeky polish names are a huge bonus as well! You can purchase these polishes on the Colour Gossip Nail Lacquer website HERE, and follow the brand on Facebook HERE. Each polish retails for $9 each.

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

King of Pop Manicure featuring Water Decals from Born Pretty Store!

Posted on August 10, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I am so excited to share with you another review featuring a fabulous and affordable item from Born Pretty Store. So far I’ve tried rhinestones, nail stickers, and Hello Kitty decals, but I was the most nervous to try out some water decals. Once I got the courage to try them out, I was so glad I did! Let me show you these decals and the fun manicure I created.

First up is the sheet of water decals. As you can see, there are a lot of different designs so you can create any type of nail art look you want. Since I love Michael Jackson, I just had to feature him on my nails. How cool is it that he is on this sheet?! I decided to create a King of Pop manicure!

Step one to using the water decals is to paint your nails. You can use any polish, but I decided to use Wet ‘n Wild Megalast in On a Trip. Make sure your polish is 100% dry before you begin to apply the decals. Next, you will need a scissors and a cup of water. These water decals work just like temporary tattoos. Simply cut out the design you want, remove the protective film, and dunk the decal into the water for 10-20 seconds. Then, place the decal on your nail and gently press down to transfer the design. And that’s it!

Now even though that sounds easy, keep in mind it will take a bit of practice. As you can see, I completely smudged the decal on my first try because I applied top coat too soon. Before you finish out your manicure with a top coat, let the decals dry!

After some practice, I got the hang of the decals. Here is my completed King of Pop manicure! Along with the Michael Jackson design, I had to add a crown and some diamonds. As you can see, my crown is a bit lopsided. Make sure you line up the decal on your nail before you press down. I also find that, unlike temporary tattoos, the decals come off easily when you slide them over your nails instead of holding them face down for a few seconds. Even with the imperfections, I’m still loving the result!

All in all, I’m so glad I tried out these water decals! While they do take a bit of trial and error, you will end up with a super cool manicure. The best part is this sheet retails for just $4.73 at Born Pretty Store HERE! Think of the dozens of manicures you can create with just this one sheet! Plus, you can grab an extra 10% off with the coupon code FZL91. As always, Born Pretty offers free international shipping. Be sure to let me know what you think of my King of Pop manicure in the comments!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Zoya Cashmeres Collection for Fall 2013

Posted on August 5, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Today I have the second fall collection from Zoya Nail Polish to share with all of you (check out my PixieDust review HERE). Fall is the perfect opportunity to don your cashmere sweaters, and Zoya has transformed our favorite autumn hues into gorgeous, creamy nail polishes. Let me show you these warm-toned polishes!

First up is Livingston, a true red polish. Livingston is the perfect red! It has a great formula that is opaque in two coats, and is a classic color to wear all year long. Not only is Livingston work appropriate, but it is fierce! With black and white trends in fall fashion, Livingston will be the perfect accessory to your outfits.

Up next is Pepper, a dark, brick red polish. Pepper is also opaque in two coats, and has the same great formula as Livingston. Last fall we saw oxblood nails were all the rage, and it looks like they will be again this season! If you didn’t grab this haute hue last year, I definitely suggest Pepper.

Sailor is next, and is a stunning navy polish. Sailor is definitely my favorite in the Cashmeres collection! It is the perfect navy polish that is opaque in two coats. It’s the perfect alternative to a black nail, since it’s not as harsh, yet it’s still edgy. I’m not usually partial to dark nail polishes, but Sailor is so nice!

The next Cashmere is Hunter, a dark green polish. Hunter screams fall to me — the shade is one of the classic colors of the season! Just as with the other polishes in this collection, Hunter is opaque in two coats and has a flawless formula. If you’ve been hunting for a great green, look no further!

Next up is Louise, a chocolate brown polish. Louise is an amazing one coat formula! I love when that happens! Plus, the color is so rich and pigmented. Louise is really the perfect brown, which I didn’t have in my collection yet. I can see this being great for nail art as well!

Last but not least is Flynn, a camel brown polish. Unfortunately for me, Flynn just looks awful with my skin tone. I feel like I am so close to the dreaded mannequin hands with this one! Despite that personal issue, Flynn still has a great formula and is opaque in two coats. This polish would look beautiful with a darker complexion!

All in all, I am loving the Zoya Cashmeres collection! The formulas are so wonderful, and the colors are just perfect for the fall months. I definitely recommend each polish in the collection, but my favorites are Sailor and Hunter! You can purchase the Cashmeres collection on Zoya’s website HERE for $8 each or $48 for the whole set. Stay tuned for the last fall collection from Zoya Nail Polish soon!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

JulieG Frosted Gumdrops in Blueberry Fizz and Crushed Candy

Posted on July 25, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! As you may know, I am absolutely loving the textured nail polish trend that is sweeping nail nation this season! I was so excited a couple months back when Groupon offered the entire JulieG Frosted Gumdrops Collection for just $12.99. I made sure to grab it for that fabulous price. I’ve loved the two I’ve tried from the collection so far, so I thought I would share them with you today!

First up is Blueberry Fizz, a blue polish with specks of silver glitter. Blueberry Fizz is opaque in two coats, and has a great formula. I definitely recommend waiting for each coat to dry completely before applying another — you don’t want to drag this textured polish! As far as color goes, I love this shade of blue. It’s very close to being metallic without being too harsh of a tone. I would definitely wear Blueberry Fizz into the winter months as well as the summer!

Next is Crushed Candy, a purple polish that also has silver glitter mixed throughout. Crushed Candy is the perfect color — it can be worn to the office, and for a girl’s night out. Plus, it has the same great formula of Blueberry Fizz and is opaque in two coats. I wore Crushed Candy for about a week this summer, and I didn’t want to take it off.

All in all, I am loving the JulieG Frosted Gumdrops Collection! I can’t wait to try out the other colors sometime soon. You can purchase JulieG polishes at your local Rite Aid store, or on Jesse’s Girl Cosmetics’ website HERE. JulieG retails for just $3.99 each! You can also grab some amazing deals on Groupon by joining HERE for free. I’ve been so impressed with the beauty deals in the Groupon Goods section lately! Let me know what you think of JulieG polishes in the comments!

Some of the links above are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Limited Edition Fantastical Plumage Collection from Milani Cosmetics

Posted on July 17, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Wednesday! Earlier this week I showed you the new Retro Glam Collection from Milani Cosmetics (you can see that post HERE if you missed it). Milani is also releasing a second limited edition collection this summer called Fantastical Plumage. It is packed with bright colors and has another fun glitter polish, too. Let me show you this gorgeous collection!

First up is Scarlet Ibis, a fiery red orange polish. As with all of the polishes in this collection, Scarlet Ibis is opaque in two coats and has a great, reliable formula. I love how wearable this polish is even though it is quite bright. Since I’m not a fan of true reds, adding a hint of red to an orange is perfect. Plus, it’s very flattering. Scarlet Ibis can also make the transition from summer to fall easily.

Next is Canary, a true yellow polish. I was actually rather impressed with Canary’s formula, since I have trouble with most yellow nail polishes. While yellow isn’t necessarily my go to shade, Canary is so pretty for summer, and can be used in a variety of nail art looks. I’m thrilled to have this yellow in my collection, and I think it would make a great addition to yours!

Peacock is next, and it is a gorgeous dusty blue polish. This subtle light blue shade is gorgeous for any time of year, and it looks very dainty on the nails. Peacock will also go with a lot of outfits, since the blue is not too “out there”. I don’t think I have another polish like it in my stash!

Up next is Blue Jay, a stunning cobalt blue polish. Blue Jay is just fabulous! I’m a sucker for bright blue nails, and this one does not disappoint. I can’t wait to wear this polish again, and I might even pair it with Peacock for a fun contrast.

The last of the colors in the Fantastical Plumage Collection is Purple Martin, a light purple polish. Purple Martin is stunning, and I just love this color. Plus, the formula is amazing, and pack a high-gloss finish without a top coat. Purple Martin is definitely my favorite polish in the collection!

Last but not least is Carnival, a black and white glitter polish. Carnival has black bar glitters, black hexagons, and white hexagons. I applied one coat to each of the colors, and I’m loving the result! I did have to use special care to ensure I got enough glitters on the brush, but it was not unmanageable. I finished up with a top coat to even the layers, and to complete my manicure.

All in all, the Fantastical Plumage from Milani Cosmetics is so much fun! The bright colors are a perfect way to finish out the summer, and even the bird-themed polish names are so cute. This collection will be available in limited quantitates in August at CVS and Meijer stores. It will also be available to purchase on Milani’s website HERE. Let me know what you think of this collection in the comments below!

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Subscription Sunday | Top 10 Julep Polishes for Summer

Posted on July 7, 2013July 10, 2013 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Subscription Sunday! Today I thought it would be fun to share with you my favorite Julep nail polishes for summer. Julep was the first monthly subscription service that I ever signed up for, and I’ve been a member for over a year now. I currently have forty Julep nail polishes in my collection, so I went through and picked ten polishes that are perfect for the summer sun. Some of these polishes have been reviewed on my blog in the past, but I hope you enjoy and discover a new shade that you love!

First up is Blake, a pastel yellow creme. Blake does not have the perfect formula — as with many yellow nail polishes it can be a bit streaky. Luckily I usually get it even in two to three coats, and the result is gorgeous! I love yellow nails in the summer, and Blake is a beautiful shade. While I love neon yellow, a pastel creme is very dainty and works well with many skin tones.

Next is Charlotte, a dusty light purple creme. Charlotte is a one coat formula, which I absolutely love. It applies perfectly, and the finish is very glossy. I think Charlotte is the perfect choice for those who don’t like ultra-bright nails, and it is also a great transitional polish from summer to fall. If you love purple nails, Charlotte is a must for your collection!

Harper is the next polish on my Top 10 list! It is an aquamarine glitter with hints of blue and an opalescent shine. Harper reminds me of a mermaid, and thus it is a must for summer! It is opaque in three coats, or you can layer it over a blue polish for an oceanic look. Harper is great for laying by the pool, and it surely sparkles in the sunlight. Be sure to let each coat dry completely between layers so you don’t smudge the glitter!

Up next is Lynn, a peachy nude polish with a hint of peach and silver shimmer. Lynn is one of the first Julep polishes I ever got, and I still love it! It is opaque in two coats and has a great formula. Some brushstrokes are visible with Lynn since it is a shimmer, but I personally like the finished look. If you’re stuck in the office all summer, Lynn is definitely work appropriate!

If you’re looking for a classic pink polish, Niecy is for you! It is the perfect bright pink, and has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats. Niecy goes well with any outfit, and will look great no matter what the occasion. I love pink nail polish, and Niecy is one of my all-time favorites!

Up next is Nina, a bright orange polish with a satin finish. Nina is a bit on the thick side, so be sure to limit the amount of polish you have on the brush when applying it. Nina is also opaque in two coats, and dries to look just like orange sherbet! Summer is the perfect time for orange nails, and Nina is a fun option from Julep. While the formula may not be perfect, the color payoff is worth it!

Next on the countdown is Payton, a bright green creme. Payton has a great formula that is opaque in two coats. Make sure you use a healthy layer of base coat with this one, as it can be staining to your nails. I just love green nails, and Payton is the perfect option for summer. I wore it for about a week in June!

Keeping with the green theme is Susie, a mint green creme. Susie has just a hint of mint pigmentation, and looks almost white in direct sunlight. It has an amazing formula that is opaque in two coats, and dries very quickly. Susie is wearable any time of the year, but mint is right on trend for this summer. Everyone needs at least one mint in her collection, and Susie is a great option!

Following Susie is Teri, a bright coral creme polish. Teri has a good formula that is a bit on the thick side. It is opaque in two coats, and has a high-gloss finish. I find that Teri is very flattering for my skin tone, and I think it would look nice on everyone! Teri also isn’t too bright, so if you are looking to step into the bright nail polish world, this is a great option for you.

Last but not least is my holy grail of the Julep world, Yumi. Yumi is a pink, silver, and holographic glitter polish. It can be worn alone in three coats, but I layered one coat over Teri in the photo above. I love Yumi so much that I will need a second bottle soon! It is perfect for nail art, and can be combined with many different shades for a beautiful look. Yumi is just stunning!

All in all, you can see how much I love Julep nail polish! I love getting a box in the mail every month, and the variety of colors is fantastic. You can join the Julep Maven program and get your first month for free using code FREEBOX at checkout HERE. What I love about the program is the ability to skip any month you don’t want to purchase, and the special discounts that Maven members get. Let me know if you join Julep, and what your favorite Julep polish for summer is!

Some of the above links are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Simple Saturday: OPI Planks a Lot from the Pirates of the Caribbean Collection

Posted on June 22, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I have a quick review of a beautiful purple polish from the OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Collection. Even though this collection was limited edition, I spotted this polish at my local CVS a couple months ago. I was so excited to find it, and couldn’t wait to put it on. Let me show you the stunning Planks a Lot!

Planks a Lot is a purple creme polish that I would call a dusty purple. While it’s not quite a pastel shade, it’s definitely not a bright color. I love the color as it’s very unique, and could be worn in any season. Planks a Lot also has a flawless formula that is opaque in two coats. Even though OPI nail polish is a bit more expensive than most polishes I purchase, I find that I almost always love the formula and application. It’s nice to splurge every once in a while! I found myself staring at my nails a lot when I was wearing Planks a Lot!

All in all, I am so happy this nail polish appeared at my local CVS store! I have good luck finding discontinued OPI polishes there, so I suggest trying your luck at your CVS, too! I know that not every location carries OPI, but keep an eye out. You can also grab Planks a Lot on Amazon for an affordable price. It is currently selling for just $4.70 HERE. Hopefully I’ll be able to snag the rest of the OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Collection soon!

Urban Outfitters Freakin Pink — My Favorite Clearance Find Ever!

Posted on June 11, 2013August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! As you know, Adventures in Polishland is dedicated to fabulous and affordable nails, so I am always hunting for nail polish bargains. A few weeks back I got an email from Urban Outfitters letting me know it was time for the 50% off clearance sale. That means that everything on clearance was an additional 50% off the sale price. I headed to the nearest store and found that several nail polishes were marked down to just $0.49 with the extra discount! I had to grab a few for myself, and I am so glad I did. Let me share with you my favorite clearance find of all time!

Here is Freakin Pink in all its glory! Not only is this polish a neon, bubblegum pink, but it dries to a matte finish! I surely did not expect this polish to have a matte look, but it was a fantastic surprise. Plus, Freakin Pink has an amazing formula that applies with ease. It is opaque in two coats, and doesn’t require top coat due to its unique finish. Freakin Pink is perfect for the summer and is on trend with the neon craze!

All in all, I love everything about this polish, from its bright color to its colorful name! I am beyond happy to have found this polish in the clearance section at Urban Outfitters for just $0.49, especially when the regular price is $5! Talk about fabulous and affordable nails! You can still find Freakin Pink online for the regular price as part of the Urban Outfitters Basics Collection HERE. Stop by your local store to see if you can snatch one up for a discounted price, too!