nail art – Page 6 – Adventures in Polishland

Tag: nail art

Yi Kou Nail Wraps from Born Pretty Store

Posted on April 22, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Tuesday! First, I want to take a moment and let you know that I will only be posting 1-2 times per week for the next few weeks. It is finals season at school, and the majority of my time will be spent studying. But don’t worry – I’ll be back to my normal schedule soon enough!

Now onto today’s nail polish post! I tested out some nail wraps from the brand Yi Kou for the first time. These wraps are available at Born Pretty Store, one of my favorite online retailers for nail art supplies. If you’ve been a follower of mine for a while now, you’ll know that I love testing out funky products from Born Pretty Store! I was so excited to try out these nail wraps in particular, because the design is perfect for spring.

Each pack of Yi Kou nail wraps comes with two sheets of seven wraps. These wraps are super easy to apply – all you do is find the size that fits your nail, peel off the protective paper, and gently smooth the wrap over your nail starting at the cuticle. If you have any excess, use a nail file in a downward motion to trim off the extra. There truly is no drying time, and you have a complete nail art look in minutes!

I am loving the final result with these wraps! The colors are bright and fun, and I really like the abstract pattern. I did seal the manicure with my Essie Good to Go top coat, just to make sure the edges were sealed down, and to give my manicure a “real polish” look. I wore these nail wraps for three days before removing them, and only experienced light tip wear. Removal was also surprisingly easy! I carefully peeled off the wraps, and they came off just fine without leaving any sticky residue. I’m not sure how that happened, but I’ll take it!

All in all, I am very impressed with the Yi Kou nail wraps! They measure up to the high end nail wraps that I’ve tried, but each set costs only $2.38! The design I’m showing you in this post is #K1026, but there are other designs to choose from as well. You can purchase these nail wraps HERE, and don’t forget to use discount code FZL91 to get an additional 10% off. As always, there is free worldwide shipping at Born Pretty Store. Have you tried any of the Yi Kou nail wraps from Born Pretty Store? If so, let me know your thoughts in the comments!

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

Pinspiration | Eyeshadow Sponge Gradient Nails

Posted on March 27, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! I’ve been trying to perfect gradient nails since I started this blog nearly two years ago. No matter what method I try, I just can’t get it down! I recently spotted THIS pin that suggested an eyeshadow sponge as the tool to use when creating a gradient manicure, so I had to give it a try. I first tested it out with Zoya’s new polishes (see that post HERE), but wanted to create another look. Let me show you my gradient nails!

To create this look I used two of my all-time favorite polishes – Essie Butler Please and Essie Play Date. First, I painted a full manicure using Butler Please. I let that dry a bit, and then took a clean eyeshadow sponge, added a drop of Play Date to it, and carefully dabbed it at the top of each nail. Then, I used the other side of the applicator, and repeated the process with Butler Please until I got the look the way I liked it. I completed the manicure by adding a coat of Essie Good to Go! top coat.

I am loving the result! It’s still not quite perfect, but I’m really getting the hang of this gradient method, and plan on using it for all my gradient looks in the future. Not only is this technique simple, but you can use nearly any nail polishes you like. If you don’t have any spare eyeshadow sponges, check your local drugstore or grab THIS pack on Amazon. They are super affordable, and one pack will last for several manicures. Let me know what you think of my eyeshadow sponge gradient in the comments!

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

Simple Saint Patrick’s Day Nail Art!

Posted on March 17, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! Since today is Saint Patrick’s Day, I thought I would put together a quick post featuring simple nail art. If you’re still looking for a festive manicure idea, this look is perfect for you! Plus, if you’re like me and you don’t celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, you can wear this manicure to cheer on my favorite NBA team – the Boston Celtics! Let me show you the nail art I created.

To create this manicure, I grabbed two polishes from my collection – Julep Payton as the perfect Saint Pat’s green, and Zoya Jacqueline as the base for my accent nail. I applied two coats of Payton on all of my nails, except for my ring finger, where I applied three coats of Jacqueline. Once my manicure was completely dry, I carefully used a dotting tool (I got mine on Amazon HERE) to create a shamrock. I then finished up with Essie Good to Go top coat.

I hope you like this super fast and simple manicure! I recently purchased my dotting tools, and am still getting the hang of using them, so I hope to have more nail art looks coming up soon. I hope those of you who celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day are having a fun and safe day!

Some of 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 Monet Special Effect Topper | Swatches & Nail Art

Posted on March 6, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Earlier this week, I showed you the complete Zoya Awaken Collection (see that review HERE). In addition to those stunning polishes, Zoya also released a new special effect top coat called Monet. Zoya describes Monet as a multi-colored, cellophane holographic topper, and I completely agree! I decided to try it with all of the Awaken polishes, and in a nail art look as well. In each of the manicures below, I applied one coat of Monet, followed with one coat of the butter LONDON Hardwear top coat.

Monet over Dot

Monet over Cole

Monet over Hudson

Monet over Dillon

Monet over Rebel

Monet over Brooklyn

Before I show you the nail art I created, I just wanted to mention Monet’s formula. It is a bit thick, but it’s very easy to work with. The glitters apply with ease, and as you can see, one coat provides a great amount of glitters.

Last but not least is a nail art look I created using Dot, Cole, and Monet. I finally found an easy gradient technique, so I began with that and applied Monet on top. I’m loving it so much! If you would like to see a tutorial on this manicure, please let me know in the comments!

All in all, Monet is a gorgeous top coat that goes with basically any and every nail polish! It retails for $10 on Zoya’s website HERE. While a bit more than I usually like to pay, Monet is a great investment polish. I highly recommend it, and will be sure to wear it often!

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

Neon Nails featuring Star Studs from Born Pretty Store

Posted on February 15, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Today I have a really fun manicure to share with you featuring some star studs from Born Pretty Store. When I got the studs in a neon color, I decided to create a nail art look that would be perfect for any 80s throwback party. Let me show you the totally rad manicure!

First, here is a look at the packet of studs. For just $3.37, you get 200 studs! Think of all the nail art looks you can create with this one packet! These studs also come in eight different colors, so you can choose your favorite. I got the lime green, or shade #4. They can be purchased HERE.

As a base for my neon nails, I grabbed Spoiled in Plastic Flamingo, one of my all-time favorite polishes. When the polish was still tacky, I used some long-nose tweezers to place the studs on my nails. I placed one stud on the base of each nail, and three in a diagonal on an accent nail. The tweezers made this process really easy, so I definitely recommend using them as a helpful tool.

All in all, I’m loving this neon manicure! The colors are so fun and vibrant, and the studs are so easy to use. Whether you’re looking for a themed look for a special occasion, or simply want to liven up your normal manicures, I think these star studs are a great choice. You can grab them on Born Pretty’s website for an extra 10% off with code FZL91. Have you tried any nail studs? Show me what you create on my Facebook Page!

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

Vintage Inspired Floral Nail Art featuring Water Decals from Born Pretty Store!

Posted on February 13, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Thursday! Today I have another review of some water decals from the online retailer Born Pretty Store. I’ve tried water decals a few times now (see my King of Pop Manicure HERE), but this time around I had more control over my nail art design and decided to take it in a vintage direction. Let me show you the water decals and the manicure I created!

Unlike the other water decals I’ve tried in the past, this sheet does not have any pre-made shapes or designs. Instead, the design is separated into rectangular blocks that can be cut into any shape or size. I decided to cut the decals into a variety of shapes to keep my manicure interesting!

I began my manicure with SinfulColors Mint Apple, a beautiful dusty green with shimmer (full review HERE). Once my polish was completely dried, I cut the decals into the shapes I desired, removed the protective film, and dipped them into water for a few seconds. The water decals work just like temporary tattoos. The design slides right off the paper backing when wet, and you can easily position the decals onto your nails using your fingers. Once the decals are dry, finishing up with a top coat and you’re good to go!

All in all, I’m really loving these water decals! I only used two of the rectangular blocks on the sheet to create this look, so I can be sure to get more use out of it in the future. You can purchase this sheet of decals on Born Pretty Store’s website HERE for just $2.98. I chose design number 10, but there are lots of others as well. As always, use code FZL91 to get an extra 10% off your purchase, and enjoy free international shipping. Let me know what you think of my nail art 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.

Valentine’s Day Nail Art | Free Hand Hearts

Posted on February 8, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so I thought it would be fun to create a simple, nail art look. I grabbed two of my favorite nail polishes, and decided a free hand design would be quick and easy. Let me show you the manicure I put together!

To create this manicure, I started out with a base of Wet ‘n Wild Megalast in On a Trip (full review HERE). Once that was completely dry, I took Rainbow Polish in Wild Orchid (review HERE) and did free hand hearts all over my nails. Hearts are really easy to create – just make a “V” shape and you’re all set! Wild Orchid is one of my favorite indie nail polishes, and I thought the pink base with pink and purple glitters would be perfect for Valentine’s Day! To seal the entire look, I finished up with a layer of butter LONDON Hardwear Top Coat.

All in all, I think this manicure is really cute, and great for Valentine’s Day! I love how quick and easy it is to create, and there is no need to be absolutely perfect with your free hand hearts. This look is also customizable to your personal tastes, as you can choose any colors you wish. Let me know in the comments if you like this look!

Some of 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.

Show Team Spirit with a CoverGirl Fanicure! #DRBigGame #CollectiveBias

Posted on February 6, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

CB Disclosure White Background 600 px wide

Happy Thursday! Today I’m excited to tell you all about a fun event I attended at Duane Reade last week. P&G and CoverGirl are celebrating female fans by offering team-inspired nail looks for spirit all season long, and to prepare for the Big Game, CoverGirl gave free manicures to Duane Reade customers. Let me tell you all about the Fanicure event, and show you how to create one of your own!

The Fanicure event was so much fun! I chose to get a Seattle themed manicure, since I’m still bitter about New England losing to Denver in the playoffs. My manicurist used three CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss shades in Sapphire Flare, Appletini, and Snow Storm to create the look. With a smooth finish, even color and glossy shine, this polish can last as long as a week with no top-coat required!

I also got to hang out with some other great bloggers! Make sure to head over to their blogs to see the Fanicures they got as well.

Momma D and Da Boyz, Beauty 101, and Adventures in Polishland

HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN FANICURE!

While I was at Duane Reade, I also picked up the shades that correspond with my favorite football team, New England. Each of the 32 teams has its own custom nail gloss bundle to ensure fans can really show team spirit. New England’s CoverGirl colors are Snow Storm, Ever Reddy, and Sapphire Flare. At the Duane Reade where I was shopping, the CoverGirl display was upstairs on the second floor in the Look Boutique.

Next, I got started on creating my own Fanicure. I began with applying Ever Reddy as a double accent nail, and Sapphire Flare on my other nails. Once that was completely dry, I used some striping tape and then finished up with Snow Storm. I am loving the completed look! It was easy to create, and I’m ready to support my favorite team in style.

All in all, I had a great time at the Duane Reade Fanicure event, and I’m loving the New England Football Fanicure I created. You can create your own Fanicure by visiting the CoverGirl website HERE and seeing what nail polishes correspond with your favorite team. Either shop online, or stop by your local drugstore to pick up these fabulous and affordable polishes at just $5.49 each!

You can also catch up on Big Game news by stopping by the Duane Reade Big Game Social Hub HERE. This is a hub where Tweets, Instagram content, and Vine videos using the #DRBigGame hashtag are congregated in one place. Duane Reade is the perfect place for all your game day needs, including nail polish!

Be sure to let me know what you think of my Fanicure in the comments!

Flashy Fingers with Nail Rock Sequin Manicure

Posted on February 3, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Monday! One of the items in my January Birchbox was a nail art kit from the brand Nail Rock. Of course, I had to give it a try! This kit is designed to give you a sequined manicure. I’ve never tried anything like this before, so I was definitely intrigued. Let me show you what is inside the kit, and the fancy fingers I created!

The Nail Rock Sequin kit comes with one bottle of Rock Polish Grip and one nail sequin pot. My kit is in the shade Green. I love that the price tag is just $7.00 – over half off the competing product made by Ciaté! This kit also comes with a direction sheet, that explains all you have to do is apply two coats of the Rock Polish Grip, and dunk your nail into the pot to complete the look.

Here is my completed manicure! I followed the directions, and I think the result is pretty awesome. I actually really like how it turned out. Of course, this is not a practical manicure for daily life, but if you have a special event you want some extra bling for, this will definitely work! I highly recommend laying down newspaper or a paper towel before opening the sequin pot. Even though I was careful to not spill the sequins, they still migrated a bit outside my paper towel. Removal, however, was a breeze. All you need is regular nail polish remover.

All in all, I thought it was so fun to try out this sequined manicure. I felt so flashy with my nails decked out, but I don’t know if or when I’ll recreate the look. Nail Rock does have several other nail art kits, which can be purchased on the Birchbox website HERE. Have you ever tried a sequined manicure? Let me know in the comments!

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

Geometric Rose Garden Nail Art featuring Nail Stickers from Born Pretty Store

Posted on February 1, 2014August 12, 2015 by Adventures in Polishland

Happy Saturday! It’s still officially winter, but my nails are ready for the spring! Born Pretty Store sent me some beautiful rose nail stickers to review, and I decided to put together a geometric rose garden manicure. I’ve been really inspired with nail art lately, so I hope you like what I’ve put together. Let me show you the rose stickers and the look I created.

Here is the sheet of nail stickers from Born Pretty Store. The sheet contains 28 golden rose stickers in a few different designs, and retails for just $2.22 HERE! Instead of just placing these on a solid background, I thought it would be fun to use both green and pink together to symbolize the flower and stem colors.

I began my manicure using Julep Payton as a green base. You can see my full review of Payton HERE, but I thought the bright green color and creme finish would be the perfect base for my rose garden!

Next, I let Payton dry completely, and then used scotch tape to mark off sections of each nail. I did a different design on each nail, but you can do each nail the same if you like. Once the tape was in place, I used Julep Drew as my pink, rose color. Before Drew dried, I carefully peeled off the tape. I have a few minor mistakes, but no worries – my roses can go right on top of the less-than-perfect parts! I let Drew dry, and then used butter LONDON Hardwear Topcoat to even out the edges.

Finally, I added a rose nail sticker to each nail. It is so easy to use these stickers. All you have to do is peel and place! I followed up with another layer of top coat to seal everything in place. I chose to use a sticker on each nail, but this look is customizable to you! Use the stickers on an accent nail, or use the same design on each nail. The sticker sheet has enough stickers for 2+ manicures, depending on how many you use.

All in all, I am really loving this geometric rose garden nail art! It is simple to create, yet looks funky and feminine at the same time. As always, you can purchase fabulous and affordable nail art supplies on Born Pretty Store’s website HERE. Use discount code FZL91 for an additional 10% off. Let me know in the comments what you think of my manicure!

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.