A (not quite right) gradient: Ama Dablam and Blue Moon Lagoon

Yesterday I tried my very first gradient.  It didn't go great, but I think I know how to fix it next time!  I used OPI Blue Moon Lagoon for my base and used Elevation Ama Dablam on top for the gradient.  I got Ama Dablam as one of those, "Oh no!  It's about to be discontinued!  I must have it even though I may not really like the color!" purchases.  I'm not really into golds, browns, or coppers, so I really wasn't sure I'd like it once I got it.  I tried it on my nail wheels over about 15 different base colors, and I still wasn't 100% sold on it.  Until I remembered my bottle of Blue Moon Lagoon.

Here are closeups of the bottles:

Look at those round glitters!!

Raaaaaainbow!

Elevation Ama Dablam is a very lightly brown tinted glitter with gold micro glitter, teal hexes and squares, and unique round copper glitters.  The teal glitters are holographic and shine brightly in the light.  I can't speak to application as I applied it with a makeup sponge in order to complete my "sort of" gradient.  I got a little heavy-handed on a few nails, so they aren't really gradients.  I think I know what I did wrong this time, so I'm definitely going to try this again.

Here it is blurry so you can see the holographic sparkles.

See how my ring finger is pretty much completely covered?

Blue Moon Lagoon is a teal holographic polish that applies very thinly.  This is three coats as the base.  I applied the glitter while the base color was still tacky, so the holographic rainbow isn't as vivid.  Blue Moon Lagoon is a discontinued polish that I purchased from a salon.  You can find it on ebay now, but it's very expensive.  I suggest checking your local salons for it if you're looking for it.


Once I put this over Blue Moon Lagoon, I simply couldn't stop staring at it.  Check it out in the sun!  So sparkly!!

The tip wear is from actual wear this time and not shrinkage from SV.

Here it is closeup in the sun.  You can see the rainbow from Blue Moon Lagoon in the left picture, but you can see the glitters better in the pic on the right.

Unfortunately, Ama Dablam was a limited edition and is no longer being sold.  However, you can find more Elevation polishes here.  Follow Lulu on her blog here for news and updates.  Lulu is on vacation and will be skipping her October restock, so definitely make sure to keep an eye on her blog for more news regarding reopening her shop.

Do you do gradients?  What's your favorite gradient technique?

Birthday Polish: Polish, Eh?

So, this is the last of my birthday polish customs.  If you'd like to see the other two, you can see Allons-y here and Remnants of Summer here.  Today's polish comes all the way from Canada, from an awesome indie shop called Polish, Eh?  As you may recall, I cast out a net for birthday customs from a Facebook group I'm in, and three lovely ladies answered the call.  Janet was the first to offer her services!

I asked Janet for a glitter creme with some shimmer.  I didn't have any blue cremes with glitter, so I asked if she could do that with a flash of another color of her choosing.  Luckily for me, she chose pink!  So, I present to you my custom from Polish, Eh?

Here's a close-up of the bottle so you can see the pink shimmer.

This custom, which doesn't have a name yet, is a baby blue creme polish with pink shimmer and purple, silver, and blue hexes.  It was so easy to apply.  I did store it upside down to make sure I got a good mix of all the glitters.  I didn't have to work hard on this mani at all!

Isn't it GORGEOUS?!  

The only downside to this mani is that I used Seche Vite on top.  I'm starting to hate Seche Vite right now.  For some of my favorite manis it has shrunk the crap out of them causing them the chip quickly and lift on the sides, which is what happened here.  I took this pic a day or two after I applied it, so try to ignore the shrinkage.  Here's a close-up of it on the nail because it's just so pretty.  I seriously can't get enough of it, shrinkage and all!!

Also excuse the terrible cuticles if you can.  I've been dealing with a terrible mold issue after my basement flooded, and I'm apparently highly allergic.  Awesome.

I bought Confectionary and Gum Balls from Polish, Eh? at the same time I got my custom.  I'm really looking forward to using those two soon.  I'm waiting for my nails to grow out a little first.  ;)  You can purchase some pretty awesome polishes from Polish, Eh? at her Etsy store.  You can also follow her on Facebook for news and updates.  Janet's got her Halloween polishes on sale now, too!  So rush on over and get some!  Polish, Eh? has seriously one of the best formulas I've used in a looooong time!  I can't sing enough praises for this brand!  Granted, if you're in the US, you'll want to order a few to make the shipping worthwhile, which you should and you won't be disappointed.

Do you have any blue creme glitter polishes?

Birthday Polish: Vivid Lacquer Remnants of Summer

Today I had a flash giveaway on my Facebook page.  If you're not a fan of my page, head on over there just in case I decide to do it again!  Also, we're only 14 away from a seriously awesome giveaway.  I hate harping on it all the time, but I really want to give you guys free stuff!  I'd hate to have to keep such an awesome cool prize all for myself (hah!).

Remember how I mentioned before that I got 3 indie makers to make me polish specially for my 30th birthday?  Well, today I will show you polish number two, Remnants of Summer by Vivid Lacquer.

I asked Anni for a jelly in either pink, blue, or teal, and she went with teal.  This little beauty is a teal jelly with blue shimmer and red, blue, yellow, and silver shards.

It applied a little thickly, so I added a little thinner and it was perfect.  The shards came out easily and spread without any manipulation.  As you can see, it's really sheer.  I used four coats, but I would definitely layer it over undies next time.  

Here's a closeup so you can see the blue shimmer and shards a little better.

I apologize for the bubbles.  I have a problem with thick application and impatience.  One of these days I'll get it right!

Anni was a doll to work with.  She communicated with me very well to make sure I got the perfect polish.  I would definitely go to her again for a custom.  If you're in the market for one, you should seriously contact her!  Her Etsy shop can be found here, and you can follow her on her Facebook page for news and announcements.  Anni also sells some pretty b.a. stamping plates that I'm hoping to pick up at some point in the near future.  She is tentatively expecting to release her Halloween collection on the 24th, so definitely keep your eyes peeled!!

Do you like shards in your polish?  Do you mind visible nail line?

Spank You Very Much!!!

Firstly, we're only 21 followers away from this kick a$$ giveaway:

Spread the word to your nail polish loving friends so I can get this giveaway going!  Who knows, if we get there quickly, I may throw in a surprise second prize!

Now, on to today's post!  Remember a few weeks ago when I tried out wearing gels as a basecoat for my various glitter toppers?  And it was a major disaster because I totally ravaged the gel with acetone???  You remember that?!  Ok, well, I tried again.  This time it has been MUCH more successful!  I decided to use ProGel Deep Abyss again since I have so many polishes that would look great layered over black.  One such polish is Dollish Polish's Spank You Very Much.  (Check out my comparison post from two weeks ago that included SYVM.)  I finally got around to wearing it on its own this past weekend, and I seriously love it.

SPYVM is made up of fine green and teal hexes, medium purple hexes, and larger teal hexes in a clear base.  Since I was going for a less busy look, I did a very light application.  It applied very easily spreading out without much work on my part.

Check out the closeup.  Isn't this gorgeous?!

Finally, no bubbles!  Hallelujah!

It's also very sparkly.  The fine green hexes are holo, so they throw out a rainbow of colors in different lighting.  Here's an intentionally blurry pic so you can see the sparkle.

Since I wore this over gels, it was a tad difficult to remove.  Glitter + non-acetone remover = major issues.  However, I found a little felt, cut it up into squares, soaked it in non-acetone remover, and bam!  No more glitter!  Normally, if I'm wearing glitter on my nails I'll soak them in acetone to help with removal.  Obviously, that's not really possible with gels on, so the felt option was the next best thing.

Verdict: I <3 Spank You Very Much.  It's a gorgeous glitter polish, and the flashes of purple really make this polish stand out from the others.  Definitely keeping this guy.

You can purchase Dollish Polishes at her store here or on Llarowe or Overall Beauty.  Currently, Dolly doesn't have plans to restock SYVM in her store, but it is available on Llarowe.

On a more serious note, today is World Suicide Prevention Day.  More people than you may realize are suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts.  If you need help or to talk to someone, reach out to friends, family, or suicide prevention centers, such as the National Counsel for Suicide Prevention.  You're not alone!    Your friends and family will not hate you or avoid you if you ask them for help.  Depression lies, don't listen to it!

Comparison Thursday: Red, Black and Silver Glitters

As you may remember from yesterday's post, my basement is still flooded, and I'm still trying to bail it out.  We bought a new sump pump, which seems to finally be doing the trick.  The main issue will be going through the entire basement, which is our storage, to clean up and throw stuff away.  Plus, we're talking about waterproofing the basement and tearing out all of the walls/wood to make sure we aren't breeding mold.  It's going to be long, hard, and crazy expensive, which means I'm on a non-goal related polish no-buy indefinitely.  Although, I will say that I plan to purchase the entire Dollish This Is Halloween collection plus polishes that are tied to personal goals.  So, wish me luck as I try to put on my blinders to such things as the Pretty and Polished and Elevation restocks!!!!  Eeeep!

Ok, on to the topic at hand: Comparison Thursday!!!!  Let's take a look at Nostalgic Wrath and Dollish Polish Team Salvatore.  

 Wrath on thumb and pinkie, Team Salvatore on middle finger.

Here are the bottle shots:

Dollish Team Salvatore 

Nostalgic Wrath

Both are red, black, and silver.  Wrath has gunmetal as compared to Team Salvatore's legit silver.  Wrath is a little less busy, and Team Salvatore is very dense.  Both have red and black hexes and squares.  Team Salvatore has silver medium and fine hexes, and Wrath has large and fine gunmetal hexes.  

(As an aside, I apologize for the bubbles, blurriness, and terrible skin.  Bubbles and blurriness are user error.  Terrible skin is from my latest most awesome eczema flair-up.  Blarg.  I hate allergies!!!)

I asked the husband which I should keep, and he asked me why I couldn't keep them both...  I think that's a valid questions, lol.  Granted, I should've expected him to like them both since they are Georgia Bulldog colors.  

Nostalgic Wrath has been discontinued, but you can purchase her other polishes here.  Dollish Team Salvatore is still available in mini size here or in full size here.

Do you have another red, black, and silver glitter that would compare well with Team Salvatore or Wrath?  Out of these two polishes, which one would you keep?

Game-Day Nails!

Man, today has been INSANE!!!!!  I had the day off today, which would've been awesome, except I had to deal with some pretty crappy stuff today.  As I was walking to the basement to do laundry, I noticed that we had almost 2 inches of water at the bottom of the stairs.  Needless to say, the hubs and I have been bailing water out of the basement for HOURS today.  We finally called it quits when we heard the coyotes howling nearby.  I live in the suburbs of Atlanta.  We have coyotes.  Don't even ask me when or how that happened. Anyway, I'm going to make this a quick picture bomb since I'll be getting into a proper review of most of these polishes later.  Gooooooooooo Dawgs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Basecoats: OPI OPI Red, China Glaze Stone Cold, and Sally Hansen White On

I will say that China Glaze Stone Cold was the biggest pain in the butt to deal with.  It dries matte, so it dries super fast.  Plus, it's pretty thick, so you really have to work quickly to avoid dragging and clumping.  I added a little thinner, which helped a ton.  It's definitely one of those polishes that you really need to use three swipes max.  Also, it stains and is nearly impossible to clean up.  Unfortunately, I brought a remover that wasn't my usual favorite.  Typically, I use a straight-up acetone without any nutrients, but I wanted to bring a smaller bottle I had on hand.  Clean-up was IMPOSSIBLE.  I have pics of my right hand with Stone Cold all over my middle finger because I couldn't get it all cleaned up.  OPI Red has been my go-to red for years.  I've had it for forever (so it's a black label), and it applies really really well.  I probably only needed one coat, but I'm weird and went for two.  No staining during removal, which is key for the perfect red.  Sally Hansen White On is my favorite white because it doesn't streak and goes on in two coats.


I topped this mani with Nostalgic Nail Lacquer Wrath (discontinued), Dollish Greased Lightening, Pretty & Polished Swing (discontinued), and Dollish Team Salvatore.  Tomorrow (today?), I'll have a Comparison Thursday on Wrath and Team Salvatore, so check back for that!

Here are some closeup bottle shots:

Greased Lightening

Team Salvatore

Swing

Wrath

I really liked the way this came out.  Very spirited, don't you think?  :)

You can purchase Nostalgic Nail Lacquer here and here and follow Erin on facebook or twitter for news and updates.  You can purchase Pretty & Polished here and here and follow Chels on facebook or twitter for news and updates.  Lastly, you can purchase Dollish here or here and follow Dolly on facebook or twitter for news and updates.

Do you support a college or pro football team?  If yes, which polishes are your favorite game-day polishes?

Nail Fail: Sonnetarium Edition

I'm still at the beach celebrating my parents' 40th wedding anniversary, but I did have some time to paint my nails.  I say this is a nail fail because I was in such a rush that my Seche Vite got the better of me.  This weekend, I did game-day nails, but I'm saving those for Wednesday as I have a Comparison Thursday related to my game day nails ready to go for this Thursday and wanted the full mani to be fresh in your minds.

Anyway, today, I used ULTA Mint Condition, which is a minty aqua that looks to be a dupe of China Glaze For Audrey, and Sonnetarium Never Glow Up.  You can purchase Sonnetarium from Michelle's etsy store and follow her on facebook for news and updates.

Look at that gorgeous glitter!

I wasn't sure I would like wearing a Tiffany colored polish, but I'm kinda digging it.  Sadly, the ULTA polish didn't apply well at all.  It was thick and streaky leaving bald spots all over the place.  I applied a bit thicker coat than normal on my second coat to try and get better coverage without a million coats, and I think that's what got me into trouble.  If you'll look closely, you can see I have some MAJOR shrinkage as well as smudging.

I had another nail disaster, so you get my right hand again.

After Mint Condition, I applied Sonnetarium Never Glow Up, which is an aqua/teal glitter top coat that glows in the dark.  It also has green/red/blue/gold iridescent hexes and gold flecks.  I seriously love this polish.  Michelle warns that it dries quickly and gravelly, so you need to work quickly so it doesn't drag and apply a top coat to smooth out the consistency.  Otherwise, it's a beautiful polish.  I was so in love, I misguidedly applied two coats of Never Glow Up, which made my mani quite thick and a bit unmanageable.  Needless to say, I will only apply one coat from now on.  One of the things I love the most about this polish are the iridescent hexes.  They shimmer green, blue, gold, and red.  I seriously <3 iridescent glitters!

Another thing I really love is the glow-in-the-darkness of it!  Look how bright it is!  This is in the bathroom without any lights.  So gorgeous!

I woke up this morning to major shrinkage and slight smudging, so I tried to remedy with some touch-ups on my tips.  Now, it kinda looks funny up close.  Luckily, you can't really tell from far away, but it drives my nail-OCD mind crazy.

Also, since I'm on vacation and brought the wrong remover (acetone with nutrients... ugh!), I had the WORST time cleaning up.  You'll see worse pictures from my game-day nails, which were a serious mess.  At least these polishes are light enough to get away with some polish on my cuticles.  I was hesitant to even show these pictures, but I figure I should show you guys the fails as well as the successes.  I think I may get China Glaze For Audrey to see if the consistency is better than the ULTA, but I've definitely decided that I am not a fan of Mint Condition's application.

Since I'm still trying to work through my untrieds, I have decided to extend Low-buy Untried August into Low-buy Untried September.  Both of these polishes are untried, and I have decided to keep Never Glow Up but list Mint Condition on my sale page here.  I'll have my sale page updated by next Monday, so keep checking back for more goodies.

Anyway, I've got to get back to the family and the beach, so I bid you all adieu for today.  Hope you all have a happy and safe Labor Day if you celebrate it!

What was your most disappointing nail fail?