I'm Puzzled!

I really have to stop with these awful puns, I know. But unfortunately posts have to be titled and titles have never been my forté. So lets continue on to something I think I'm a little better at...nails!

I start work again this week, and this look was a favorite of my kindergarteners last year. I got lots of "ooooh's" and "aaaaah's" over it from them, but I got plenty of compliments from grownups on it too!

To create this look, I started with one coat of CND Stickey base coat.

The deeper blue base color is two coats of Catrice Cosmetics Blue Cara Ciao (what a mouthful!), a versatile blue creme.

Catrice Cosmetics Blue Cara Ciao

I stamped the puzzle pattern using baby blue Konad Special Polish.

I finished with one coat of Seche Vite top coat.

I really like how the baby blue stamped pattern complement the deeper blue of the base polish. It's a good example of how complementary colors can sometimes be used for stamping and still have a "pop"; you don't always need sharp contrast to make your look stand out.

Thanks for visiting!

Fishnet Tips

This is one of the first looks I tried out when I began nail stamping about a year ago, and it's still one of my favorites. Sexy, fun, but not over the top. I used Konad stampling plate M45 for the fishnet pattern on my tips.

To create this look, I started with a coat of CND Stickey Base Coat.

The base color is two coats of Essie Overnight, which has been discontinued, but any pale, sheer color would work for this. 

To stamp the tips I used black Konad Special Polish.

I finished with a coat of Seche Vite.

Thanks for visiting!

Medici Manicure Stamped Nails

I've been on vacation for the past few weeks, so apologies for the lack of posts, but after all that relaxation (and amazing food and wine!) in gorgeous Tuscany, I was ready to indulge in one of my favorite comforts at home...doing my nails, of course!

I call this the Medici Manicure because Tuscany exploded in growth during the Renaissance. The Medici Family ruled the region and their power, money and influence not only reached to surrounding countries such as France, but also helped to fund some of the greatest artworks known to humankind through their generous patronage of the arts. Their palaces were numerous and, as one can imagine, very opulent.

My inspiration was this portrait of Catherine de Medici, who was born in Florence but went on to become Queen of France as wife of King Henry II. While her politics are still controversial, there's little doubt that she was a fabulous dresser back in her day.

Catherine de Medici as a young woman

The pattern of this stamped mani is inspired by the luxurious fabric and print of Catherine's gown, and the cream background tones down the gold a bit.

To create this look I started with a coat of CND Stickey.

The base color was two coats of Essie Case Study.

I used a no-name gold stamping polish for the pattern.

I sealed it in with one coat of Seche Vite topcoat.

I hope you enjoyed the manicure and the short history lesson that went along with it. Thanks for visiting!

Glitter Topcoats - Part Two

For the second post on glitter topcoats I chose Catrice Cosmetics A Million Styles in Shake It! Flake It! This is a holo flake topcoat and they've been getting really popular, along with holo polishes.

I again chose a selection of different kinds of base colors to highlight the versatility of topcoats and the effects they can have.

For both photo sets, clockwise from top left: Essie Master Plan, ANNY Green Racing Drag, Essence Colour and Go Quick Drying Nail Polish in Camouflage, Essie PoppyRazzi Collection in Lights.

Before topcoat...

And here are the same colors with one coat of Shake It! Flake It!

Topped with holo flaky yumminess!

I was expecting more of an effect with the Master Plan and Lights, but I really loved how Shake It! Flake It! looked on the darker colors, especially the ANNY Green Racing Drag. It also brightened the Essence Camouflage beautifully, making it look less grey and drab.

Essence polishes are available in many European drugstores, but you can buy them in the US via Ulta.com

Thanks for visiting!