New Nails- April 24, 2012

First off, mind the picture settings and general awkwardness because those are the only ones where the color is depicted accurately.

So this is OPI's Stranger Tides, and it's the first time I used it. I wanted to use Meep Meep Meep, but since my uncle's memorial service is tomorrow I was obligated to wear something more conservative, which is ok.

It's a three coater, but two for thick appliers like me. It's not watery, just sheer.

Reviews later? I think yes.

Life- Summer Bugs

It's shorts at night kind of weather here in California (but break was the week it rained. boo.) and as promised, this morning, I tore off my polish. The squirrels could not be tolerated. By then it was 8:30, and I was planned to visit my boyfriend at 9 so I went with my nails blank.

And that turned out to be my saving grace. After time with the boyfriend, I went over to my friend's house because it was her dad's fiftieth birthday (he got lots of alcoholic presents) and she had one of those four sided nail buffers with a file.

All afternoon I subconsciously buffed my ever ridgey nails down and filed them down to somewhat square. They're different lengths right now though, so I'll file them down to nubs and try and get a strengthening base coat because now my nails have now ridges to use ridge filler in.

So I'll do my nails tomorrow. No idea what color yet. It'll be a surprise.

As for the bugs, we've been opening the windows because of the hot weather and horseflies have been flying in the house and attacking my face in my sleep.

Pictures below of two I've killed, see you later!

New Nails- April 20, 2012

I'm redoing this in the morning. I am definitely redoing this in the morning.

I've kinda been having a hard few days. I found out my uncle passed away one morning right before I had to go to school yesterday and I just imploded with all my emotion. I walked into first period in utter tears and people were giving me really funny looks. It was not a good feeling. But I've accepted it more; it's never an easy thing.

My cat that I've had all my life is going to be put down on Monday. The day before yesterday was a wreck too. My ex got up in my boyfriend's face talking smack about me and it's just not a good week for me. Thanks for excusing my absence.

So I redid my nails for the Temptalia Disney Villains Challenge and I painted Scar and the three hyenas.

Well, correction. I WANTED to paint Scar and the three hyenas. I paints a blob and three squirrels.

My other hand is even worse. It's not even worth telling you the colors. I took this picture with flash in the dark. You can see the indent on my index finger and when my friend was cleaning up around the nail she rubbed off some of the polish on my pinky.

I am redoing this tomorrow. I hate it.

So not proud.

Review- MAC Screening Room

Gosh, this is long overdue. The pictures are in bad lighting too. I apologize. It's almost ten on the last night of my spring break and I'm really bummed that I have to go to school tomorrow.

This is a killer teal color. Get it if you're attracted to the color, and if you have no desire to own the color, don't buy it. Simple as that. If you do wanna buy it, run, don't walk. It's limited edition and you know how that gets.

It streaked on one of my nails on the first coat, but easily evened out. I did get away with one coat. A lot of people said this applied unevenly but I had no issues. This goes for a lot of MAC polishes; they fit my liking and not others.

The way I apply nail polish, I apply a fair glob and spread it out in normal stripes. I don't do the side, side, middle thing. I like my polish applied y way and I've found it works. Do what works for you. With this polish, it doesn't glop onto the sides. It's neither watery nor thick. Wondrous, really.

This did not budge on my hands. No chips, no real tip wear. I used Out the Door top coat and OPI Ridge Filler base coat.

I think that's all I have to say, see you next time!

New Nails- April 15, 2012

Yesterday I was out on the town when I picked up two new Essie shades that I've been lusting over for a really long time. Those two shade were Borrowed & Blue and Shine of the Times.

Of course I had to use Shine of the Times the day I got it! It's a baby rainbow in a bottle. I can't even describe how gorgeous it is. Just buy it, or at least feast your eyes upon the picture.

It's layered over Essie's Bobbing for Baubles. It's a good midnight blue from their late winter collection.

Reviews later, I think! Should I start doing more new nails posts?

See you next time! Also, do you like the lighting?

MAC Nail Lacquers Collection

OH BOY OH BOY OH BOY.
You guys should already know from the few posts I've already written that I have a thing for MAC polishes.
So when I read on Specktra that they're adding more to the permanent collection, I just about wet my pants.

I'm not entirely sure of the accuracy of these. I'm positive Soiree has been out before. MAC Gods, if you are listening, please let me review these for you. Just kidding. I can't buy all those. I'll probably ask for some for my birthday (July 22) and all that good stuff.
The ones I definitely want are Fiestaware, Impassioned, Formidable, Mean & Green, and Soiree. Ones I'd like to have but I'm hesitant for various reasons are Screaming Bright, Girl Trouble, Midnight Tryst, Deep Sea, and Saint Germain.
There are also going to be nail lacquers in the Beth Ditto Collection (gonna hunt down some of those) and in the Casual Color Collection (Fiestaware is one... I think Delicate is another).

Skin - Light peach beige (Cream)
Anti-Fashion - Mid-toned purple with pearlized pigments (Frost)
Midnight tryst - Dark cool grey steel with pearlized pigments (Frost)
Coffee Break - Mid-tone cool taupe (Cream)
Fiestaware - Mid-tone orange coral (Cream) (repromote)
Flaming Rose - True red (Cream)
Delicate - Pale sheer ballet pink (Cream)
Faint of Heart - Palest milky nude (Cream)
Discotheque - Super glitter silver (Pearl)
Screaming Bright - Super glitter gold (Pearl)
Girl Trouble - super glitter pink (Pearl)
Snob - Light neutral pink (Cream) (repromote)
Saint Germain - Light cool pink (Cream) (repromote)
Girl About Town - Bright blue fuschia (Cream) (repromote)
Impassioned - Bright warm pink (Cream) (repromote)
Morange - Bright orange (Cream) (repromote)
Spirit of Truth - Navy blue (Cream)
Formidable - Teal grean with pink multi changing pearl (Pearl) (repromote)
Mean & Green - Purple with teal multi changing pearl (Pearl) (repromote)
Soiree - Sparkly light bronze gold (Frost)
Quiet Time - Beige Nude (Cream) (repromote)
Deep Sea - Deep teal (Cream) (repromote)
Steamy - Bright mid-tone blue pink (Cream) (repromote)
Dark Angel - Dark grape (Cream) (repromote)
Nightfall - Blackened frosty gunmetal (Frost) (repromote)
Nocturnelle - Rich true black (Cream) (repromote)
Vintage Vamp - Rich deep wine (Cream) (repromote)
Shirelle - Classic bright red (Cream) (repromote)
Rougemarie - Dark blue red (Cream) (repromote)
Overlacquer - Clear Topcoat (repromote)

Review- MAC Pinkly Fresh

Ah, last night brought thunder and lightning and so summoned Friday the 13th. But at least I got some decent light this morning! (I really tried on the pictures, and my hands are really dry looking lately).

Recently, MAC released a collab collection with Chen Man who by my understanding is a Chinese photographer who likes to photograph other women. (Because we rock.)

Her collection was based off of love & water, East meets West, blue & pink.
There were some Mineralize Eyeshadow duo, two sets of matching lippies, a beauty powder, and some other stuff. I picked up both of the nail lacquers, Pinkly Fresh and Breezy Blue.

Pinkly Fresh is a cool-toned pink that pulls a very Barbie look on my skin. It retails for sixteen dollars (ouch) and was launched not too long ago. Stores and counters probably still have it, and online definitely has both lacquers.

I painted my right hand with Pinkly Fresh on April 8th and there are no chips and only tip wear on my index finger, but I'd assume that's from abuse. Also, I used Out the Door top coat which I just got. I think that's helping the longevity.

This does run a little thicker, but that's a pro for some and a con for others. It's not watery by any means.

In natural light it can pull a little more lavender than it is, and in artificial light it can pull a little whiter and yellower. It still looks very Barbie either way, and I wouldn't worry about the tone it pulls. I'm an NC25 with yellow skin (Asian descent) and my boyfriend said this complimented my skintone. I was taken aback.

I'm sure there are dupes, but I didn't have a color like this. That's part of why I bought it. I'm always looking for an excuse to buy more MAC. (But aren't we all?)

Comments, questions, suggestions, leave them down below. See you next time! (which should be soon, I have another review!)

Nail Polish Obsession Tag!

Thought you'd all like to hear a little of my taste... Any polish addict should have done one of these! If you haven't, do it! As for the tag, leave your responses (or a link to where yours is posted) below! That is, if anybody actually reads this!

1. What's your favorite nail polish company?: I'm probably the only girl to say this, but MAC. I love MAC's nail polishes, and they're really worth it to me. Not to mention the cute bottles and great color selection... But the pricepoint isn't my favorite.

2. Glitter or no glitter?: No glitter. Glitter's just a b*tch to remove and a single color, if well chosen, makes me happy too. :) 

3. OPI, China Glaze, or Essie?: Essie, for me. At least right now. I have OPI and I'm really not a fan, although I'll stand by their Ridge Filler (I wanna try the Deborah Lippmann one when I feel rich) but it's gotta be Essie for me. I've never tried China Glaze yet, but plan to soon. My friend (shout out to Teresa, the lone reader of my blog) has been nagging me for months. 

4. When do you change your nail polish?: Usually twice a week, but as I'm starting to review and going into the home stretch of my freshman year I'm going to prolong the changing of my nails for reviews and things.

5. What's your favorite color on your nails?: Hot pinks and teals. Definitely. I want to pick up some more purple, though. My boyfriend wants me to, at least.

6. Darks or Brights?: Most girls would say it depends on the season, and to me it does too. I prefer darks though. I feel more sophisticated, and in high school, where the majority of girls wear brights, it's fun to rock a navy blue.

7. What are you wearing on your nails right this moment?: On my left hand, I have MAC's Screening Room (go get it, I'm waiting to review it until I have better natural lighting) and on my right MAC's Pinkly Fresh. My boyfriend likes the combo, and again, MAC nail lacquers are my babies.

8. Matte Nails- In or Out?: Haven't tried them on myself, but I can't wait to. I guess they're in for me. I do like the look of them. Very high fashion.

9. French Manicure?: Never had one, and I much prefer a solid, fun, color. 

10. Favorite Winter Color?: Hm. Essie's Bobbing for Baubles, I suppose. Also, MAC's Blueblood.

Nail Art, Old Nails

Ah, to be long again. Presently, my nails are nubs. Shameful, weak, and misshapen. I'm trying to get them back square, but they have to grow for me to do that. My left ring finger which is always perfectly square stays a little longer for that reason.

My nails were the envy of every girl at school, gushing over how long and perfect they were and how they loved my color. I was often questioned where I got my acrylics done or if it was Shellac. Using a good top coat and using good polish added to the perfection, too. They were my pride and joy.

But I cut them. Why? I don't know. I suppose I was in the moment. I also shaped them to mirror the curve of my cuticles, as you're supposed to do. But, alas, I want them long and square again. I want the coveted perfect nails that were the envy of every girl.

So here's to reminisce- a picture of my nails for prom. The tiny Starry Nights. On my other fingers is Essie's A Crewed Interest, which isn't a favorite of mine. It applied poorly to me, but O suppose I'll still use it.

The background blue for the petite Van Gogh's is MAC's Breezy Blue from the Chen Man collab, which I'm positive you can still snag online. I like it a lot. I, personally, think MAC polishes are worth my money.

Now, the black and white are Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails Extreme Wear. They're opaque, inexpensive... A good line overall, especially for basic creams that're dupable but necessary.

The yellow and shimmery blue shall remain nameless because those were from those little nail polishes you get in shoeboxes when you were little- they're that size. I'm going to do a collection soon where you'll see all my polishes brand by brand.

The very itty bitty dots on the stars is the very much talked about ORLY Rage. If you don't own it, own it.

But there you are. The Starry Night Nails are a design by cutepolish and I think those would be a fun mani with OPI's Did You 'Ear About Van Gogh.

Well, adieu. In the morning I'll probably post the names and numbers of the black and white and the brands of the shoebox type polishes.

Comment, share, and I'll see you next time!

Essie Summer 2012 Bikini So Teeny

It's past 10:30 and rainy here in the Bay, and there's nothing better to do than post on the blog. Let's cross our fingers and hope we get a following!

I've decided that I want to post collection promos once they come out as well as give my opinion.

Before these pictures were released everyone was scared because they thought the poppy.razzi collection was going to be the annual summer launch. But how could that be? It was only four colors, and the color story was all brights.

Well, here's your glimmer of hope, nail fanatics. Essie's Bikini So Teeny Collection promises six "seductive" shades including "intensely saturated brights" and "coquettish pearlescent pastels".

Bikini so Teeny — lustrous sky blue
Cascade Cool — frosty, shimmery pink
All Tied Up — molten bronze
Off the Shoulder — hot pink
Fear or Desire — bright orange
Mojito Madness - lime

For me, these don't read seductive. When I think seductive I think a red or a rich purple. Individually, I do like these colors but as a color story, it's not seductive. To me, it comes off trashy stripper.

It goes without saying that last year's Braziliant Collection was pretty popular, and this flops in comparison.

But let's talk about what I enjoy. I really do like the look of Off the Shoulder and Bikini So Teeny (if I had a nickel...) and I'll probably pick all of these up to review.

I feel like All Tied Up is kind of the oddball shade here. He's neither bright nor shimmery pastel, as the release advertises. He really resembles that one from the OPI Holland Collection, Wooden Shoe Like To Know? C'mon, brands. Promise me, if you're more original with your colors, and give us variety, you'll get sales.

On that note, I'll disclaim that the images are not mine. Goodnight! Voice your opinions down below- would you like reviews? Which ones will you be snagging for summer?

See you next time!

Review- Nicole by OPI Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam

Let's take a moment for me to disclaim something... I really DON'T like the Kardashians. Too much divorce drama. I also don't like when companies slap celebrity names on their products so they'll sell better. As in Sears this last Saturday, I saw that Nicole by OPI came out with another collection dedicated completely to Kim. The colors were pretty decent looking, too. There were some nice looking glitters and a blue glittery one that could compare to Essie's (future) Bikini So Teeny, but I think they could be duped by cheaper brands.

On that note, there are just some colors that I hoard from all brands. For me, that's corals, and colors like these. I don't usually wear greens or blues but I love blue-greens. I love teals. Some comparable shades to this would be Illamasqua's Muse, Essie's Go Overboard, OPI's Ski Teal We Drop, and (limited edition, but you can definitely still get this now) MAC's Screening Room.

In natural light this color just glows and shines, but inside depending on the lighting it can look navy or black. It also depends how many coats you wear; I did two but you could easily get away with one.

This wore five days (with Seche Vite Top Coat & OPI Ridge Filler) before I saw noticeable tip wear. I did wear it for a week and ended with one bigger chip, but again, you could get away with it.

I really hate the bottles of Nicole by OPI's because they're a horror to store. They always take up more room than they need to.

Let's wrap up before I ramble- I'll do a nail update of the two polishes I'm wearing when I have natural light to photograph (rain over my spring break, will you?) but this polish is just standard. Nothing exceptional to me except the color. I wouldn't pick this up if you have a color like it- if you've got 16 bucks to drop and you like this color, I'd say go get the MAC one before it's sold out.

See you next time!

Hello, and Good Morning!

Good morning, meager readers! If you're here, you're a rarity. Today, April 9th, 2012, marks the official launch of my new nails blog, Practice Safe Nails. Here, I'll post anytime I change my nails, have a review, want to do a nail art tutorial, etc. For now we'll see how it goes, but for a bored teenage girl in her room who spends way too much on nail polish, I'm doing it for the sake of boredom busting. I'll try and get some reviews up fast, and I also changed my nails just last night. I hope you'll stick around!