Perfect Tips & Toes with a little help from Nailene

After seeing so many different, stunningly modern variations of the "Classic French Manicure", I can't tell you how excited I was to try one for myself.  Knowing I had two awesome polish shades, which would compliment each other famously, I began the manicure with much enthusiasm. 

 

Base Colour was 2 coats of O.P.I.'s From A to Zurich and the tips are Rich Sapphire by ASK Cosmetics Inc.

 

I can't begin to express how much I enjoy working with O.P.I.'s nail lacquer.  The application is so smooth, and the brushes are so easy to work with.  This shade is by no means a strong red, but rather a muted shade that has sophistication to it. 

You can read my review/swatch of this gorgeous shade right here.

 

 

 I've had this sitting around anxiously waiting to be used, so today was the day.  The idea is ingenious, but would they leave a clean, French mani look?

 

The instructions are well labelled on the back of the package.

 

So, as you can clearly see, I didn't manage to place the strips straight across the ends of my nails.  In addition, my nails have a squoval shape, which makes the end effect look slightly different than if you were sporting square-shaped nails. 

 

 

At this point - Rich Sapphire by ASK Cosmetics enters the scene. 

 

Yes, it looks messy, but wait to see the final result.

 

Wowza!! The strips have been removed and a good, healthy coat of ASK Cosmetics Top Coat has been applied for extra shine and long-lasting wear.

 

I simply love the effect! 

 

My final comments on this product by Nailene:

 

 

These "strips" were super easy to work with; stuck to your nails "like glue"; held their position extremely well; were very easy to remove, and they didn't allow the contrasting tip shade of polish to run. 

Each package holds 96 strips, so well worth the money you pay as you can do manis and pedis several times over.

 

Just a bit of trivia today......

 

Did you know...the French manicure isn't actually French? It's a product of old Hollywood and the pain of actresses needing to change their polish for every wardrobe change. Who knew?

 

 

Do you prefer the classic version of the French mani or do you like to change it up a bit like I did?

 

 

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by.  Be sure to leave a comment below and stay in touch,  Lisa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who is the fairest of them all?

 

The two swatches I will show you today are truly sleek understatements.  In my humble opinion they radiate elegance as well as sophistication.

Rimmel London's French Manicure PRO - French Rose

ASK Cosmetics' Sheer French Pink

 

Let's begin with Rimmel London....

 

Seen here:  3 coats

 

As the name implies, this polish will add a fine touch of light pink to your nails preparing them for a lovely French Manicure (or left without the extra applied white tips).

 

This polish is meant to be the base of a classic French manicure, however I think you could also wear it as shown above.  What do you think about this:  yes or no?

 

Now on to Sheer French Pink.......

 

Seen here:  3 coats for a good comparison (Normally I would only wear 2 coats of this polish.)

 

This shade (or lack thereof) really accentuates your natural nail colour.  It brings out the white tips and pink part of your nails very well.

 

I finish up all my manicures with an application of TIPS Nail Conditioner by ASK Cosmetics Inc.  It keeps my nails strong, yet flexible, nourished and hydrated, protected from water. 

 

For more information on any products by ASK Cosmetics click here.

 

Now, be sure and leave me a comment:  Do you prefer understated nails for certain situations?  Does either one of the above shades appeal to you?

 

Til next time,  Lisa M.

Gorgeous Nails on Your Wedding Day

It's wedding season once again, and brides all around the world are getting ready for one of (if not the) biggest days in their lives.  Everything has to be perfect - from head to toe - since all eyes will be on the blushing bride.

 

One of the most exciting moments of this glorious event is when the groom slips the wedding ring on his bride's finger.  After that everyone wants to feast their eyes on her hand.  Doesn't everyone want to have the most beautiful looking hands on this day?

 

For the ultimate wedding manicure I have chosen two polishes:

 

 

This indoor photo shows Rimmel London's "French Rose 140" on the left, TIPS Nail Conditioner in the center and "Sheer French Pink" by ASK Cosmetics on the right.

 

 

Indoor photo:  3 coats of "French Rose" by Rimmel, which started out very similar in its transparency to the second polish by ASK Cosmetics, but took on much more of a pinkish tone after 2 coats.

 

Indoor photo:  3 coats of "Sheer French Pink" by ASK Cosmetics, which makes your pinks look pinker and your whites look whiter.  Many people have noticed my nails with this polish on and commented how nice my French manicure looks.

 

 

All three pics above show Rimmel's "French Rose".  If you love the slightest hint of pink on your nails, this polish will fit the bill wonderfully.

 

In the above three photos you can see my right hand with 3 coats of "Sheer French Pink" and the last one shows TIPS Nail Conditioner, which I apply after each and every manicure to treat the cuticles.

 

Some more outdoor shots to show the difference between the two....

 

Rimmel's "French Rose"

ASK Cosmetics' "Sheer French Pink"

Which one do you prefer - more pink or more sheer?

 

 

Let's get social, shall we?

 

Connect with me here:

 

on Pinterest

 

on YouTube

 

on Facebook

 

or on the ASK Cosmetics website & online shop

 

Take care and til next time,  Lisa M.