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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 2013 Mother's Day Giveaway sponsored by ASK Cosmetics is now on!

In connection with the launch of the new business blog entitled TIPS by ASK Cosmetics Blog and the Youtube channel TIPS TV the company has decided to stage a huge giveaway with 2 prize packages valued at $250 each.  One winner will be chosen and asked to provide us with a name and postal address of a loved one they would like to spoil with the second gift basket. 

 

We hope these prizes will arrive in time for Mother's Day on April 12, 2013.  So, if you are up for a giveaway, get your multiple entries in before April 26th, 13.  This giveaway is open internationally, as always.  Participants must be 18 + and there is no purchase necessary to enter.

 

Best of luck to all!  Happy Weekend, Lisa M.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sinful Colors - Rain Storm 1053

Upon adding this somewhat dreary shade to my collection I was very spectical about my feelings toward it.  I definitely love the "blues", but this one kept staring at me on my shelf of polishes saying "Try me, you'll like me!"

 

Finally the day came when I decided to give it a whirl, and boy, was I amazed at how much I loved this lacquer on my nails.

 

2 coats of Sinful Colours "Rain Storm 1053"

 

 

It's hard for me to describe this gorgeous shade.   When I was applying it thoughts of my favourite blue jeans came to mind.  It's not a blue that screams at you, but rather subtle, subdued yet very functional and versatile for anyone's wardrobe.

 

As you can see here against my outdoor bricks, it would pair famously with any shades of grey.

 

When doing a manicure, I always make sure I stay clear of my cuticles since nail polish is extremely drying for your cuticles.  Following each mani I do a quick application of TIPS Nail Conditioner in order to treat the cuticles and skin around my nails.

 

Lisa's Tip of the Day: 

If you are using TIPS Nail Conditioner (or TIPS for Toes for your finger nails),  there is no need to apply a hardener/strengthener-type nail care product to your nails.  TIPS will do that and much more for your nails:  it fortifies, nourishes, hydrates, strengthens, protects them against the damage of water, and replenishes the lost lipids giving them strength yet keeping them flexible.

 

Stay in touch with me

 

on Pinterest

 

on Facebook

 

on YouTube

 

What's your experience with Sinful Colors?  Do you have a fave shade?

 

Til next time,  Lisa M.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine's Day Choices

 Today I would like to show you 4 lovely red shades of polish from my collection.  Which one would you choose to do a Valentine's Day manicure?

OPI's "From A to Zurich" 

 

Sally Hansen's "Unbreakable Heart"

 

Rimmel London's "Burgundy Flirt"

 

ASK Cosmetics Inc. "Perfect Red"

 

After swatching all of these gorgeous reds, I remembered that I had purchased Revlon's Nail Art Stencils a while back waiting for the perfect opportunity.

 

Instructions read like this: 

Easy to use  -   Follow diagram to get the look.  Apply to bare nails or dry enamel.  Use to enhance the look of your nails.

 

First, I used "Pedal to the Medal 400" by Maybelline NY Colour Show collection to add the heart accents to my manicure of "Burgundy Flirt" by Rimmel London.  Here's how it looked:

Next, I tried "Rich Sapphire" by ASK Cosmetics over the "Perfect Red" manicure also by ASK Cosmetics.  This is the outcome: 

 

I really enjoyed using these stencils, so there will be more manicures in the future with the other designs I bought. 

 

What's on your nails for Valentine's Day? 

 

Happy V-Day from me, Lisa M.

 

 

 

 

 

Gold Silk by Rimmel London

Rimmel London is one of my personal favourites, so when I saw several of their bottles on sale before Christmas I decided to take advantage of the situation.  Gold is always a "hit" during this festive season and this shade was no disappointment at all.  The brush is a dream to use and allows for a perfect 3-stroke application, which is clean and even.

 

260 Gold Silk - super durable, chip resistant nail lacquer with Shine Release Complex (written on back of bottle).

On your nails it appears to be more of a frosty gold-taupe shade than a bold, metallic gold.  Of course, these photos were taken outdoors and the colour looks a bit brighter in comparison to an indoor shot.  I applied 2 coats.

 

I decided it needed some glamourization for the holiday season, so I turned to my trusty glitter by Essie "A Cut Above".

 

 

 

 

I tried to draw the glitter up a bit higher on the left side of the nail, but there are several different ways to wear glitter.  For some inspiration, why don't you go to the ASK Cosmetics' Pinterest board entitled "Unique Nail Art" .  You can find tons of ideas by super talented nail bloggers.

Glitter can add a touch of glamour to any manicure, and there are endless shades, shapes and sizes of glitter polish nowadays; it really makes for tough decisions at your local polish shop. 

 

Have you ever experimented with glitter?

 

Thanks for stopping by today.  Enjoy your day, Lisa M.