Saturday, May 19, 2012

Flawless French

Ahh the art of a DIY french manicure. There are many different methods out there (some of them may even lead you to calling your manicurist for the next available appointment)  but this one has worked the best for me. Now I know you can use scotch tape to help you make a nice crisp line for your french, but I however like to rock the 'squoval' or round shape on my nails & sometimes a straight line tip just looks off; & I also know there is a special nail tape that has a round shape to it specifically for a french, but that can be a bit pricey. This method lets you customize the shape of your french without any tape, it is a super quick & easy way to help you conquer your DIY french difficulties (yes, even on your right hand!)

What you need:

Sally Hansen Xtreme wear White On wEssie Mademoiselle w Essie Good to Go
Flat Paint Brush w Nail Polish Remover w Cotton Ball


Using Sally Hansen White On, paint on the tips for your french. Do Not Stress about making this perfect! If it's a little messy or the edges are not perfect, it's ok! 


(You can go a head onto the next step if your in a rush, but I would recommend that you wait about 5 minutes to let the tips dry completely first. I find that the remover becomes easier to control when the paint is dry & you won't have to worry about any runny edges.)



Now on to clean up those edges. Using the bottle of nail polish remover, fill the cap up & dip a flat tip paint brush in. (this type of brush is great for creating lines) Wipe or tap off any excess remover & then place it onto the bare part of your nail.


Using a windshield wiper motion, bring the paint brush up to the white tip. This motion will help clear up any messy edges and help you form a nice natural curve.


As you go along the flat brush will begin to gather up the excess white paint. Re-dip the flat brush in the remover & wipe the paint off with a cotton ball.


Be sure to hold your hand back & notice the thickness & shape of the other nails, you want to have a cohesive feel on you hand.


 Once you are satisfied with the shape of your tips you can add 1-2 coats of Essie Mademoiselle. I think that this is a perfect french color, it has a nice milky pink hue to it that gives a natural feel. Then finish with your favorite top coat. :)


On Pinterest? Repin Here!



Thursday, May 3, 2012

Mint Julep Mani


No copyright infringement intended. 


To celebrate this years Kentucky Derby I decided to do a Mint Julep inspired nail look.

No copyright infringement intended
The $1,000 Mint Julep is the most iconic drink of the derby. Served in a gold plated cup it is an instant eye catcher & separates the high rollers from the gambling enthusiast. Now if the $1,000 tab is bit to rich for you blood, I suggest you throw on your biggest hat, mix up the cocktail at home & paint your nails in spirit. (that's what I'll be doing anyway

No copyright infringement intended

What you need:

Funky Fingers Mrs. Mint  w  Funky Fingers Down to Earth  w Funky Fingers Star-Studded
Bobby Pin w  Toothpick


Start with a base of Funky Fingers Mrs. Mint. This mint color is great for this look because it has a crushed gold undertone. 


 Open up your bobby pin and paint the end with Funky Fingers Down to Earth. Use this a a dotting tool along the bottom of your nail. Then take a tooth pick & drag some lines of paint at a diagonal.


Then once you have the shape you like, repeat the 'dot & drag' process with Funky Fingers Star-Studded for a glitzy look. 


Then make sure to top it off with some top coat & you'll be ready to cheer on those ponies with the best of them. 



Mint Julep Recipe 
No copyright infringement intended
Recipe courtesy of Drinks Mixer
2 oz Woodford Reserve® bourbon whiskey
1 oz water
1 tsp cube white sugar
4 fresh mint sprigs
Muddle 3 mint sprigs, sugar and water in bottom of Julep cup or highball glass and fill with crushed ice. Fill with bourbon, stir. Dust 4th mint sprig with powdered sugar for garnish. Serve with straw.

Don't be that girl.

Ok so here's the deal, I'm not big on classifications, I like to think I'm in a constant state of evolving; However after taking some thought provoking classes during my years of higher education I'd like to fancy myself somewhat of a feminist. (Now for those of you who think feminism is all about burning your bra's, growing out your arm pit hair, & 'sticking it to the man', please educate yourself a bit more before getting all 'judge-y.') I'm a firm believer in equality & like to see most gender rolls broken (having my door opened is still a nice gesture). Not to mention I can recite all the lyrics to every Spice Girl album ever. (Go Girl Power & all that jazz.)
  Now with that being said, I must share with you something that drives me absolutely bonkers.... A box of tampons next to the toilet.

Nothing says "Hey guest of my bathroom! Guess what!? I have my period." quite like a brightly colored 'box of fun' next to the toilet paper.  I don't want to know you have your period; No one wants to know, except maybe your boyfriend who you had unprotected sex with, but other then that no one cares. We probably already figured it out anyways since you've been shuffling around all day eating Ben& Jerry's & crying for no apparent reason. So please princess save me the eye sore next to your thrown. k?

Now some people may take the time to put the box away under the sink when their bathroom is not occupied (kudo's to you), but lets face it, normally I am racing to the bathroom & I forget to grab the box before I sit down, which leaves me trapped & debating a MacGyver type move to open the drawer with nothing but toilet paper & old InStyle magazine. 

Solution? Secret disguise box. 

Well if you haven't tried these Cottonelle Fresh Care Wipes, I suggest you do. Scott brand also has a version and I'm sure your local supermarket probably has their brand version as well.  So being a good consumer I wanted to test the variety; They are all pretty much the same but their boxes come in different designs & colors. So when you finish your pack you can either get a refill wipes, or in my case you can upcycle it into your secret disguise box. 


 Just pop open the bottom portion & fill it up with whatever you need. Then stash the box next to your toilet paper & magazines & no one will be the wiser (& you wont have to find yourself in a MacGyver situation.) 


You Are Welcome.