The Caviar Manicure

If you've checked out Polishment: THE BOARD on Pinterest... or just skulked around Pinterest in general, then you've probably seen that pic. Or this.

Dahlings, don't you know? It's The Caviar Manicure.

Top hats off to the crafty gal who came up with this idea! I had been thinking about fancying up my nails and when I started to do a little online research, look what I found!

At $25, it's not exactly what I'd call a steal. There are three total color options available if a Funfetti look doesn't suit your fancy.

• Rainbow beads / Strawberry Milkshake polish
• Mother of Pearl beads / Snow Virgin polish
• Black Pearl beads / Ghetto Fabulous polish*

Because time is money, my friend. So if you've got more money than time, hit up the Ciaté kit at Sephora... but if you've got more time than money OR if you're feeling exceptionally DIY-inclined, then here's a great tutorial for you on, of course, The Swatchaholic.

I'm a bit of a picker, so something tells me a Caviar Manicure would be destroyed — by my own hands, no less—  in 12 hours max. Probably not for me! But if any of you try it out (or already have?!) then send some pics my way!

howmuchcanonebananacost, Francesca

*I really need to comment on the nail polish names that Ciaté has chosen because I am appalled.

Pink = Strawberry Milkshake. Fine, how sweet. White = Snow Virgin. Eh, my lip curls at that, but whatever. Black = Ghetto Fabulous? Huh. I don't get it. Why? Ohhh, because it's BLACK??

Really clever. Oh wait... actually that's really racist. Ciaté should be embarrassed. I am disappointed to know that such an inappropriate name with such a loaded connotation was suggested — and approved.

There Ain't No Party Like a Nail Polish Party

The Polishment Polish Party this past Friday was a blast! My friend Kim, aka "FancyPants" really outdid herself with the decor.

The point of the polish party was technically to try out some new Texture Coats I've been meaning to experiment with, but we got a little sidetracked.

It was a little nerve-wracking to paint other people's hands, I have to admit! I do a lot of my own painting by feel, so to work on someone else's fingers was tough for me! I also didn't get to drink much wine, since I needed steady hands, lol.

I would love to do another Polishment Polish Party again, so if I get any new victims, I'll be sure to share.

In other news, I'm working on this week's nails even as I type this. I'll give you a clue: "Sweet Pea."

getreadyforsomeglitter, Francesca

The Cloud Manicure

Spring is here and I'm in the mood for some pastels. Here’s a DIY manicure that’s as easy as can be — and you're sure to be showered with compliments. ;)

This is The Cloud Manicure, inspired by Jane over at Nailside (love that Jane).

I wanted to make this as cloud-like as possible, so I picked a light blue for my background. I gave my white fluffy clouds a silver lining and sealed the deal with a shiny, thick top coat.

Check out Nailside for the tutorial! Jane’s done ombré clouds (several shades of gray) and I'm thinking neons would look awesome, too. It really is the easiest artistic manicure I’ve done yet, and it was a huge hit! For you creative types out there, an "April Showers Bring May Flowers" theme is easy to imagine, isn't it?

oncloudnine, GLOSS

P.S. My favorite band ever? a-Ha. They've got a hot track from the 80s called "Blue Sky" and if you expected me to ignore that happy coincidence and fail to include a link to the song at the end of this post... think again!

Enjoooooy.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-36ijwAQUs]

The Galaxy Nail Manicure

Looking for a fun Sunday DIY nail art project? My friend over at MSB Chic posted her first "Galactic Manicure." I think it's out of this world!

I've been meaning to try a Galaxy / Galactic nail for a while now and these images (not to mention the millions of Galaxy manis flying around on Pinterest) are just adding rocket fuel to my fire.

Let me know if you end up trying this out, I'd love to post your manis!

xxo, GLOSS

Green Bling — Happy St. Patty's Day!

Tomorrow is St. Patty's Day!

Honestly, I am not quite sure why we celebrate this holiday or why we celebrate it on its designated day.  St. Patty's Day just appears to be a good day to socialize, wear green, and drink beer.....at least that's what I've heard (can't remember the last time I celebrated St. Patty's Day).

So, I am joining in the festivities this year with some fabulous green, blinged out nails!

This is my first 3D nail, and let me tell you, I have some serious reservations about 3D nails.  Mostly, they are just WAY too much for me, gaudy, and sometimes incredibly unsophisticated.  Not to harp on 3D nails too much, but I don't really think they are meant for working professionals in their late 20's, ya know?!

So, I am attempting a serious compromise here with a 3D ringer (if you don't remember what a "ringer" is, please read here).

These nails are still loud and gaudy, but much more toned down than most 3D nails I have seen.  Compromise.

Also, I would like to note that I will not be wearing these to work....they are only for the St. Patty's Day weekend.

First, I started with a base coat.  Then I painted one thick coat of Wet n' Wild Spoiled's I Only Eat Salad, which is surprisingly opaque and quite nice after just one coat.

Then I covered my nails in one coat of Milani Neon's Totally 80's, just for a brighter pop of green.

I have to say I am rather sad out Milani Neon's Totally 80's, which is not neon at all.  It's just a bright green, and I was really hoping for a neon green :(  Oh well.

Now for the 3D effect, you will need rhinestones, a toothpick, water, and your top coat.

Once your nails are completely dry, paint a top coat on one ring finger.  Then, while still wet, use a wet toothpick to carefully place the rhinestones on your ring finger.  Once all your rhinestones are in place, then coat the entire nail in another layer of top coat.  Make sure to let dry completely.

Super fun and perfect for a St. Patty's celebration!

Have fun with your green nails and beer and remember to be safe!

 -kissmeimirish, Varnish