My Top Ten \ Number Three: Essie — Mint Candy Apple

Pale minty green. Not the color I'd usually associate with nail polish and yet... it works so well!

Light greens have been embraced by more polish lovers than I expected! I give credit to two key influencers: Chanel and Beyonce, obvs. But seriously, Chanel and Beyonce are who we have to thank for mint polish going mainstream.

First, Pantone named Turquoise "Color of the Year" in 2010. Chanel took that proclamation seriously and released Nouvelle Vague, a color which reached cult status almost instantly.

Next, Beyonce released the video for "Why Don't You Love Me." Full disclosure, I like Beyonce's music but I LOVE her videos because her hair and makeup are always picture-perfect and so creative. Bey's nails became a sensation. All Lacquered up did a great post on them here. And what was she wearing? Why, Nouvelle Vague, of course. And thus, turquoise nails were in, game set and match.

I've never actually tried Chanel Nouvelle Vague, but I think Essie Turquoise and Caicos is a good substitute. The only downside to that color is that it got way too popular for me. This is the same reason I own OPI You Don't Know Jacques, but have yet to actually wear it.

I prefer Essie Mint Candy Apple because it's a lighter, brighter green. It reminds me of dinner mints (one of my many candy weaknesses) and ice cream. In fact, it's more closely related to Chanel Jade than Chanel Nouvelle Vague, but I digress. I just dig it.

Aand for what it's worth, Mint Candy Apple came out in the Essie Holiday 2009 collection, so not only is she gorgeous, she was ahead of her time. She goes on pretty opaque, which makes 'er awesome for DIY nail art, too!

howsweetitis, Francesca

The "Glop It Like It's Hot" Manicure

One of my biggest sources of inspiration is the mademoiselle Pshiiit, of Pshiiit.com. She's absolutely incredible. Her photography is completely pro (no car driving shots for her), her colors are gorgeous, her accessories are tres chic (the rings! the pendants!), and her nail art is oh-so-pin-worthy.

After staring longingly at this photo of hers, I decided to give this look a whirl at home.

This was really very simple to do. In retrospect, I should have kept it simple with only three colors. Since I used four total colors but only three on each nail, I was switching colors out a lot and keeping track of patterns, and it really did not need to be that complicated.

Step one, I painted my nails with Essie Borrowed & Blue. It was pale enough to use as a base, but blue enough to work with my palette if it ended up showing through here and there.

Step two, I honestly just glopped the polish on! I did one nail at a time, because it's important that all of the colors are wet as you blend. I found that I didn't need to be careful about the brush of one color touching a wet polish patch of a different color. Since polish is so thick, the polish itself protects the brush from picking up another color.

So, I glopped it on and prodded the polish here and there for an irregular effect. This DIY nail art is great because it's just so organic. However it comes out is how it's meant to be!

I loved this manicure because I felt like I had 10 little pieces of vacation on my fingertips. Aquamarine pools, turquoise Caribbean waters and clear blue seas.

splishsplash, Francesca

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 Paige Pastel Manicure (& Happy Easter!)

Spring is here, and with it: a rainbow of color. In addition to ubiquitous (but welcome!) pastels, we're seeing neon accents popping up in unexpected places — nails! jewelry! totes! t-shirts! — and color being infused into what are typically uninspired wardrobe staples... like your favorite jeans.

Forget the simple spectrum of pale boyfriend jeans to crisp, dark denim. Now you're faced with mint green... or kelly green? Nantucket red, or candy apple red? Decisions, decisions!

When I saw this email from Paige Denim in my inbox, it wasn't just the jeans that caught my eye. It was, simply put, a beautiful array of color. So inspiring, in fact, that I made it my manicure.

This manicure was as simple as can be; the hardest part was rounding up the colors! It was well-received by my pals at the office, and even has a bit of holiday flair. If you're looking for a cheerful way to usher in spring, or a subtle nod to Easter without drawing actual eggs on your nails, then maybe you'll give this a whirl.

xxo, GLOSS

[And here are some pictures of a few Easter eggs to get y'all in the mood!]