Fingers Crossed — Pretty Pleased: Makeup Artist Erica Davidson

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Although I've dedicated this blog exclusively to nail polish thus far, I think we all know that to reach the ultimate state of feeling polished, a little makeup is usually involved. I am a self-professed beauty junkie; Sephora is my heaven. I read the equivalent of the Ten Commandments of Beauty when I was 13 years old — Bobbi Brown Beauty, of course. So I like to think I know a thing or two about cosmetics.

Once you've mastered the basics in Bobbi Brown Beauty and you're ready to experiment — or if you're already quite handy with a blush brush, thankyouverymuch — then I have the perfect destination for you to check out next.

My friend Erica Davidson is a real, live makeup artist! And she's got a blog, Pretty Pleased, where she dishes beauty tips, tricks and advice on the daily. I would hope that my recommendation alone is enough to entice you to explore her blog, but allow me to brag on her behalf. She's collaborated with Birchbox (pretty nifty, eh?). And if a picture's worth a thousand words, then her portfolio has got quite a lot of 'splaining to do.

... and how else would I have learned about the Tangle Teezer?!

I hope you guys check out Erica's blog and love it just as much as I do.

xx, Francesca

Chevrons

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A new tutorial. In the interest of time, because I am oooooooooh so tired, I am just giving it to you straight today.

Please insert witty and esoteric tidbits as you please....and forgive me as my brain is like soup at the moment (filled with psychobabble, perfectionism, and overwhelm).

First, cover nails in base coat.  Then paint nails in one, thick coat of Sinful Colors' Snow Me White, making sure you are free of streaks.

Let dry completely.  Then using tape, cut 10 small strips; one for each finger.  Using the corner of each strip, place at top of finger nail, making a triangle of sorts.

Then, using Savina's Coppersville, paint the remaining portion of your nail.  Let dry completely.

Once completely dry, gently and carefully remove tape from nails.

(This step looks so nice that you could end here.  Play with the colors a bit and have fun!  Continue to next step if you desire more....) 

Then using Milani's Nair Art in Art of Gold, carefully draw corresponding chevrons (Where the white meets the copper.  Or color A meets color B.)

(Practice with the nail art brush on a piece of paper first.  But I will say, this brush was fabulous and very easy to use!  Very impressed!)

Cover nails with top coat and marvel in your handiwork!

So many people have complimented me and these nails, often asking me "who did them?"  To which I graciously reply, "myself!"

But seriously, soooooo easy.  Try it out and let me know what you think!

XOXO, V

The Ringer

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The latest polish prophecy?......ring finger accents! I personally love this accent as it allows you a little wiggle room for flash and pizazz, while still keeping your manicure simple and elegant; perfect for those of us who are fabulous, but also work in an office and have to uphold a level of professionalism.

Stay tuned for a tutorial on ring finger accents! In the meantime, here are some ideas for your next manicure:

cupcakesandcashmere.com

fuckyeahgirlythings.tumblr.com

lovemaegan.com

cupcakesandcashmere.com

weheartit.com

cupcakesandcashmere.com

XOXO, Varnish