Essie's Case Study — How does that make you feel?

in

Therapist met with Nails to build rapport and encourage fashion forward statements. Nails presented as clean, simple, slightly uneven, and difficult to engage.

Therapist explored goals with Nails.  Nails disclosed desires of becoming more even, well groomed and "fabulous."  Nails shared feelings of ambivalence as she described excitement and fear when discussing goals.  However, Nails did report "motivation."  Upon further discussion on feelings of fear, Nails reported a lack of knowledge on how to attain said "fabulous" appearance.  Therapist empowered Nails to seek supports and engage in appropriate self-care in order to achieve goals.  Therapist suggested to Nails three different self-care items to begin behavioral change to address goals.

(Essie's Case Study, Mac Refects Glitter in Antique Gold, and Love & Beauty's Golden Girl)

Therapist requested Nails to complete the following behavioral change steps:

1.  Coat Nails in base coat, one that restores strength and vitality.

2.  Coat Nails in Essie's Case Study.

3.  Dab small amount of top coat onto tip of both ring finger Nails.  Quickly sprinkle small amount of Mac Reflects Glitter to wet top coat, beginning first stages of "fabulous" goal attainment.

4.  Double coat both ring finger Nails in Love & Beauty's Golden Girl, finalizing "fabulous" goal.

5.  Coat Nails in thick top coat.

Therapist encouraged Nails to allow for personal reflections between each step while Nails dry.

Nails responded to behavioral change steps with compliance and motivation.  Nails reported feeling "relieved" and "thankful" upon completion of goals.

Therapist will follow up with Nails to continue to build rapport, discuss "fabulous" satisfaction, and future goals. Therapist will also encourage Nails to seek supports and fashion advice from her community.

XOXO, Varnish

Spotted: Mademoiselle Marie — Part Two

in

Go big or go home, amirite?! I'm the type to say, "More is more." If it has a ribbon, add a bow. Subtlety is just not one of my virtues. ;) Marie shares my same philosophy when it comes to manicures. Check out one of her latest looks!

I love the idea of texture, and an accent nail would be a great way to try it out. A complete manicure with 3D gems may bit a bit much, even for me. I like how Marie opted for a couple gems on her thumb nail, too. Keeps her ring finger from being too lonely. :)

Please let me know if you've explored a textured, 3D manicure recently. I would love to feature you!

xxo, GLOSS

Mummy Tape Mani & Orly Androgynie Review

in ,

Whilst browsing the Internet, I stumbled across an amazing blog: Nailside.

Jane, at the tender age of 21, is absolutely amazing. I clicked and clicked and clicked away on her blog, filled with inspiration. I plan to try out a lot of her techniques over the next few months, so I decided I'd better master the basics first.

I used her "Mummy Tape Mani" tutorial as my guide. I was a little apprehensive, so I decided just to do a few accent nails. I chose my left ring finger and thumb, then threw in my right pinky for a little extra cray cray.

MAH COLORZ

Accent nails: I used Essie Mint Candy Apple as my base, and Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Black Heart as my top coat. "Normal" nails: Orly Androgynie

 
 

Let's just say my dreams came crashing back to earth. Everyone said the gray jelly base is too dark, leaving you with a "dead glitter" look. "Dead glitter? What does that even mean??" I asked myself. Now I know!

The base is just too dark. I used three light coats and you can barely see any glitter. The base obscures any possible sparkle. Not to mention, the glitter sticks to the sides and bottom of the bottle. I shook vigorously for a very long time, but it didn't do much good. I ended up tapping the "stick" part of the brush onto my nails to steal glitter off of it. Low budget, right?

I would not advise the purchase of this particular Orly shade. If you truly feel like shelling out the dough, check out Alexandra's mani. She did it; must be witchcraft. ;)

xxo, GLOSS