Essence Dotted Fish Tails

I did this manicure for the Essence Nailed It! Nail art competition. I admit, it’s not my best and it looks thick because of all the layers. Still, I like how the colors look together. If possible, please vote for my design by liking it on Facebook (:

I started out with the dots – I didn’t really have an idea in mind, I just wanted to practice the technique. It turned out rather pretty so I kept it. Then I searched the web for simple nail art ideas and settled on the fish tail for the rest of my nails.

Take at look at the other entries here. If you like my design, please vote for me by liking my picture, thanks!

Polish peels:
• NailTek Foundation II (1 coat)
• Essence Walk Of Fame (2 coats)
• Essence Irreplaceable (2 coats) – dotted on index finger
• Essence A Lovely Secret (2 coats)
• Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (1 coat)

Megan Miller Foxy

Taupe grey jelly. I’m very excited to share this polish with you! Why? Because it’s the first time I ever won a giveaway! Also, I’ve heard good reviews of this brand and I’m always excited to try something new!

Before my review, take a look at that adorable bottle! I really like how it’s put together – the cork cap and rounded body shape, finished with the tied raffia. Just looking at it makes me think of resorts, beaches and relaxation. According to the website, the bottle shape was custom designed and the cork was specially fitted for it. No two bottle are the same – how’s that for personalization! I’d say they definitely achieved their vision of a rustic, natural elegance.

I love jellies and this one is no exception. The formula was just right; it wasn’t runny, gloppy, or too thin. Three coats gave perfect coverage and that glossy shine I’ve come to love in jelly polishes. The first picture in the shade is the most color accurate, but it does take on different tones in different lighting. I’m really glad I had the chance to try this, thanks to Mei Mei!

Polish sandwich:
• Megan Miller Foxy (3 coats)

OPI Barefoot in Barcelona

Collection: Spain (2009 Fall)

Pinkish-nude taupe cream. This was the first nude cream I ever got, it's the only one I have! I bought it mainly because I love Barcelona (the city and FC Barcelona), but I'm so glad I got it! It's pretty unique in my opinion and it doesn't clash with my skin tone. Note how it looks different in under direct sunlight.

Barefoot in Barcelona applied like butter in two easy coats. So smooth and creamy, not too thick. My loveliest application from OPI to date! I decided to add a holographic accent to spice things up a little.

*Edit* The holographic is from Daiso, from a brand called Rainbow. There is no name for this polish, only the number 03. I suspect the number is wrong as another colour from the same brand that is also titled 03. Further checking with other colours at Daiso leads me to conclude that the actual number is 05. So please pardon me for the mistake, sorry!

Please click to enlarge the pictures! Thanks for looking!

Polish sandwich:
• China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat (1 coat)
• Barefoot in Barcelona (2 coats)
• Rainbow 05 (1 coat) – ring finger
• Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (1 coat)

China Glaze Below Deck + OPI I Juggle...Men

After putting on Below Deck, I decided that it looked a bit boring so I decided to layer over one of my newest OPI buys. I bought I Juggle…Men together with Nubar 2010. It was my first time buying polishes that could only be used layered over other colors. It was an impulse buy, I got have gotten it as a better price, but I was excited after seeing the swatches online.

The base is very cloudy in the bottle, seems almost opaque. Upon application, it turns out clear with an even mix of blue and pink shimmer. The shimmer's rather small but that's what I love about it! It's enough to spice up your manicure without being in your face.

I must say, this polish dries a little weirdly. It acts as a quick dry top coat, but leaves visible brush strokes behind. How does an almost clear polish leave visible brush strokes? Take a closer look at my ring finger in both pictures. I wonder if it's the way I'm applying it..?

To have a better look at the shimmer, please click on the pictures to enlarge them. Thanks for looking!

Polish sandwich:
• China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat (1 coat)
• China Glaze Below Deck (2 coats)
• OPI I Juggle...Men (1 coat)

China Glaze Below Deck

Collection: Anchors Away (2011 Spring)

A purple taupe cream. When the Anchors Away collection came out, everyone was buzzing about how Below Deck was the re-release of the discontinued Channelesque. It didn't matter to me as I don't have Channelesque and didn't have a lemming for it. Still, this is a unique color to own and I'm glad I got it.

The consistency was thick and easy to apply in two coats. It dries very glossy as shown in the pictures so top coat can be skipped.

Thanks for looking!

Polish sandwich:
• China Glaze Strong Adhesion Base Coat (1 coat)
• China Glaze Below Deck (2 coats)