Sunday, September 29, 2013

Cute Fall Owl

Can you believe it's almost October?! Where has the time gone!

When I saw THIS video on YouTube by Janelle (aka ellandish) I just had to recreate it myself. It was too darn cute! Perfect for fall and owls are just the cutest things ever!

Colors used:
Sally Hansen - White On
OPI - Honey Ryder
Zoya - Kelly
NYC - Brownstone
Colour Gossip - Nature Girl







It's not perfect but it's still too darn cute! I love Fall. It's my absolute favorite season, but here in California it takes it's sweet time getting here. LOL. Happy Fall y'all! Oh and I did give my nails a little file to clean up the shape so they are tad shorter.

xo, Colleen

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Neutral Chevron

Quick post today! I've missed my chevron! Today I've done a neutral look using OPI "Don't Pretzel My Buttons" and Orly "Liquid Vinyl" and I finally got OPI "Honey Ryder"! I love it!






That's it for today! Have a good weekend everybody!

xo, Colleen

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Honey Buttons Custom Nail Polish

Today I have a super fun post for you! I have swatches of two nail polishes custom made only for me! Jessica, the owner of Honey Buttons Nail Polish creates custom nail polishes by request! You can tell her colors, glitters, theme, occasions, basically whatever you want and she will create a custom polish just for you! You can even provide your own pictures for labels!!! The combinations are endless!!!



Here are the two polishes she created for me with my own pictures I provided for labels!





My favorite season is Fall and since we have just approached the Autumn months I decided I wanted a nail polish to represent it. So I chose a dusty purple base, with orange, red and gold glitters. She did her magic and came up with the one you see on the left in the above photos. I just celebrated my second wedding anniversary with my husband so I decided to have the other one represent the occasion. I really didn't have any vision for it, I didn't express any specific colors or styles, I just said something sweet and romantic and Jessica came up with the polish you see on the right in the above photos.



My Fall inspired polish! Here is two coats plus topcoat. Applied really nicely! I decided to add a gold heart stud because I love studs. I love love love this!



My anniversary inspired polish. A pink tinted base with plum hexes, purple and pink hearts, and what looks to be orange or copper micro glitter. Here is one coat over Zoya "Jacqueline". LOVE!



If you want to get your own custom polish just for yourself or for an event go to http://honeybuttonsnailpolish.com/!!! Pricing will vary depending on what you want done. All the information will be on her website!

xo, Colleen





DISCLAIMER: These polishes were custom mixed and provided to me for free for business exposure.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Nail Fabulosity Swatches


Today I have some more swatches for you from Nail Fabulosity!



'N SYNC WITH YOU
An ultra shimmer, periwinkle blue. Part of the 90's Boy Band Collection. Here is two coats plus topcoat.



BETWEEN BLACK & WHITE
A silver holo based polish with black and white hexes, squares, and bar glitters. Here is two coats plus topcoat.



CRYSTAL BLUE WATERS
A beautiful thermal polish that is blue when cold and clear when warm with silver holographic glitters. Here is three coats plus topcoat.




All of these polishes can be purchased at http://www.etsy.com/shop/nailfabulosity!!!

xo, Colleen






DISCLAIMER: These polishes were provided to me for the purpose of swatching. 



Monday, September 23, 2013

Biotin Supplements - Comparison Review

Alright people, I have a bit of a different post today. If you follow me on Instagram, I posted a quick NOTD (nail of the day) manicure a couple days ago, and I stated that my nails had begun to struggle in previous months but more recently they were getting back to their healthy state that I had been used to. Sorry this is a bit of a novel, but I really wanted to explain my whole experience.

Today I will be comparing these two "skin/hair/nail" health supplements. I'm not going to exactly review them because everybody's body will react differently to products like this. I'm not going to go into detail about what Biotin is, how it works, and the sciences of it because I plainly don't know a lot of the ins and outs. I can only say what has worked for me. It is no known secret in the nail community that Biotin is a huge factor in nail health although there really isn't any major studies supporting it. If you want to know more specifics about Biotin just do a Google search or speak to your doctor.




I couldn't understand why the last few months I had started experiencing issues with my nails. Overall they just felt weaker and thin, my free edge was more transparent, I had breaks, they just were not feeling healthy anymore. I hadn't done anything different in nail maintenance, I didn't change base coats or strengtheners, my diet stayed the same, I could not figure it out.

When I first started out on my natural nail journey almost exactly one year ago, I started taking Biotin. Just regular 5000mcg Biotin from Spring Valley (can be purchased at Walmart) twice a day. At first I didn't really see much of a difference because I had a lot of damage from wearing acrylics, nothing was going to fix that. I just had to wait to grow out new healthy nail. But I still continuously took Biotin the whole time. It took almost 5 months to completely grow out all the damaged nail and finally have new, healthy, manageable nail. I, at this point also started using Opi Nail Envy which also played a dramatic role in strengthening my nails. I was really starting to LOVE my nails. Then once I finished my bottle, I got the Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails from my local Sams Club. The Nature's Bounty has 5000mcg Biotin plus a whole array of other essential vitamins. I figured, "Hey, if I can get all these other vitamins while still getting my Biotin this will be great!" Here's where the comparisons come in. For the sake of the list, I will refer to each of these as SV (Spring Valley) and NB (Nature's Bounty).

  1. SV is a nice small softgels. NB is a GIANT chalky coated caplet.
  2. SV has no scent or taste, very easy to take. NB has the typical nasty vitamin smell and because of it's size and texture can be quite hard to swallow.
  3. SV recommended dose is two softgels per day. NB recommended dose is three caplets per day. Both with food.

Spring Valley label of ingredients.


Nature's Bounty label of ingredients.



From what I have been told supplements take about 6 weeks to start kicking in and you have to be very consistent with them to really achieve their benefits. As far as I know, there is no right or wrong amount to take daily. Biotin is water soluble so if you are not drinking enough water it will just be excreted from your body. With the Nature's Bounty, I found myself forgetting (rather refusing) to take it because I just did not like them. It may be this reason why my nails started to suffer but I also believe for me, I was just not getting exactly what I needed. Your body will only absorb so much, and I feel that there are just too many ingredients in the Nature's Bounty that my body was absorbing certain things and not others and not enough of the Biotin. I'm no doctor so that could be a completely wrong assumption but I truly feel that was the cause. I did almost finish the bottle but I just couldn't take it anymore so I decided to go back to the Spring Valley. It has only been about 3-4 weeks but already I've noticed a HUGE improvement in my nails. Nice and strong again, opaque tips, and they are thicker. I've even started growing my nails out again and switched to a less intensive strengthener because I just don't need a heavy duty one anymore. 

So for me I will continue to take the Spring Valley 5000mcg Biotin supplement. It has proved to really improve the quality and health of my nails. I think I will always take it for as long as possible. I'm oddly excited to take it each day. Please take my comparison with a grain of salt. I am only one person. Like I said before, everybody's body is different and will react differently. If your diet or activity is a little different from mine it could completely change the way your body will absorb these supplements. So, do some research and make your own personal decision on what will be best for you. 

As always, if you have any hesitations consult with your doctor before taking any new medications or supplements, especially if you already take other things. 

I hope this has reached a lot of you that may be struggling with your nails or that has had question about it and that maybe now this has given you a possible road to strong healthy nails! I'd be happy to answer any questions below in the comments. If you made it this far thank you so much for reading all of this :)

xo, Colleen




DISCLAIMER: These products were bought with my own money. These are my 100% honest opinions and experiences. I was not compensated or coerced in any way nor am I affiliated with either of these products.



Sunday, September 22, 2013

Simple Gradient

Meh, this looked way better in my head. Don't you hate when that happens!! Ah well. For today's look I used Salon Perfect "Flamingo Flare" and Daily Charme "Wilshire".






xo, Colleen

Saturday, September 21, 2013

PolisHaus Swatches

Hey guys! I have swatches of some PolisHaus Lacquer for you today! These are available now!!!




AQUATICA
Is a soft minty blue polish with pink, rose and yellow glitters. I love this! So delicate looking. Application and formula are amazing. Really smooth and even. This is two coats plus topcoat.



YOU SO PINKY
A soft pink polish with a ton of multicolored glitters. So pretty! Again great formula and amazing application. This is two coats plus topcoat.



NIFTY SHIFTY
A subtle thermal polish. Shift from grey when warm and purple when cold and has copper, navy and silver glitters. Tried to capture this as best I could. Same as the other this applied beautifully. This is two coats plus topcoat.




All of these polishes are available now at http://polishaus.bigcartel.com/ along with a couple others. The formulas on these are amazing! They apply so well and are very smooth. They're fun but not over the top. Very feminine. Love! Get yours today!

xo, Colleen





DISCLAIMER: These polishes were sent to me for the purpose of swatch/review. These are my 100% honest opinions. I was not compensated in any way nor am I affiliated with PolisHause products.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Different Dimension - Fall 2013 Collection


My favorite time of year! FALL! Today I have the 2013 Fall Collection from Different Dimension Nail Polish. This collection will be available 9/21. Some great colors here! I'll definitely be cozy-ing up with these colors this coming fall season!




DUELING UNICORNS
Is a gorgeous violet linear holographic polish. Applied very smoothly. Here is two coats with topcoat.



NESSIE'S REVENGE
Is a darkened grass green. Named for the Lochness Monster. Also has a lovely holo effect! Here is two coats with topcoat.



CHOCOLATE
Is a yummy linear holo brown even for those who don't care for browns! This is two coats plus topcoat.



LUCKY
Is a deep berry linear holographic polish. Isn't this just gorgeous! Here is two coats with topcoat. Stunning!



CRANFAIRY
Is a squishy raspberry jelly polish with hot pink, burgundy and fuchsia glitters. Breathtaking! This is two coats with topcoat. This polish is amazing but I was disappointed with the brush on this one. I'm not sure what happened but half of the bristles had been chopped off! It was so thin! But I was still able to use it.



MYSTIFIED
Varying shapes of caramel, brown, and lavender glitters in a clear base. I love this one!! No fishing required, stunning combination. Here is one coat over Rimmel London "I Lilac You" plus topcoat.



LUCID DREAMS
Varying sizes and shades of holographic gold glitters in a nude base. Really pretty. Here is two coats with topcoat.



SCARLET & GREY REMIX
Varying grey, white and red glitters in a clear base. A remix of last years Scarlet & Grey. Here is one dabbed coat over Zoya "Kelly". I LOVE this combination! So so pretty. No fishing at all. 




This is a really great mixed collection. There's something for everyone! Get your favorites starting 9/21 at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DIFFERENTdimension. Also be sure to follow Different Dimension Nail Polish on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/DIFdimension for shop updates and new releases!

xo, Colleen





DISCLAIMER: These polishes were sent to me for the purpose of swatch/review. These are my 100% honest opinions. I was not compensated in any way nor am I affiliated with Different Dimension products.

Different Dimmension - Silenced the Lambs Halloween Collection


It's that time of year again! Halloween is just around the corner! Today I have a brilliant Halloween collection for you, from Different Dimension Nail Polish named "Silenced the Lambs" based on the ever so creepy film The Silence of the Lambs. This collection will be availabe on 9/21! All shop info will be at the bottom. Let's get right into it shall we?



I ATE HIS LIVER WITH SOME FAVA BEANS AND A NICE CHIANTI
Varying shapes of green, purple, and black glitters with some holo dust in a clear base. Good formula, no fishing needed. This is one dabbed coat over China Glaze "Spontaneous" plus topcoat and a crappy pumpkin I did. Haha.



IT RUBS THE LOTION ON ITS SKIN
A blackened texture polish with bursts of orange peeking through. Applied nice but wasn't as textured as I was expecting. For that reason I felt it looked better with topcoat. This is two coats plus topcoat.



HAVE THE LAMBS STOPPED SCREAMING?
Varying shades, sizes, and shapes of black, white and orange glitters, in a clear base with some holographic dust. This is my favorite! I just love the combination here. Formula again was amazing, not too thick, and no fishing required. Here is one dabbed coat over Lime Crime "Peaches Cream" plus topcoat.



GOOD EVENING CLARICE...
A pale lime green linear holographic polish that glows in the dark! Went on very smooth, and so pretty! This one required three coats for full opacity, but it can be layered over white for better coverage and for a more intense glow. Also one coat of topcoat here.


Sorry for the blurriness. It's unavoidable in the dark without flash.




Which one is your favorite? Or do you just have to have them all!! Well then mark your calendars girls, this collection will be available for purchase on 9/21 at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DIFFERENTdimension. Also follow Missi (creator of Different Dimension) on Facebook for shop updates and new releases at https://www.facebook.com/DIFdimension

I'm starting to get excited for Halloween!!! Even though I probably won't be celebrating. Lol.

xo, Colleen




DISCLAIMER: These polishes were sent to me for the purpose of  swatch/review. These are my 100% honest opinons. I was not compensated in any way, nor am I affiliated with Different Dimension products.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Zebra Print Nails + Tutorial

Mermaid or Zebra? Haha. Well this is definitely zebra print but the colors make it look a bit like mermaids, or is that just me? This is probably my most asked for tutorial and here it is....FINALLY!!! I didn't do my usual silver stripes this time but I wanted to go for something a little different.

I used Confetti "Center Stage" topped with Candied Lustre "Lil Galaxy" as my base. And for the zebra stipes I just used a teal Kiss stiper polish.

And as you may tell, I did file my nails. Let's face it, I'm just a short nails kind of gal.





Tutorial:

  1. Start off with your base color.
  2. Then with a striper polish or a thin brush and polish/paint, make a sort of "Y" shape but not too perfectly.
  3. Fill the "Y" shape with a sort of "V" shape and fill in the gap. Add two squiggly lines coming the opposite way on the tip of the nail.
  4. Higher up on the nail on the opposite side of the first one, make another "Y" shape with another "V" shape inside.
  5. Add two squiggly lines to the top of the nail coming from the opposite direction. Then towards the middle of your nail in between your two "Y" shapes, make a single squiggly line coming from each side.
Then leave it all to sit for a couple minutes before applying topcoat as to avoid any streaking. Apply your favorite topcoat and your done!



It's really so easy you guys! Once you get the hang of it you'll be doing it like a pro! Forget those stamping plates that leave you with the exact same unrealistic look every time. I much prefer freehand! 

Please tag your images with #looklusterlacquer if you decide to try this out! I hoped this helped some of you! Don't be afraid to ask questions!

xo, Colleen

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Black and Gold Rocker Chic

So if you haven't noticed already, I'm obsessed with studs! Haha. I'm sure it will wear off soon. Anyways, through together this black and gold look!

I used Colour Gossip "Rumors", Zoya "Gilty", Fergie "Grammy Gold", and Love, Angeline "Dancing Fireflies". Stud is from http://www.bornprettystore.com/! You can use coupon code PIBQ10 for 10% off your purchase at Born Pretty Store.






Loving this edgy manicure!

xo, Colleen



Friday, September 13, 2013

Glitz'd 23 - To Holo, or Not to Holo" Collection


Hi guys!!! I have a HUGE collection for you today!! This amazing collection is from Glitz'd 23. The To Holo, or Not to Holo Collection consists of nine metallic shades, and nine holo versions of those same shades. This collection is inspired by Shakespeare. All swatches are two coats plus topcoat. They all applied very smoothly, no bubbling which I tend to see with metallics, and a great even converage. So let's get right into it!!!




HEAVEN'S RAIN
Non-holo on the left. Holo on the right.



BY THE MOON
Non-holo on the left, holo on the right.



MASKED
Non-holo on the left, holo on the right.



WINGED CUPID
Non-holo on the left, holo on the right.



ALL THAT GLITTERS
Non-holo on the left, holo on the right.



WELCOME FROST
Non-holo on the left, holo on the right.



SHE'S FIERCE
Non-holo on the left, holo on the right.



EXITS & ENTRANCES
Non-holo on the left, holo on the right.



STARS ARE FIRE
Non-holo on the left, holo on the right.




Such great colors!!! All of these polishes are available now at http://www.etsy.com/shop/Glitzd23! Get yours now!

xo, Colleen





DISCLAIMER: These polishes were provided to me for the purpose of swatch/review. These are my 100% honest opinions. I was not compensated in any way nor am I affiliated with Glitz'd 23 products.

Studded Floral Nail Art

Hi guys! I'm really excited about this post! It's quite possibly my favorite design ever! I love how it turned out! As you know studs have become my new favorite thing so I couldn't resist to do another look with them!




I used SinfulSHINE "Wisp" as my base. Then I used a mixture of Orly "Beach Cruiser" and OPI "Mod About You" for the flowers. For the leaves I used Sally Hansen "Green With Envy". The gold studs are from Born Pretty Store! I use a tiny spot of nail glue and place them on to ensure the stay as long as I want them to stay. Then I apply topcoat over the entire design.


This photo was before I applied a  second layer of topcoat.









Don't you guys just love it? I'm a little obsessed! 

xo, Colleen



Studs provided by http://www.bornprettystore.com/. Use coupon code PIBQ10 for 10% of your order and free shipping!