Just in Case

I haven't posted enough texture manis...here's one more OPI Liquid Sand. Pretty much the same formula and such--it was a bit more sparkling in the sun than some of the others--it reminded me of Lynnderella "Thank Blue" or "I Don't Mean Rhinestones..." if they were texture polishes, ha. 

BUT! STAIN ALERT! At least when I used one coat of base. Consider yourselves warned!

Tiffany Case. Natural Light.

Tiffany Case. Natural Light.

Tiffany Case. Natural Light, Shade.

Tiffany Case. Natural Light, bottle.

Aqua Lemming

It's blue(ish). It's beautiful. It's finally mine. I got this as a birthday gift for a shameful price after the first time it sold out. I wanted to wait until my birthday to use it--so here it is.

Aqua Lily. Natural Light.

Aqua Lily. Natural Light.

Aqua Lily bottle. Natural Light.

Aqua Lily. Natural Light, Shade.

It was one of those colors that does not disappoint upon receiving. It's the same gorgeous blued turquoise with pink particle shimmer that I expected. However, it was the formula, as with many Rescue Beauty Lounge polishes I've tried (gasp) that was problematic for me. It was very pigmented (awesome) and strangely self-leveling. It took about an hour to level out completely on the second coat. It pulled for me as well, so the second time I used it, I waited for the first coat to dry and had much better application. Another issue--it chipped the next day :( and for a polish that retails for $20, I would just find a dupe or wait for one.

All Dolled Up

Dollish Polish was one of the first indies I got excited about because of their beautiful shades and glitters and haven't done a post until now. Strangely though, I can never keep my hands on Gym Tan Laundry, because I'm convinced it's not for my coloring, I'm never happy with the amount of glitters in their clear glitter bases, and then the three polishes I really want are discontinued :( womp

Expecto was one that I had really admired and lemmed for awhile, also unable to get my hands on it. Regardless about my feelings for Harry Potter (hey, I grew up with Harry, but it's not like I'm going to name my golden retriever after him...imo he doesn't look like any golden retriever I've seen) I thought it was a stunning polish look. 

After months, Expecto arrived and I filed my nails into the chicest short nubs I could and prepared. But when I put it on in what happened to be three smooth and silky sheerish white coats with turquoise/teal/blue glitter (I don't like to do three coats but this application happened to go on nice and easy and felt like it needed three), something was missing and I couldn't quite but my finger on it--and not because my polish was still wet. The glorious orange/gold flakies I'd read about and seen were not showing. I took it outside and angled my nails every which way, but to no avail. 

In the sunlight picture, the flakies are visible in the bottle, just a bit, as an orange glow right in the center. I do understand (I think) that the flakies are not supposed to be big blingin' flashy things. Despite this I still think Expecto is a great polish to own because of its smooth application and unique look. I feel bad saying it but I would like just a smidgen little bit of a pinch more magic in my patronum...patronus? I've considered sending an owl to Dolly regarding this issue*

Dollish Polish. Expecto Patronum. Sunlight. Why's the bottle upside down?

Dollish Polish. Expecto Patronum. Shade.

Dollish Polish. Expecto Patronum. Artificial Light. Sorry it's blurry :(

*I have not!! I would never do that! Harry Potter joke! I hope I don't get an owl for writing that O>o (awkward owl face)

Dirt Rainbow

Here's something that I think I may have seen a long time ago, or maybe just in my mind and thought, "wow, I could never do that," or "how is that even possible?" After recently trying my first gradient which was precluded about a month prior to seeing my first gradient tutorial (tutorials intimidate me, like nail art), I decided to try a tricolor gradient. 

Tricolor Gradient + OPI Black Shatter. Sunlight.

 Rainbow Gradient + OPI Black Shatter. Sunlight.

The colors in the mani are OPI Fly and Did it on 'Em from Nicki Minaj collection and Essie Flirty Fuschia (summer '09 neon, if anyone wants to swap something for Funky Limelight, let me know, one of my two readers...my boyfriend or a relative?). 

I just got rid of Save Me (the cool mixed bar glitter from Nicki Minaj collection) and would actually like to try Super Bass shatter. I had Pink Friday as well, but after attempting three or four applications, I could not deal with it's formula. Considered Metallic 4 Life as well, but removal of black polish + heavy glitter looks like a nightmare O.o

I was never a huge shatter fan (even in the 90s!) but I think there is a place for black shatter. Maybe a glitter shatter?

Here is what I consider to be the fail safe gradient tutorial--nailasaurus

For Audrey is a color I waited for awhile and has definitely become a staple in most polish lovers' collections. I own quite a few of these aqua and minty shades myself, but formula on them is tricky. For Audrey is no different and it is a little thick and draggy, but not un-doable, it just takes a little patience.

For Audrey. Artificial Light.

 I thought it might look cute with some glitters over it, so I tried some and settled on Aqua Daisy "Me Too," a matte mixed black and white glitter.

For Audrey with OPI Pirouette My Whistle topped with Don't Touch My Tutu, Aqua Daisy Me Too, Icing After Party, $OPI Sugar Plum Fairies Gone Wild, Sinful Green Ocean

For Audrey with Me Too. Artificial Light.

For Audrey and Me Too, bottles.

I really like Me Too as a substitute for the "original black and white glitter." It applies nicely and has the right shaped glitters for me. However, it seemed to yellow For Audrey ever so slightly. Can you tell?