Sunday, May 25, 2014

An OPI-Heavy Month in Nail Polish: Spring 2014

...also known by the (more frank) name of nail polish spam. And yes, I'm vaguely aware that spring is a season, not a month (although it's harder to believe here in New York); but these were spread out so far apart that I suspect they actually cover the span of three months rather than just one. But I'll roll with it regardless.
We'll go in the anti-chronological order for this one - because I'm excited to show you that I recently attempted to shape my nails. I've always known that a straight-up square shape is not for me, as my nails grow more oval naturally and that's the shape of my nail beds, but I was weirdly squovalling them (is that a word?) most of the time. But no more! I've grown them a bit longer and filed down the sides for a more oval/almond shape, and I've taken to affectionately calling them my 'claws'. I'm in equal parts terrified of and fascinated by the Morticia Addams look they give me. What do you think - yay or nay? Oh yes, and this is two coats of OPI You're Such a Budapest from last year's Euro Centrale collection.
See, here's what I meant by the undecided squovals. Meh - both shape and the actual manicure. Shown here are two coats of OPI I Theodora You from the Wizard of Oz collection, topped with one extremely thick coat of OPI Lights of Emerald City glitter. The extreme thickness of the sparse glitter resulted in bubbling, dragging and very slow drying time - I completely destroyed two of my right hand nails within an hour of polishing. Fail.
For this one, excuse my poor execution and shrinking top coat, but OPI Red Lights Ahead... Where? (from my set of Holland Collection minis) is actually a beautiful shade of orange/coral red with cream finish. I used to be very much against warm reds, but I think I'm slowly... warming up to them? (ok, I'll stop now). I've been playing with an idea of getting an orange red lipstick - any suggestions, preferably drugstore, just in case I don't like it?

My first nail stamping attempt! The base is three coats of China Glaze Lemon Fizz (previously swatched here), stamped with OPI Alpine Snow and the floral pattern from the Born Pretty Store QA82 Plate*. The awesome folks at Born Pretty kindly provided me with some beginner nail stamping supplies - I received the plate, my first stamper & scraper set*, as well as a 10% off coupon for you guys (WTG10) - but I think I'll talk about my stamping experience in a separate post.

As you can see, my manicure is far from perfect (I've had the most issues getting an entire image to transfer onto my curved nails), but it was so much fun experimenting! And I think it was a smart choice to go for low contrasting colors, which makes the flaws slightly less apparent; and the color combination reminds me of a cute floral summer dress, perfect for offsetting the grey New York weather we've been having this week. What have you been sporting on your nails lately?

http://www.bornprettystore.com/sample-review-c-268_614.html

Disclaimer: The products marked with an asterix (*) were press samples I received from Born Pretty for review consideration. All links are non-affiliate. All opinions are 100% honest and unbiased, no matter if the products featured were purchased with my own monies or provided as free press samples. Thank you for reading!

14 comments:

  1. Hey Monika, gorgeous picks! I don't think You're Such a Budapest will work for me, but I really love how it looks on you! I've been sporting brights, such as Dior Pandore and Aventure. Most "spring" shades aren't really my cup of tea, so I have fast-forwarded to summer here :)

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    1. Thank you Sunny! I think I'm really compensating for lack of spring weather here - and pastels work quite well on my skintone, but I know they tend to be rather difficult to wear for most folks. Dior nail polishes look amazing, I'll have to splurge one day!

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  2. Your nails are so lovely and long! I really like the look of the stamping plates. I'm not one for nail art because I am far too impatient/cack-handed, but these look like they'd be doable even in my novice hands.

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    1. Actually a couple minutes before taking the pastel yellow nail shots, a nail on my index finger snapped and half broke from the side - I'm now nursing it back to health with lots of nail glue, because it broke too far up to be able to just trim it :( I have to wait until it grows out! So annoying. Nail art is quite a bit of fun once you start experimenting!

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  3. Sooo pretty! I totally love that soft lilac and the soft yellow on your nails! I'm about to get into some pastels which I haven't worn for ages!

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  4. Really nice, especially pic#2. I'm actually loving the round look, actually looks more natural.

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    1. Thank you dear! My favorite neutral pink combo is actually OPI Don't Burst My Bubble with the Lights of Emerald City over the top - Don't Burst My Bubble is just a bit lighter than I Theodora You and looks a bit better on my pale skintone :)

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  5. oh that opi you're such a budapest looks great! I bet it would look good with a black sparkly top coat as well, also, I like the last nail pic a lot / Claire xxx

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  6. I love You're Such a Budapest, must dig it out. Love the lemon and white nail art too, might have to try that pairing too :D

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  7. I love OPI's You're Such a Budapest, i feel like it looks good on everyone! Finding the right nail shape is always difficult, mine really are a pain! Yours look amazing!

    xx Anine
    redlipsandbeautybits.blogspot.com

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  8. Oohhh your nail stamping turned out really well. I like that it's so subtle with the yellow and white. Great combo.
    Meghan
    www.todaysbeautyobsession.com

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  9. Ooo these are lovely! I was never able to achieve a good "square" shape so I've always keps a somewhat oval shape. Since I'm having issues with peeling tips these days, I've been wearing a nude so chipping is less apparent but I can't wait to dive into brighter colors. :)

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  10. Awww...your stamping mani attempt is soooo pretty. Love the base color and the stamping design. Love it!

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  11. If you want to go for the red-orange lip in the drugstore and are willing to go for it, the classic Revlon Fire and Ice is amazing. The formula isn't too drying and the color is bright tomato red.

    Because I wear bright orangey-red a lot, I spoil myself and get high end lippies. My favorites are the Lancome Rouge in Love red 170 and Mac Lady Danger (it's a matte and super long wearing and not that drying all things considered).

    Beware, these are all unapologetically bright. Nothing subtle about any of these.

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