Bright floral nail art using KBShimmer

Press Sample

You know how I love floral nail art. So I had to create some simple floral nail art using a few of the KBShimmer sun-bleached neons from the Summer 2015 Collection.

It's bright, fun and sure to be an eye-catcher. I used Lei It Again for the base color. Lei It Again is an electric pink creme and is perfect to wear on its own or as a base for nail art.

Then I used Rum Me The Right Way to create the bright yellow petals. I added a dab of Eyes White Open for the centers and For Sail By Owner for the bright green leaves.

These polishes were easy to work with. I had no issues with application. 

I topped it off with KBShimmer Clearly On Top for a fast finish. 

The KBShimmer Summer Collection will be launching on May 15, 2015 and the cremes will be available for $7.50.

Follow KBShimmer on facebook | twitter | instagram to keep up to date with new collections and specials.
KBShimmer was founded in 2008 by the husband and wife team, Jason and Christy Rose. 

KBShimmer offers unique and colorful nail glitter nail polishes that are Big 3 Free, with all glitter formulas being completely free of chemicals such as toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). KBShimmer glitter polishes feature a flat glitter-grabbing brush for easy application. 
KBShimmer also offers a 2-free quick dry polish topcoat, olive oil lotion, sugar scrubs, lip balms, cold process soaps, and other skin care products. 

This polish was sent to me for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Please note that computer monitors may display colors differently.

Layered Floral Nail Art - Digital Dozen Day 4

It's Day Four of the Digital Dozen Nature Week. I decided to try a new technique. Well, I am sure someone has done it, but it's new to me.

I decided to see what it would look like if I layered designs between top coat. So, it's sort of like a pond mani... but clear.

I started off with a base color of Elevation Polish "Storm in the Morning Light." Then I painted the leaves and stems with metallic green acrylic paint. Then I applied a coat of Seche Vite. After that dried I applied the light purple petals and then another coat of Seche Vite. I repeated that for the dark petals and then the yellow centers. It really does give it a three dimensional look.

I may have to try this with different designs. I kind of like the illusion.

See some more nature-themed nail art looks below.

Floral nail art for Digital Dozen Nature Week: Day Two

It's Day two of Digit-al Dozen Nature Week.

Nature means I can create the things I love - florals and landscapes. Today is a fun floral.

I used alcohol inks for the base. To protect my nails and cuticles from getting stained, I applied Crystalline Nail Veil from Color4Nails. However, I didn't get it close enough to the edges and did end up with some staining. But it washed off easily in the shower. 

I used acrylic paints for the flowers and stems. I love working with acrylic paint. It doesn't dry out quickly, which means you can use a very small amount. And if you feel like you really messed it up you can wash it off - providing you applied a good top coat before using the paint.

The Digit-al Dozen is a small group of diverse nail art bloggers that post nail art inspired by a new monthly theme for five days in a row. You can find us blogging away the second week of each month! See the other nature looks below. 







Crystalline Nail Veil was previously provided to me for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Climbing the walls for Digital Dozen Day 4: Floral nail art

Today is Day four of the Digital Dozen Patterns on Patterns theme. I had a couple of designs finished, but I did this one last night and I liked it so much I had to use it. I am having so much fun with this theme.

I started off with a base coat of Flynn and then added teakwood alcohol ink using a small portion of a cosmetic wedge. Then I used acrylic paints to draw the lines on the brick wall and then the vines and flowers. If you haven't noticed, I am partial to floral nail art. Flowers are so forgiving to create.

Now that spring is around the corner - well maybe a long corner, but it's within sight - I will be doing more fun floral manis.

Take a look at some of the other Patterns on Patterns looks below.









The Zoya polish was previously sent to me for an honest review. The other products were purchased by me.

Floral Themed Nail Art for Digital Dozen Day Two

It's day two of the Digital Dozen, This month's theme is Pattern on Pattern, and you know I couldn't make it very long without creating a floral.

So I created floral nail art over an alcohol ink marbled pattern. Alcohol ink is something I have fallen in love with. I thought it would be difficult, but it's actually very easy with the right tools! See my original post about it here.

I applied teakwood alcohol ink over a base color of Zoya Ana. Then, using acrylic paint, I added the flowers and leaves. I added a top coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl and I was done - so simple!

Are alcohol inks something you would try?

Zoya Ana was provided to me for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Please note that computer monitors may display colors differently. The remaining products and polishes were purchased by me.

Make sure to check out more of the Digital Dozen creations below.

Digital Dozen: Fairy Tale nail art

It's day two of the Digit-al Dozen. And if you haven't seen... the theme is fairy tales. I decided to create a mani based on Jorinda and Joringel from the Brothers Grimm.

You see, there was an old woman who was really a witch. In the day she changed into a cat or an owl. In any man came close to her castle, he would be stilled until she released him. But if a fair maiden came close, she was changed into a bird and placed in a cage in the castle.

A maiden - Jorinda - was betrothed to Joringel and they were walking too close to the castle one night. Joringel was frozen in place and Jorinda was transformed into a bird. The night moon cast up on Joringel and he was released.

Jorinda and Jorindel: Owl and floral nail art

A nightingale flew around him and told him of a magic flower that would release the fair maidens from the bird form they were living in. He set about the lands to find this magic flower and returned to the castle. With a flash of the flower Jorinda was transformed back to her original beautiful form. They released the rest of the maidens from the spell and then used the flower on the witch. Now she no longer had the power to cast the spell and could not return into her daytime owl form.

Jorinda and Jorindel: Owl and floral nail art

For this mani I used a base color of China Glaze White on White and then sponged on Barielle Panama Pina Colada. This gave a hint of yellow to the base without being overly yellow. Then I stamped flowers and colored them in with Esmaltes Da Kelly Soap Bubbles polishes. The owl was created using acrylic paints.

What do you think? Check out the other fairy tale manis created by the talented ladies in the Digital Dozen below.

Surprise! It's floral nail art using Elevation Polish

Press Sample

I have another nail art look from the Elevation Polish Journey Told Through Music Collection. It's one of my faves because... well, it's floral.

I used a Walk A Little Farther for my base color. Then I used The Sea was Red for the flowers and Definition: The Vivid Unknown for the accents and leaves. These polishes are great for nail art as they provide great coverage and apply smoothly. You can see all the polishes in my swatch and review post.

This collection will be available Jan. 7, 2015. Elevation Polish releases new collections each month on the 7th and 22nd. So mark your calendars to visit ElevationPolish.com then. Elevation Polishes are also available at Llarowe.

To get the newest information on Elevation Polishes, make sure to follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and the blog.

These polishes were provided to me for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Please note that computer monitors may display colors differently.

Day 1: 13 Days of January - Follow a Tutorial

Today's post is the first of several in a fun nail art challenge a few friends and I are participating in this month. It's a watered down version of the Crumpet's Nail Tarts 31 Day Challenge for 2015. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday in January we will creating nail art to fit a predetermined theme. Three days a week is possible for me. I'm a wimp. I couldn't keep up in the daily one.

Today's prompt is to follow a tutorial. I chose to follow a floral tutorial (go figure) from Wondrously Polished. Her tutorial is extremely easy to follow.

I used Chanel Blue Boy for the base color and acrylic paints for the flowers. I like the way the flowers appear as if you are viewing them from the side.  

Make sure to check out the rest of the team's nail art. You can find the links below.

Say it with daisies - nail art

Today's post is more floral. Have I mentioned before that I love floral nail art? I don't think I have... Just kidding. You gals know that I love floral nail art. This time of year I start getting antsy for warm weather. (Yes, I know there are months of bitter cold temperatures to come. But a girl can dream.)

I started off with a base color of Fancy Gloss Dark Chocolate. (You can see the initial review of Dark Chocolate and some more creme Fancy Gloss polishes here.) Dark Chocolate is a gorgeous dark chocolatey brown that dries to a high gloss shine.

Then I used acrylic paints to create the daisies. I used a very pale green, white, orange and brown paint. I started by making a dot of orange everywhere I wanted the center of a daisy to be and then I created the petals with the light green. I applied a thin stripe of white to each petal.

Then using a dotting tool with both orange and brown on it, I created the center of each daisy. Actually very simple, but time consuming. 

The brown complements the daisies very well I think. It's perfect for a winter floral mani.

Fancy Gloss Dark Chocolate was provided to me for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Please note that computer monitors may display colors differently.

Winter blues - blue roses nail art

Every year I get the winter blues. It usually doesn't come until February though. This year, I am already tired of the snow, ice, wind and bitter cold temps. So I tried to counter-act that feeling by putting something floral on my nails. I have been trying not to create as many floral manis. But they are my "go to" nail art. I love floral nail art. Which is rather strange, because in day-to-day life, I don't lean toward anything floral - unless it's real flowers of course.

I have been watching some videos on YouTube that show some great acrylic paint techniques. So I thought I would try one. The techniques look great and look easy to follow - until you try to scale them down to a fingernail sized canvas. So I adapted and eventually just "winged it." You can find the video that inspired these roses here.

I started off with a black polish. Colors by llarowe "Vincent" has become my "go to" black polish. I really need this in a large bottle. It applies smoothly and quickly dries to a high gloss shine.

Once it dried, I applied a coat of HK Girl. I always add a good top coat before I apply acrylic paint. It makes it easy to "erase" if I make a mistake.

These blue roses weren't too terribly difficult to create. The great thing about floral nail art is that it is very forgiving.

I used varying shades of blue acrylic paint for the roses and green acrylic paint for the leaves. Overall, I am pleased with how they turned out.

I applied another coat of HK Girl to seal in the design.

This polish was sent to me for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Far East Floral Nail Art

Holo, florals and elegance come together in this rich nail art look. Darling Diva's "The Alchemist" from the WitchEE collection simply screamed for a leading part in a far east inspired nail art look.

Far East Floral Nail Art

The Alchemist is a rich cherry red linear holo polish. It is luxurious and stunning. You can see the full WitchEE Collection and swatches here.

Far East Floral Nail Art

For this look I used two coats of Alchemist for the base color. Then I used black and white acrylic paint for the flowers and leaves. If you didn't know before this post - I simply love creating floral nail art. I can't help myself.

Far East Floral Nail Art

I added accents on the flowers with Darling Diva "Cast a Spell," which is an amazing autumn orange holographic nail polish. It just seemed to add dimension and detail.

Far East Floral Nail Art

Floral patterns can be worn any time of the year. Just change up the colors to fit the season. Or not... There are no rules when it comes to nail art or colors. Wear what you like - when you like.

End of the summer gradient floral nail art

Nothing to Disclose

It's Labor Day - a day that signifies the end of the summer. Well, I am choosing to ignore that little implication and celebrate the last days of summer. And if you know my nail art preferences, you know that means... floral.

I wanted a deep gradient. I saw a floral mani Robin Moses created and knew I wanted one similar. So I grabbed some Elevation Polishes and set to work. 

Gradient Floral Nail Art using Elevation Polish

I started off with a base coat of Purple Queen Anthias. It is a gorgeous rich shimmery pink. It is a prototype, but any shimmery deep pink will work for this. Then I added a gradient of Ubsunur, which is a deep shimmer purple leaning blue, on the top part of the nail. I finished the gradient by applying Tre Clime di Lavaredo, which is a stunning golden holo, on the tips. 

After that was dry, I used acrylic paints to add the flowers. I love using acrylic paint for nail art. It is oh-so-forgiving. There is no rhyme or reason to the flowers - I just wanted varying shades of pink. To finish it off, I a coat of HK Girl to seal the design and add gloss to the flowers.

Gradient Floral Nail Art using Elevation Polish

So the warm summer days may be soon coming to an end, but that doesn't mean I am going to embrace the colder days ahead. I live in Wyoming and the winters can be long. Which makes me want to cling to the last lovely bit of summer.

These polishes were purchased by me or were a gift. All opinions are my own.

Sassy yellow flower garden nail art

Today I have an inspired mani for you. A fun, bright yellow floral mani. Some fellow bloggers and I are all creating yellow manis for a friend who is going through a bit of a rough time. She despises yellow nail polish so we are harassing her in a loving way by sporting bright yellow nails. She knows it is all in fun.

For mine I created ... yeah, you guessed it... floral nail art. I love floral nail art. It's a bit strange as I normally don't like floral patterns. But put flowers on a fingernail and I positively love it.

I used Zoya Pippa for the base color and added flowers using Zoya Rikki, Breezi, Wendy and OPI Koala Berry, and Fly.

I topped it off with a top coat of HK Girl. I love that top coat. It doesn't smear nail art and it dries to a glossy shine extremely quickly.

Bright floral Nail Art

Bright floral Nail Art

Bright floral Nail Art

This just screams "Summer" to me. What are you sporting on your nails today?

Some of these polishes were previously sent to me for an honest review, and some were purchased by me. All opinions are my own.

Barielle Keys Collection for Summer 2014 - swatches, review and nail art

Press Sample

Did you know Barielle got its beginning by creating products to condition the hooves of million-dollar thoroughbred racehorses? So if those owners of those elite animals trusted the product I think I can too. Actually, Barielle is one of my favorite brands. It's formula is usually spot on.

The Keys Collection for Summer 2014 celebrates the warm, sun-filled, tropical beach days celebrated world wide. These gorgeous, creamy and high-fashion shades set the stage for paradise vacations - even if that is only your back yard.

This collection has some vibrant colors to sensationalize your summer. Let's take a look.

Miami Heat

This sheer jelly red is a classic color. The jelly finish adds significant shine and a vibrant shade. This is three coats. Two coats probably would have sufficed.

Barielle - Miami Heat

Hawaiian Sunset

This shimmery burnt orange shade is gorgeous. I think this is my favorite of the collection. This is two coats.

Barielle - Hawaiian Sunset

Paradise in the Tropics

This shade is truly tropical. It is a deep fuschia creme polish that is sure to be an eye-catcher. This is two coats. 

Barielle - Paradise in the Tropics

Panama Pina Colada

This is a gorgeous creamy yellow. It's light and cheery and is sure to brighten your day. This is two coats.

Barielle - Panama Pina Colada

Barefoot in Bermuda

This cream polish is sure to be a hit. It's a hot pink that will be perfect for those hours by the pool or sunning in the sand. This is two coats.   

Barielle - Barefoot in Bermuda

Topless in St. Tropez

This shimmery polish is a creamy and almost nude shade with a hint of coral. It will be perfect against tanned skin. This is two coats. 

Barielle - Topless in St. Tropez

And of course I had to try some nail art with these. I used Miami Heat for the base color, Panama Pina Colada for the flowers and Topless in St. Tropez for accents.

Which of these polishes is your favorite? They are all gorgeous and I had no issues with application. You can buy these polishes at Barielle.com for $8 each. Make sure to follow Barielle on their Facebook page to keep up with collections and sales.

 

These polishes were sent to me for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Please note computer monitors may vary in color display. 

Salon Perfect floral gradient nail art

Press Sample

Salon Perfect introduces Bloom in Color, a collection of nail art essentials including 2-packs of nail polish in the hottest shades, 3-pack nail art liners, and nail art kits. And I am excited to be able to share some of these duos and nail art kits with you! 

For this look I used Pocketful of Posies and Cupcake from the Bloom 7 duo and the Salon Perfect Liner Basics kit. The pinks in the Bloom 7 duo are perfect for a gradient ombre look.

Salon Perfect In Bloom 7 duo and Liner Basics

I started off with Pocketful of Posies for the base color. I did use three coats as it is a very soft and light pastel pink. Then I added Cupcake for the darker pink in the gradient. These polishes were easy to work with. 

Then I grabbed the liners. These liners are perfect for anyone who wants to do nail art. Especially if you want to experiment, but don't want to invest the dollars for nail art brushes. This trio of liners is only $4.98.

Salon Perfect Liner Basics

The liners applied nice even lines and allowed me to adjust the width of the lines for the flowers and leaves.

Salon Perfect floral gradient nail art

Salon Perfect floral gradient nail art

Stay tuned as I have several other kits to try out and share with you.  
 
These duos and kits are bursting with color. Best of all, they definitely won’t burst your wallet – each retails for just $4.98! Normally the individual shades retail for $3.98 and the liners for $1.98 – such a bargain! You can find these at Walmart stores nationwide.

With vibrant neons, sweet pastels, matte glitters and more, Salon Perfect makes creating seemingly intricate nail art designs a breeze. Choose from:
·         12 In Bloom pastel polish 2-packs
·         10 Neon POP polish 2-packs
·         2-piece Neon Basic polish sets
·         2-piece Lacquer Basics color and top coat sets
·         3-piece Nail Art Liner packs
·         Nail Art Kits packed with studs, glitters, foils and more

I can't wait to share more of these kits with you. They are fun and make creating nail art painless and affordable.

These products were sent to me for an honest review. All opinions are my own.   

Bold, bright watermarble nail art with floral accents

Previous Press Sample

Spring means fun colors - I created water marble nail art with some bright, stunning shades by Seche. It seems to me that water marble is moody. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it fights you with every drop of water and bead of nail polish that is used. When it works, you have to just go with it.

I used Seche Snapdragon and Perfectly Poised for this water marble. Then I reversed the colors and added dots and flowers. If you want to use these two techniques together, make sure not to add too many rings of polish to the bullseye pattern in the water. You want large areas of a single color to work with. 

I love the bright pattern in this. It's bold and spunky. Let's take a look.

Water marble nail art with floral dotted accents

Water marble nail art with floral dotted accents

Water marble nail art with floral dotted accents

Water marble nail art with floral dotted accents

Water marble nail art with floral dotted accents

Are you sporting some spring colors on your nails?

One of these polishes was previously sent to me for an honest review and one was purchased by me. All opinions are my own.