Plates I Love!: Vivid Lacquer Nail Art Edition

Hey Stamp-a-rellas,

It's that time again when I go into full gush mode regarding a brand of stamping plates that I just cannot fathom living without!  That's right it's another edition of Plates I Love! You can check out my first post featuring Messy Mansion here.  Today it's all about Vivid Lacquer nail art and tomorrow I'll have my exclusive interview with the lady herself!  In all honesty Vivid Lacquer was the first indie brand plate maker I bought from stateside.  The creator, Anni and I, go back to when she was just getting her company off the ground and I was obsessing over the Vivid Lacquer kitty that is the logo for her brand.  Her plates make me smile.  They are utterly original, huge, and of the highest quality etching.  Anni takes her work seriously and likes to see her customers satisfied and happy.  Initially, she started out only making plates with polishes not much further behind, but it has always always been her plates that made me salivate, stalk, and shamelessly shell out funds to get my nail art version of a drug fix ;)

Currently the brand has released about 20+ plates, and recently began selling square stampers which are taking the stamping world by storm.  In fact, once again hers were the first I purchased.  Stamping addicts you already know exactly what I'm talking about.  Of course I'm gonna show you some nail art now using Vivid Lacquer plates, but if you want to see more all you have to do is click the Vivid Lacquer label on the sidebar and you will see the many mani's I have made using her plates.

Mani-louge

Basecoat/Topcoat:  CND Stickey & Sally Hansen Diamond Flash

Basecolor:  OPI My Pointe Exactly (jelly) & Pink Flamenco

Stamping Polish: Konad Special Polish in Black Gold

Stamping Plate: Vivid Lacquer VL014

This is my first time using Rica polishes and I have to say I'm impressed, but moreso by the owner.  I had a huge problem with the delivery of my package and Rica stepped up like a champ and an owner who really appreciates her customers and redelivered my package.  I owe her many many thanks for doing this for me and for valuing me as a new customer!  It truly speaks to her dedication for her brand and her products. Now onto Fae - I knew the minute I saw this polish  I had to have it! It is inspired by True Blood and is a clear base that is packed with both iridescent squares and holo large circle glitters.  In short it's perfect "jelly food".

I combined Fae in 4 coats with OPI's My Pointe Exactly a thin dove-gray jelly from the NYC Ballet Collection.  MPE is one of my favorites of this collection and I knew it was going to play nicely with Fae allowing the beautiful circular glitters to push into the foreground in flashes of light.  The accent nail using OPI was just to give the total look a final punch and keep it from drowning in uniformity.  I got so many compliments on this mani while I was out and about!  I left the accent fairly plain using the bright burst of OPI Pink Flamenco and studs from Born Pretty to do the work.

Vivid Lacquer strikes again eh?  I truly love these plates.  I haven't done nearly enough nail art with them and that's a darn shame because every time I do I realize how much I love what I'm working with!  The stranding chrysanthemums (which is what I have named them) on my nails come right from VL014 and they went a long way to preserve the delicacy of this whole mani.

So thoughts?  Do you all still like jelly sandwich manicures? No matter how many times I do them I think there are still so many ways to use them.  Last time I did this feature I put up a lot of plates from the creator as well as nail art.  I think today I'll show a selection of the plates I truly love that Anni has released thus far.

                                   

Yes VL014 was an immediate crush.  The flowers and dragonflies stole my heart!

                                  

Everything about this plate makes me happy.  You'll know if you follow me on instagram that I spent some time playing with the lotus blossoms on this plate.  I'm still not 100% satisfied with the art I created and I still have plans for the koi fish

                                     

This was the plate that started it all! My obsession with the Vivid Lacquer brand originated with that butterfly wing which was literally the first of its kind.  Of all the ones that came after none could live up to this level of epic!

 

                                 

Yaaass! I love love love this plate! As much as I wanted to be a ninja I wanted to be a pirate more.  Lol now I have the opportunity to be both ;) Look at the exquisite detailing on the waves.  Sigh...

                                  

 I'm a biochemist so you know this was going to be included.  Frankly this and the Messy Mansion plates are the best two science plates I have EVER seen. So much win!!!

                                   

 My favorite multi-print plate! Honestly these also happen to be my favorite chevrons to stamp in my entire collection!

Ok I had to stop because I realized I wanted to put up so many plates there would have been little pint to picking favorites lol.  I have to give the Halloween plate a special runner up status though because that plate makes me wish it was halloween year round.  In any case I hope you enjoyed the nail art and the Vivid Lacquer spotlight.  Stay tuned for my interview with Anni tomorrow!  And for those of your that are lagging behind on my posts or didn't see Vivid Lacquer will be releasing all new plates tomorrow.  You can click here to see them all.  Thanks for reading and see you next post!

PolishTBH Anniversary Collection Review

Lovely lacquer ladies,

I had an honor bestowed on me these days! You know I am fairly humble when it comes to blogging and my nail art too.  It's because I look around and everywhere I see ladies with some crazy and amazing talent.  It's hard even think I match up so when a polishmaker takes the time to send me some of their products or ask me for opinions I take it really seriously, and I'm also extremely touched to be chosen.  Today I have that privilege as I'll be sharing a very special collection with you from PolishTBH from Chrissy's one year anniversary collection.  Just a warning this post is pretty pic heavy!

I discovered this brand thanks to Mimi of MakeupWithdrawal.  Because of her swatches I've clicked "add to cart" more times than I can count, and that's how I discovered the awesome splendor of the PolishTBH Diagon Alley Collection and the amazing cuticle oils she makes.  See my Harry Potter inspired nail art here.  I have a few more coming down the pipes so stay tuned, but today I'm just totally blown away.  I have three unique beauties for the 1 year bash and each one is somewhat a homage to the incredibly talented and still shockingly sexy (yes I said it) Britney Spears.

First up is Teal the World Ends.  The name is a a play on the song Til the World Ends.  This is a teal creally-ish polish sprinkled with white and black matte bar and hex glitter with holographic teal hexes interspersed throughout with spare holographic microglitter.  You want to know the greatest part about this polish (even though Chrissy has hit on two out of my four polish turn-ons right now) it's a THERMAL!!!  This little pretty transitions from the deep teal color to a pale blue when warm.  I honestly own nothing like this in my collection and I have a lot of thermals!  Opaque in two coats and stealing my heart in transition.  Thin coats with time to dry in between works best to minimize glitter drag.

 Warm

The gradient here is Essie Sweet Talker and stamped with Essie

No Place Like Chrome using Dashica SdP 47 and Fab Ur Nails Fun 2 plates

Transitioning

Almost to my nadir

Cold (or the natural state of my nails)

Brithday Tutu.  Is a pink gelee glitter topper packed with iridescent pink hexes and microglitter.  This one was a bit tough for me because I couldn't figure out what kind of base to pair with it.  Ultimately I think it worked best in a jelly sandwich layered to show off its beauty.  Pictured here layered between and over Colorama Espuma.  A little goes a long way with this one as the base was thicker than I expected.   It's necessary to be patient between coats otherwise you may not achieve the seemingly delicate effect I got here. I love how this one turned out the best!

I stamped over this polish using Color Club Eternal Beauty and Konad Special White for the Ballerina.  I used Konad plates M63 and S8

Finally I think I saved my favorite from the collection for last! Fantasy Anniversary Edition made me gasp when I took it out of the wrapping.  Liquid fire in a bottle! Almost too hot to maintain eye contact with.  This is one of those complex polishes that will flash fire at every angle that you move your nails.  Fantasy is a brownish-blackened jelly polish crammed with gold holographic hexes and microglitter.  Opaque in 3 thin precise coats.  Fantasy you are my everything.  I could not take it off nor did I dare create art over top of it!

So now you have my honest thoughts on this collection.  I think if you could only afford a couple you must definitely get Teal the World Ends and Fantasy Anniversary Edition.  Although in all honesty I think Birthday Tutu is the most versatile of all three.  Chrissy said TtWE will likely be her last thermal polish, which I think is a shame, so don't hesitate to pick it up!  The Anniversary Collection has already released.  You can purchase PolishTBH  here.  And while you're over there seriously consider trying the cuticle oils.  I loved the mini I got when I purchased the Diagon Alley collection so much that I immediately went back and bought 2 in the full size! Thank for reading and stay tuned for some awesome follow up nail art!

In case you didn't get it above these polishes were sent to me for review.  My opinions however are entirely my own!

Jellied and Holo'ed: Sonoma Nail Art Steampunk

Hey polished prisoners,

Happy Saturday! I planned to do a haul post today but the weather fairies conspired against me for the last several days and decided to bring the rain (and with it bad lighting).  So instead I'm doing a easy breezy swatch.  Eh? Say what! I know I know.  I did plan on doing a little "more" but again the lighting situation wasn't good.  In fact, I'm so annoyed that I'm already trying to either build or buy my own lightbox so that I won't be quite so limited in the future.  That said let's talk about a brand that I absolutely freaking love - Sonoma Nail Art!

Sparkles all around.  I really wish I had been able to get a few photos in sunlight to show off the holographic topcoat a bit more.  These were all taken in indirect sunlight/rainy weather.

First, you need to check out her blog - start there because her nail art is SICKENING! Ok have you recovered yet? Now check out her polishes.  I know you almost died of a polish-gasm didn't you? Flawless flawless glitterbombs with formula that makes it totally worth your while.  I want them all! But for today let's settle for Steampunk.  Steampunk is a glitter polish with black diamonds and an assortment of magenta and rust colored glitter in a dusty pink base. Translation - purrty!

Two coats of Care To Danse? + one coat of SNA Steampunk +one coat of CTD?+  one coat of Fairy Dust = yummy jelly.

I decided to wear it as a glitter gradient layered in a jelly sandwich using OPI's Care To Danse? from their NYC Ballet Collection.  I also added a single swipe of China Glaze Fairy Dust to the entire nail.  For accents I painted my nails using OPI's We'll Always Have Paris (Suede).  I found the final effect to be stare inducing.

Gooey looking in the best way - this is why I love jellies!

So what do you think? I love jelly sandwiches like this because they are easy to put together and have that instant pretty factor without spending oodles of time nail-arting it up.  Of course I'm also extremely biased when it comes to anything jelly finish so course I love it.  If you are interested in acquiring Steampunk or any other Sonoma pretties you can get them here on her Etsy shop.  She restocks every two weeks.  Word of fair warning though - the polishes move quickly and the restocks are fairly small.   Thanks for reading and see you next post! Toodles...

CrowsToes, Fanservice Nails, Lights & A Gun - What?!?

Happy Saturday lacquer ladies,

I hope you aren't sizzling like sausages on this 105 weather day like I am today, but at least it's a good day for multi-tasking in the AC with of course you guessed it - polish!  I recently discovered the delectable phenomenon of trigger finger mani's on Nailed IT's blog and knew that I had to recreate a similar look.  Of course I wanted to do leopard, but I've had a lot of feline inspired nail art up lately. But what could be as delicious as a spotted compatriot of the night? Perhaps a finely feathered friend smothered in a decadent jelly sandwich?  I also wanted something that was dark versus bright which led me to one Ianto Jones of Fanservice Nails and the following result.

One hot pistol?

I want to say a few things quickly because there's a lot going on here.  First, I've already raved about Essie's Poppy Razzi collection.  It's sickening - nuff said.

The polishes were calling (left to right): Fanservice Nails Ianto Jones, Essie's Lights, CrowsToes Thing.

Second, Fan Service Nails.  Holy crap ladies - I have struck indie paydirt on this company!  When I first ordered one my polishes arrived damaged in transit - boo :(  I sent along an email and the situation was rectified at lightening speed.  This is my first time taking one of my FSN polishes for a cruise and I am so impressed! Ianto Jones is a glossy finish ONE COATER deep grey polish loaded with holographic microglitter.  I just don't have words ladies - this polish is just so good I am in awe!

Look at the holographic yumminess in Ianto Jones.  This polish is a rockstar especially when seen in direct sunlight!

Third, CrowsToes.  Please y'all know this biatch is fierce!  I don't even have to say a word.  Lauri is so talented every polish I have by her is gold and I have a lot (missing three to complete the collection).  She is being stocked by both Kim at Overall Beauty and Leah Ann at Llarowe but she also has her own store over on BigCartel.  Thing, is without a trace of irony, one of the prettiest things I've ever seen and a gorgeous glistening glitterbomb to boot.

This is indirect sunlight.  You can still see all of the holographic shimmer in Ianto but Thing also really pops into play even in the shade.

Have you recovered from my polish gush yet? I have no self control, but in summation - yay for trigger accent mani's, jelly neons, and indie wonders! There are a lot of indie companies rocking my socks off right now, and I'm pretty pleased these days to have picked up some fine gems. And finally, I'm happy I get to share all my polish passion with you without feeling like a freak.  Albeit, I readily admit my flag is always raised lol! Thanks for reading and see you next post!

Essie's Action: Summer Skittles Makes Lacquerista's Happy

Hey lacquer lovers,

Friday was quite the productive shopping spree for me.  All drama aside, I got my virtual hands on some lovely HARE polish pre-orders! I'd been lemming these polishes for so long I was so happy to see the shop open again and can't wait to receive my polishes! So now I'm in the mood to celebrate with a fun and funky mani  Recently The Nailsaurus posted a look that has been plaguing me since I saw it - the Sandy Skittle.  To say it was exquisite would be an understatement.  She took one color and put her spin on it in 5 different ways.  I wanted to do the same but not necessarily in the same way so here's my translation using Essie's Action, a bright orange jelly polish released for their Poppy Razzi Neon Collection.

Nail Art Key
Thumb - Tiger print freehanded with Kiss Nail Art Striper in Black.
Index - Microbeads of multicolors.
Middle - Jelly sandwich comprised of two alternating layers of each polish using Lush Lacquer's Lite Brite and topped with Essie's Matte About You.
Ring - Leopard print french tip freehanded with Orly Liquid Vinyl and Kiss Nail Art Gold Glitter. CND Effects Gold Shimmer is also over the base coat.
Pinkie - Gradient using China Glaze Harvest Moon stamped with cG passion using  BM20 (Series 1)

Can you say jelly? Lol! I haven't been this impressed with a neon orange polish since Color Club's Wham Pow!

Isn't the mattified sandwich here so juicy looking? The more I look at Action the more I realize I need absolutely every color from the Poppy Razz Collection. I'm only missing Bazooka so game on!

Close-up's of Lush Lacquer's Lite Brite

The microbeading on this gave me so much trouble. It's my first time using them in this manner but jeez it was quite a bit of work to get them placed properly.

Ultimately, I'm happy with how things turned out.  It's like a small jungle in here :)

This is definitely funky and not for the faint of heart!  My favorite nail is the matte jelly sandwich closely followed by the glitter leopard.  This was fun albeit time consuming. The final result is so upbeat this would be perfect for a night out. What do you ladies think? If you are interested in Lite Brite and other amazing glitterbombs find you can find Lush Lacquer on Etsy.

Song stuck in my head today: Nighttiming by Coconut Records. All about cheating hearts minus the angst - lol.

Anyhoo, thanks for reading and toodles!

Darling Diva Polish Bazinga! Jelly Leopard Manicure

Hey lovely ladies,

Lately the indie polish world has erupted with some serious drama that has left me feeling a bit unhappy and bummed out.  I'm a big supporter of these independent lacqueristas, but I can't stand drama at all.  The first sign of trouble and I'm out! So I was feeling a bit down and wanted to create something playful, lighthearted, and easy to lift my spirits a bit.  Enter leopard print and DDP's Bazinga! Bazinga! is a creamy white jelly polish loaded with multi-colored hexes small round and bar glitter.  It is yummy and reminds me of candy, ice-cream, and all things sweet!  I used Essie's Marshmellow, a squishy white jelly, as the base and then used three layers of Banzinga! to reach opacity.  I probably could have done it in two but I wanted to make sure I didn't have any VNL like I did with my last mani.  I used a more subdued color, Essie's In Stitches, for the base of my leopard print.  It's a very rich deep colored rose creme polish that is opaque in 2 coats.  The leopard pattern was freehanded with China Glaze's Passion and Orly's Liquid Vinyl.  Check out the final results below.

See what I meant about the Banzinga! just being layers and layers of milk and sprinkles? I really love this effect of jelly finish polishes!

Bottle shot of Bazinga! It looks like melted ice-cream with tons of sprinkles.  Yum!

This is a picture I took before I started adding the leopard print - indoor lighting.  You can see how In Stitches adds a bit more somberness to the festive quality of Banzinga!

I think the extra metallic quality of CG Passion that I used for the leopard spots really added a 3rd dimension to this manicure and really made the pattern pop.

Quote on DDP labels: "The Prettiest Girls are the Happiest Girls.  Be Happy! I love that!

I really like how this turned out and can't stop looking through all the layers of Bazinga! to see the glitters underneath all the jelly base!  I think polishes like this are so fun and easy to wear.  You just layer it up and it's instant art by itself.  Also because Banzinga! is so packed full of glitter I didn't have to do any fishing at all just strategic placement of the glitters as I added layers.  While I don't enjoy the drama behind the indie scene these days I will always be a fan of innovative and unique polishes, and I'm so glad I've had the opportunity to buy so many awesome polishes!  If you're interested in Bazinga! or want to see more Darling Diva Polish you can find her shop here on Etsy.  The seller is super sweet, super responsive to emails, and always happy to set up custom listings. 

Theme Song of the Moment: Ruin by Cat Power.  All about traveling, heading home, and complaining when you have lots and others have nothing.  I like this song because a) it's utterly dancible, b) it makes me grateful for what I have and gratitude can keep you balanced when other things are falling apart and c) because it's Cat Power and she hasn't released an album since 2006's The Greatest.

Thanks so much for reading and I'll see you next time.  Toodles!

Lush Lacquer & Elemental Styles Jelly Sandwich

Hey polished prisoners,

I don't know about you but these days I'm starving for jelly! Luckily I have just the right indie polish "fixings" to whip up a very lady-like sandwich. Yum, yum, yum! But to make a good sandwich you need some great glitters and I chose two awesome ones.  The first is Elemental Styles Xenon: Warrior Princess (50), a matte glitter polish consisting of magenta, white and dark pink small sized glitter. It has zero element of sparkle and all my love! Xenon gets a 10 for formula and ease of application - it's a winner all around. I also chose to use one of my newest Lush Lacquer polishes.  Chubby Checker is gorgeous pastel pink glitter with loads of ultrafine holographic shimmer and small black and white squares, hexes and round glitter. Chubby gets a 8 for formula because it's a sinker.  It's nothing that ten minutes upside down and a few shakes of the bottle can't fix, but I disliked how quickly the settling reasserted itself.  Nevertheless the sparkle on this bad boy was fierce so 8/10 all around. Finally for the the main ingredient I chose Essie's Sugar Daddy a very light pink super sheer jelly polish.

My recipe: One layer of Essie's Sugar Daddy followed by one layer of  Xenon. Then another coat of Sugar Daddy followed by a layer of Chubby Checker and finally one last layer of Sugar Daddy.  For my ring finger I just put Xenon at the top and added a layer of CND Effects Copper Shimmer.

This is outdoor lighting unfortunately when haven't had much sun so the light was low, but this is true to color.

You can still see a bit of VNL even with so many layers, but I love how the hexes and matte polish peeps through sugar daddy.

 

This is was shot indoors. Unfortunately I had a very hard time getting the lighting right and the pink here is much darker here than it actually is.

What do you think? It's another first for me. I'm getting rid of an awful lot of firsts these days.  Maybe I should change the name of my blog to Cherry Lockdown, but oh my what would the readers think?!?  The truth is as obsessed with jelly polishes as I am these days I expect to be making many more sandwiches in the future.  I'm on a quest to find lots of great jellies and since I have so many glitters they would come in handy.  Do you ladies have any favorite jelly finish polishes? If you're interested in the glitters I used you can find Lush Lacquer and Elemental Styles on Etsy.  Thanks for reading and for now I'll bid you adieu and bon appetite!