Lowcountry Lacquer

Showing posts with label nails. Show all posts

My February Untried Challenge

During the month of February, I challenged myself to use as many untried polishes from my collection as I could. I don't remember how many untrieds I had, but I used 25 polishes for the first time during the month of February in 18 different manicures. I'm pretty impressed with myself! I made 2 collages to show all of my manicures from the month of February.

Which mani was your favorite from my challenge? It's so hard to pick! I'll have a collage of my monthly favorites in my next post :)

Glitter Gradient

I love glitter. Thats really all that needs to be said. This glitter was untried for me and now that Im wearing it I cant imagine what took me SO LONG. Ive had it for a few years. Yeah you read that right. Years.

The base of this mani is Illamasqua Raindrops. The glitter is Maybelline Believe me, Its Real. And its all topped with China Glaze Fairy Dust. Because Fairy Dust is magical and makes everything better.

This picture is directly under the lamp but the sparkle still isnt coming through as much as in real life. So gorgeous.

Xoxo Danele

Manicure Basics Week 2: The Tools

Every good manicure requires a set of tools to accomplish perfect (or near perfect) looking nails. This week I'm going to show you the tools I like to use when doing my nails.

Nail File

Starting with the nail file on the left. I use a Nail Tek glass nail file. I made the switch a few months ago from the typical emery board. Emery boards tear up the end of my nails, leaving frayed bits underneath my free edge. After switching to a glass file, I don't have this problem anymore. It takes down length much quicker and is also easier to shape with. I will definitely never go back to a plain emery board ever again.

Cuticle Nippers

To the right of the file is a cuticle nipper. These happen to be Sally Hansen cuticle nippers. I didn't own these until recently because I had always heard horror stories of girls cutting their skin instead of their cuticle and causing infections. I decided to do some research about how to properly use cuticle nippers and now feel comfortable using these. I don't really use them to get rid of my extra cuticle around my nails. I mostly just use these to snip off any hang nails that occur. These are very sharp and do the trick!

Dotting Tool

Under the nippers is a dotting tool. This dotting tool is made by Essence and I picked it up at Ulta for under $2. Any dotting tool will work. I would like to get more that have a larger size. This one is double ended with a different sized dot on each end. I use it for doing dotticures but I also use it when I do other types of nail art as well. I have a small paint brush for nail art but I don't reach for it very often because dotting tools are just easier to clean and manage.

Clean up Brush

Next to the dotting tool is an ELF concealer brush. This is my clean-up brush. I dip it into acetone and run it along the edges of my nail to clean up any nail polish that may have got on my skin. I also use it to clean up the line around my cuticle. I like this brush because it is only $1 and can be found at Walmart and Target. I bought this one in November and it is still going strong!

Buffing Block

Last but not least is my 4 sided buffing block. I think these are kind of controversial. I've heard some people say its a bad idea to buff your nails. Maybe for those ladies with very thin, frail nails but for me, buffing my nails keeps the surface smooth and helps elongate polish wear. I lightly buff with sides 1-3. If you buff with side 4 it will make your nails really shiny and the polish won't adhere to the nail as well. This is especially helpful for peelies (when the top layer of the nail starts to peel in strips.) I like to lightly buff out any peelies that occur.

These are my favorite most used tools. What tools do you use for your manicures? As always, thanks for stopping by!

Neon Gradient Nails

Yay it's the weekend! And I am wearing these super bright, super fun neon gradient nails. They make me think of summer, heat waves, the beach, and palm trees. You get the picture.

This was my first time trying a gradient with more than 2 colors. The only other gradient I attempted was a French Manicure gradient, so it only involved light pink and white. These didn't come out perfect but I like them! I think I need to wait longer in between "coats." I'm also trying to decide if I should top these with a fun glitter or leave them as is. What do you think?!

I used China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy, Kiwi Cool-ada, and Sinful Colors Endless Blue to achieve this look.

Diffused Artificial Light - look how bright that is!

Diffused Artificial Light

A not so great picture in Natural Light

Have you ever attempted a sponged gradient? What colors did you use? I hope everyone is having an awesome weekend so far!

xoxo Danele

Nude, Glitter, & Polka Dots

I've been getting a lot of inspiration from Instagram lately. There are so many amazing people on IG that post their awesome nail art. I don't usually do skittles type manis, but I was inspired to try something different, and this is what I came up with!

Polishes used: Essie Sand Tropez, Color Club Gingerbread, Wet n Wild Black, Pa nail stickers

Holding CC Gingerbread

Holding my new favorite hand cream

I wish the camera picked up the holo-y goodness of Gingerbread. I also wish I had better lighting. I'm putting a light box on my wish list :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Mattified Flakies

Here are a few photos of my changing leaves manicure from a few days ago. I added one coat of mattifying top coat. I love the way flakies look after being mattified. What types of manis do you love mattified?

Polishes used: OPI Changing of the Garnet, Essie Shine of the Times, and Hard Candy Matte Top Coat

Thanks for stopping by!

Essie Winter 2013 Collection Swatches

I was finally able to find the Essie Winter 2013 Collection at a local CVS. I had been hunting for it for a week with no avail. I may or may not have squealed when I saw it. And it wasn't located with the Essie Display, nor was it located with the seasonal displays. It was ON TOP of the shelves where they keep the skincare. I ended up getting two polishes from the collection: Shearling Darling and Toggle to the Top. I have some swatches for you today!

Artificial light

Essie Shearling Darling

Shearling Darling is a dark red creme. The first coat was pretty streaky and the second coat did start to drag a little bit, but overall it was fairly easy to apply. I don't own many reds so I'm happy to add this to my stash. Swatches have 2 coats with top coat.

Artificial Light

Warmer Artificial Light

With Flash

Essie Toggle to the Top

Toggle to the top is a pretty pinky-red with glitter. I wasn't expecting the shimmer that's in it as well! Its a very pretty color that will be perfect for the holidays. Swatches have 2 coats with top coat.