Tuesday 27 August 2013

Hearts Tutorial

Hey guys! So here is my new tutorial! The gorgeous Bree from http://www.gypsy-glitter.blogspot.co.uk/ asked for a tutorial for 'heart' nail art so here is not one but two easy and effective guides to beautiful looking nail art hearts!!! 

*Another technique that could be used is stamping, but I really am not a fan of this technique and it definitely takes a lot of practice to get it right, however, If anyone would like a stamping tutorial then please feel free to tweet/comment/nag/pester me as much as you like.*

Technique 1.
1. Cut a narrow strip of paper.

2. Fold in half and draw half a heart on the folded edge and cut it out.
3. Trim down one of your stencils to fit your nail and cellotape it down. Make sure your  base coat is completely dry first though!
4. Paint over your stencil.
5. Remove stencil and voila! This technique can be used for any symmetrical pattern!

Technique 2. 
Remember my review on Barry Ms nail art pens? Well you guessed it they are back again!!! As easy as it is to do technique one, I personally think its easier to get out your pens and simply draw the design on yourself! 



So there you have it folks! That was my easy-peasy guide to doing your own nail art hearts!


Friday 23 August 2013

Leopard Print Nails

Last night, I did my nails. Shock! Seriously though, how gorgeous are they? I actually don't think I've ever, ever loved my nails so much! I'm in awe and can't stop staring at them and the best part is they were super easy to do! Like the easiest ever!! I wont give you all a tutorial for these as its pretty easy to see, but if you are looking at it wondering how I did it, just drop a comment below and I'll do a quick tutorial!

Wednesday 21 August 2013

How To-Punk Rocker Nails.

Notice the question mark in the title. Its a big question mark! I'm not really sure if the way to describe these nails is 'Punk Rocker' but whatever you would use to describe them, its definitely not my usual major girly style yet surprisingly I really, really liked these so here is my How To!

What you'll need.

  • Gold Nail Varnish. I used Avon but any make will do.
  • Black Nail Varnish. Like above, any make will do but I used B&M's black nail art pen.
  • A base & top coat.
  • A cuticle stick.
  • A selection of gold and black gems. These can be purchased cheap on amazon. (If you'd like the link then feel free to ask.)
  • Nail art tape. (optional)
Step 1.
Paint your nail with your base coat and leave to dry, follow this by a coat (or two depending on your preference and coverage.) of your gold varnish. 

Step 2.
One nail at a time, we need to do the triangle. It is essential we do one nail at a time or the varnish will dry quickly and the stone wont set as well. If you feel you have a steady hand, like me, pain the triangle on free handed. If you feel you need to, cut off two strips of nail art tape and place them on your nail to create a border if you like to just colour in.While the paint is still tacky, pick up a gold gem with the cuticle stick and place it on your nail in the center of the triangle, holding it down for a minute or two to make sure its stuck. Repeat this step for all other fingers. Bar the ring finger.

Step 3.
We now need to use the black gems. Apply a clear coat to your ring finger and work quickly in picking up and putting the gems (as done in step 2) in a line on your finger before the varnish dries and repeat to other hand.

Step 4.
Apply a top coat. This will seal your design and help your gems hold longer.

Matching Nail Art to Outfit. Hot or Not?


Clearly, when I was in college I had way too much time on my hands... literally. I was really into my nail art at the time and more often or not my nails matched my outfit perfectly! I remember this day in particular as we were going on a trip to Bath. It was an amazing day and I loved every minute of it but I don't think I went longer than 10 minutes without someone complimenting my nails.I have to be honest though, it did make my smile :) 

So in this blog, I'm asking you guys your opinion! What do you think? Matching nails too much? Or just down your street?

Tuesday 20 August 2013

Liebster Blogger Award

I was nominated by Curiouser and Curiouser. I have never heard of this award before. So I'm going to copy Frankie's explanation (I hope she doesn't mind ;))


If you're like me and had never heard of it before, the Liebster award is an award given to new and coming bloggers with small followings (less than 200). It helps new bloggers connect with one another, and find each other. I'm told that the translation of Liebster means dearest/loving/sweetheart in German.

Before I start, I'd like to thank Frankie for nominating me!

The rules:

1) Link back to the person that nominated you
2) List 11 facts about yourself (optional)
3) Answer the 11 questions given to you by the person who nominated you for the award
4) Nominate 11 blogs/bloggers who themselves have 200 or less followers
5) Think up 11 different questions for the people you are nominating to answer
6) Notify your nominees so they know and can answer and join in!

I'll begin with the 11 facts about me!!
1. I'm 19... not very interesting but its me!
2. I collect disney classic films and get very excited every time I purchase a new one!
3. I also collect Pandora charms. I'm not on my fourth bracelet! Its highly addictive.
4. I've always been a huge fan of art. I studied it at GCSE and got an A and went to study it at college but dropped out after the first year for a full time job in an accountancy. Its probably around that time I really got into nail art.
5. I also write. All sorts. I used to always dream about publishing a book but after a while i'd get writers block and give up. After a while though I found FanFic though which I really got into. Writing is a lot easier when using ready made characters!
6. I'm struggling to think of facts already.
7. I love animals. We have a pet cat called Smudge.
8. I'm scared of rollercoasters and I don't like the dark or heights.
9. I'm rubbish at doing my own hair and makeup. Does that make me a rubbish girl? Probably. But my nails are always pretty :)
10. I go abroad 1-3 times a year but have only been as far as Tenerife.
11. I don't have many friends but the saying is definitely true. My friends are all about quality over quantity!

Here Are my questions from Frankie!

1) 3 Beauty products you could not live without?
I'd have to my nail varnish remover, barry m nail art pens and nails inc varnishes!

2) Who inspires you?
Well, I'd have to say Jade from Beads Of Jade as its all thanks to her this blog exists.

3) What motivates you to blog?
I dont really need motivation. Its lovely to talk to all the lovely people who read and comment on my blog but I think that even without them I'd continue blogging. Its easy to write about something your passionate about.

4) How do you spend your free time?
Reading. Im a big fan of reading. When i'm not doing that im doing my nails or socialising with friends/family.

5) What is your favourite season and why?
Winter. I love everything about it. Everyone always seems so festive and cheery. Winter Wonderland opens and christmas shopping is well underway. As soon as Winter comes I always feel happier!

6) Name a product you heard was good, but didn't like?
I was told Avons nail varnish quick dry spray was good, however, I hated it. All it succeeded in doing was making my fingers feel and look greasy. B&Ms quick spray is a lot cheaper and actually works!

7) How do you handle a stressful day?
Chill with the soaps or my kindle!

8) What is your favourite quote?
Ever thine, Ever mine, Ever ours.

9) What makes you smile when you're having a bad day?
Disney films. And my nan!

10) Do you make and keep New Year's resolutions?
I've never, ever made one.

11) What is the first thing on your wish list?
Every single nail varnish ever made? Or I'd settle for Barry M's 3 in 1.

I'd like to nominate...
Fell in love with all these blogs and all have been followed!

My questions to you are...
1) What is your favourite thing to blog about?
2) Stranded on a desert island with one item what would it be and why?
3) What is your favourite past time?
4) What 2 products could you not live without?
5) What is your favourite thing about blogging?
6) Do you have an instagram account? If so what is your username?
7) How long have you been blogging for?
8) What is your top tip for other bloggers?
9) What is your all time favourite song and movie?
10) What is your ambition/dream?
11) What product is next on your wishlist?

Thats it! Sorry for such a long blog, but thank you if you made it this far!!!


Monday 19 August 2013

Glitter Nails!

I am a full on girly girl. I love anything pink. Anything fluffy. Anything girly. But most of all, anything sparkly!! I also love to portray me in what i wear on my nails. My mood, feelings, emotions, or just plain and simply, me! So what is the best way for me to do this? Glitter nail varnish! Yay!! Its these simple things in life that make me smile :) I however have always struggled finding a good bold glitter, you know one that completely covers the nail and not leave loads of see through gaps? 

Every christmas/birthday, my auntie buys me a set of Nails Inc miniatures! I love them. Love Love Love!! I spend ages trying out each colour. The most recent collection bought for me was 'The Stylist.' Its retail price is £15 and it includes 5 glitter/metallic varnishes and the gold one in particular has captured my heart completely and when I've run out, I will most definitely go in search for a larger bottle. Its application is smooth and easy and gives you a perfect glam glittery look after 2 coats. It is a nightmare to get off but with any glitter this is obviously to be expected! If you love glitter varnishes, give this one a go! Yes, Nails Inc can be expensive but the good quality makes up for that!

Do you have any recommendations for a good glitter nail varnish at better high street prices? I'd love to hear!!!


Sunday 18 August 2013

Barry M Nail Varnish Review



Now, as some of you will already know from previous posts, I have never been a fan of Barry M! Not that I ever found any problems! I just simply wouldn't use them as the price put me off and I always thought that to be so cheap they must lack in quality, but this week, when there was an offer on for money off when bought with the nail art pens used in my previous post I just had to give them a go and you know what? I was really pleased I did! 

The application of these nail varnishes is easy with the nice brush included but you do need to use a minimum of 2 coats for a bold, opaque colour! This however isn't a problem for me as I do this anyway, but a lot of people don't. The range of colours is endless and for nail artists like me, a large colour range is a must! The other thing that really impressed me about these bad boys is that they don't seem to chip very quickly! Win! All in all, starting at just £2.99 these are definitely worth the buy! The china glaze queen has officially been converted!!!!

Many Many Thanks!!!

Before I upload my next review, I really really wanted to take the time to say a huge thanks to my girl Jade (check her blog out at http://www.beadsofjade.com/).
Jade and I went to college together, and I will always always, always remember the first day, walking into English class completely petrified and not knowing a single sole and sitting on my own, pretty much like every one else did really, and then Jade walked in, all happy and bubbly and asked if she could sit next to me! We were pretty much inseparable from then on until I dropped out of college and we drifted! BUT! Good news!! :) We are now back in touch and I refuse to let us drift again! But anyways, back to the point!

 When Jade realised I had started my own blog, she asked me to guest blog on her blog while she is away in La Francais! (Not jealous at all ;)) She talked me through what I needed to do, and then she asked if I needed help with my blog, (legend!) and voila! My boring blog has gone from looking very newbie to actualy very professional looking! Did I mention she's a legend?? To All of you lovelies that follow Jades blog, you will know it is totes amazing! & to be honest, it was cyber stalking her blog that really made me want to start one up of my own about something that I was passionate about, hence the nails, so please, please, please, if you haven't already visited her blog, please do, and follow! & also to all the people who have found me through Jade, thank you so much for visiting !!!

xo

Saturday 17 August 2013

Barry M Nail Art Pens

                   
After years of struggling with unsteady hands and thin brushes that almost never go the way you want them to go, I think I have finally found the perfect solution! Barry M Nail Art Pens! Now all though on the outside these don't look all that special, like the old saying says "don't judge a book but its cover!" These things are definitely the new essential for your nail kit!!!
                  
As you can see from the picture, these pens are just like the handwriting ones you used to have in school which makes them super easy to use, and leaving you with the ability to simply draw straight onto your nail as easily as a piece of paper! These handy little pens fill me with so much inspiration I am spoilt for choice and you too will never be short of ideas for fashionable nail art ever again!
At the retail price of just £4.99 these little beauties are definitely something worth having in your kit and I can promise you you won't regret the purchase! I would however strongly recommend that when used, you cover with a top coat as without this your design will chip and fade in a matter of hours!!!!