✯ Press Release ✯

I changed nail nail shapes a few months ago from square to round. And, for awhile my nails were growing like weeds and super strong. Then over the past month or so suddenly my nails started peeling again, which hasn't happened in awhile. :( I broke three nails last weekend, and two this week. My cuticles have also seemed like they want to peel for no reason despite my almost religious use of cuticle oil and butters, and the occasional mani bomb every other week. Blah.... needless to say I am not feeling the nail thing right now....

I'm not sure what has caused the current peeling. Maybe the transition to round tips freaked them out, or the weather changing, or the fact I hadn't used any nail treatment in months and months, (besides, my Orly Bonder base coat). I also know a few weeks ago I used a peel off glitter base coat, which ended up leaving white marks on the top of three different nails. So maybe I damaged my nail beds somehow with that. It was Glitter-a-peel, and I've used it in the past with no issues... maybe it's just a combination of things. :(

I ordered some more OPI Nail Envy since my last bottle pretty much dried up with what little was left. Decided to try the sensitive and peeling formula this time. Has anyone used that one? Hopefully it helps. I have used Nail Envy in the past, on and off and it always seemed to make the peeling go away and make my nails stronger. So hopefully it helps.

I've been wanting to do some beachy ocean looking nails for a little while with my Bundle Monster stamping plate BM-505.

I started with two coats of Doctor Lacquer True Compassion. (A gorgeous light cornflower blue holographic thermal polish when warm). Then I sponged Chaos & Crocodiles Sleeper Cell, on the tips of my nails. I stamped in Konad white, and topped everything off with Seche Vite topcoat. The gradient effect with the two blue polishes reminds me of the ocean.

I was inspired to do some nails in the colors of my new Tieks Ballet Flats. :) I used OPI Can't Find My Czechbook, and Zoya Matte Velvet in Loredana. I also used striping tape to make the diagonal lines. I really love how they turned out, the colors go so well together, and I love the shiny/matte look of them.

✯ Purchased By Me ✯

*Check out this updated Tieks post.

I have lusted after Tieks ballet flats for a good 2+ years now.... I've heard great things about them, and that aqua colored sole always spoke to me. (If you've ever seen pictures of my apartment, the theme is black, white, and aqua!)

I posted this on my blog's Facebook page on Sunday, but I wanted to share it here too. I got my inspiration from Amanda Loves Polish who also did some awesome holographic gradients this past week with Chaos and Crocodiles nail polishes. I used Protocol & Reconnaissance for my gradient, and stamped in Konad white with Winstonia Store stamp plate W-04. My stamping isn't perfect, but I still love how they turned out. 

I've been wanting to do this tutorial for a little while. I get asked a lot how I create my curved watermarks on my nail polish photos. I use Paintshop Pro X7 to create my watermarks. (I had been using PSP X1 for years, but I just upgraded this past weekend to X7). There's quite a few steps involved, but once you've got the hang of it you can create a curved watermark within seconds.

*Note: I'm not sure if this tutorial can be applied to Photoshop or Gimp, as I don't use those programs. If you happen to adapt the steps below to work for you with those programs, please let me know in the comments!  

✯ PR Sample ✯

I was recently sent five of SinfulColors new polishes for Spring 2015. There's some new additions for spring: Bloomblast Glitters, Opalescent Toppers, and Citrus Twist Toppers.

I've mentioned my addiction to Bumblesoaps a few times before on this blog. :) They are an awesome indie bath & body company... which I am addicted to!

In February, Daphine Polish, and Bumblesoaps did a collaboration. Daphine Polish created colors to compliment some of Bumblesoaps scents. (The nail polish is scented too!) Each set came with a nail polish, and 2 or 3 Bumblesoaps products. There are 7 different colors in the collaboration collection. I ordered Twilight Nights, and Sweater Weather.

✯ Press Release ✯

You're never too old for an Easter Basket and Zoya Delight Minis are the perfect way to add a little something sweet to it without the calories! For a limited time, you can get the Zoya Nail Polish Delight shades in special Limited Edition boxes!