Gelibility + Crushed Shell Nail Art

Today I did my first and last crushed shell nail art mani!

I have had a package of little bottles, containing plastic crushed shell/iridescent looking stuff - I am really not technically certain what this material is called - sitting, untouched, unloved. No time like the present! - only thing is, I am not really 100% certain what I am supposed to do with this stuff. It's experiment time! Here's my tools:

I started out by using Gelibility to turn my China Glaze "Travel in Color" into a sheer base coat. I elected to use the Gelibility in hopes that the added thickness of the gel will sandwich in the little glittery pieces. After two coats of polish, I used my dotting tool to place the shell/glitter/whatever this substance is onto my nails. It took two more layers of Gelibility to really seal in the shards, and even with that I can still feel some of the material when I brush my fingers against my nails. I added a little gold shell and a pearl as an accent, and that was it!

I felt like this mani was more time consuming than it was worth. I still don 't even know if I used this stuff correctly (or should I say for the reason it was intended). Have you ever used this stuff? I would love to hear other people's experiences with this --- what is this stuff called?!? (for the record, the packaging said nothing.)

Vivid Lacquer Stamping Plate VL027

I am an avid animal lover. I have been involved with animal welfare in some form since I was 15 years old, and haven't stopped. When I saw this post by Betty's Beauty Bombs, I knew I had to have that plate.

I watched Etsy like a hawk, waiting (somewhat) patiently for it to come back in stock. And NOW IT'S HERE BABY! 

I used China Glaze "X-Ta-Sea" for my base, and stamped my images with Salon Express Black and White stamping polish. I did my right hand in cat images, and my left with the dogs. I was super impressed with the quality of the words (I <3 my cat, etc) - I was really doubting they would stamp well, as I haven't had much luck in the past with such delicate designs. This stamp will definitely get a lot of use.  Now if I can just find some stamps with ratties and chinchillas on it, and maybe a bearded dragon, I will be set.  :P

Inspired by: @alisnailart

Today's mani is inspired by an amazing artist I came across on Instagram, @alisnailart. For this design, I used Funky Fingers "Bizerk Turq" for the base, and then sponged on Funky Fingers in "220 Volts" on half the nail.  I sponged on some of China Glaze "Travel in Colour" for some shimmer, and used a striping brush with the Funky Fingers colors to add the finishing touches. I was very pleased with the results, and I cannot wait to try some of her other designs. :)