Born Pretty Stamping Plate #BP17

Hello peeps! Life has been crazy for me -- my kids went back to school, I graduated from my Esthetics program and have started the Nail Tech program, my husband started a new job -- it's been a whirlwind! I am quite excited to have started the Nail Tech program. I am two weeks in, and I am having a blast! It's great to do what I love all day long :) Did you know that in the early 20th century, people would keep their broken nail tips and donate them to a nail bank for nail techs to use as needed?!? Crazy.
Anyway, I have to keep my nails short for my Esthetics state board exam in a little over a week, so I'm rocking the nubs. Today's mani base is Floss Gloss "Dinge." I used Funky Fingers "Dark Knight" to stamp the image from Born Pretty plate #BP17 on my nails (and my toes too, but I will spare you the feet!)

Simple yet elegant - I like it! Have you used the Born Pretty plates yet?

Shark Week -- Inspired by Chalkboard Nails!

When I came across this post from Chalkboard Nails, I instantly wanted to reproduce it. 

My base is Floss Gloss Wet, with a little Floss Gloss Glowstar sponged on the tips for a gradient effect. For the shark I used Zoya Ling, Essie Blanc, and WetNWild Black Creme to freehand the look.

I realized after I topcoated my design that I forgot to paint on the teeth, but I think he still looks cute. 

<3<3<3 on a side note, I would like to say that I am loving the Floss Gloss I won on Listia, and am definitely going to be looking for more. The formula (in my opinion) has staying power, it's not sheer -- ie, 2 coat max application for everything I have used so far, and the colors are great. I will definitely be investing in more Floss Gloss in the future. And - well, on a very subjective note, the bottles are just so damn cute. 

Beach Bum (in my dreams...)

If I had a left nut, I would give it to anyone who would take me to the beach right now. To say I need a vacation is an understatement. Until then, I'll just paint waves on my fingers.

This was actually a super easy mani to do, especially with my best friend Liquid Palisade.
I used Floss Gloss in "Tanlines," Salon Perfect "Baby Blues" and Zoya "Ling" to create my gradient. Then I stamped on the waves with Bundle Monster plate #BM509, using Funky Fingers "Gesso" as my stamping polish. Finally I added some nail confetti from Bundle Monster - a cute little anchor - to finish the design.  This mani was cute and easy, and allowed me to drift away for a little bit, if only in my mind :)

Happy Daydreaming!

More Nails Magazine Inspiration!

What's going on peeps! It is FINALLY Spring and I couldn't be happier! I received my May issue of Nails Magazine, and I am engulfed in inspiration. Today's mani is inspired by the Technique Demo on page 56.

I used Dermelect "Above It" as my base -- it's much more periwinkle in color than the picture shows, unfortunately. I used a small, dry brush to add my accent colors - Dermelect "Lust Struck" (pink), Floss Gloss "Wet" (green), and Floss Gloss "Con Limon" (neon yellow). The white flowers are all from Born Pretty plate #BP24. This is the second time I have used this stamp, and I had a lot more difficulty with it this time. Not sure why.