First Attempt at Acid Wash

I have seen some really amazing looks using this technique so I had to give it a try myself.  I was going for something more along the lines of a "fall" look.  For this one, I started with a base of Finger Paints Circus Peanuts (swatch here) followed by a coat of OPI Call Me Gwen-Ever (swatch here) and then Finger Paints Sketchy Character.  I didn't look for specific instructions, so I just went with the lightest to darkest shades.  Once the top layer was sort of dry I took a brush dipped in acetone and set to work making the "design".  I was surprised at how much it took to really get through all the layers (and with only one coat of each color).  The Circus Peanuts was difficult to get to really show up much but I am pleased with the overall look nonetheless.  I am sure I will revisit this with some other colors in the near future...or maybe after the Summer Challenge is finished!

Circus Peanuts Swatch and Review

Circus Peanuts is the absolute perfect name for this polish, it is the exact color of candy circus peanuts that I used to love as a kid!  I have a few Finger Paints polishes now but really haven't gotten around to posting many of them here, I'm not really sure why.  I have a very pale skin tone and this one is almost *too* bright for me.  I am not really a fan of neon polish on my hands because I am so pale (seriously, I could fit in with the Cullen clan!) and this one ranks up there close on my particular skin tone.  That said, the formula of the polish was great to work with, I may have been able to get away with one coat but I did two out of habit. Topcoat of Seche.

Finger Paints: Circus Peanuts

One of the most popular search terms that brings people to my blog is "dupe for Julep Hayden".  I did a mani here using Hayden but I haven't found a dupe...yet.  Here is a bottle shot of these two for reference.  As bright as Circus Peanuts appears on me, Hayden is brighter and a bit more yellow.  I will keep looking for a dupe, if you know of one and want to share, fell free to let me know!

Summer Challenge Day 3 - Summer Dots

Today's challenge is Summer Dots.  This one started with a base of Orly's Decades of Dysfunction from the Dark Shadows collection.  I love this polish!  It is a very pale pink...almost looks beige at times, but gorgeous.  I added dots in four shades, China Glaze Aqua Baby and Riveting, Finger Paints Pretty as a Portrait and Zoya Kimber.  Topcoat of Seche.  Be sure and check out the other ladies who are participating in the challenge!

List of girls taking part in Summer Challenge

Debbie @ The Crumpet - http://thecrumpet.blogspot.co.uk/

Danielle - http://lbobeauty.blogspot.co.uk/

Neivys - http://maquiclubgirl.blogspot.com/

Jo @ Northern Nails - http://therockchicksrambles.blogspot.co.uk/

arlene @ http://euzefelus27-nailart.blogspot.com/

Helena - http://nailwish.blogspot.com.es/

Cuti-CLUE-les - http://cuti-clue-les.blogspot.com/

Katee - www.agirlandherpolish.blogspot.com

Alyssa at Fancy Phalanges - http://fancyphalanges.blogspot.com/

Sarah - http://www.ynails.blogspot.co.uk/

bec - http://lacquerdreams.blogspot.com.au/

Misha - www.enigmatic-rambles.blogspot.com

Sharon - http://whatcolorismycoat.blogspot.com/

Melissa - http://www.misadventuresofawannabemartha.com/

Laurie http://dressedupdigits.blogspot.com/

Lucie @ Lucy's Stash www.lucysstash.com

Emma @  http://manicurity.blogspot.com/

Caitlin - www.caitlinscreativecorner.blogspot.com

Jane- http://absolutevarnish.blogspot.com/

Amber www.nevernakednails.blogspot.com

Vic @ Glowstars http://glowstars.net

Jackie- http://memasmanis-jackie.blogspot.com/

Rychelle @ Colorsplash Nails- http://colorsplashnails.blogspot.com/

Stella - http://mywetnails.blogspot.com

Missy @ http://missysmanis.blogspot.co.uk/

Christine @ http://lost-in-my-reverie.blogspot.com

Angie @ http://ourpaintedworld.wordpress.com

Purple Stripes

One of the girls at work the other day asked me to do something "purple" for my nails for the next day. It was a perfect excuse for me to try out some of the new essie colors I had yet to try. I started with a basecoat (still trying different ones, this time was Finger Paints) and then two coats of essie She's Picture Perfect. I'm not sure if it was the basecoat or the polish but it was kind of tough to apply, sort of "dragging" up the nail. It is a really gorgeous shade though and either way, I would put up with it for the color! I topped that with a coat of SV and waited for it to dry completely and then used essie No More Film (LOVE this color!!!) and my m78 plate for the stamp. I topped it with a coat of NYC Grand Central Station (clear) but as you can sort of make out it was a little streaky between the two colors, not sure what happened there, I have used it before without any trouble. At any rate, I got loads of compliments on this mani!

Finger Paints - Vintage Velvet

Just a simple swatch for today, still a bit overwhelmed with all the new choices I have! This is the first Finger Paints polish I have added to my collection and I love the color and the formula! It is super smooth and this is only one coat and it still looks great!