Beauty, China Glaze, DIY, Marc Jacobs, Nail Art, Nail Art Tutorial, Nail Polish Swatch, Nails, Nails How To, Style

Bob Marley Inspired Nails

Bob Marley is worshipped by millions and after watching the documentary, Marley, I finally understand why. While finding out his story and discovering the beliefs of the Rastafarian movement, it was clear that Marley is a legacy of peace.  In honor of the late reggae singer, I created this manicure to show One Love.

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What do you think of this look? Let me know in the comments below!

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Prismatic Nails of the Day

As a huge fan of Katy Perry, I’ve recently obsessed over prisms and prismatic visuals particularly in manicures. So when I got these tiny nail art accessories that reflect amazing color and shine, I was stoked.

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I’ve done some research and have been unable to find the exact name of the nail art accessory. From here on out, they will be referred to as prismatic plastic pieces.

Here’s are two prismatic manicures I think Katy Perry would approve:

1. This purple dream machine lets the light in.

I used Marc Jacobs 122 Ultraviolet ($18) a base and created a gradient with Wet ‘n Wild On a Trip ($6), then added pieces of the prismatic plastic over it. On the accent nails I used Prism by China Glaze ($6) as a base and placed dots of Ultraviolet over it using a dotting pen.

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2. A bit of mystery and reflection.

I used Essie’s Dive Bar and placed prismatic pieces over it. On the accent nail I used Marc Jacobs Stone Jungle 146 ($18) as a base, applied stripes using a black striper brush and added a thin coat of Sally Hansen’s Mermaid’s Tale ($7).

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What do you think of these looks? Let me know in the comments below!

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Valentine’s Day Nail Art Inspired by Tom Bachik

Happy Valentine’s Day! When Zooey Deschanel graced the Golden Globes red carpet in a vintage and lux daisy manicure back in January, I knew right away I wanted to recreate the look. Fast forward to February 14 and I figured there was no better time than now to do it.

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Zooey Deschanel’s daisy manicure as seen at the 2014 Golden Globes red carpet. Photo credit: Instagram, @tombachik.

I wanted to give the spectacular manicure originally executed by celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik, my own twist. To give the look a little Valentine’s Day flair, I used pink, white and purple polishes and a couple light pink pearl studs. I paired the design with cute negative space ribbon nail art on the middle finger, a heart-filled accent nail and was very generous with rhinestones. A whole lot of love went into this flirty and romantic look, can you feel it?

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What do you think of this manicure? Let me know in the comments below!

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Q&A with Shine and Sheen Founder, Krystyna Kao

New York and Shanghai based nail blogger, Krystyna Kao, is gearing up to launch some seriously fabulous nail art kits. Her company, Shine and Sheen, was created for DIY girls with a flair for fashion and creative streak.

Shine and Sheen’s nail art kits will be equipped with a mix of nail polish colors, accessories, decals, and detailed instructions to create over 10 designs.  When Krystyna was designing the kits, she said she centered the products around manicures that could be easily recreated at home.

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Shine and Sheen’s nail art kits will launch this Spring. Photo credit: ShineandSheen.com.

Here’s an example of the kind of look you can execute with Shine and Sheen’s nail art kits. This side French design is perfect for a Valentine’s Day manicure. Krystyna used Shine and Sheen’s Cherry pink polish, a white striper brush polish and a dotting tool.

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Photo credit: Instagram, @shineandsheen.

While we all anxiously wait for the release of Shine and Sheen’s gorgeously packaged nail art kits, here’s your chance to find out a little bit more about the face behind the nails. I chatted with Krystyna and here’s what she had to say:
BySig: Since you started to blog about nail art, what’s one of the most important and fun things you’ve learned about the craft? 
KK: Nail art really opens the door in terms of creativity. The most fun part for me is seeing contrast between really different and unexpected colors, textures, and designs on different nails that together make up a whole look. I love the juxtaposition
BySig: What’s your ideal manicure look like? 
KK: For daily activities, I like designs and colors that pop and are striking, but also can go with different outfits, and can fit for day and night. I tend to like reverse French or French moons or just something shiny and eye-catching. If it’s just for fun, and I take it off soon after, I like playing with 3D stuff, like baubles, pearls, etc. That’s always exciting, albeit not really practical!
BySig: Any predictions for spring/ summer nail art trends? 
KK: I think we’ll see more fashion-inspired designs, like what the talented MissLadyFinger does. Also even more negative space manicures – I have a feeling girls will start really taking care of their nails so they can play peekaboo with negative space! And definitely color, color, color for summer.
What do you think of Shine and Sheen? Let me know in the comments below!
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5 Valentine’s Day Nail Art Ideas

While Valentine’s Day is meant to appreciate and acknowledge loved ones, the holiday is also an opportunity to love yourself a little bit more.

Here are five manicure ideas that will show off your inner confidence and big heart:

1. Perfectly pink digits with a negative space design that says you’re ready to try something new.

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2. Two hearts paired with metallic polish for the hopeless romantic with an edge.

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3. Plain white nails to embrace a blank slate filled with possibilities of love.

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4. A classic crimson base manicure with a plaid design for the bold lover.

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5. Glitzy nails for the Valentine that wants to show off her sweet side.

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What do you think of these Valentine’s Day designs? Let me know in the comments below!

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Graphic Square Nail Art

Make an already bold nail polish even bolder with a graphic design.

I’m wearing Marc Jacobs 118 Oui! ($18) and China Glaze Liquid Leather ($5.50) on the accent. I painted mirrored square halves on the top and bottom of the nails using black and white striper polishes.

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What do you think of this design? Let me know in the comments below!

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Nails of the Day: Gradient Negative Space Nail Art

Happy Grammy’s day! Contemporary chic meets absolute cuteness in today’s featured nail art.

I used Sugar Coat by Wet n Wild ($1.49) as a base color, added Oui! by Marc Jacobs ($18) as a gradient and layered a coat of Sparked by Wet n Wild ($4.70). To outline the accent nail I used Blanc by Essie ($8.50). I applied a nail accessory from Ocean Nails Supply in the center negative space and placed sequins from Jewelry Heist by Spoiled ($1.99) around the nail art ring.

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Here’s a time lapse video of the making of this manicure.

What do you think of this look? Let me know in the comment below!

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Jamberry Nails Review

After recently playing with Nailed Kit’s water slide nail art decals and Essie’s nail appliques, my love for vinyl nail stickers has definitely grown. So when Jill, a Jamberry Nails Independent Consultant, sent me over a sample of their nail wraps I got psyched and they didn’t disappoint.

Initially I was impressed with Jamberry Nails intricate and varied designs. I received six decals and chose to try them on as an accent.

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The application process called for a unique step after a routine nail cleaning and cuticle push. The nail wrap requires heat to soften the adhesive before you stick it on. I pointed my blow dryer on the wrap and used it on a low heat setting for about 5 seconds. It worked.

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I placed the wrap on my ring finger while it was still warm. I found it best to make sure the placement fit before pressing on the wrap to seal it on because the glue got pretty sticky. I used a rubber cuticle pusher to flatten out any bubbles that formed.

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I folded the leftover sticker and filed it off in a downward motion to get the right fit. While the included directions do not mention to seal the sticker with a top coat, I recommend applying a layer of it if you intend on wearing the wraps for a few days.

jamberry-nails-review-1This is a sample of Reminisce ($15). I paired it with Marc Jacobs’ 128 Nirvana ($18).

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This is Poised Plaid ($15). I paired it with Essie’s Blanc ($8.50).

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This is Wisteria ($15). I paired it with Marc Jacobs’ 122 Ultraviolet ($18).

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What do you think of Jamberry Nails? Let me know in the comments below!

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Marc Jacobs 114 Snap! Nail Polish Swatch

Marc Jacobs 114 Snap! ($18) is the collection’s mandarin orange.

The beautiful orange hue provided a much needed pop of color during this cold season. While wearing Snap! I noticed my skin glowed! I’m looking forward to sport this polish in the summer.

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The creamy formula allowed for easy application with an opaque finish after the initial coat.

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Snap! has a pretty fast dry time and leaves a high-gloss finish. The orange hue is very easy on the eyes even after a second coat.

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I was so impressed by the extra smooth finish I got after two coats, I didn’t even apply a top coat. I mean just look at these bright beauties!

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This is the seventh installment of a ten-part series of Marc Jacobs nail lacquer swatches. Keep scrolling down for the rest and stay tuned for more.

What do you think of Snap?Let me know in the comments below!

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Marc Jacobs Evelyn Nail Polish Swatch

Marc Jacobs 144 Evelyn ($18) is the collection’s opaque smoky gray and it is a beautiful combination of black and white.

Every nail polish collection needs a perfect gray hue for a good tone. Evelyn is just that polish for me.

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Instagram, @nailartbysig

After the initial coat there were barely any streaks. The creamy formula makes for easy application.

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Instagram, @nailartbysig

The nail polish has a pretty quick dry time. By the second coat, I reached a desired opacity.

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Instgram, @nailartbysig

To smooth off the entire look, I added a very thin layer of top coat. The glossy finish is undeniable.

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Instagram, @nailartbysig

This is the sixth installment of a ten-part series of Marc Jacobs nail lacquer swatches. Keep scrolling down for the rest and stay tuned for more.

What do you think of Evelyn?Let me know in the comments below!

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