Be a Dahlia Won't You? -- and do a sweet gradient

I took a break in between challenges and game up with what I think was a pretty wonderful gradient. I started with two coats of O.P.I. - Be a Dahlia Won't You? and then did tapering layers of with Petites - Craze. I do recommend enlarging these photos to see the true awesomeness.

Not being able to leave this alone, I added a few coats of Nubar - Black Polka Dot

Click to enlarge the last two or they just look weird

I'll be back to posting for the challenge later in the day! Thanks for reading :)

Day 10 - Gradient

I've always loved the idea of using black and another bright color in a gradient, so I had already decided to do that when I read that my beloved Hines Ward was retiring. As an extremely huge Steelers fan, I was devastated. I did this design in dedication to him and all that he has done for the black and gold!

I got this awesome pack of Steelers themed nail polishes at Fun Party Stores awhile back, so I used the yellow for the base. I then layered a couple of coats of Nubar - Black Polka Dot and finished off with black sponging. 

Here is a random manicure I have also done using my Steelers nail art supplies:

I never posted it and forgot to transfer my photos when I came back from PA, so I only have a tiny cell phone picture. 

Not only did Hines have an amazing career in the NFL, he had the privilege along with a few other players to be part of The Dark Knight Rises. You're the best Hines, and you will be forever missed!

Thanks for reading!

Not Quite Connect the Dots...

So Lynderella makes everyone squeal with her amazing polishes, but I am too slow and too broke to ever get in on her sales. Connect the Dots is my personal favorite polish of hers - it's perfect for putting over just about any color and creating instant nail art. Nails and Noms has some pretty great swatches of CTD here. I am currently trying to get the supplies to create my own version, but until then I have been using Nubar Black Polka Dot and White Polka Dot to try to create a similar effect. I also recently received China Glaze For Audrey, and thought what better way to show it off for the first time? :)

These pictures were frustrating. For Audrey did not want to photograph for some reason, and I am always awkward using my right hand to take photos. My right hand, which I usually photograph, has a severely broken pointer fingernail. I have some sort of Wolverine healing factor though so I expect it to be full length again in about a week :)

Thanks for reading!

Oh, what a strange (Matte) Magic!

Finally got my hands on some China Glaze Matte Magic over the holidays, and I couldn't be more impressed. Easily the smoothest thing I have ever applied. One quick, stroke, and your nails are completely matte. I experienced no streaks or clumping or oily look afterwards. In fact, even after applying cuticle butter and lotion to my nails, they retained their matte look. I'm absolutely blown away by how easy this was to work with. A pretty quick dry, too! I'd say if you're looking for a brand to go with for a matte top coat, go China Glaze (no they didn't pay me haha, I wish).

I threw that on over Innocent by Sinful Colors that I had done earlier. Despite the matte awesomeness, it was a bit boring for my tastes so I started over and added Nubar's Black Polka Dot to the mix.

This is such an amazing glitter! I was surprised by how much the little hex's stuck to the brush. It's sister, White Polka Dot, I don't feel is as heavily packed with glitter, or maybe I was just applying it wrong. Anyway, take a look!

Before Matte Magic

After Matte Magic

So. Smooth.

And what matte manicure (matte-icure?) would be complete without some glossy tips!

I am pretty much in love with this look. Next time, 3 coats instead of two with the Black Polka Dot!

Thanks for reading!