Acrylic 3D: Shimmer, Shine & Neon

Yay finally had my first client in Holland past Thursday, my mini me's mom. Last week we were talking about acrylics, Dutch salons and the nail courses I did in Monterrey. She decided to schedule her next appointment with me as she liked the way my current nails looked. We ended up talking about the design I would do for her, it would include glitter, rhinestones and neon 3D.

On the day itself I decided to take off her old set as I spotted too many air bubbles. There's no better way for her to see what I can do and really evaluate her new nails when I do them from scratch.

Products used:

• Creamy white
• Pink
• Glitter pink mix: Essence - glitter, Maybelline - glitter, pink, Petal (bride collection)
• Neon rose
• Neon turquoise mix: neon blue, turquoise, neon pear
• Neon orange mix: yellow, neon rose, neon yellow
• Rhinestones 

Note:

All products are from Organic Nails unless otherwise stated

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

Xoxo Wyoni 

NAIL ART | GREEN SCALES

Hello everyone, I hope you’re doing fine. I’ve finally received my email regarding my exchange to Mexico, but am so stressed about finding a residence. Wouldn’t be so stressful if only I didn’t have to arrange this before the end of November (I know this seems far away but it really isn’t if you’re also busy with school).

Anyway for this look I was once more inspired by one of Robin Moses’ designs, one of her collabs with anaarthur81 (I hope I got the number right, if not my apologies). Anywho they came up with this design for the TV-show “V” and I really liked the green scales that Robin did. The plan was to also try to do the face she made on the ring finger, but I didn’t have time or energy to try it so green scales it was.

Products used:

• Black acrylic paint
• Scraperfect - best glue ever
• Mufe - black tango green black
• Essence - crystalliced glitter froster (LE)
• Seche vite topcoat
• Inaz - clover glam
• Green nail art foil

Overall I really like this look on my nails, something black with lots of shimmer and glitter. For next time I’ll try to topcoat the foil before I start using the acrylic paint. I should also try to remember to topcoat every other day to try to keep this looking neat for a few days. I also didn’t think I’ve used enough glitter for the design. Ah well better luck next time right.

What do you think of this look? Have you ever used nail art foil?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa 

Make Up For Ever (Black Tango) - Blue Black

Hello everyone I was a bit upset when my last nailart didn’t really worked out. I was already tired from my early shift that day and being sick, but I still wanted beautiful nails for my aunt’s party. Normally I try to swatch my regular nail polish colors back to back when the weather is nice and then just wear a nailart design for the rest of the week. Unfortunately that wasn’t an option this time.

Since I already have to take my polish off before Sunday, I decided to just do a regular mani for the rest of the week. I chose one of my loves from the brand Make Up For Ever (MUFE) from their Black Tango collection, named Blue Black. Right before our Sephora’s closed I found this gem on sale next to the Green Black which I’ll swatch another time.

MUFE’s Black Tango Blue Black is a beautiful black based nail polish that reflects dark blue shimmer. It truly appears black until you look closely in lighting, it’s basically a kinda off-black color. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts that I no longer like true black nails, I really prefer this look. See for yourself…

Isn't it gorgeous? I just love these intense nearly black colors. Just can't have enough of them really. I mean look how beautiful the blue shimmer is with the flash, but appears so neutral in the shade. 

Manicure details:

• 2 coats of Make Up For Ever - Black Tango collection - Blue Black
• Essence Better than Gel Nails Topcoat

Do you prefer darker nails for fall?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

My Birthday Nails

So today is my birthday, couldn’t upload this post earlier as I besides the nail art also had to refill my acrylics. Anyway didn’t really do much today besides that as I got a bad flu and just don’t have the energy for other stuff. Don’t ask me how I will survive this week’s school lessons. Anyway let’s talk nail art.

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts I absolutely love Robin Moses’ nail art designs and I will try to recreate practically all of them. The following is another inspired remake of one of her beautiful designs. Sadly when I finally finished my nails I didn’t have any natural lighting anymore so these pics are not doing this design justice. I’ll try to photograph some new ones tomorrow.

Products used:

• Hema- Clear polish
• China Glaze- Sunset Sail
• Catrice- Miss Piggy Reloaded
• Inaz- Glam Rock
• Inaz- Rose Glam
• MAC- Reflects Gold pigment
• Essence- Better than Gel nails topcoat
• Rhinestones

And of course a picture of my Bday outfit. Wasn't in the mood for special wear, so just a LBD and of course hot heels. 

Do you like this design?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Nailart: Blue Shatter Nails

Hello everyone sorry for not posting this past week. Had a lot on my mind; friends from abroad visiting, work, school starting next week and bunch of other stuff. I kinda got bored with my last design and needed something else even though I can only wear it for five days or so. I'm just not able to wear a design for more than a week…I need something else (and I'm also not allowed to wear nail polish at work *insert sad face*).

So while I was browsing online I remembered these gorgeous nail designs from Robin Moses (if you don't know her by now, you need to watch her ASAP). I basically love every design that she does especially the hand painted faces, because it starts out like basically this weird oval shape and then magically turns into this realistic face. They call her the nail art wizard for a reason. 

So this design was inspired by Robin Moses' blue shatter nails, but trust me when I say that I have to try to recreate practically all of them.

Products used:

• HEMA - black nail polish
• Catrice - 060 Mona Lisa is Staring Back
• Black acrylic paint
• Scraperfect - the best glue ever
• Inaz - Perseus glam
• Inaz - Parella glam
• Inaz - Madri glam
• MAC - reflects teal pigment
• Essence - studio nails, better than gel nails topsealer

I absolutely love this design and can’t wait to try it with other colors. The glitter effect is gorgeous and these photos don’t even do it justice, because it’s just mesmerizing to see in person.

PS: please excuse the nasty cuticles as these pictures were taken after wearing this manicure for almost three days.

What do guys think of this design? Have you ever used eyeshadow in your nail designs?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Review: Essence Studio Nails XXL Nail Thickener

Description on the website:

Professional out-of-salon gel-look finish. Fast-drying undercoat hardens nails with a special acrylic formula. Makes nail polish longer-lasting and even glossier!

Description on bottle:

This innovative nail polish instantly thickens & strengthens thin and brittle nails - resistant against chipping & cracking. For longer growing nails. Fast-drying. The bottle contains 0.27 fl.oz/8 ml and retails for around 2 Euros in selected drugstores.

My own experience: 

Love this polish as it does really thicken the nails quite a bit so much that it sometimes seems as though you have a very thin acrylic overlay especially when you use two layers. However I don't like to use this as my only basecoat, because for some reason I still feel that it doesn't strengthen my nails the way I want it to. But I've found a simple and effective solution for those of you who want the strong acrylic-like nails without all the hassle. 

My solution?

Layer this polish on top of Essence Studio Nails Step 1. One coat is already sufficient, but I like to use two just in case. The effect you ask.... strong nails, practically unbreakable unless you really do hard work with your nails. And when you use this combo underneath your colored nail polishes and topcoat, it will last for days.

I highly recommend this XXL Nail Thickener, but I really suggest that you use my combination described above as that's the way I have constantly used it underneath my manicures. If you've read my previous posts you know that my nails are quite thin and fragile and they keep breaking or tearing.

Do you already have some polishes from Essence Studio Nails line? Would you try this polish as your basecoat?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Nail Art: Purple Ombre Gradient Nails

Products used:

• A sponge
• China Glaze Snow
• OPI Sparrow me the Drama
• China Glaze First Class Ticket
• Essence Studio Nails Better than Gel Nails Topcoat

Do you guys like the ombre gradient effect? Would you try this easy nailart?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Review: Essence Studio Nails Nail Fixing system Step 1

Note: I tried to capture the tiny fibers on my pictures, but there were just not visible on camera so that's why I didn't include a picture of my nails.

Description on the back of the bottle:

Step 1 base coat with its nail strengthening nylon fibers creates a protective shield on the nails and enhances growth. Apply thinly, let it dry & cover the fibers with step 2. The bottle contains 0.23 fl.oz/7ml and retails for approximately for 2 Euros in selected drugstores.

Note: It seems as though Essence doesn't have this polish on their website anymore (although it's still available in the drugstores) so I couldn't include the description of their website.

My own experience:

I like this base coat and I do believe that it temporarily strengthens my nails due to the tiny nylon fibers. However I still felt that it wasn't enough on its own. My nails still kept breaking and/or tearing and it frustrated me a lot. I think this base coat is more effective when your nails are in good shape and you want your nails to be a bit more protected. Luckily I have found a way to combine this polish with another base coat and I'm truly in love with that combination, but I will tell you about that when I review that nail polish so stay tuned.

Have you ever tried a nail polish with fibers in them? Would you ever consider one?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Nailart: Hot pink zebra love

So as mentioned in my previous post today I had some issues with blogger on my computer and couldn’t post anything last the week the way I wanted too. I think I’ve found the solution though….Start using Google Chrome instead of Internet Explorer haha LOL.

Products used:

• 1 coat of Essence studio nails step 1
• 1 coat of Essence studio nails xxl nail thickener
• 2 coats China Glaze Snow (too thin polish that isn't easy to apply, streaky)
• 1 coat of China Glaze Pink Voltage
• 1 coat of Essence studio nails better than gel nails topcoat

I really liked this design as it‘s truly bold and there. Can’t wait to try variations of it.

What do you guys think of this design?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Note: some of you have already seen this design on my instagram or on facebook due to the issues with blogger and my determination to still upload the picture somewhere.

What did I buy? My shop log

This week I was searching for essential stuff to bring with me on vacation. I needed my beloved Mac concealer as I just finished my previous one and I was in serious need of hair removal items (who wants hairy legs on the beach right?). I also just can't help myself and always find my way to the nail corner (addict remember).

So what did I buy exactly this week? Of course my MAC concealer as mentioned above. Lucky me there was a sale on the new Veet Electrical Roll-on kit as it regularly costs around 25 Euros and was now half priced at the Dutch drugstore Kruidvat *insert happy dance*.

The generic brand (drugstore Kruidvat in The Netherlands) also had a nice offer being that you bought 2 hair removal items for four Euros, so I just purchased two packs of cold wax strips.

In the nail corner where the brands Essence and Catrice are located I picked up a black  Essence eyeliner, some handgloves from Essence for hand treatments and an eyeshadow base from Catrice. I also finally want to try a red color on my lips as I always wear a nude and decided to test a matt lipstick and a gel tint from Essence.

What beauty or product essentials did you buy this week?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa

Holo Summer Week: Holo topping, please!

Hello there, this is my last Holo Summer Week post as I've misplaced the last one of my OMG polishes and therefore can't blog about it. When I've found it I will post it, but till then this will be the last of the Holo Summer Week 2013.

Anyway this is my most affordable holographic polish so far as it just costs around 2 Euros and is widely available at several drugstores. It's from the brand Essence and it's one of their nail art special effect! toppers, a holographic topcoat that can transform the look of any regular nail polish color as it as the name describes gives you a holographic finish on top.

I wanted to show you guys how it looks on top of different base colors and of course also show you if this topcoat was wearable by its own.

I have used the following for each nail:

Index:           1 coat of China Glaze Midnight Mission topped with 1 coat of the Essence Holo topping, please!

Middle:         1 coat of China Glaze For Audrey topped with 2 coats of the Essence Holo topping, please!

Ring:             1 coat of China Glaze Pelican Grey topped with 1 coat of the Essence Holo topping, please!

Pink:             4 coats of the Essence Holo topping, please!

 

As the Holo topping, please! is a very light pink it does change the base color a bit, which is why it's important to test it out before you do a full manicure. Although it looks nice on all the base colors I’ve used I absolutely love it over the Pelican Grey as the colors pink and grey seem to match perfectly. I also really like my index finger as it gives this kinda galaxy look. What also really surprised me was how I also love it on its own even though it required 4 coats for medium-full opacity and you can still see the VNL (Visible Nail Line).

I love it as it's this perfect light pink which I didn't have in my holo collection yet and it has the same scattered holo effect as those of the China Glazes kaleidoscope collection. Overall I’m very happy to own this especially considering its price.

What do you guys think? Will you add this holographic topcoat to your nail polish collection?

Xoxo WyoniAlyssa