Drip Drop Nail Paint Limited Edition Mystery Trio PURPLE!

Greetings and Nailutaions,

Today I have a Limited Edition Mystery Trio from Drip Drop Nail Paint.  This is the third mystery set Jessica has released (first one was pink, next was green and this one is purple)!  This set's theme is purple and the names are based around a stage show!  As you all know from previous reviews, I am a huge fan of Drip Drop Nail Paint, not only because of the outstanding product, but also the great customer service.

Now let's get to some swatches.

First up is Show Girls, a glitter topper that is packed full of purple circles, lavender hexes, purple iridescent glitter, micro glitter and a touch of turquoise and silver and the occasional star.  I decided to showcase this glitter topper over another classic Drip Drop Nail Paint Pink Ferrari in a glitter gradient.  Photo shows 2 coats of Pink Ferrari, gradient of Show Girls and shiny top coat.

Next is Feather Boa, a gorgeous lavender glitter crelly.  Feather Boa contains silver, purple, lavender and black hexes in a few sizes.  Photo shows 2 coats with shiny top coat and accent nail of dots and bow.

Lastly, my favorite of this trio is Magic Hat.  Magic Hat is a black glitter jelly containing silver stars, purple hexes and squares, silver hexes in a few sizes and iridescent purple glitter shards.  This polish is absolutely stunning.  Photos show 2 coats with shiny top coat (1st and 2nd photo) and matte top coat (3rd photo) and accent of Swarovski Crystal Star.

Loves:  Obviously formula - Drip Drop Nail Paint is notorious for awesome formula.  Cremes, glitter crellies, glitter jellies and glitter toppers all go on smoothly.  All Drip Drop Nail Paint is also 3-free so it does not contain 3 of the nasties that polish can contain.

Wishes: Wouldn't change anything on this set, but now I want more black glitter jellies! :)

Stay connected with sales, promos and announcements:
Store: http://dripdropnailpaint.storenvy.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dripdropnailpaintLLC
Instagram: @dripdropnailpaint

Top Coat:  Gem Glam Top Coat from My Dream Polish, O.P.I. Matte Top Coat
Bow & Star: Charmingly Simple Nail Art

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @beginnails

Charmingly Simple Nail Charm Review - Owls and Bows and Stars...Oh My!

Greetings and Nailutations!

*Press Sample*
How about a "charm-tastic" review to start the week off?  I'm back again with 4 additional charms to round out the review for Charmingly Simple Nail Art.  I love figuring out manis to utilize charms as accessories.  Now as a reminder, my nail beds are pretty small, so I always try to find charms that aren't too big.

Now let's get to some charms!

First up is the White Acrylic Bow, which is a great way to make a mani adorable!  Acrylic bows are easily applied and stay on for an extended period of time with nail glue (which Elyse carries in her store).  She carries a variety of colors (and patterns).  I just purchased some in leopard and polk-a-dot pattern because they looked so cute!  Photos show the White Acrylic Bow over Feather Boa from Drip Drop Nail Paint and shiny top coat.

Next is a Swarovski Crystal Star used over Magic Hat from Drip Drop Nail Paint.  This star is a great size and easily adhered to my nail with top coat.  The Swarovski Crystal Star is the perfect accessory for when you feel like a star and want to shine bright and twinkle!

Then we have the Silver Mesh Bow.  It is really pretty, but I had a few issues with it.  First, I have slight OCD and there isn't a way to adjust it so that both sides are symmetrical.  Second, there isn't a good way to attach it to the nail (not a large flat area to adhere/glue to the nail), so it was quite loose.  Third, it is very tall and bulky, so it sticks quite a bit off the nail.  Lastly, if you somehow get polish onto the mesh - it is a chore to get the polish out of the mesh....soaking, brush, scrubbing and more soaking in polish remover didn't help.  Photos show the Silver Mesh Bow over Love, Angeline's Learning to Love Again and stamping from Princess Plate Pro Plate 09 from MoYou London.

Lastly, my absolute favorite charm is the Owl Rhinestone Charm.  I was worried about the size (so was Elyse), but it worked out wonderfully!  It is petite enough that it doesn't stick out too far and adheres easily with top coat or more sturdily with nail glue.  Owl shown over Bright Lights, Small City from Contrary Polish and matte top coat.

Loves:  crazy fast shipping, great products (I just bought the polish bottle holder and the clean up brush this week and a few bows) at affordable prices.

Wishes: I wish the mesh bow was on the smaller size and not so difficult to work with because it is really pretty.

Top Coat used: Gem Glam Top Coat from My Dream Polish and O.P.I. Matte Top Coat

Stay Connected:
Store: http://charminglysimple.storenvy.com
Instagram: @charminglysimplenailart  (Make sure you follow for sales and new stock updates!)

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @beginnails

Beginnails' Sunday Six Week 33

Greetings and Nailutations,

Another week of manis!  I successfully had a 2 day garage sale lifting heavy furniture and didn't break 1 nail!  And then as I was brushing my hair I broke a nail on my right hand (Cinderella hand) all the way to the skin!  So now my right hand is rocking little baby nubbins and I did file the left nails a bit as well.  But this week I was able to get a few manis in even with having a garage sale.

First up is a mani I did with 2 polishes of the Vivid Vixens Collection from CDB Lacquer.  I used Seductive and Foxy over black to create a gradient on the outer two fingers and stamped a butterfly gradient over the inner two.  I actually rocked these nails for 2 days.

 Here I used Allie from Cinema Swatch Lacquers and stamped with a Vivid Lacquer Plate which has an awesome image of someone making a wish on a puffy dandylion.

One of my favorites of the week is a dotticure using CoCo Nail Lacquer Mint Tea and added Roserie dots and a pink bow.  These colors together look so bright and cheery.

I love adding bows to manis.  Below I added a silver Fancy Rhinestone Bow Charm from Charmingly Simple Nail Art to the color Faerie from Kitty Polish.

My favorite mani of the week has to be using Faerie (from above Kitty Polish) over black using Nail Shields from Love, Angeline.

The last mani is of Heart of the Ocean from Kitty Polish and a silver anchor charm from Charmingly Simple Nail Art.  I can't believe I hadn't done any nautical nails before.

Which is your favorite?

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails

Dream Polish Top Coat and Cuticle Balm Review

Greetings and Nailutations,

*Press Sample*
Today I will be providing a review on a few products from My Dream Polish that I have been using over the last few weeks.  Vanessa (owner of My Dream Polish) is a local here in Arizona and asked me to pick a few products to try out.  I selected a top coat and cuticle balm.  The following are my thoughts on the products she sent me.

First up is the product she kindly sent as an extra: a glass file.  I will be honest - I have had an issues with glass files - they scare me.  I know, I know - I am a bit odd, but the sound is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me....I can't handle it.  So when I got the file, my mouth dropped open and I set it aside.  After chatting with Vanessa, she encouraged me to try it because the glass is tempered, so it is more durable.  I tried it....and.....I actually liked it!  First off it doesn't leave frayed edges on the free edge and the edge is smooth!  Second, it is faster, as my other filing routine requires me to use 2 different emory boards to get an even edge and this glass file worked great at providing a non-jagged edge.  The glass file is 400/600 grit, comes in a pretty purple velvet sleeve and also prevents cracking/splitting of your nails.

Next is the Gem Glam Cuticle Balm.  I received Pink Sugar and Peach scents.  I tried the cuticle balm in peach and WOW - fresh peach anyone?  I used it on my cuticles a few times, but wanted to really put it to the test.  I started getting some REALLY dry skin between my fingers (didn't get a photo of it, but it was actually peeling like a sun burn) which kept happening over a 3 day period.  So I rolled Gem Glam Cuticle Balm all over my hands and wore my cotton gloves to bed and BAM - problem gone in one day!  So I have been using it for 2 weeks as a bed time moisturizer and my skin on my hands has never looked better....and let's just say waking up to the smell of fresh peach was pretty nice perk too!

The last product is the Gem Glam Top Coat.  Vanessa sent me the Pink Sugar and Jasmine scents.  I have been using the Pink Sugar scent over the last 3-4 weeks and I am loving it.  First the scent is sweet but not overpowering.  Second, it dries in record time for a 5-free polish (which means it does not contain any of the 5 nasties that polish may contain).  I have used about 1/3 of the bottle and so far I am not experiencing any shrinkage.  As far as wear time - I usually change my mani every day or every other day.  I will have a follow up post once I use it up to provide my overall experience with it.

Photo after 4 days of wear including 2 days of heavy lifting of furniture for a garage sale.  I have the expected tip wear, but zero chips or scratches!!  I did NOT expect that at all!

Loves:  scents are gentle and not overpowering, products have impressed me so far, and I love that Vanessa pushed me outside my comfort zone to experience a new filing process that actually saves me time.  The top coat is 5-free, which is hard to come by and fast drying and provides a great shine.

Wishes: I wish I would have tried some cuticle oil as well!  Definitely looking at getting some!

Stay connected to My Dream Polish:
Store: www.dreampolish.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyDreamPolish
Instagram: @mydreampolish
Twitter: @dreampolish

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails

Smokey Mountain Lacquers Color Shifting Duo Swatch and Review

Greetings and Nailutations,

*Blogger Package*
Today I'm bringing you a color shifting duo from Smokey Mountain Lacquers.  Color shifting polish is a fun polish that can keep you occupied and/or distracted while at stop lights and at work.  (Don't lie....I know you do it too!)  I've reviewed cuticle oil for Smokey Mountain Lacquers and was impressed with how well my cuticle responded, I knew I needed to try out Kim's (owner) polish.

Now let's get to some swatches!

First up is Sparks Will Fly, a beautiful polish that shifts colors depending on the angle and light that hits it.  I was able to capture the blues and purples of this polish, mostly in part because I topped it over a purple undie.  This polish works perfect also over black and any dark color.  Sparks Will Fly is such a deep, mysterious color that made me smile and think deep thoughts as I stared at all the colors I saw.  Last photo was able to capture the shimmer as well.  Photos show 2 coats over a purple undie topped with a shiny top coat.

The second polish is called Over The Moon, which is a wonderful color shifting polish that shifts from green to purple to silver.  This polish would look great over black, blue, purple and a dark green.  It has a wonderful shimmer to it that is very distracting (in a good way).  I placed two coats over a royal blue undie to really highlight the purple to silver shifts in color and topped it with a shiny topcoat.

Loves:  The color shiftiness - that is all I really need to love!  It's fun, amazing and super distracting.  More gorgeous colors are also in her store!  Another plus is that the polishes are 5-free, so they don't contain 5 of the nasty chemicals that can be in polish.

Wishes:  These 2 polishes are great - I would love to see an expansion on these fun color shifting polishes!

Stay connected to Smokey Mountain Lacquers!

Store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SmokeyMtnLacquers

Instagram: @SmokeyMtnLacquers

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmokeyMtnLacquers

Twitter: @SmokeyMtnLacquers

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails

Charmingly Simple Nail Charm Review

Greetings and Nailutations!

*Press Sample*
Today I have some fun charms to share with you!  I recieved a total of 8 fun accessories to add to a mani and I'll post photos for only 4 (because I'm a tease).  I've reviewed products from Charmingly Simple Nail Art before and found the products durable, great looking and for an affordable price.  I actually bought goodies from Elyse (owner) for my 1 year Instagram Anniversary Giveaway too.  Shipping is always fast and she is super sweet.

Let's get to some nail charms!

First is the Silver Anchor Charm, which I might add I had been looking for a silver anchor for a few months now.  I have a gold one, but really wanted a silver one (PS she also carries gold ones).  So if you need one - head to Charmingly Simple Nail Art!  As a reminder, I have pretty small fingers and nails, so the size is perfect!  Went on easily with clear polish over the blue base (Heart Of The Ocean from Kitty Polish) and I added white stripes to complete the nautical look.

Next is the Fancy Rhinestone Bow, which looks like a rope with a clear rhinestone in the center.  I have pretty small nails and this bow was a little on the larger size, but it still looked great.  I added Clear Swarovski Flat-Back SS5 Rhinestones (also from Charmingly Simple Nail Art) to the bow to really make the nail sparkle.  Polish is Faerie from Kitty Polish.

The Infinity Rhinestone Charm is next.  I decided to pair it with a gold 3mm Heart Stud (from Charmingly Simple Nail Art) because I love the look of silver and gold together.  The Polish is called Over The Moon from Smokey Mountain Lacquers.

The last charm I will share in this blog post is the Pink Rhinestone Bow, which I paired with Fuchsia Swarovski Flat-Back SS5 Rhinestones (from Charmingly Simple Nail Art).  This bow is simply adorable and will add a definite cute factor to any swatch.  Polish is Green Dreaming from Kitty Polish.

Loves: Affordable price, fast shipping and great products!  I am in love with the Anchor Charm and the Pink Rhinestone Bow.  Please expect to see them often!

Wishes: As with my previous blog post, I do wish my nails were larger to really show the full potential of some of the charms.

Top Coat used: Gem Glam Top Coat from My Dream Polish

Stay Connected:
Store: http://charminglysimple.storenvy.com
Instagram: @charminglysimplenailart  (Make sure you follow for sales and new stock updates!)

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @beginnails

Kitty Polish New Releases Swatch and Review

Greetings and Nailutations,

*Press Sample*
Today I have 3 new releases from Kitty Polish.  Kitty Polish has released 7 new polishes in her store and these beauties are part of them.  As mentioned in previous posts, the formula, the labels and the fact that the polishes are 5-free are reasons I love Kitty Polish.

Now let's get to some swatches!

First up is Faerie, a pink polish with shimmers of purple and blue.  The polish almost had a pearly look to it.  As soon as I swatched it, I knew I also had to do some nail art with it over black!  (You will have to head to Instagram to check it out...or you may see it on my Sunday Six!)  Photos show 3 coats for total opacity with shiny top coat on top.  This color works as a top coat as well!

Next is Green Dreaming, a green glitter crelly.  Green Dreaming is a light green polish with green holo hexes and small hold hexes.  Photos show 2 coats with shiny top coat.

Lastly is Heart of the Ocean, a delicious royal blue polish.  This is the most perfect blue.  I can't wait to use this in nail art.  Photos show 2 coats and a shiny top coat.

Loves: Obviously formula - each polish went on perfectly.  My favorites of the three is Faerie because it can be used on it's own as well as on it's own as a top coat to add some dimension to a mani.  I also love that Kitty Polishes are always 5-free so they don't contain some of the nasties that can be in polish.  And of course, I love the labels....my 3 ginger cats gave these polishes a total of 12 paws up!

Wishes:  I loved that each polish was it's own unique finish (glitter crelly, crelly and shimmer polish). I wouldn't change anything, but now I want Faerie in an expanded collection!

Shiny Top Coat: My Dream Polish Gem Glam Top Coat

Stay Connected:
Store: Kitty Polish
Facebook
Instagram: @kitty_polish

What is your favorite?

Happy Polishing,
Kristi aka @BeginNails