NOTD Rainbow “Graffiti” Inspired Nails with Sephora OPI Iris I Was Thinner; OPI Mermaids’ Tears; Essie Super Bossa Nova; and OPI Black Shatter

Holy cow! I cannot believe it has been almost five months since I have made a post. WordPress has changed a bit too and I would need to learn to re-navigate the platform.   Real life priorities and lack of inspiration started to fight each other; however, I do have something fun to share.  A few weeks ago, I saw an old video post on BellaSugar about how to do a “Graffiti” style manicure with multiple nail colours and OPI’s Black Shatter.  I used Sephora OPI Iris I Was Thinner (Lavender); OPI Mermaid’s Tears (Mint); and Essie Super Bossa Nova (Pink) as the base colours.  I also used painter’s tape to help paint on the stripes.  This helps me isolate the other colours and keeps my edges straight.  Just make sure each colour layer is completely dry before taping it over or you will ripe out the colour.

It has been awhile since I used Black Shatter, so I thought I would bring it back out of retirement.  I am glad i did too because it gave my manicure some new life.  It also made the bright colours really “pop” too.  Additionally, I didn’t have to worry about the stripes being not perfect because the Black Shatter covers it and any chips are not as visible too.  This manicure took a while to finish but it was fun and I would do it again on a long weekend.  I would probably try it with the Silver Shatter next time.

Step 1/Day 1: Stripes

Step 2/ Day 2: OPI Black Shatter over stripes

Step 2/Day 2: OPI Black Shatter over stripes

NOTD 14 Days of Colour CND Shellac UV Nailpolish in Hollywood 13,14

                                              Above: Day 13

Hello all, I know I started this series way back in November and I had intended to post all 14 days everyday but real life projects and commitments got in the way.  I also haven’t been feeling very motivated and inspired to write in my blog for the last several months.  To be plain I just didn’t feel like it; however, I will try to get back into this because I remember I used to really like posting regularly.  Anyway this post is about days 13 and 14 of my experience with CND Shellac UV nailpolish in Hollywood.

Throughout my experience with shellac nailpolish, I was impressed with the longevity and the wear and tear of the polish.  During the two weeks of wear late last year, I have been intensively cutting metal and building architectural models for my portfolio. Normally, my nails would be chipped within a day or two with these activities while wearing polish; however, the polish didn’t even make a dent.  The wear was perfect and shiny even at day 14, only my nail growth shows that I have had the polish on for awhile.

While I really like the long lasting and chip resistant wear of Shellac, what I don’ t like are the slightly see through quality it gives, also when looked at closely, it can look a little “plastic”.  Perhaps it is the colour I chose?  Additionally, I find the removal process a bit of a pain and difficult.  I did not have the CND Shellac removal wraps, so I used the cotton balls soaked with acetone nailpolish remover and wrapped it with tin foil for 10 minutes.   The method was cumbersome and even after leaving the acetone remover on for 15 minutes, ( I purposely left it on a little longer) I still have trouble removing the polish smoothly and efficiently.  According to the reviews I have read, the polish should just break off.  The polish soften but I have to rub very hard and even scrape off the polish with my nails, which is probably a big no no.  If or when I try the shellac polishes again, I would buy the Shellac removal wraps, maybe that would be more efficient.

In summary, I really like the long lasting colour and shine of Shellac.  I think this would be a nice service for those who have a busy schedule and don’t have time to change nailpolish.  It is not for people who likes to change colours every few days; however, this would be great for busy events in your life, such as weddings and honeymoons, where you would want perfect colour with strong wear and tear for extended periods of time.  Thus far, the colour selection at most salons are still very limited, my nail salon only has six colours last year.  However, CND has 30 colours on their website, hopefully the salons will stock more colours soon.  Most colours are “classic” colours, perhaps as this service gains more popularity there would be more colour selection.  It is also pricey, at about $48 CAD (depending on your salon); however, I got it on special for $18.

Overall I do like Shellac, I just wish there are more colours and I may try it again if there is a  promotion and I will definitely get the removal wraps this time!  I would definitely try CND’s Hotski Tchochke, a beautiful teal next time, if my salon carries it!

                                             Above: Day 13

                                             Above: Day 14

NOTD 14 Days of Colour CND Shellac UV Nailpolish in Hollywood 10,11,12

Above: Day 10

Hi all, I am still documenting my 14 days of wear for my shellac polish manicure I got way back on Halloween. Life has been very hectic with job applications and trying to make my portfolio kick ass.  Anyway we are finally at the tail end of my documentation, days 10, 11, 12.  I have been cutting sheet metal for the past 2 weeks (while wearing the shellac), if it was regular nailpolish it would have chipped, nicked and scratched; however, the shellac nailpolish barely made any dents.  Aside from some major nail growth, the polish is still very perfect and über shiny, just as it was on day 1.  One draw back is that I was very tired of this colour and cannot wait to get it off!

Above: Day 11

Above: Day 12

NOTD 14 Days of Colour CND Shellac UV Nailpolish in Hollywood Days 7,8,9

Above: Day 7

As you all know by now I am  documenting my wear and tear of my CND Shellac UV nailpolish in Hollywood.  My 14 days of wear was over two weeks ago, but I just have a hard time keeping up a regular posting schedule.  Please bear with me!

This is day 7 and so far there is no visible wear and tear nor chips.  My nails are still very shiny and the manicure still looks like day 1 with only some nail growth giving it away.  The only issue is that i am a bit bored of my colour!

Above: Day 8

I finally get a chance to take some pictures in natural daylight and I marvel at the perfection of my nails.  It looks so juicy, shiny and red! Just like maraschino cherries.

Above: Day 9

This is what my nails look like at day 9 and I have been very rough with my nails and hands cutting metal.  Even almost a solid week of cutting metal and having the metal scratching and nicking my nails, it barely made any dents.  The Shellac nailpolish is strong and bullet proof!

NOTD 14 Days of Colour CND Shellac UV Nailpolish in Hollywood Days 4, 5, 6

Above: Day 4

This posting is a follow up to my last post for my 14 days of wearing CND Shellac UV nailpolish in Hollywood.  Read about my previous 3 days here.

Day 4

Usually by day 4 my nails begin to show wear and tear at the tips, there may be some chips because I am quite rough with my hands.  At this time, the shine usually begins to dull and I would need a new layer of top coat; however, with Shellac, my nails are still very shiny and pristine looking even halfway through the week.

Day 5

This picture is taken after several nights of cutting up sheet metal for an architectural model.  I scratched the top coat a little bit but it is barely noticeable unless I look very very closely.  The UV Shellac top coat proves to be hardy.

Day 6

Aside from a little bit of nail growth, my nailpolish is still very pristine and perfect without any chips or noticeable scratches.  I am a little bored of the colour by now, but I am committed to test the wear for 14 days!

NOTD 14 Days of Colour: CND Shellac UV Nailpolish in Hollywood Days 1,2,3

Above: CND Shellac Nailpolish Day 1

Last month my local nail salon had a special on Shellac nailpolish application for $18 instead the regular $45, so I decided to take the plunge and try it out. I have always been curious about CND’s Shellac UV Nailpolish but found it too expensive.

CND’s Shellac is a hybrid nailpolish: traditional nail colour and UV polish. It comes in a traditional nailpolish bottle and applies like nailpolish; however, instead of waiting for the polish to air dry, it is cured/dried under an UV lamp. Just like a regular manicure, my manicurist first cleaned, filed and buffed my nails. Next she applied the base coat, colour and top coat. Each coat is cured and dried under the UV lamp before the next coat. My manicurist painted and cured each nail individually, so as she is painting  a nail on my right, I would be curing a nail on my left.

The formula is thin but pigmented. The polish looks just like regular nailpolish but with a jellyish look to it. It does have a subtle smell to it but not as strong and chemical as traditional polish.  My nails were smooth and glossy and the polish did not smudge, chip or buckle. My manicurist did a very good job painting my nails too.

The application and curing process took about 40 minutes. My nails were completely dry by the time I left the salon and I was able to put my jacket  on without smudging my nails and staining my jacket. My manicurist even convinced me that it is absolutely dry. LOL!

So far, I really like the look of Shellac nailpolish because my nails look glossy, smooth and chip-free, even days after the application. I love the convenience of  virtually zero dry time. I wish there was more colour selection though because my salon does not have the full CND Shellac colour line and they only have the classic colours. This would be a good service for anybody who wants long lasting nail colour and don’t mind wearing the same colour for up to two weeks; people who need to have perfectly manicure nails for a prolong amounts of time and don’t have a lot of time to change nail colour, such as the Christmas holidays, weddings and vacations. I would get it again if there was another promotion.

CND Shellac is supposed to have up to 14 days of wear, with some people wearing it for up to 21 days. I will be documenting my wear for 14 days and posting every 3-4 days including the removal process next week. Stay tuned!

PS This week’s pictures were taken at night because I did not have time during the day.

Above CND Shellac UV Nailpolish in Hollywood Day 1

Above: CND Shellac Nailpolish Day 2

Above: CND Shellac Nailpolish Day 3

I was a bit rough tonight with my nails and scratched it up a bit, but I have to really look hard to see it  and most people don’t notice the scratches. Not bad for a night of cutting up sheet metal to build an architectural model.

Buttering it Up with The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Stick

Above: The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Stick

I have always loved cocoa butter for its subtle nutty, vanilla and chocolate like scent and it is very rich and moisturizing too.  I especially liked Palmers Cocoa Butter Swivel Stick, but unfortunately I cannot find this product anywhere anymore. Luckily, I stumble upon The Body Shop’s Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Stick and it was on sale!  I picked one up and really liked it so far.

From reading the forums and other reviews, a lot of ladies use this to try to avoid stretch marks and pregnant ladies use these to moisturized their stomachs.  I mainly used the cocoa butter stick as a deep moisturizer for my hands, feet, knees and elbows.  I have had an on going flare up of eczema on my elbows this year and my elbows are very dry from using hydrocortisone and I find that the cocoa butter helps soothes the chafing and peeling.  It is also very moisturizing for my hands and feet too without being too greasy as it absorbs into my skin quickly.  It is also less mess then lotions in jars, tubes and pump bottles, as I tend to get to much product out from these apparatus or I spill and drip product everywhere.  When I carry a larger purse, I like to take this with me, as opposed to carrying a tube of lotion because it is neater and cleaner.  Before and after every use, I clean the surface with a tissue to prevent bacteria from forming on the stick.

My favourite aspect of this stick is the scent!  I love the nutty smell with the very subtle vanilla and chocolate scent.  It is chocolately without it being too sugary and artificial.

Above: The Body Shop Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Stick