NOTD: Go bananas

As is often the case, this manicure was inspired by one posted by Wah Nails on Instagram. Mine's not quite as good as theirs, but I love the contrast of the yellow against Models Own 'Hedonist'. Need to make my bananas a bit bendier next time!

 

NOTD: nude half moon mani using Barry M Nail art Pen

I have something of a split personality when it comes to nails. I veer between the completely crazy to the more refined and classic. A friend at work had recently had a gorgeous, chic half moon mani that I wanted to recreate myself. I don't have the steadiest of hands (something of an impediment when you are a big nail art fan), so I thought it would be a perfect time to try my new Barry M Nail art pen

I needed a new black nail art pen and the design of this looked so much easier than conventional nail art pens- it's just like a felt tip.

So the idea is, you pump down on the nib a couple of times to get the ink flowing and voila! Nail art is a hell of a lot easier! It is literally like drawing on your nails with a felt tip (FYI- I have heard Sharpies can be used for nail art, something I'm yet to try out...) I always found conventional nail art pens to be difficult; if you used the nib, it would sometimes scratch your polish and would eventually clog up, not to mention the cramp you get in your hand from squeezing the tube bloody tight to get the polish to come out!  But this was so easy to use, you can tell by the crisp lines I managed to get doing my half-moons 

My only issues with this is that I think it is meant more for drawing lines and shapes rather than block areas; it did crack slightly when used to 'colour' in a large area. But it's hardly noticeable, as in the photo below you can barely see it. Also, you have to make sure your polish is dry before drawing otherwise it can dent a bit. Still, this is definitely my new favourite nail art tool, just wish they did more colours!

NOTD: Sharks

When I saw WAH nails new shark design pop up on Instagram I straight away went to recreate it! I used my favourite Barry M Cyan blue, 17 Holographic silver and Models Own Hedonist to make it pop. 

Models Own Haul inc. Hyper Gel swatches

I've been keeping my eye on the Models Own Facebook page for weeks now,waiting for the elusive 50% off code to drop when they reached 250,000 likes. And it finally happened! I was so happy as some of my favourite Models Own polishes needed replacing, and I wanted to try a couple of the Hyper Gels too. Here's what I got...
All swatches are 2 coats

(top L-R: Hedonist, Beach Party, Ibiza Mix, Sophie's Pink, Red-Black
Bottom L-R: Hypergels White Light, Pink Veneer, Cornflower Gleam, and Scented Blueberry Muffin)

My Hed Kandi collection polishes (Hedonist, Beach Party, Ibiza Mix) had gone thick and gloopy but they're some of my favourites so I wanted to replace them.
Hedonist (left) is a neon red and Beach Party neon orange. They have somewhat of a matte finish and look really good with a tan (which I'm lacking at the moment)

Ibiza Mix is my all time favourite glitter. Below is 2 coats; you can see how good the coverage is. It looks great over so many colours. 

I've always seen Sophie's Pink on the website and been tempted, so when the 50% off deal came around I thought I might as well. It's not as bold as the swatch looked on the website which I'm a bit annoyed about.

Left- Sophie's Pink on the website. Right- Swatch

Img- nailpolishdirect.co.uk

Red Black actually seems more purple-black than anything, which I was a bit disappointed with as I was hoping for more of a 'Chanel Rouge Noir' colour. It was really hard to photograph too, so in the photo below it just looks black.

I didn't indulge in the scented collection when it was first released, as I thought it was more gimmicky than innovative. But I love a blue polish so went for Blueberry Muffin. This applied really well and wasn't streaky which surprised me. Looking ahead to summer I kind of wish I'd got the whole scented collection as I do love the pastel colours.

And finally...the Hypergel polishes. Part of me wanted them all but I restricted myself to three. 

I always find white polishes a chore, as it's so hard to find one that's not streaky and gives solid opaque coverage. The Hypergel shade 'White Light' is completely opaque in two thin coats. 

In hindsight, I didn't really need Cornflower Gleam, as on inspection it is nearly identical to Barry M's Gelly Polish in 'Blueberry'. I'm a sucker for a blue polish though.

Below is a comparison between the two, Models Own 'Cornflower Gleam' on the left and Barry M's 'Blueberry' on the right. The formulas are also really similar, in that they are quite sheer and require a few coats for full coverage. I was hoping this wouldn't be the case with the Models Own one, as that's part of the reason I don't use the Barry M one as much. You can see how much shinier the Model's Own polish is though.

Pink Veneer is a pretty cool toned baby pink which I didn't think would look right against my skin tone (a lot of pink polishes just don't look right on me) but I really like it on. It applies well and non-streakily which is a bonus in such a pale colour.

NOTD: Vintage Wallpaper

Stripes, spots and flowers...what's not to like?

NOTD: Ladybirds

Posts have been rather sparse this week, as I have been commuting 4hrs a day for a training course, and wasn't organised enough to schedule some half decent posts. Next week I'm at a conference too so who knows what state this blog will be in by next week! Anyway for now here's another NOTD:

I've been running out of ideas for nails, but these cute ladybirds didn't take long and will do as a stop-gap until I get some creative inspiration

NOTD: Black tips

I've started running out of ideas for nail art. So, whilst I try to find some inspiration, and whilst my nails are of a decent length, I decided to go for a really simple look; french manicure style but with a gothic edge.

I used a standard black nail art pen over Barry M's 'Nude'. I really like the simplicity of this look, though Barry M Nude is so sheer I had to use 3 coats before it even showed on my nails!

NOTD: floral stickers + polka dots

I tend to do a floral and polka dot combo quite a lot, but changed it up a bit using these 3D nail stickers my sister got me a while ago. 

Colours used: Model's Own Lemon Meringue and Bloo Bloo

With flash

I'm running low on these stickers and I really like them, pretty sure they're from Ebay, but I've been struggling to find them. Will have to ask my sis

NOTD: Hello Kitty tips

I saw this on a tumblr page a while ago, and as a devoted Hello Kitty enthusiast had to try it! And I really like how it cutesies up a boring french manicure: quirky elegance :)

With flash

NOTD: Galaxy nails

I know the whole galaxy trend is pretty old hat, but I always enjoyed seeing people's galaxy nails. Here's my attempt at galaxy nails...not totally happy with them, one to try again with some different polishes

With flash

The tutorial I used for mine is below, but it basically involves sponging on a load of different colours and glitters.

NOTD: Summer brights- Models Own Hed Kandi

I mentioned that I'm already dreaming of summer, and this was also reflected with my nail polish choice today. Models Own Hed Kandi collection was one of my favourites as I genuinely loved all the colours in the collection. I hope their summer collection this year is just as good! Here's Hedonist and Beach party with a sponged gradient effect:

I'm such a fickle nail person; was going through a major love of muted and nude shades but I love this combo! Though I think it's a bit early and I'm far too pasty right now. But I'll definitely be revisiting this combo come summer

NOTD: Christmas nails

With less than a week til Christmas thought it was time for some seasonally appropriate nails. I didn't want them too OTT so just went for a glittery candy cane style with holly accents. Please excuse the burn on my thumb from my curlers :/

With flash

Used red gems for the berries

NOTD: Floral wallpaper

Bit of a weird title, but that's what my current manicure reminded me of. I always like how rose designs turn out, and I think adding polka dots makes it even cuter and adds to the vintage feel, especially with the colours chosen. I'm still struggling to move away from Essie Sand Tropez, my favourite nude!