I Made a Lightbox

Over the weekend I made a lightbox at home. I had seen a couple tutorials online on how to make one simple at home so I thought that I would try it. I used a cardboard box, white tissue paper, white posterboard, and a desk lamp :)

Here is a picture of the setup I have for my new lightbox in the basement.

And here are two test shots that I took in the box.

For the most part, I plan to use this when photographing my mani's in the future. What do you think? Any suggestions for improving my pictures in the future? Do you like my current pictures how I close up on the nails or do you prefer the nail photo above where you see hand and background too?

Sorry for no real new nail polish posts today, but make sure to enter my 200 Follower Giveaway.

Hearts + Stamping = LOVE

Last week I recieved the stamping plates that I had ordered from Bundle Monster - I got the 2012 & 2011 sets. I hadn't had a chance to use them yet, but I was really excited to start trying them out (you will probably see a bit more stamping coming up in the next couple of weeks as I go through them all).

Polishes Used:
-OPI - Nail Envy
-Sinful Colors - Savage
-Konad - Special White
-Out The Door - TopCoat
-BM-317

If you didn't know, Savage is actually a matte polish on its own, very pretty but I could definitely see brushstrokes so I knew I had to use a shiny topcoat with it. This was my first time using the BM plates and I really like that "full nail" images cover my entire nail  as some of my other plates, such as my Salon Express plates, are too small to cover my nails. Also, this image transfered very nicely from the plate to the stamper. Way to go Bundle Monster :)

Do you own any BM plate sets? Which ones?

Don't forget to enter my current giveaway here!

Sunday Sunburst

This summer has been uncharacteristically sunny in Pittsburgh, however, in the last two weeks it has been back to "normal" and raining a little here and there almost every day. It was good at first because our grass was brown and crunchy, but now I just want the sun back! So I brightened up my day with some "sunburst" nails.

Polishes Used:
-OPI - Nail Envy
-Bonita - Orange
-Zoya - Pippa
-Out The Door - TopCoat

The pictures were taken afterwork so thats why there is a little tip wear on my pointer nail. I used my striping tape to make the sunburst effect on my accent fingers and it worked wonderfully. Using the striping tape seems to work much better for me than Scotch tape as it's not as sticky and doesn't take off any of the basecoat with it.

What do you think? Have you done striping mani's before?
Don't forget to enter my 200 Follower Giveaway

The Beauty Blogazons Weekly Round-Up 7/27/12

• Pinked Polish: Wanna see a fabulous Glitter Gradient look no further!!!!
• Makeup Chronicles:Take advantage of some great deals that ULTA has on Chi Irons, Philosophy, and Bare Minerals...oh and you can save 20% on your entire order!
• Baking Beauty:Does Maybelline's SuperStay Stain gloss really last 10 hours? Click to find out!
• Mama Fashionista: Mama Fashionista shares some great lines from Sally Hansen that will make your nails and your wallet happy!
• Shades Of Beauty, Inc.: PREVIEW: Dickinson's Witch Hazel Skin Care Line
• adore-a-polish: A neat little trick to get more out of your next bath bomb purchase.
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura talks about another one of her favorite products on Taupe-tastic Tuesdays. Cargo Yukon is the definition of taupe.
• GlitterPukee: Glitterpukee reviews one of the more interestingly named hair care brands. The sexually charged name of LAID hair care uses Phero-attract technology to keep you on the top of your game and seem more attractive to men. Six pheronomes are at work but..does it work?
• Midnight Manicures Join Midnight Manicures as Jeanie brings you the latest collections and products through the Tweezerman Ambassador program!
• A Little Polish: Stephanie shows off her Thirst Quenching Pink Lemonade inspried Mani, a great way to cool off this summer!
• Beauty Product Review: Getting tired of having a messy looking Makeup/skincare area? Clean it up with some beauty do-it-yourself tricks and beautify your beauty counter!
• A Frugal Beauty: A Frugal Beauty shows you just how BOLD the I *heart* matte palette from Wet N Wild can be in her The Bold and Beautiful Series: The Bold Look
• Sincerely Stephanie: Wanting to get your hands on Clarins 230 but don't want to pay the price? Check out Darling Diva Polish Ringer instead!
• Très Beau Glamour: Did you know that Piña Coladas are great way to obtain beautiful skin? Nay Denise shares a new beauty secret of hers that will give your complexion a glow, give you a boost of energy and deliver a ton of hydration.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Want a sneak peak of Color Club's upcoming collections? Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom has a preview from Cosmoprof North America 2012!
• Beauty Info Zone: Here's a chance to win two of the great products from Reviva Labs - Light Skin Peel and Seaweed Soap. Learn all about them and enter to win if you are in the US.
• Mani Curiously: Dom tries to go On Safari with China Glaze's newest collection with these beautiful swatches and review!
• Spontaneous Chick: If you're looking for a fuller pout check out my Jane Iredale review to see if her plumper is right for you.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Lola's Secret Beauty Blog has finally found the perfect must-have nude lipstick! True Love from Susan Thompson Cosmetics is gorgeous with a remarkable formula, and it's Cruelty Free.
• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L from Beauty by Miss L has reached to 1000+ followers on her blog and to celebrate that she did a small "Thank you giveaway" to all her lovely old & new followers.
• Beauty Binge: Beauty Binge Highlights her Top 5 Drugstore Skincare Buys!
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor tries Illamasqua's Skin Base Foundation...will it pass the test?
• The Glossy Pages: A Beautiful World, Changemakers in Beauty | Meet Joshua Onysko, Founder of Pangea Organics
• Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: So grateful to have been chosen to receive the Influenster's Summer Beauty Voxbox. Check out what I got!
• Captivating Claws: Captivating Claws has some gorgeous polishes from Enkelini to share with you.. plus a sweet GIVEAWAY!
• Lacquered Lover: Lacquered Lover had the chance to check out Layla's ENTIRE new line of polishes including Hologram, Magnetic, Soft Touch and a Christmas Collection!
• Lisa's Nail Obsession: I love the new Robin's Egg Nail Design. You will to...come and see it!
• Gorgeousskin: Loving Giorgio Armani's Rusted Gold #25. See it in action here on my FOTD!
• Cosmetics Aficionado: Cling wrap isn't just for the kitchen. Try this cute cling wrap manicure with my step by step tutorial.
• Geniabeme Beauty Blog: Gradient nails are so pretty and easy! Take a look at Genia's pink and blue graident nails!
• Get a beautiful weekly nail fixation fromJust Plain Delirious. Here Joline has a lovely Essence and The Face Shop Nail Fixation that will get your nails looking like a beautiful night sky - perfect for a night out!

Lazy Days of Summer - Summer Days

Summer Days... lol... All I do with my summer days is work. Nothing fun anymore! Anyways, I decided to do a mani inspired by where I work. I threw the colors and a little ode to the logo in there too.

Polishes Used:
-OPI - Nail Envy
-Sally Hansen - Parrot
-Sally Hansen - Pacific Blue
-Kiss - Nail Art Striper - White
-Out The Door - TopCoat

I consider this pretty much a nail fail. HAHA. I tried to do a sponging gradient but it looks disasterous and somehow got little peices of sponge on my nail. Oh well.

Any guesses on where I work based on the mani? It's a GLOBAL company so anyone could figure it out!!!

Make sure to check out the other ladies participating in the Lazy Days of Summer:
Victoria Vertel
http://www.manicurator.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Manicurator

Alyson Epstein
http://beadsnailsfood.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/BeadsNailsFood

Amanda Murphy
http://mandyspolish.blogspot.com/

Hannah 
http://polished-prisms.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/PolishedPrisms

Sue O'Connor
http://creativenaildesignbysue.blogspot.com

Katee Baum
http://www.agirlandherpolish.com
http://www.facebook.com/AGirlandHerPolish

Charlotte-Louise Bennett
http://charlottes-nails.blogspot.co.uk/

Jessica Francis
http://nearlynaturalnails.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/NearlyNaturalNails

Karine Assemien
http://karinea0a.blogspot.com

Jen Guin
http://thepolishedzombie.blogspot.com

Jessica Brown
http://jessicasnailtales.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JessicasNailTales

Ashley Rowlands-Vanderzande
http://onenailtoanother.blogspot.ca

Pryanka Arora
http://nailsparks.blogspot.com/

Anna Freedman, Erin Obriecht, Robin Storesund
http://www.polishedcousins.com
http://www.facebook.com/PolishedCousins

Maribeth Robienczak
http://obsessivecosmetichoardersunite.blogspot.com/

Kayono Lan (aka Johanna)
http://kayonolan.blogspot.de/

Sharra Farivar
http://alira23.blogspot.ca/search/label/Polished%20Prisms%20The%20Lazy%20Days%20of%20Summe\

Amanda Schott
http://countingdowntobliss.blogspot.com/

Nichole Mowery
http://aotnf.blogspot.com

Becky Barnett
http://glamfiend.blogspot.com

Elysse Patty
http://elyssianbeauty.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Elyssian-Beauty/263676953723607

KB Shimmer - Elle

Today I have on KB Shimmer - Elle. This is a lovely polish and the second KB Shimmer that I purchased earlier this month, it is part of the Circus Collection. The website describes this polish as, "The circus, full of fun, color, and a wonder for people of all ages. Lions, tigers, and elephants! Elle is our nail polish elephant. A pale grey color, we added several pink glitters, white and grey glitters for a polish that soft and beautiful."

Polishes Used:
-OPI - Nail Envy
-NYC - Sidewalkers
-KB Shimmer - Elle
-OutTheDoor - TopCoat

This is two coats of Elle over one coat of Sidewalkers. It's a very pretty combo. I had to trim down my nails a bit, my middle finger nail broke so I filed it down and filed the other ones too. What do you think? Do you own any KB Shimmer Polishes?

Two final things:
1. Make sure to check out my 200 Follower Giveaway here
2. I created a Facebook page to give my viewers more ways to follow my blog. As of right now, the page will mostly be just linking to my blog posts, but may also include any interested nail and beauty articles that I see or any hot topics. You can check it out here. It's still in it's baby stages, and my blog will still be my main outlet, so bare with me.

Lazy Days of Summer - Favorite Fruit

As we saw yesterday when I mentioned that my favorite drink was Diet Coke, I am not a very healthy eater. However, there are some fruits that I really enjoy (most actually). During the summertimes though, my husband and I always have apples and bananas in our house. Since I don''t have a banana stamp, I went with apples :)

Polishes Used:
-OPI - Nail Envy
-Sinful Colors - Snow Me White
-Konad - Yellow
-Konad - Green
-Konad - Red
-Out The Door - TopCoat

I personally like red apples the best, but since they come in yellow and green varieties I added those to my nails too. What do you think? What is your favorite summer fruit?

Make sure to check out the other ladies participating in the Lazy Days of Summer:
Victoria Vertel
http://www.manicurator.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Manicurator

Alyson Epstein
http://beadsnailsfood.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/BeadsNailsFood

Amanda Murphy
http://mandyspolish.blogspot.com/

Hannah 
http://polished-prisms.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/PolishedPrisms

Sue O'Connor
http://creativenaildesignbysue.blogspot.com

Katee Baum
http://www.agirlandherpolish.com
http://www.facebook.com/AGirlandHerPolish

Charlotte-Louise Bennett
http://charlottes-nails.blogspot.co.uk/

Jessica Francis
http://nearlynaturalnails.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/NearlyNaturalNails

Karine Assemien
http://karinea0a.blogspot.com

Jen Guin
http://thepolishedzombie.blogspot.com

Jessica Brown
http://jessicasnailtales.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JessicasNailTales

Ashley Rowlands-Vanderzande
http://onenailtoanother.blogspot.ca

Pryanka Arora
http://nailsparks.blogspot.com/

Anna Freedman, Erin Obriecht, Robin Storesund
http://www.polishedcousins.com
http://www.facebook.com/PolishedCousins

Maribeth Robienczak
http://obsessivecosmetichoardersunite.blogspot.com/

Kayono Lan (aka Johanna)
http://kayonolan.blogspot.de/

Sharra Farivar
http://alira23.blogspot.ca/search/label/Polished%20Prisms%20The%20Lazy%20Days%20of%20Summe\

Amanda Schott
http://countingdowntobliss.blogspot.com/

Nichole Mowery
http://aotnf.blogspot.com

Becky Barnett
http://glamfiend.blogspot.com

Also, don't forget to enter my 200 Follower Giveaway here!

Lazy Days of Summer - Thirst Quencher

I was having trouble deciding what to do for this post, my favorite drink is Diet Coke, although I wouldn't really consider that a summer thirst quencher and it's not very healthy for you. Anyway, as soon as I saw this post of Pshiiit, I knew I wanted to re-create this for the challenge. She has this filed under ice cream, but this immediately made me think of Pink Lemonade.

Polishes Used:
-OPI - Nail Envy
-Essie - Need A Vacation
-Kiss - Nail Art Striper - White
-Zoya - Pippa
-Finger Paints - Hue Gotta Be Kidding
-Out The Door - TopCoat

I really like this mani, it's fun and summery, and was super easy to do using my striping paints and dotting tools. What do you think? Does it make you want a nice cold glass of Pink Lemonade?

Make sure to check out the other ladies participating in the Lazy Days of Summer:
Victoria Vertel
http://www.manicurator.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Manicurator

Alyson Epstein
http://beadsnailsfood.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/BeadsNailsFood

Amanda Murphy
http://mandyspolish.blogspot.com/

Hannah 
http://polished-prisms.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/PolishedPrisms

Sue O'Connor
http://creativenaildesignbysue.blogspot.com

Katee Baum
http://www.agirlandherpolish.com
http://www.facebook.com/AGirlandHerPolish

Charlotte-Louise Bennett
http://charlottes-nails.blogspot.co.uk/

Jessica Francis
http://nearlynaturalnails.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/NearlyNaturalNails

Karine Assemien
http://karinea0a.blogspot.com

Jen Guin
http://thepolishedzombie.blogspot.com

Jessica Brown
http://jessicasnailtales.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JessicasNailTales

Ashley Rowlands-Vanderzande
http://onenailtoanother.blogspot.ca

Pryanka Arora
http://nailsparks.blogspot.com/

Anna Freedman, Erin Obriecht, Robin Storesund
http://www.polishedcousins.com
http://www.facebook.com/PolishedCousins

 Maribeth Robienczak
http://obsessivecosmetichoardersunite.blogspot.com/

Kayono Lan (aka Johanna)
http://kayonolan.blogspot.de/

Sharra Farivar
http://alira23.blogspot.ca/search/label/Polished%20Prisms%20The%20Lazy%20Days%20of%20Summe\

Amanda Schott
http://countingdowntobliss.blogspot.com/

Nichole Mowery
http://aotnf.blogspot.com

Becky Barnett
http://glamfiend.blogspot.com

Also, I bought the materials to make a lightbox for my nail photos. Hopefully within the next week I will be able to put that together. Fingers crossed!

Finally, don't forget to check out my 200 Follower Giveaway here!

Revlon - Espresso

Today I am showing you Revlon Espresso. I was able to pick this up at Big Lots in a two pack with Espresso and Emerald.  I think the pack only cost me $2.50, so it was definitly worth it. If you live by a Big Lots, you should check out what nail polishes they have out right now. I also saw some e.l.f. polishes there as well. Anyway, here we go.

Polishes Used:
-Nailtiques - Formula 2 Plus
-Revlon - Espresso
-NYC - Matte Me Crazy

I did these nails a couple of weeks ago, hence the old watermark. This polish has a shiny finish but I thought that it would like amazing matte, and I was right! This is a really dark brown and making it matte alsmost reminds me a chalkboard. It's a little vampy for summer, but I have to say I am getting excited for fall to start wearing more of these darker tones.

Don't forget to enter my 200 Follower Giveaway here :)

200 Follower Giveaway!

Good evening ladies! As promised, I wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all my loyal readers. I can't believe that I have reached 200+ followers, and this just started out as a little hobby in the begining of 2012 :)

Since this is the 200 Follower Giveaway, there will be 2 prizes; Prize A & Prize B.

This giveaway will be open until August 11, so there is plenty of time to enter via the RaffleCopter widget below. This giveaway is open internationally. Thanks again for following, it really does mean a lot to me :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

China Glaze - I'm Not Lion

Yesterday I was at Ulta and saw the "new" China Glaze collection. I really liked all of the colors in the collection, but unfortunately I was on a no spending mission so I limited myself to I'm Not Lion, which had been my favorite color in all the swatches I had seen online, and it did not disappoint :)

Polishes Used:
-OPI - Nail Envy
-China Glaze - I'm Not Lion
-Out The Door - Top Coat

As always my camera didn't catch the awesomeness of this color, it's shimmery, glittery, gold and lovely. I even think it would look good on all skintones out there :)

Which polishes from the Safari Collection do you have?

P.S. I have a feeling that the 200 Follower Giveaway may start tomorrow!
P.P.S Sorry for the short post today!

Pink Holo & Stamping

I have to admit right off that I am not a fan of holos. I know they are super popular right now, but something about them just doesn't do it for me. I own 3 holo polishes, I bought them my freshman year of college... seems so long ago. They are all from the "Sally Hansen Magical Nail Makeup" collection.

Here is the polish plain (this is two coats + topcoat...yes, I know topcoat changes the effects, but I prefer the look WITH topcoat; silly me!)

It's a pretty color, if you're into holos. However, since the polish was fairly old, the application was pretty streaky. Anyway, you know I couldnt just leave plain holo on my nails, so I added some stamping.

Polishes Used:
-OPI - Nail Envy
-Sally Hansen - Magenta Magic
-Wet 'n Wild - Disturbia
-Konad Stamp m83
-Out The Door - Topcoat

I really like the look of stamping and wish that I had more image plates (does anyone have any old plates they don't want anymore and are looking to get rid of?). I heard from Katee over at A Girl and Her Polish that the Bundle Monster and Red Angel plates are good, and with the latest BM coming out and seeing everyone using them, I think I may just have to get some myself :)

What are your favorite brands of stamping plates? What about holos? Happy Thursday!

Lazy Days of Summer - In The Garden

Hello Lovelies!

I am starting back up with the Lazy Days of Summer challenge after a mini-break. Today's challenge is In The Garden. I love doing flowers, so obviously, my garden was going to be a flower garden. For this mani I was inspired by this post on Dressed Up Nails. Check it out. Mine are slightly different from Whitney's, but definitely the same idea, I just thought they were too cute.

Polishes Used:
-OPI - Nail Envy
-Essie - Absolutely Shore (Background)
-Sally Hansen (Grass)
-Essie - Plumberry (Pointer)
-Wet 'n Wild - Flirty Rose Creme (Pointer)
-Sinful Colors - Hazard (Middle)
-Wet 'n Wild - Sunny Side Up (Middle)
-Funky Fingers - Cheshire (Ring)
-Sally Hansen - Lacey Lilac (Ring)
-China Glaze - Electric Beat (Pinky)
-Essie - Borrowed and Blue (Pinky)
-Out The Door - Topcoat

What do you ladies think? I like this mani - its definitely not perfect, but its fun and cheery for summer.

Make sure you check out the other lovelies taking place in the Lazy Days of Summer:

Victoria Vertel
http://www.manicurator.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Manicurator

Alyson Epstein
http://beadsnailsfood.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/BeadsNailsFood

Amanda Murphy
http://mandyspolish.blogspot.com/

Hannah 
http://polished-prisms.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/PolishedPrisms

Sue O'Connor
http://creativenaildesignbysue.blogspot.com

Katee Baum
http://www.agirlandherpolish.com
http://www.facebook.com/AGirlandHerPolish

Charlotte-Louise Bennett
http://charlottes-nails.blogspot.co.uk/

Jessica Francis
http://nearlynaturalnails.blogspot.com
https://www.facebook.com/NearlyNaturalNails

Karine Assemien
http://karinea0a.blogspot.com

Jen Guin
http://thepolishedzombie.blogspot.com

Jessica Brown
http://jessicasnailtales.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JessicasNailTales

Ashley Rowlands-Vanderzande
http://onenailtoanother.blogspot.ca

Pryanka Arora
http://nailsparks.blogspot.com/

Anna Freedman, Erin Obriecht, Robin Storesund
http://www.polishedcousins.com
http://www.facebook.com/PolishedCousins

Maribeth Robienczak
http://obsessivecosmetichoardersunite.blogspot.com/

Kayono Lan (aka Johanna)
http://kayonolan.blogspot.de/

Sharra Farivar
http://alira23.blogspot.ca/search/label/Polished%20Prisms%20The%20Lazy%20Days%20of%20Summe\

Amanda Schott
http://countingdowntobliss.blogspot.com/

Nichole Mowery
http://aotnf.blogspot.com

Becky Barnett
http://glamfiend.blogspot.com

Also, I reached 200 followers this weekend. How exciting; I never thought that I would have this many readers and I really feel like I've gotten to know a great bunch of girls since I started blogging :) Expect to see a 200 follower giveaway coming soon!