Manicure Monday 5: Black Nails & Models Own Ibiza Mix

Black Nails & Models Own Ibiza Mix (£5)

This has to be one of my favourite nail art looks I’ve ever created.  I use a glossy black nail varnish (anyone will do but make sure you apply two coats) and Models Own Ibiza Mix glitter polish.  Ibiza Mix is my favourite glitter topcoat.  With hues of pink, turquoise, lilac and gold, the light reflects off every fleck of glitter making it look so pretty and sparkly.

I think the glitter works well against the black as it’s such a stark contrast.  It reminds me of fireworks on Bonfire night whizzing through an inky, dark, night sky.  As with most glitter polishes I find the best way to get this to show on your nails is to dab rather than paint it on.  I intensified the glitter towards the end of my nails creating a bit of an ombre effect, which I think works really well.  I’m eager to have a go at recreating this look with other colours.  Watch this space!

GC.   

Manicure Monday 4: Revlon Nail Enamel in Vixen

Revlon Nail Enamel in Vixen (£6.49)

This week I've opted for something simple but a gorgeous colour nonetheless.  Vixen by Revlon is a deep dark brown/berry shade and I love the way it looks on my short nails.  It adds a touch of class and makes me feel very sophisticated when wearing it.

I feel it's perfect for these blustery Autumn days we are having and would look beautiful against a cream woolen jumper and a couple of gold midi rings.  As the colour is so dark it can be really unforgiving if you aren't careful with the brush.  Nobody likes a messy paint job so remember to give yourself extra time when using darker shades or better yet, book yourself into a salon for a professional mani.  There's the perfect excuse for a pamper right there!

GC.

Manicure Monday 2: Nails Inc Feathers Effect

Nails Inc Feathers Effect in Edinburgh (£11)

Oh no!  I’m such a bad blogger.  I had the best intentions to do a load of posts this last week but once again life kinda got in the way and before I knew it, it was Manicure Monday again!  And rather late in the day too so for that reason I will keep it brief as my bed is calling.

This week I’ve been wearing the Nails Inc Feathers Effect nail varnish in the colour Edinburgh.  As you can see, it’s a textured polish which contains little flecks of peachy-orange and pale blue to create a feathered finish on your nails.  I’ve layered it on top of a baby blue but it would look good on it’s own after two or three coats. 

I love the way this looks but I’m not crazy about the way it feels on my nails.  It’s very rough, even with a top coat, and I found myself just sitting rubbing my nails all day when I should have been busy at work.  It’s also catches on clothing and in strands of hair too which drives me absolutely wild and for that reason I’m putting this on my box of party polishes: perfect for one night outings but not quite weekday material.  Fab if you’re a fan of something a little different but one I can guarantee you will be dying to peel off.

GC. 

Manicure Monday 1: CK One Real Nail Polish Strips

CK One Real Nail Polish Strips (£10)

As I have so many fabulous nail varnishes and products to show you I thought now might be a good time to do a #manicuremonday series.  I see this hashtag so much on Twitter and pictures of perfectly polished talons really do brighten my mundane Monday mornings so I thought I would bring you my own offerings.  Please excuse my dodgy looking hands and the quality of the photographs but holding a heavy camera in one hand whilst photographing the other is really quite hard.  How do these girls on Instagram take such perfect shots?

My nails are rather long at the minute so I felt it was time I brought out something a little special for the occasion and you don’t get more fantastic than designer nail wraps.  The CK One Real Nail Polish Strips are unlike any nail stickers I’ve ever used.  The graffiti design is so different and something I certainly couldn’t create on my own  They mould well to the nail without the need for any heat and are easily filed into shape with the handy mini file/buffer that comes in the pack.  Applying nail wraps are usually my idea of hell.  I just find them so fiddly and a bit naff but I’m so glad I gave these a go.

I never expect much in terms of staying power with wraps, usually just seeing them as a one night thing, but I’m onto day two and these babies are going nowhere yet.  I’ve chipped one or two on the very ends but these are also the nails that I rushed so I think the moral of the story is to take your time for longer, lasting results.  My only complaint would be that you only get 16 transfers so there isn’t much room for error but overall I can only say positive things.  

Happy manicure Monday to you all!  Send me your links below so I can check out your manis!  My monday happiness levels depend on it! 

GC.