Chocolate Lacquer Girl

Giveaway Friday

2010-11-05T07:20:00.000-04:00

Good Luck everyone!

http://nihrida.blogspot.com/2010/11/giveaway-50-apothicacom-gift-card.html

Giveaway: $50 Apothica.com Gift Card from Nihrida

http://www.misschievous.tv/2010/11/gewinne-kiehls-produkte-win-kiehls.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+misschievous%2FPFxd+%28MissChievous.tv%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Win Kiehl's Products, from MissChievous

http://katrinasnailblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/woo-hoo-giveaway.html

620 Followers Giveaway from Katrina's Nail Blog!

http://paintedladyfingers.blogspot.com/2010/11/ladies-choice-of-eight-plates-giveaway.html

Ladies' Choice of Eight Plates Giveaway! from Painted LadyFingers!

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/EKyN/~3/QeURlodR47Q/glitter-gal-giveaway.html

Glitter Gal Giveaway from Also Known As....

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PrimAndPolished/~3/6R7zYv-EqqA/beautyticketcom-china-glaze-giveaway.html

Beauty Ticket China Glaze Giveaway from Prim and Polished!

Have a POLISHED day!

CLG

NAIL ART FAIL!

2010-10-20T06:49:00.001-04:00

Yeah, I had to put that in all caps cause it's JUST THAT HORRIBLE! UGH!
Plus, people always show pretty manicures and designs, and sometimes it just doesn't work out how you pictured it! This is one of those times.

To start off, I am in a serious nail rut. I have had no polish on my nails for almost 2 weeks. My sister asked me if I needed to talk about anything! Usually I change my polish at least twice a week, so for me, this is a big deal. I just can't seem to come up with anything interesting.

So last night I tried to snap myself out of my funk and do a Breast Cancer/Depression month mani. I wanted to combine the two colors (green and pink) of Breast Cancer and Depression awareness into a mani. So I thought I would do a water marble. Ok, so I get out my Wet and Wild white, Icing Black, Finger Paints I Pink I can and China Glaze Paper Chasing.

First off, the FP and CG are way sheer! So the black overpowered them in the mani. Also, the sheer, sparkly colors always dry super fast on top of the water and are difficult to swirl into a design, because the dry to a skin.

Ok, hold you breath.....this is horrific and I apologize in advance of any scarring of retinas that may occur from the ugliness of this "design".

YUCK! Looks like some oil that came out of the Exxon Valdez!

I tried to help by adding a few heart spangles from Viva La Nails.....NOPE didn't work!

The only successful part of the mani....

The breast cancer ribbon! I will try again! And hope and pray it doesn't look like a craptastic mess!!!!
Have a POLISHED day!
CLG

Giveaway Friday!

2010-10-15T07:45:00.000-04:00

Good Luck everyone!

http://www.alllacqueredup.com/2010/10/pink-donate-win-giveaway-2010.html

Donate and win from Allacqueredup!

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/EKyN/~3/G_eA2mlJXoE/waking-up-in-vegas-giveaway.html

Waking Up in Vegas Giveaway by Also Known As...

http://www.vampyvarnish.com/2010/10/11/zoya-video-giveaway/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zoya-video-giveaway

Zoya Video Giveaway by Vampy Varnish

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/EKyN/~3/19FDlwQZ42c/kiss-nails-halloween-giveaway.html

KISS Nails giveaway by AlsoKnownAs...

http://daily-nail.blogspot.com/2010/10/you-complete-me.html

Sally Hansen Complete Manicure giveaway by The Daily Nail

http://konadlicious.blogspot.com/2010/10/shelly-frances-makeup-giveaway.html

Shelley Francis makeup giveaway by Konad-licious

Have a POLISHED Day!
CLG

Nail Growth---UPDATE!

2010-10-14T07:14:00.000-04:00

Hello all!
I'm so excited. I don't know if you remember in this post I talked about a nail growth challenge some of my friends and I began on September 4, 2010. Well here's my update!
I went from this

to this!

In a month!
I'm so happy, I can't wait to see where I will be at the end of the 2 month challenge!
Have a POLISHED day!
CLG

Friday Poll

2010-10-08T13:18:00.001-04:00

Courtesy of Vampy Varnish

How has your week been?
This has been the longest week in HISTORY!

What are you wearing on your nails today?
OPI Sparkl-icious!

Any fun weekend plans?
NOPE! I need the rest!

Do you like candy corn?
EWWWWWWWW....

What’s the last book you read?
The Bible

Do you like pumpkin pie?
Never tried it.

What is your go to lipstick/lip gloss color?
Revlon SuperLustrous Lipgloss in Life's a Peach!

What was your worst ever experience with a cosmetic product?
The time I used Buf-Puf sponges twice (sometimes 3) times a day and scratched my face up and had little marks everywhere...

Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?
Invisible

Mixed drink/beer/straight-up drink/wine/champagne/teetotaler?
tetotaler (where the heck did that word come from?)

Have a POLISHED day!
CRL

Giveaway Friday!

2010-10-08T06:45:00.000-04:00

Hello! There's nothing better than winning something right?
Good Luck!
http://paintedladyfingers.blogspot.com/2010/10/trick-or-polish-halloween-giveaway.html

Painted Lady Fingers Halloween Giveaway

http://www.temptalia.com/win-156-in-zoya?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Temptalia+%28Temptalia%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Win $156 in Zoya Nail Polish!

http://orionstars-wowsocool.blogspot.com/2010/09/our-first-giveaway-contest.html
WOW SO COOL Giveaway!

Have a POLISHED day!
CLG

The Good, The Bad and the WHAT THE??????

2010-10-05T18:00:00.019-04:00

Sorry for the small hiatus. I missed Giveaway Friday and I apologize, but on to the next post. I decided pretty late in the evening (for me) to do a manicure using KleanColor Plum on my nails. I also received my blogger free package from viva la nails. (VLN) I know most of you are aware that this UK based company has been providing bloggers with free samples of their nail art products in exchange for a review on their blog.

So I start with the KleanColor Plum, and MAN O MAN am I in LURVE with this color!
A pretty purple jelly! Look at this!!!

Ok, so then I have the bright idea to use some of my new stuff from VLN.....HUGE MISTAKE!
Now I have seen the other bloggers use these products with great success, and I am not going to say that all of the products I received are bad, because I haven't used them yet, but these nail art stickers are GARBAGE. Look at these pictures!

(Yes I'm a CafeWorld addict!)

Sorry for the crazy angles of all the pics, but I had to show you how awful they are! They lifted, would not stick, and peeled away from my nails so bad....snagged on EVERYTHING! And this is within minutes of application! By the morning, I had lost the decals on three fingers COMPLETELY!

So round one of my Viva La Nails review is two thumbs down (only two thumbs, cause that's all I got) but these stickers are horrible. On to the next product. I have high hopes for the rest of the art items that were sent to me.

Have a POLISHED day!

CLG

Giveaway Fridays!

2010-09-24T07:11:00.001-04:00

Hello Friends!
Here's the second installment of Giveaway Fridays! Good Luck!

Jan Marini Skincare Set

http://www.makeupbyrenren.com/2010/09/giveaway-jan-marini-self-tanning-kit.html

Makeup by RenRen

Win MAC Jealous Lipglass

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Temptalia/~3/cKpeNd0d840/win-mac-jealous-lipglass
Temptalia

Win Reviva Labs Rosewater Facial Spray

http://paintedladyfingers.blogspot.com/2010/09/reviva-labs-rosewater-facial-spray.html
Painted LadyFingers

Win Nail Fraud Nail Art

http://www.magic-maid.net/2010/09/1000-followers-giveaway-nail-fraud.html
Magic Maid

Win Glitter Set

http://nailsbeautiqued.blogspot.com/2010/09/its-that-timewin-it-wednesday-glitter.html
Nails Beautiqued!

Have a POLISHED day!

CLG

Holiday Glow anyone?

2010-09-21T08:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Tuesday?
I am wearing a polish that has really surprised me. You know how you see a polish, you really want it and have been lemming it for months. The thrill of the chase excites you and then when you FINALLY get your hands on it you are totally disappointed? Well that didn't happen for me with Holiday Glow by OPI! After searching Trade Secret and Ulta, looking all over the internet and seeing prices of around $10-12, I resigned myself to the fact that I would never have Holiday Glow for my collection. Then a few weeks ago I stumbled on a mini set on ebay!!

YAY FOR ME! Even though I don't really like mini's cause the bottle is hella small and annoying, I jumped on it quickly!
And I am ESTATIC!
LOOOK!!!!

Pictures do not do this justice! This was two perfect coats of yummy, vampy goodness! The only problem is, now I have to find a full sized bottle! The quest never ends!!!!

Have a POLISHED day!

CLG

Giveaway Fridays!

2010-09-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

From now on henceforth, Fridays here at CLG will be GIVEAWAY FRIDAYS!

I will post my favorite bloggers Giveaways! Nothing better than free stuff right? And you will have a chance to visit some bloggers that you may not be aware of...

http://www.donotrefreeze.com/2010/09/rhinestones-are-girls-best-friend.html

Rhinestone Wheel Giveaway by Do Not Refreeze
More after the Jump!

http://konadlicious.blogspot.com/2010/09/glitter-gal-giveaway.html

Glitter Gal Polish giveaway by Konad-licious

http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PrimAndPolished/~3/aLWXWRfenFo/deborah-lippmann-giveaway.html

Deborah Lippmann Giveaway by Prim and Polished

Good Luck everyone and have a POLISHED day!

CLG

Nicole.....Spotted

2010-09-17T11:00:00.000-04:00

Ok, in an earlier haul post, I showed you this polish from the Gossip Girl collection by Nicole by OPI.
I used it and I must say that I was GREATLY DISAPPOINTED! This polish is so sheer and goopy....I put on 4 coats and I still wasn't happy with it. And I KNOW I have lots of bubbles, but thank goodness that it's a glitter, so the bubbles don't show up. Plus, I applied topcoat and in the morning when I got up, I have HORRIBLE tip pull/shrinkage! UGH! All that work and it looks like I had it on for 10 days! NOOOO!
Look at these pictures!

Now this picture is so deceiving! I'm conflicted because this color is GORGEOUS! But application and shrinkage and tip wear make this a miss for me!

More After the Jump

I purposely blurred this out so you could see the glittery goodness AND the horrible tip pull/wear....

Have a POLISHED day!

CLG

On a Mission.....

2010-09-13T07:32:00.001-04:00

Hey everyone!
I must admit that my nails and I have a love/hate relationship! At times, they grow marvelously, and I have no problems out of them. Other times, they break when I look at them and I can never seem to retain any length on them. I think that is why I had such a hard time at the beginning of my nail journey. I could NOT find any regimen that would really help me keep my nails healthy and strong.

During this time, I found lots of things that I really loved and worked for me, but couldn't find the complete package with steps/products that would help me maintain a nail length that I was happy with.

As I'm sure you all know, youtube has become the go to reference tool for most people, you can find videos on hairstyling, crocheting, makeup, comedy and nail care.........WHAT! You mean I can find out how to get long, lovely, strong nails on YOUTUBE! YES!! *doeshappydance*

Enter LOVE4NAILS and her youtube channel! At first, you will see that she has awesome video tutorials that showcase designs on every level from beginner to expert. But once you keep watching, you start to think "how does she get and MAINTAIN her nails at such an awesome length?" Enter THIS video....

*faints*
The regimen involves vitamin E massages at 2 times a day. In the video she says she does 3 times. Also, a good nail hardener/strengthener. She did this everyday for 2 months and her nails look AMAZING!
So my bestest friends who just happen to be members of an online forum, where we have a nail fanatics board of our own, suggested we use this video as a basis for a nail challenge! We began earlier this month, and are using the tips and techniques that LOVE4NAILS suggested in her video, to help us obtain beautiful, strong, healthy nails. I can't wait to show you my progress. I use 400 i.u. vitamin E capsules, and Nailene Acrylic Strong as my topcoat!

This is the start. I cut my nails all the way down because I had been having some breakage/splitting issues.

Day 1

And this is a week later!

I'm really happy with the progress!!!! I can't wait to see what my nails look like at the end of the challenge!
Have a POLISHED DAY!

CLG

High or Low?

2010-09-11T23:00:00.001-04:00

I must start off this post saying that I am frugal...ok I'm kind of cheap! Growing up we didn't

have much, and as a single parent of three, a dollar has to stretch! I almost never buy anything

full price. If I see something I have to have you better believe I'm scouring the net for a coupon,

sale or deal. That being said, I have managed to amass a nice sized nail polish collection. But I

don't own any Chanel, the two Rescue Beauty Lounge polishes I own were bought at one of the sales,

and I'm not going to pay 200 dollars for an Essie Starry Starry night!

One of my favorite brands is Sinful Colors. They can be found at Walgreens, and at least in my

area, most beauty supply stores. Like most things, there are some that like Sinful, and some

that hate it!

I guess I said all that to say that you don't have to have a huge disposable income to gather a

great nail polish collection. You can find treasures on ebay, in clearance bins, and right at your

local drugstore.

So what say you, do you go high or low?

OOPS...I did it again....

2010-09-10T08:21:00.000-04:00

Yeah, when I said I went haulin, that was only part one! But, it's my birthday and I can do what I want! So, I found this awesome website http://www.cinapro.com/ and they have the EXACT same nail art kits that are sold at Sally's like this....

BUT WAYYYY cheaper! *dancesinmychair*

So of course, I got to haulin.....

The whole SHEBANG!

Some Gold Striping Tape

These are called "Dazzle Shapes" Different sequins, hearts, flowers, etc.

Glitter Decals

Rhinestone Butterflies

Silvery AB hearts

Lacy Decals

Complete nail art kit with dried flowers, more sequin/glitters in different shapes, and a Instructional DVD!

WHEW!

All this was UNDER 35.00 when most of these individually at Sally's cost at least 5 or 6 dollars! (some of these items were as low as 25 cents!) I can't wait to dive into my new lovlies this weekend AND Sunday is my birthday! I'm going to have to come up with a HOT mani! Everything was beautifully packaged and shipping took about a week. I can see Cinapro might become my new home! HAVE A FABULOUS WEEKEND!

Have a POLISHED day!

CLG

A Haulin' I Went!

2010-09-08T23:00:00.000-04:00

Just a little! (well maybe a lot!)
I went to Ulta (someplace I don't normally go for reasons I won't go into) and got a few things. Take a look!
Nicole by OPI's Gossip Girl Collection!

Sneak Peak at the New Gossip Girl Collection!

The secret’s out! New Gossip Girl-inspired colors are coming to nails near you. Here’s a look at four of the scandalous new colors. From left to right, you’ve got Too Rich for You Scandals, Secrets and Sparkle; Party in the Penthouse and Nicole…Spotted!

This buzz worthy, limited-edition line is currently only available in select Targets, so avoid the drama and pick these gems up now!

Nicole.....Spotted, a luscious teal green multi shimmer!

and

Party in the Penthouse. A deep blue with teal flash.

I also picked up something non nail related.

A sample of Too Faced Shadow Insurance (TFSI). Now I am a die hard user of Urban Decay's Primer Potion (UDPP). Die Hard meaning, I have used up a WHOLE tube (yeah I even cut it open and depotted it!) So when I say a WHOLE tube, I mean ALL OF IT! AND.....I recently purchased the new Professional sized GIGANTIC tube from Sephora! BUTTTTT...Being the beauty junkie that I am, I couldn't resist trying the TFSI just for kicks. I will post a thourough review once I really test it out!

Thanks for looking!

Have a POLISHED day!

CLG

Purple Love

2010-09-07T09:10:00.000-04:00

Hello,
Today I am showing you one of my new favorite brands. These were purchased for me by another Lacquer Lover and I am so grateful, because Studio M (Massini) polishes are not available in my area. But WOW! Look at what I have been missing!
I bring to you Purple Medallion!!

I added the last blurry pic to show all the rainbow yumminess! WOW this polish makes me HAPPY!
This is only 2 COATS! Even better, and the dry time was super fast. I added a coat of topcoat for extra shine. This polish does dry semi matte, so topcoat is needed. Don't you love this! Till next time,

Have a POLISHED Day!

CLG

WELCOME!

2010-04-21T14:07:00.000-04:00

Hello, you have found me! Well who am I? A mommy of three, ALL BOYS *faint* Yes, I am a mom, a professional and a girly girl who LOVES all pretty things, especially nail polish. Having boys is a challenge in many ways. For me, one of the hardest parts is that I don't get to share much of the girly things that I LOVE to do! Shopping, makeup, nailpolish are NOT in my boys vocabulary! And rightfully so! My collection is pretty awesome (to me at least!) I have over 350 polishes and I add to my collection on a regular basis.

In my former life, I used to be a cosmetologist as well as a nail tech. I love all colors and designs, and the time I spend maintaining my nails is very relaxing to me.

Thanks for checking me out and let me know what you think of my blog!

P.S.
I know you are probably wondering "what in the heck does CHOCOLATE LACQUER GIRL mean"
Well, as a woman of color, I often see swatches of different colors from my favorite bloggers and wonder "how would that look on me" so I decided to start this blog to add to the many wonderful bloggers of color! Just showing that women of color can wear ALL COLORS OF THE RAINBOW! And don't have to shy away from brites or nudes for fear of them clashing with our skin tones. THANKS FOR LOOKING!
Have a POLISHED day!

CLG