nails of the day

notd: China Glaze Twenty-Four K

2010-04-17T11:34:00.001-06:00

I'm not 100% sure why my skin looks like a corpse's, but this was, by far, the most color-accurate shot of the polish I got. I just cropped out as much of my skin as I could... enjoy the gold, not the pasty.

Also, we're only three followers away from the next giveaway! I've got it set up and I can say one thing - the highlight is a color that I not only adore... I absolutely cherish it, so I know you'll love it. There will be at least three polishes (and maybe a few other miscellaneous bits and pieces, too!), so it won't be huge, but it will be some fantastic items from a brand you love.

But, enough about that, let's talk about my gorgeous CG polish! I just recently grabbed this at Sally Beauty (they sucked me in with the buy two get one sale) - it was on markdown and all their red tag items were half off, so I only paid $1.99 for it. More than worth it, in my opinion.

Base: Essie 3-Way Glaze (one coat)
Color: China Glaze Twenty-Four K (three coats... two was enough, but I accidentally bumped a finger on the bottle - which is what I get when I try to paint my nails during NHL playoffs - so I added a third for even application)
Top Coat: Essie Good to Go

I feel like this would be a really great polish for Konading, if I a) knew how and b) had Konad plates. It's crying out for some chevron or houndstooth print, don't you think?

Love,
JP

Where I've Been

2010-04-15T15:39:00.000-06:00

So, I realize that I haven't been posting many nail shots on here, and that's because I'm currently letting my nails "breathe". They're sans-lacquer - which is driving me CRAZY - so there hasn't been much of interest for me to share with you.

But there are some fun things going on in my world. First, the ever-popular denim brand Guess Jeans has decided to do a giveaway on DenimDebutante.com! It's running through Monday, so go enter now.

Also, we're at 196 followers via Google right now. Once we get up to 200, I'll be hosting a new giveaway! You guys will have fun with this one... super easy entry, and some amazing nail polishes. Tell your friends!

I should be back tomorrow or Saturday with the latest nail posts. Until then, stay happy and lacquered!

Love,
JP

15% off All Beauty Products at Sephora!

2010-04-12T08:15:00.000-06:00

Take an extra 15% off at Sephora.com from April 12-19th! Sephora Beauty Insiders get 15% off their entire purchase on Sephora.com with promotion code BI15.

Click here to shop now and get some great deals! If you're a Beauty Insider, you can also get full-sized samples and a bunch of other fabulous bargains, so I definitely recommend this one!

Love,
JP

notd: Unnamed Goldie Nail Polish

2010-04-07T11:57:00.000-06:00

I hate it when brands don't name their colors, but there is something kind of fun about it. After all, that just means I get to make up some ridiculous name to call it... which is always a plus!

You can see the blue and purple sparkles close-up, but one of the best parts of this color is that it looks blue in EVERY light. There's no mistaking this one for black, kids!

Goldie polishes supposedly used to be found at Bath & Body Works. I got my set of eight at Marshall's for like $6.00... not bad for pretty colors and Vegan, Big-Three Free polish!

So, what shall we name this one? Since Baseball season has just started, I'm naming it Blue Tiger. I would call it Brandon Inge Blue, but that seems... awkward. :)

Love,
JP

notd: Zoya Kotori

2010-04-05T14:10:00.000-06:00

I was insanely disappointed with this polish. I fell in love with the color, the application was fantastic and it sparkled exactly like I expected.

So, what went wrong? Two things:

1. The polish almost never dried. I used the entire Color Lock set from base to quick dry drops, and still nothing. It smudged and smeared for hours after application.
2. This morning (I applied the color last night), the nail polish peeled off in one whole chunk.

Sad. I might try a couple of different attempts with this because the color was amazing (as you can see above!), but I was disappointed. It was so sad.

Love,
JP

Buy Two Get One Free Nail Polish at Sally Beauty!

2010-04-02T10:22:00.000-06:00

Usually, deals like this are exclusive to only one brand... but not this time around, thanks to Sally Beauty Supply's newest bargain!

One of my favorite stores to shop for nail products is Sally Beauty, and this deal makes those bargains I'm already getting even better!

Head over to Sally Beauty Supply now and stock up using promo code 555135! Let me know what colors you get!

Love,
JP

notd: Barry M Lime Green

2010-04-01T12:04:00.000-06:00

Following with my trend of ridiculously bright and colorful nail polish, here's the next darling on the block: Barry M Lime Green!

I keep looking at my nails and thinking "green apple", but I suppose lime is fairly accurate, too. I LOVE this color. It's offensively bright, and it just makes me downright happy. It's not neon, but it's about as close as you can get without jumping the fence.

Base: Poshe Base Coat
Color: Barry M Lime Green (three coats)
Top Coat: Poshe Super Fast Dry Top Coat

I should point this one thing out: I don't think that Barry M and Poshe play well together. What you see above isn't tipwear; it's shrinkage. Must try a new base/top coat with this one in the future!

Love,
JP

$50 Beauty Voucher up to 70% off at Jasmere.com

2010-03-31T10:59:00.000-06:00

It's fun to find something girly and pretty... and Jasmere.com's got a great deal for those of you looking to find new products to spoil yourself (or give to someone you love)!

Here's what Jasmere.com has to say about Flower Peddler:

Today's $50 voucher may be the most versatile in jasmere's history. Featuring unique and wonderful ingredients (organic calendula, anyone?), Flower Peddler's extensive, floral-inspired line will have you indulging in the finest natural soaps, soaks, scrubs, bubbles, mani/pedi products & more. And that's saying nothing of their lines for men, kids, and *new* just for tweens.

So, it does kind of fit in with what we do here! Right now, the vouchers are going at $21 (that's 58 % off retail!), but they drop more with every purchase. Head over to Jasmere.com now and get your own voucher... let me know how you decide to treat yourself!

Love,
JP

notd: China Glaze Rose Among Thorns (Neon)

2010-03-30T14:14:00.000-06:00

It's almost 80 degrees out today. Sunny, warm and gorgeous... how could I NOT want to wear something that makes me smile with all of its neon-y goodness?

This is probably the closest photo I could find of the neon fabulousness that is Rose Among Thorns. Neons are known for being borderline impossible to capture on film and while this isn't 100% photo-accurate, it is pretty close - and definitely accurate color-wise.

Base: Poshe Base Coat
Color: China Glaze Rose Among Thorns (three coats, purchased at Sally Beauty Supply)
Top Coat: Poshe Super Fast Dry Top Coat

Love this one? Hate it? Let me know in the comments! Also, I was thinking about doing another giveaway on here soon... anything in particular you'd like to win?

Love,
JP

Butter London on Hautelook!

2010-03-22T08:59:00.000-06:00

These sales never last long, but it's a definite get if you can grab some of the colors! I snagged a couple of bottles on the last sale, and I am SO happy with them!

Head over to Hautelook now and get ready for a great sale on quality products. Butter London is Three-Free and has some amazing color options!

Love,
JP

FREE Zoya Remove+ with $10 Order!

2010-03-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Use CODE: "BF5" Now through Monday, 3/15/10 to get your FREE 8oz Zoya Remove+ Big Flipper w/any online purchase of $10 or more www.zoya.com

I use this stuff religiously, and I'm telling you... it's the best. Can't live without it! So, if you're making a purchase there, grab one of these babies!

Love,
JP

Essie Resort 2010 Collection

2010-03-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

Guys, I want these NOW! Call me impatient, but whatever. Turquoise & Caicos and Lapis of Luxury are to DIE for.

What are your thoughts?

Love,
JP

notd: Essie Steel-ing the Scene and Wrap N Rubies

2010-03-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Guys, when I paint my nails, I need to take photos RIGHT after. Otherwise, we end up with this:

Holy chipping and nail wear, Batman! It's not the lacquer's fault, really... I've been wearing this for three days without top coat. Don't ask why, I don't know.

Base Coat: Essie 3-way Glaze
Color - Red: Essie Wrap N Rubies (Winter 2007... also called Wrapped in Rubies, I guess)
Color - Silver: Essie Steel-ing the Scene (Winter 2007)

I'm going to start taking pictures WHEN I paint them, not three days later when I forget the names and have to keep waiting. Sheesh. Either way, I love these colors. They lasted quite well considering the fact that I wore it sans topcoat, so I'm not complaining.

Love,
JP

notd: Nina Ultra Pro Purple-Xing

2010-03-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

In my opinion, there are two types of nail polishes that, no matter how much you try, will never EVER photograph accurately. The first are neons (it's just ridiculous how muted they come across on camera) and the second are anything holo. So, when I say that the photo of this color (as well as the big gouge that I didn't even NOTICE until I took the picture) just doesn't do it justice, I really mean it.

I swear to god, I almost got into a car accident wearing this... I was just mesmerized by the sparkle! Sadly, it didn't have the lasting power of Caribbean Blue (where that lasted seven, this chipped at two... though that may also be in part to the different top coat), but oh, how I adore it. I want to make tons of little holographic babies with it.

Base: Zoya Get Even
Color: Nina Ultra Pro Purple-Xing (two coats)
Top Coat: Out the Door's Northern Lights Hologram Top Coat (two coats)

C. said that it looked like an eight year old with impressive nail polishing skills chose my nail color and painted them... but I don't care. These make me so ridiculously happy, even with the short wear. You can get Nina Ultra Pro products at Sally Beauty Supply (if you shop online, get $5 OFF orders of $25 or more. Use Promo Code 555202.)

Love,
JP

notd: Nina Ultra Pro Caribbean Blue

2010-03-06T07:27:00.000-07:00

This is the first Nina Ultra Pro I've used, and I really didn't expect much. But, when my week got insane... this stuff stuck with me. The picture below? Guess how long I've been wearing the color!

Please excuse my angry cuticle. I've been picking at it (I know that makes it worse, I'm sorry!), so it's pretty sad right now.

But, the wear and tear on this looks about two to three days at most. But...

I've been wearing it for SEVEN!

I'm massively impressed with this brand. Surprised even. I'm taking the polish off today (there's a bigger chip on my thumbnail, and I got another color from the line that I want to try), but I could probably wear this for another few days with minor touch-ups!

Base: Zoya Get Even
Color: Nina Ultra Pro in Caribbean Blue
Top Coat: Poshe Super Fast Dry Topcoat

Love,
JP

notd: SpaRitual Revere

2010-02-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

Busted out another great color from the SpaRitual Cherish collection and while the BF dislikes it (I just don't think he's a fan of orange, really), I think it's beyond fabulous.

It's a rich red-orange with a golden flash (which you can't really tell in the photos... sad, I know) that went on perfectly. The shot above is two coats of SpaRitual Lacquer Lock, two coats of Revere and one coat of Poshe Super-Fast Drying Topcoat.

For those of you who have tried SpaRitual's top coat, how did you like it? Was it good for you, or should I stick with my basics?

Sigh... this color makes me want summer NOW! :)

Love,

Zoya Coupon Code - Good Through Sunday 2/22!

2010-02-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Zoya decided to give away some polish (of all the brands available, they're definitely the most giving for their customers!) for New York Fashion Week, and they've even extended it! All you have to do is:

Follow Zoya on Twitter (and while you're at it, make sure you're following NailsOfTheDay too!), then head over to the Zoya site. Find two polishes and $10 worth of product (I highly recommend the Remove+. HIGHLY.) and then put code NYFW while you're checking out. You'll get $14 off (two free polishes), making this an awesome deal!

Enjoy this deal, and let me know what colors you get!

Love,
JP

Smashbox on RueLaLa!

2010-02-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

I know it's not nail polish, but there are some GREAT items that you should snag before it's too late!

The sale just started, so head over to Rue La La now and shop away! If you don't already have an account there, please use my invite code... I'd really appreciate it!

Love,
JP

notd: SpaRitual Love

2010-02-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

It's the epitome of girly pink. Fun, bubbly and happy.

It went on like a standard SpaRitual (two coats was still super sheer, three was perfect) and layered with Lacquer Lock and Poshe, it has held up well for about three days now.

SpaRitual Love is from the Cherish Collection (which I purchased about a month or two ago on Billion Dollar Babes). It's a creme pink that almost has a little bit of neon-y goodness to it.

Do you own any SpaRitual colors? Which is your favorite and why?

Love,
JP

notd: L.A. Colors Intense Purple

2010-02-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Another unnamed color (part of the L.A. Colors Intense Collection) that deserves a name, because it's STUNNING! Loving this shade. :)

Intense is right - this color is unlike any other purple I own! I absolutely adore it... so much that I wore it for three days straight! Application was super easy, and with a coat of Essie Good to Go on top (it was what I had next to me at the time), it lasted perfectly throughout those three days. Couldn't have been happier.

Love,

Nail Swatches: Duri's Valentine's Day Collection

2010-02-10T09:45:00.000-07:00

I was sent two of the new colors from Duri's line to test out, and I have to say that even though the colors were pretty standard, I was happily impressed with the application!

The first color is Love Me Crazy

A rich dark red, this color went on like a dream (my hands, however, like to fight. Not the polish's fault!) and I like the color. It's basic, but great for Valentine's Day.

Next is Sweetheart.

This is your basic orange-red, but it's still fun. The quintessential Valentine's Day Red.

Both of these went on perfectly with two coats. Removal was easy (there was minimal staining around the cuticle area, which is surprising to me with these shades!) and the colors were super vibrant. Definitely a great V-Day option!

Love,
JP

A.'s notd: China Glaze Martini Pedicure

2010-02-08T10:34:00.000-07:00

Can I just say that I'm lemming the crap out of this color? It's pretty much a perfect aqua AND it has the fabulous glass flecks that are oh-so-gorgeous.

My girlfriend A. has an even better collection of polishes than I do. This one is her favorite (which she just happens to be wearing today!) and she was gracious enough to take some pictures of it to show off.

If I didn't love A. so much, I'd hate her for owning this. You need to enlarge to picture to really get the full grasp of how amazing it is, but here's a little close-up for you:

This aqua base with green and pink glass flecks (it sounds as gorgeous as it is, doesn't it?) is a sight to behold. A. says that it was so easy to apply (but did need three coats and, as you can tell, is still slightly sheer)... so, if you can get your hands on a bottle, she (and I) both would recommend it!

Love,

notd: L.A. Colors Intense Blue

2010-02-07T16:46:00.000-07:00

One thing that sucks about this oh-so-amazing color? The lack of a name. Who doesn't name their polishes?!?!

Why did I choose this color? Because it's Super Bowl Sunday, and I'm cheering for the Colts! Sorry Saints fans, but I firmly believe that Peyton Manning is the best quarterback to have ever lived.

If you get the chance to grab this color (well, the set of colors), I'd do it. The brushes were wide (not Pro-Wide wide, but definitely wide), the formula was easy to apply and it wasn't streaky at all. I love the blue-gold flash of this!

Considering all four colors (all nameless, of course) were $4.80 total, I'd say it was a great deal!

Love,

JP's Nail Issues

2010-02-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

I kind of can't believe I'm sharing this but... here goes.

My nails? They're disgusting. They really are. I clean them multiple times a day, coat them in rich lotions and cuticle oil, buy the best polishes... and they still hate me.

Here's an example (if you're squeamish about icky nails, you may want to look away. I'm posting a totally naked nail. Be afraid!):

They're stained and yellow. They keep chipping. They're just angry overall, and I don't know why.

So, here's where you come in. I need tips - lots of them. I trust you ladies, since you all know what you're talking about. What do I do?!?!

This post may not stay up because I'm so embarrassed about this scenario, and I'd rather just go home and swatch the new Duri polishes I received for you. But if you have any tips, please PLEASE share them with me. If you've written posts about issues previously, share them down below (I added IntenseDebate, because I like it better, and you can click through on site links).

And, even if you don't have any tips... if you just want to tell me I'm not the only one? That works too. :)

Love,
JP

My First Franken!

2010-02-01T10:22:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do something a little different, and I thought I'd try making my own color in an attempt to replicate the Chanel Jade shade. Here's what I used and how it came out!

What I used:

1. Rimmel Wear 10 w/ Lycra in Insolence (#414)

2. Essie Mint Candy Apple

3. Orly Enchanted Forest

4. Seche Vite Top Coat (which I didn't take a picture of until AFTER I made the color. Sheesh.)

How did it come out?

It's got a little shimmery flash that I love, and it's the closest I've found to Chanel Jade. What do you guys think? Do you like it? Have any recommendations on how I can get it closer? Let me know!

Love,