The Polished Perfectionist

Love Lapis

2013-05-02T16:04:00.000+02:00

Today I'm showing you Lapis from Cirque. Blue, glittery and stun-ning! I'm so glad I have a blog where I can share epic nail polishes. Lapis is definitely epic. ♥ It was easy to apply, I'm wearing two coats (on most nails) over two coats of Gosh - Blue Balloon. I added the glittery and silver (China Glaze - Millennium) triangles by using striping tape. As the finishing touch I also added small square studs from Born Pretty Store. I'll be using those studs a lot, love them.

Lapis is part of Cirque's Objet d'Art collection and is available on the Cirque website.

The studs are from Born Pretty Store, you can find them here.

Thanks for watching!

*Cirque - Lapis and the studs were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Camouflage Nail Art

2013-04-24T14:58:00.000+02:00

I was on a little survival trip with friends last weekend, the perfect occasion to wear.. camouflage nail art! I never thought I would like it so much. I used Catrice - Sir! Yes, Sir! (too easy, hehe) as a base and I added little blobs of colour (Gosh - Groovy Grey, Zoya - Shawn & ANNY - Green Hills) on the accent nails.

Thanks for watching!

Subtle Stamped Mint Green Nails

2013-04-16T13:55:00.000+02:00

The base colour I'm wearing is That's What I Mint!, one of Essence's new Colour & Go shades. I needed two coats for lovely mint coloured nails. The stamped design is from Bundle Monster plate BM-313 and I used Koh - Platinum Silver as the stamping polish. This combination is almost invisible indoors, but looks fantastic in sunlight! I'm always amazed by how much effect a little bit of stamping can have.

Thanks for watching! :h

Sparkly Tips with Cirque - Book of Shadows & Cirque - XX

2013-04-03T15:36:00.000+02:00

For this mani I used two amazing nail polishes from Cirque's Objet d'Art collection. I spiced up a three day old mani (two coats of Catrice - I Sea You!) with a crazy amount of sparkle on the tips. I sponged with Book of Shadows (silver/lavender foil) and dabbed the glitter from XX on top of it. XX is really impressive, don't you think? I adore the pastel look of the glitter particles. ♥

(I Sea You! from Catrice looks greener in real life)

Book of Shadows and XX are available on the Cirque website for $13 a bottle.

Thanks for watching!

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Curved Chevron & Shimmer Polish - Elsa

2013-03-27T15:01:00.000+01:00

Oh, I love this mani! The colours, the combination of finishes and hey.. I see glitter. ♥ I used two coats of Essie - School of Hard Rocks and I added curved chevron tips with 2030 from China Glaze. On my ring finger nail I'm wearing Shimmer Polish - Elsa, a perfect match with gold, teal and red glitter. I can't get over how blingy and beautiful it is...

Thanks for watching!

PS I'm sorry for posting so little lately. The eczema on my fingers keeps bugging me, most of the time it's not a pretty sight. :( I can't say the weather is very helpful, so I'm hoping a change of season (warmth, yes please!) will make it disappear.

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Pastel Skittle Nails with Penélope Luz - Lotus

2013-03-15T14:57:00.000+01:00

The star of this post is Lotus, one of Penélope Luz's creations. This lovely lady really has an eye for gorgeous glitter combinations, I think she makes super pretty and fun nail polishes. You should definitely visit her blog, you'll be amazed! Lotus is a mix of small white, pink and black glitter. I never thought a nail polish with black glitter could be so delicate. Oh, I love it so much.. especially over pink and white! The formula was nice, I'm wearing one coat on my ring finger nail.

Thanks for watching!

products used
pinky: Eyeko - Vintage Polish
ring finger: OPI - My Boyfriend Scales Walls
middle finger: OPI - Mod About You
index finger: Rimmel - Too Cool To Tango
thumb (not pictured): same combination as the ring finger

Cirque - Lonesome George

2013-03-05T15:40:00.000+01:00

What better way to celebrate a sunny day than with a beautiful prismatic shade? I chose to wear Lonesome George from Cirque. Now, you may know that I have a weak spot for green prismatics, so it's no surprise that I think this one's extremely pretty! The formula was nice and smooth, I used two coats (no top coat).

I also want to show you a little comparison with the green prismatic nail polishes I own. No dupes here. If I háve to choose a favourite I'd go for Lonesome George because of the intense prismatic effect. Also, I like my prismatic sparkles a bit more scattered than smooth like you see in Reclaim.

Lonesome George is part of Cirque's Objet d'Art collection and is available on the Cirque website.

Thanks for watching! :h

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Crossed Ascalon

2013-02-21T15:36:00.000+01:00

Yup, I couldn't resist wearing my beloved Ascalon from a england again. I spiced a couple of nails up with a simple cross design. To achieve this look I applied two pieces of tape on the fully dried nail. Then I sponged the centre of the nail using a make-up sponge and a england - Bridal Veil. After removing the tape and applying a generous layer of top coat I added a black stud as the finishing touch.

The stud is from this wheel which contains various silver and gold studs. You can get it for $4,89 at Born Pretty Store.

Thanks for watching!

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Pastel Diagonal Gradient

2013-02-16T15:41:00.000+01:00

Is it spring already? I'm sooo in the mood for pastel colours right now.. The base colour I'm wearing is Color Club - Secret Rendezvous (three coats). I wanted to combine this lilac beauty with another soft colour, so I used Eyeko - Vintage Polish to create a diagonal gradient. Lóve this combination! I made the flower accent with Konad plate m20 and Konad Special Nail Polish in White. I added a couple of dots with Cirque - Book of Shadows for a little bit of sparkle.

Hope you like it. ^_^ Thanks for watching!

Glitter Gradient with Shimmer Polish - Gerry & Caroline

2013-02-06T13:43:00.000+01:00

For this mani I used two spectacular nail polishes (three if I count in the base colour). I was wearing Indigo from Barry M for two days and decided it was the perfect base for Shimmer Polish - Gerry, a dark violet glitter polish with blue glitter and so much more. A stunner for sure! I applied two easy coats. I wanted to try a glitter gradient, so I also used Shimmer Polish - Caroline (grape purple glitter) just on the tips of my nails. The sparkle is out of this world, so pretty! You have to believe me if I say that the gradient is more visible in real life (purple is not the easiest colour to photograph). I needed two generous layers of top coat for smooth and glossy nails.

These Shimmer Polish shades are hot, aren't they? :L This brand is available at Cindy's Etsy store.

Thanks for watching!

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Cirque - Cape Liz

2013-02-02T13:54:00.000+01:00

Phew, I'm glad I'm feeling well enough to blog again! I've had an awful throat infection and felt miserable the past week. Luckily I took some pictures of my polished nails before I got sick. This delicate, greyish blue shade is Cape Liz from Cirque. The shimmer in this one is really pretty! Cape Liz has a somewhat uneven consistency, I needed three coats for a satisfying result. I would love to wear this colour with silver stamping some time!

Cape Liz is part of Cirque's Objet d'Art collection and is available on the Cirque website.

Thanks for watching and enjoy your weekend! :)

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Beetle Inspired Nails

2013-01-23T15:42:00.000+01:00

Yes, today's mani is inspired by beetles! First I applied two coats of Orly - Enchanted Forest. I let it dry completely before I added a piece of striping tape in the middle of the nail. Then I carefully brushed two strokes of Ludurana - Admirável on both sides of the nail. I removed the tape, added a layer of top coat and stared at my nails for the rest of the day. ^_^

I also took some underwater shots (learnt this from Goose!). Multichromes look SO good underwater. All those colours. In one polish. I couldn't believe my eyes!

This spectacular multichrome from Ludurana was a gift from Penélope, one of my lovely readers. She sent me an awesome package with Brazilian must-have nail polishes and a great selection of her own handmade glitter polishes. Thanks again dear! You are so generous and sweet. ♥

Thanks for watching!

Cirque - Galinda

2013-01-19T14:54:00.000+01:00

I updated Dorian Gray with Galinda from the brand Cirque. Galinda has a clear base with small and medium pearly white glitter and tiny sparkly prismatic particles. So lovely! The formula of Galinda was great, I applied two coats over Dorian Gray.

Later I added a layer of matte top coat, because well.. a mattified glitter mani never disappoints! My nails look kinda frosted. Cool. :)

Galinda is part of Cirque's newest collection called Objet d'Art and is available on the Cirque website.

Thanks for watching!

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

a england - Dorian Gray

2013-01-17T15:52:00.000+01:00

I have an undying love for shades like the one I'm wearing right now. This mysterious dark grey polish is Dorian Gray from a england's Gothic Beauties collection. It was a dream to apply. This is two coats plus top coat.

Thanks for watching!

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Shimmer Polish - Karina

2013-01-10T15:40:00.000+01:00

This gorgeous cherry red glitter polish is Karina from Shimmer Polish. This polish glows and sparkles like crazy, I'm drowning in its depth. ♥ The formula was a little thick, but manageable. I used two coats plus a generous amount of top coat.

Shimmer Polish is available at Cindy's Etsy shop for $12 a bottle.

Thanks for watching!

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

a england - She Walks in Beauty

2013-01-04T14:44:00.000+01:00

Today I'm showing you a england - She Walks in Beauty, one of Adina's new stunning creations. An unusual combination of greenish golden shimmer and pink glitter. I could've applied it over the entire nail, but you know how much I love to play with nail polish! So I started with applying Models Own - Grace Green (two coats); then I dabbed She Walks in Beauty on the nail tips and finished with a layer of top coat. Man, I lóve this combination!

She Walks in Beauty is part of the Heavenly Quotes collection. This collection is available on the a england website.

Thanks for watching!

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Favourite Nail Art of 2012

2012-12-31T15:09:00.000+01:00

It's time for my nail art favourites of 2012. Manicures with something extra! I'd love to wear these again. And again and again...

1. Peacock Inspired Nails. Love, love, LOVE this.

2. Polka Dots. This mani is so cheery and happy. You can't go wrong with dots, can you?

3. Pink Floral Water Marble. I overcame my fear of water marbling. ^_^

4. Rainbow Candy Cane Nails. Gradient stamping! :L

5. Dots 'n' Roses - Teal Version. So lovely.

6. Dragon of the Green Hills. Dragon is also perfect for stamping!

7. Shawn Loves French Roast. Still a big fan of sponged glitter tips...

8. Rainbow In The Air. Ahh, I just love everything rainbow.

9. Beware of the Cat. A little story on my nails... :)

10. And of course I had to include a mani inspired by one of my cakes: Quilted Purple!

That's it! Which manicure was your favourite?

I hope you'll have a wonderful and festive day/evening/night and I wish you a fantastic and happy 2013!!!

Favourite Nail Polishes of 2012

2012-12-28T14:34:00.000+01:00

Like lovely fellow blogger Bregje, I'm showing you two favourites posts this year, one with nail polish and one with nail art. A lot of beautiful nail polishes covered my nails, but these are my favourites of 2012:

1. Cirque - Dark Horse (shown over China Glaze - Awaken). One of Annie's amazing creations. I'm so excited about this brand!

2. Speciallità - Atena (shown over China Glaze - Cowgirl Up). I remember loving this so much! The prismatic polishes from Speciallità are beautiful and perfect for epic layering combinations.

3. a england - Ascalon. From The Legend, my favourite collection of 2012! ♥

4. OPI - Pirouette My Whistle (shown over Color Club - You Got Soul-Ar). Such a lovely and delicate glitter polish.

5. Layla Hologram Effect - Misty Blush. An unusual colour with an insane prismatic effect.

6. OPI - You Callin' Me a Lyre? I wear this one a lot and it just doesn't get boring!

7. a england - Dragon. Yup, another one from The Legend. What can I say.. it's a legendary collection. ^_^

8. Pupa - Holographic Strawberry. *dreamy sigh*

9. Essence - Copper'ize Me (shown over Catrice - Caught On The Red Carpet). A nice suprise from Essence!

10. KBShimmer - Clown Puke (shown over China Glaze - Holly-Day). This one is so cool. Looks great over probably everything.

Thanks for watching and stay tuned for my nail art top 10! :D

Christmas Mix & Match Manicure

2012-12-24T14:02:00.000+01:00

I don't think I can express how much I love this Christmas mix and match manicure.. I had this idea in my head and it turned out better than I expected! The ingredients for this lovely combination: a juicy red colour, subtle stamping, a yummy candy cane design and I used Emerald Sparkle from China Glaze for the first time! Gotta love those little pops of green.

I wish you a merry, merry Christmas! May God bless you and your loved ones.

Thanks for watching! :h

products used

pinky: HEMA #85

ring finger: China Glaze - Millennium, plate BM-323, Konad Special Nail Polish in White, silver rhinestone

middle finger: China Glaze - Emerald Sparkle

index finger: OPI - My Boyfriend Scales Walls, HEMA #85, striper brush

thumb (not pictured): same design as the ring finger

Quilted Purple

2012-12-19T13:55:00.000+01:00

It's time for another cake-inspired-nails post! A so-called quilted cake was on my to-do list for ages and I finally decided my birthday was the perfect occasion to give it a go! The cake is covered with marzipan and the flower on the cake is made of fondant. It took me some practice and I have to say I'm kinda proud of it. ♥

About the nails: the medium purple I used on most nails is China Glaze - Spontaneous. The colour on the accent nail is Grape Pop, another purple beauty from China Glaze (both look less blue-toned in real life). After Grape Pop was completely dry I added a raster of striping tape. To achieve the gradient look I sponged the nail surface with Spontaneous and a england - Guinevere. I removed the tape, added a couple of silver dots and a thick layer of top coat. Aah, so pretty!

For the flower I used white acrylic paint. Before I added the black heart of the flower and the silver dots I sponged a little bit of Spontaneous in the middle.

Thanks for watching!

Icy Nails with Shimmer Polish - Jennifer

2012-12-10T14:38:00.000+01:00

Recently I received a package from Cindy with breathtaking Shimmer Polish nail polishes. It was hard to choose which one to wear first.. they're all so pretty! I decided to go for Jennifer. I love it, it's super sparkly and the colours are beautiful! Last Friday we had our first snow this winter so I was in the mood for an 'icy' mani. I used three coats of HEMA #833, a pastel blue creme, and I applied Jennifer just on the nail tips. I really enjoy wearing this combination, even after three days!

Shimmer Polish is available at Cindy's Etsy shop for $12 a bottle.

Thanks for watching!

*The product(s) in this post was/were sent to me for reviewing purposes.

For more information, check out my Disclosure Policy.

Thank You!

2012-12-04T14:32:00.000+01:00

Thank you for all the warm birthday wishes last weekend! It means a lot to me. ♥ I had a great birthday party with my loved ones, got beautiful presents and of course there was.. cake! I'll show you the cake I made (+ matching nails!) as soon as possible.

At the moment I'm busy with the decorations for my next cake. It's a lot of work, but I love doing it! I don't wear nail polish when I'm working on my cakes, but I hope there will be some time left to paint my nails this week.

Have a good day! :h

Glittery Birthday Mani <:o)

2012-11-30T15:14:00.000+01:00

Today is my 26th birthday, hooray!! I wanted something super festive on my nails so I gave a clown permission to puke over my nails. :O I'm wearing two coats of China Glaze - Holly-Day and one coat of KBShimmer - Clown Puke.

This glitter polish has it ALL. Love it.

Thanks for watching! :k

Layla Hologram Effect - Misty Blush

2012-11-26T14:28:00.000+01:00

Wowza, is that a rainbow explosion or what? ♥ In case you haven't heard: the prismatic polishes from Layla Cosmetics are the best! There is a great variety in base colours (16 shades) and the prismatic effect is just.. wow. I'm wearing two coats of Misty Blush over my beloved Aqua Base from Nfu Oh.

Thanks for watching!

Dotted French

2012-11-21T14:22:00.000+01:00

Something simple and classy for today. I was in the mood for nude-ish nails after wearing a lot of dark colours. So I applied three coats of Essie - Body Language. Beautiful colour! I should wear it more often, but my untrieds disagree, hehe. Later I added white dots on the nail tips with a dotting tool. I finished with one coat of OPI - You Callin' Me a Lyre? to soften the colour of the dots.

Hope you like it. ^_^ Thanks for watching!