Gosh Rainbow

Sorry for the unplanned hiatus everyone, it's my last exam in a couple of days, so I'll be back on form after that! I realise this isn't Nail Art, but I went to a Superdrug in a small town the other week, and found a bottle of the very rare, discontinued GOSH Rainbow - just sat on the shelf! For a fiver! It would be rude not to! A bit annoyed seen as I had also just bought Nubar 2010, which is a perfect dupe, but oh well! Rainbow is an effect topcoat containing iridescent flakies in a clear base, and it works better over darker base colours, giving a more subtle effect over lighter ones. Here is one (thickish) coat over two coats of Claire's Black, in natural light:-

LOOK AT THE RAAAINBOOOW

You can see more of the green flash here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

double rainbow, all the way accross the...nails?

 

 

 

As you can see, the coverage really is brilliant in one coat, I can't think why they discontinued it, along with Holographic. Maybe they didn't sell well because they don't look very impressive in the bottle? Who knows. This actually looks really interesting with a Matte Topcoat, it doesn't translate brilliantly in the photographs, coming across a bit milky looking (ooer), but IRL it looks really cool.

Ring finger and Index mattified using Claire's mattifying topcoat.

Just for my amusement, I decided to compare it with Nubar 2010. Overall, you can get exactly the same effect, but you need two coats of Nubar 2010 to create the same coverage that Gosh Rainbow can achieve in just one. Considering GOSH Rainbow is now Hard To Find however, 2010 is a perfect alternative. Sorry the lighting isn't as good:

Thumb, middle and Pinky, one coat of GOSH. Index and Ring, 2 coats of Nubar 2010

So there you have it. Two iridescent Flakie Topcoats, and no nail art. The next post I have for you will make up for it, I promise...it's FIERCE.

aaaaaaaand back into the pit of revision despair I go!

GREAT #bblogger chat tonight as well! If you don't know what's going on, on Twitter, at 8pm on Sunday evenings (UK time, GMT +1), Beauty Bloggers get together for a chat (using the hashtag #bbloggers) and talk about a different topic every week. Today, it was the controversial subject of self promotion, and there are some interesting opinions out there. Would love to see even more people there next week, so get involved if you're on Twitter!

Also guys, I have an FOTD (make-up look) that I could post for you, but every time I have done this in the past, it hasn't gone down awfully well, as I know a lot of you tune in for the Nail Art. Is this something you would like to see? Not really arsed either way? Or should I stop trying to flog a dead horse? Hahaha!

Emily xxx

Rocking My Pink On Wednesday With Nubar Pink Lily/Dewdrop

It's Hump day! Good Morning,

It's been a busy week for me.  These pictures are a few weeks old .  My nails have grown and are much longer now.  Pink Lily and Dewdrop are from the Nubar Spring Garden Collection. A gorgeous pastel pink that I love.  Dewdrop makes them look sugar coated.  I did a little funky french nailart with dots on thumb nail using konad white special polish and Pink Lily .

Are you rocking a pink today?  Please tell me what are you wearing?

Until next time please have a great nail polish day. (✿◠‿◠)

Apothecary: Nubar Freeze Dry, Nail Polish Drying Accelerator

Hello ladies,

I recently added Nubar Freeze Dry to my nail care apothecary. I am impressed how these drops speed the dry time of manicures and pedicures. Freeze Dry can readily solve the problem of polish that refuses to cure on its own. It can be used in addition to quick dry or traditional topcoat.

Freeze Dry is packaged with a dropper and a brush. For best results, apply drying drops over the sink. Tilt your nails at a slight downwards angle and apply two to three drops per nail starting just below the cuticle line. Those ladies with active length nails should find two drops sufficient. The liquid will coat your nails and the excess will run off. If you find the drops bounce off the nail, experiment with a different angle.

Applying Freeze Dry using the standard Nubar brush is equally effective. I choose this method when I have needed extra layers of polish to build opacity and the manicure is taking longer than I would like to cure, even with quick dry topcoat. Freeze Dry can successfully harden four or five layers of polish.

These drops are my new defense when confronted with a polish, which will not cure. I have used Freeze Dry on polishes that dent an hour after application. I haven't yet found a polish this product can't assist in drying. Freeze Dry works outside the Nubar line with every brand of polish I tested.

I appreciate that Freeze Dry doesn't dull polish when left on the nail. I have found that other salon quality drying drops like OPI Drip Dry and Zoya Hurry Up need to be rinsed after the polish hardens. In contrast, Freeze Dry will make the nails appear glossy hours after being applied.

Freeze Dry has a light floral scent that makes it pleasurable to use. Nubar considered the entire experience when creating this product. It is both effective and enjoyable to apply.

If you are searching for quality drying drops, I can recommend Nubar Freeze Dry as easily being my favorite.

Nubar Freeze Dry was sent to me for review. This product can be purchased from bynubar.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Purple Paisley: Cheeky Monkey Tease

Hello ladies,

Though still wearing my winter coat, I walk by the trees, dressing themselves in Spring flowers.

The daffodils are like little yellow lights along the park walkways. So lovely! I can't wait for the tulips to greet us.

With Konad violet pearl special polish, I stamped the paisley design from plate H6. I embellished the paisleys with comma rhinestones and applied white rainbow flowers as an accent. In the centers of the flowers, I added purple gems and pale lavender pearls.

A beautiful grey toned lavender, Tease applied perfectly. Opaque in two coats, this is shade is what I wish for in every pastel application. The color is soft, yet a little edgy.

I hope the purple paisleys and flowers brought a little bit of Spring your way.

Tease was sent to me for review. This color can be purchased from cheekymonkeycosmetics.com.

Image plate H6 was provided for my consideration. To view the full line of nail art stamping supplies, stop by chez-delaney.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Flaming hearts: Nubar Pink Lily

Hello ladies,

The flaming heart is a heraldic symbol meaning ardent affection. Traditionally found on coats of arms, I decided to let it emblazon my nails.

I chose red Konad special polish to stamp the heart motif from design plate H10. Pink rhinestone hearts embellish the stamping. I used a Nubar nail art pen in Rubies to highlight the flames. A funky french was painted with two coats of the flakie polish, Nubar 2010, and one layer of the silver shimmer, Pixie Dust.

Pink Lily is a soft pastel blended with a pearl shimmer. Three coats will bring opacity. The color is a whitened, mod style pink. I received lots of compliments on this pale pink when walking about town.

I hope you enjoyed my heraldic manicure. It would make a pretty Valentine this Spring or another way to showcase your coat of arms.

Part of the Nubar Spring Garden Collection, Pink Lily was sent to me for review. Pixie Dust and 2010, also provided for review, are available for purchase at bynubar.com.

Image plate H10 was provided for my consideration. Please visit chez-delaney.com to view the full line of stamping nail art supplies.

Happy painting, ladies!

Blue Phoenix, Blue Moon: Nubar Blue Hydrangea

Hello ladies,

I created a healing manicure for my sister, Claire. Yesterday, she was released from the hospital after a very delicate and rarely performed spinal surgery. The recovery will be long, necessitating many months of physical therapy. I am really thankful she has the opportunity to regain her health after so many trials and so much uncertainty. The image of the phoenix is in harmony with her experience. I worked with a blue palette, her favorite color.

From T02, I stamped the phoenix in blue Konad special polish. I placed a blue disc from Bundle Monster, a pale blue pearl and royal blue jewel to adorn the tail. Since my sister loves to watch the Moon rising over the creek near her home, I accentuated the curve of the design with a blue Moon rhinestone . If you are having trouble seeing the phoenix, note its head is turned with its beak pointing towards its wing.

Such a pretty shade! Blue Hydrangea is a sweet pastel with a glossy, pearl shimmer. I painted three coats for opacity, but those with more active length nails would find two suitable. For lovers of blue, this color is worth adding to your collection.

I hope you enjoyed my blue phoenix manicure. For my sister and those who are sisters of my heart, I am sure you will understand its significance.

Blue Hydrangea was sent to me for review. This polish can be found within the Spring Garden Collection, available for purchase at bynubar.com.

Image plate T02 was provided for my consideration. To view the full line of nail art stamping plates, visit chez-delaney.com.

Happy painting, ladies!

Snails!: Nubar Earthen

Hello ladies,

I am feeling at one with these tiny snails today. I am moving slowly, but am doing so while prettied up a bit. Don't these little snails look like they are on their way to a faery garden party? I hope they arrive in plenty of time for treats and festivities.

From image plate H20, I stamped the snails in brown Konad special polish. I added gold beads to the tips of their long antennae. If we were exploring anatomy, these would be the eyes. In the center of the spiral shell, I placed a tiny pearl.

The funky french was created by first applying two coats of the flakie polish Nubar 2010 followed by one coat of Dewdrop. This would be amazing over the full nail as well.

The warm tones from 2010 glow beneath the soft blues in Dewdrop.

The sunlight is catching the lovely pearl shimmer in the bottle of Earthen.

A pale grey with a tinge of beige, Earthen is stirred with white pearl shimmer. The polish appears like a creme formula until the light touches the shimmer, giving it a subtle luster.

Earthen applied beautifully. I needed three coats for opacity but I believe ladies with shorter nails would be satisfied with two coats. Dewdrop is a festive, glittery topping. The round glitter pieces are softly tinted in pale blue and green. It reminds me of a cool tone version of Nubar Tiara.

Are you ladies as charmed by these darling snails as I am? They make the slow route seem quite a pleasure.

The three polishes featured were sent for review. These are available for purchase at bynubar.com. Earthen and Dewdrop are part of the new Spring Garden Collection, promotionally priced at 39.95 for the set of nine polishes.

Image plate H20 was provided for my consideration. Visit chez-delaney.com to explore the full line of nail art stamping design plates.

Today is the last day to enter the Make It Fancy Giveaway! Head over to the giveaway post before the last time zone March 14th (this translates to 8 a.m. EST March 15th) for a chance to win 8 nail art stamping plates, the Gabrielle Faust Eye Shadow Collection, a ring from Ginger Kitty Designs and skin care from Reviva Labs. Best of luck!

Happy painting, ladies!

Turtles!: Nubar Baby Sprout

Hello ladies,

Do you ever feel like time is moving beyond your reach? It's probably when you most need to invoke the spirit of the turtle and put the demands of life into perspective. How pleasant it would be to lounge on a sunlit log and watch the river waters go by!

From design plate H20, I stamped the the turtles with Konad green special polish. I used the striper brush from the Nubar Emeralds nail art pen to highlight the face, limbs and tail. It gave the design more depth while coordinating with the marquis jewel.

I have been really loving the pastel shimmers from the latest Nubar release. Baby Sprout is a soft green, reminiscent of a watercolor shade. This polish is opaque in three coats with decent application. I didn't need a whitening base coat, which is such a plus when working with a pastel.

These turtles were a joyful reminder for me to be patient and live peacefully in the moment.

Baby Sprout was sent to me for review. This shade is part of the upcoming Spring Garden Collection, soon to be released at bynubar.com.

Image plate H20 was provided for my consideration. You can shop the full line of nail art stamping plates at chez-delaney.com.

For a chance to win 8 nail art stamping plates of your choice plus a beauty gift pack of make up, jewelry and skin care items, stop by the Make It Fancy Giveaway! The giveaway closes in the last available time zone worldwide March 14th. One day left!

Happy painting, ladies!

Corn snake: Nubar Yellow Primrose

Hello ladies,

I adore corn snakes. I love their vibrant orange and gold coloring. Before exploring the woods and meadows, I visit the resident corn snake at the Rancocas Nature Center. I look forward to the days of warmth and sun ahead when I can greet my bright companion.

From plate H10, I stamped the snakes using Konad pastel orange special polish. I highlighted the pattern of scales using the fine brush in the Nubar 14K nail art pen from the Bejeweled Collection. I positioned the snakes at alternate angles on each hand. From a distance, it looks like a series of curving lines.

I love the expression of the snake in this design!

Pale with fine white shimmer, Yellow Primrose reminds me of a mod 1960s pastel. These almost white polishes with tints of color can be quite striking. I wish the sun were in attendance today, so I could show how skin flattering this shade is.

The application was workable, considering a yellow based pastel combines two potential formula issues in one polish. I managed to achieve opacity in three coats on long nails without first applying a whitening base. Nubar did a good job formulating Yellow Primrose.

I hope you were charmed by my corn snake manicure. I had such a great time putting this look together.

Yellow Primrose was sent to me for review. This polish is part of the Spring Garden Collection, soon to be released at bynubar.com.

Image plate H10 was provided for my consideration. To browse the full line of nail art stamping plates, visit chez-delaney.com. Would you like the opportunity to win eight nail art design plates of your choice along with a beauty gift pack? Visit the Make It Fancy Giveaway! to enter!

Happy painting, ladies!

Pink flamingos!: Nubar Honeysuckle

Hello ladies,

Today's manicure was created between naps. I managed to contract a second bout of the flu. With the help of a homeopathic, I am healing quickly. What I really needed for wellness was to entertain myself. This manicure was designed to bring a feeling of summer to a cold, rainy weekend and mix in a bit of kitsch and whimsy. For the majestic pink water birds and their tacky representation as lawn art, this manicure pays tribute.

From image plate T02, I stamped the flamingos using Konad black special polish. I chose an Art Club striper in turquoise glitter to highlight the pool of water in the design. A pink marquis rhinestone adds ornamentation to the wing.

To make this look even more eye catching, use your imagination to brighten up the color. Nubar Honeysuckle is a hot pink neon. Digital cameras can't capture the vibrancy of neon polishes.

My experience with Nubar's neon formula was delightful. I painted three coats of Honeysuckle for perfect opacity. This is the first time in recent memory I have been able to wear a neon without layering it over a whitening base coat. The Nubar formula is more opaque and easier to apply than those from other brands. I would love to try more of their neon shades.

I hope my pink flamingos brought you happiness. I have been wearing this look outside my apartment and amusing other city dwellers in the course of my day.

Honeysuckle was sent to me for review. This polish is part of the upcoming Spring Garden Collection, soon to be available at bynubar.com.

Image plate T02 was provided for my consideration. You can shop the full line of nail art stamping plates at chez-delaney.com. Would you like the opportunity to win eight design plates of your choice along with a beauty gift pack? Head over to the Make It Fancy Giveaway!

Happy painting, ladies!

Nubar Spring Garden Collection (tell me your picks)

Hello ladies,

I have news to share of the upcoming Nubar Spring Garden Collection. This is a pastel grouping with a sparkle topcoat called Dewdrop. I love the names of the colors. I'm most interested in trying Blue Hydrangea and Purple Aster. I am also really curious about Earthen, which looks like a pale taupe.

Are any of the colors catching your fancy? How do you feel about pastels?

Click to view the promotional photo full size.

The Spring Garden Collection

Take a leisurely stroll down the Earthen path through The Spring Garden,

the scent of Pink Lily in the air.

The fresh colors of early Spring abound,

with the soft green of the Baby Sprout,

gentle shade of Blue Hydrangea,

delicate Yellow Primrose,

silky Purple Aster,

fresh White Peony,

and the lively Honeysuckle,

each enhanced with the elegant sparkle of Dewdrop.

Always free of formaldehyde, phthalate and toluene,

the nail lacquers in nubar's The Spring Garden Collection are:

1. Pink Lily – vibrant pink creme

2. Earthen – subdued earthen grey creme

3. Baby Sprout – soft pastel green

4. Blue Hydrangea – muted pastel blue

5. White Peony – ivory creme

6. Yellow Primrose – delicate pale yellow

7. Purple Aster – dusty pastel purple

8. Honeysuckle – cheerful honeysuckle

9. Dewdrop – fine glitter top coat

Happy painting, ladies!