FIFA Nails: Brazil vs. Croatia

WHO FOLLOWED LAST NIGHT'S MATCH? 

Me!!!

Not a big soccer follower, but there's something about watching soccer matches... Or maybe it's just me being satisfied with finding an excuse to justify staying up late/waking up in the earlier dawn hours.

It's a bit late for me to start any new kind of blogging series since the first game's already over and there will be another three matches from tonight through to tomorrow morning.... Meh. Who cares! Give FIFA inspired nails a go anyways!

...With the help of my sister of course! I've mentioned her here and there on this blog. She's a big nail fan, so we decided to get together and work on inspired nails for as many matches as we could.

I'll start off with my take on Croatia's inspired nails! Here it is....

Alright, I'd take it. It's not that good. Or in fact, it's not good at all. T^T Especially when it's put up against my sister's Brazil-inspired manicure.... It's like one came from heaven, and one came from hell!

Aww!! I really like what she did. The nail art and colour combo. Mine looks like a mess.... But Croatia's flag is very hard!

In case you're wondering, the nail polishes I used for my Croatia-inspired manicure is:

• Illamasqua Rubber Brights Nail Polish in Serenity | reviewed here >
• Ulta3 Nail Polish in Lily White
• Face Of Australia Pastels Nail Polish in Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy | featured here >
• Rimmel London Lasting Finish Nail Polish in Double Decker Red | featured here >
• Models Prefer Nail Polish in Little Black Dress
• Le'lan Vital High Gloss Top Coat

Gahhhh! I'll put in more effort next time!

Stay tuned for our next post!

X

Nail Art with Face Of Australia's Screen Siren Collection

A short post and bit of self promotion today, for my sister's Instagram. BUT, before I lose ya, just take a look at all the manicures she worked on using FOA's Screen Siren Collection.

Yes. Originally, it was a parcel sent to me to review and swatch by Face Of Australia (link here >), but my sister is just ALWAYS ahead of me.

Every nail products I get sent, she opens them, swatches them, posts them on her Instagram and just goes ahead with all her nail art ideas... -_-'

But she did a pretty good job, so I thought I'd share with you some of her NOTDs..

I loved this manicure when she showed me. I love the simplicity within it, although I couldn't really work out how she painted the feather....

I wouldn't be able to do this in a million years!


She used Monroe here by the way!

I was in the toilet brushing my teeth when she over-excitedly rushed in to show me her nails... I've no idea what she did here, but it looks great too! The pattern looks time-consuming to do, but when I asked, she assured that it's very easy and simple to do and went ahead to explain to me a million steps on how to achieve this manicure.... thinking that I'd remember.

She used Isn't It Delicious?

This is my next favourite after the leaf manicure!

A tropical lookin' gradient with an added leopard patterned for the accent nail.


She used Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend and Some Like It Hot.

And then, there's her leopard nails using Bombshell and Travilla.

I should really get her to guest post or be the nail art face of this blog, since I wouldn't be able to do anything like these in a million years... Hahahaha...


She's @bailmynails on Instagram. If you do decide to follow her, please tell her I said hello, and in addition, tell her that she should clean her room instead of doing nail art and reading manga all day.

*Exposes all her bad habits and chores she needs to do on her social networking platforms*

Just kidding! :P

Latest Nail Fave: COVERGIRL Wine To Five

Don't mind me.. I've been obsessed with dark reds on the nails lately. Yeah.. I'm finally on trend with the seasons for once! :P For a looong time now, I've always strayed away from any dark nail colours, simply because they're just not my thang.

However, all that quickly changed after I spotted COVERGIRL's Wine To Five at my local Target! Let me tell ya.. when I whipped it on, the next thing I did was rammage through my stash, hoping to find any comparable shades.

Sadly, I couldn't find any lacquer from my stash that compares to this shade. I've found a bunch of dark reds though.. Eeep. Maybe I'll do a stash swatch post soon for them red nail lacquers!

The thing that makes Wine To Five so different from the rest is that the colour a darker deep red, but also borders purple in a way that's.... very complicated to explain. My head hurts just thinking of ways to explain this colour :( In a way, it's like the colour of a red/purple onion, I guess! Or to described it more accurately (and awkwardly), it's like the reddish colour of a purple brush! :|

Topped with Australis' Eureka Glitter Top coat

The formula applies effortlessly, which is what I do expect from such a dark colour anyways. It also lasted for a fair while before chipping, so that's a big yaaaay!!



So perfect for Autumn/Fall! ^_^!!

Quite happy that I've found a dark nail colour that I really really like! Can't wait to play around with it a bit more when I have free-time on my nails (as I'm constantly trialling)!

What is YOUR go-to nail lacquer for the cooler seasons?

Are you a season-trendy? 

Off to watch World War Z now... Toodles ma poodles!

NOTD: Eyeshadow Pigments Nail Art/Manicure

Helllllooooooo. Finally back!

I was hoping to hit back with a review of Max Factor's Color Elixir Giant Pen Sticks, but I can't open the photos to edit right now, so I thought I'd share with you this new "pigments" nail art idea that I've found from Bec's (@nailgunxs) Instagram account. The link to the pigments nail tutorial is here.

Nooooooooooo.. I'm not talking about DIY Nail Polishes here.. The idea of 'pigment nails' is to basically apply a base colour, whip on a top coat and [spontaneously] sprinkle on some eyeshadow pigments and then leave to dry.

If you've clicked the link to Bec's post, you would've seen two versions of her 'Pigment Nails' manicure. With inspiration, I've also attempted both the light and dark versions!

For the light version, I've used Ozotic Pro's white nail polish as a base colour, along with two old eyeshadow pigments by Models Prefer. My sister had these loose pigments in her collection for a while now and she was actually contemplating to chuck them out. Lucky she didn't, because I actually don't own too many loose eyeshadow pigments myself!

This manicure was really easy and fun to do! I wished that big green blob on my middle finger didn't happen though... There's no going back guys, so be careful if you're going to attempt this! ~.~

For those wondering whether the pigmentation of the loose pigments matters or not... I'd say it DOES play a role. I've swatched these loose pigments and frankly, they're not the most pigmented. Therefore, when I used the pigments, I had to go over with several layers

It wholely depends on you, I guess -- whether you like the colours dull and faded or bright and intense. On my thumb, I only did one layer and I do like how subtle it looks! ^_^!

As for my dark version.............................................................................

Highlight here ------> I'll show you soon in an upcoming post!

Which base colour would YOU use?

Which colour pigments would pair with that base colour?

If you DO decide to try these 'pigment nails' (or you already have), leave us your link below! Alternatively, you could also tweet me, tag me on Instragram (@the_beautifool) or post it on my Facebook page! ^_^

NOTD: Cartoon Nails

This may just be the hottest trend right now... CARTOON NAILS. Yes, you read right. Cartoon Nails, I said! And I think it made its debut from cutepolish on YouTube. Here's her how-to tutorial:


Lookin'g great, right?

It's actually not hard to do at all! Incredibly easy.. even a nail art noob like me could acheive the look! In my previous post featuring OPI You're Such a Kabuki Queen, I've mentioned that I was in search for a bright pink and it was wholely for this nail art look.

The brightest medium pink I have in my collection is probably Mirenesse Bullet Proof Nail Lacquer in Flapper Pash*.

Besides a nice, poppy, bright pink, I also used a black and white nail lacquer and a thin brush to draw the outline and create the fake white gloss ^_^ Here's my take on it..

Glossy finish

Matte finish

What do you think? Which finish do you like better?

The dots are a bit too large.. I know! :P But I personally think matte looks better. Maybe because the matte look gives it a flat look like REAL cartoon!

Really liked having this manicure on the nails. Got a few compliments for it although Mumma said it's ugly. So untrendy Mummy Pig! Hmmmmph. 

Have you tried toon'd nails?

Will you?

*Disclaimer: Products marked with * were provided for review consideration. 

NOTD: Illamasqua, Australis, Maybelline & Inglot

I've been MIA on Instagram (@the_beautifool) lately, because I've been quite busy. But! I was hopping around on Instagram the other night and saw that Beauty Heaven was hosting a nail art competition on their Instagram!

I am obviously not the greatest nail art person alive, so thank Lord they've hosted the competition with the most SIMPLE designs to be recreated. Seriously, if they've thrown in some harder designs, then my nail art takes would obviously be out of the question.

Sourced from @BeautyHeaven Instagram

To be honest, I don't even know what's the prize for this competition is. LOL. I am just entering, because it looks fun and it's been a while since I've won something, so I thought I'd try my luck.

For this NOTD/nail art entry, I've used:

• Inglot Matte Top Coat -- I've used this over Illamasqua Serenity to keep it matte after the glitter top coat on the accent. 
• Maybelline Color Show Nail Colour 'Pedal To The Medal' (silver) -- I've also used this in another recreated nail art design not too long ago. The photos surely does do justice to the reflectiveness of the polish. Very reflective in real life and very foily. 
• Australis Glitter Nail Lacquer in 'Shimmy Shake' -- I also really like this silver glitter! Its silver specks are quite reflective and also looks great over darker blue nail colours.
• Illamasqua Rubber Brights in 'Serenity' (blue) -- one of my FAVOURITE blues! Initially, I planned to use a darker blue, but I'm glad I did switch to this one! It looks amazing when paired with silver. Posted about it here.

And HERE is the final looooooooook.....

Quick, easy and simple! I can imagine any other colours paired over the silver base and the silver specks! One design fits all! Hehehehe..

Did I win the competition?

Nopeeeeeee.

If you have Instagram, you can search #esteelauderpastelnailart to see entries of others! ^_^ 

Recreated Manicure: Coral & Silver ft. Maybelline Color Show Nail Polishes

Hi! Easy goin' post today! I just wanted to show you this manicure that I've recreated from a photo that I've found around the web. I'm not too sure who owns it, but I think they did a greaaat job!

Does anyone know of any similar gold nail polishes to this?

I love it when cute manicures are not too hard to recreate and doesn't require a bunch of items or products or.... any skills. All I've used for today's manicure were the two nail polishes of my choice -- in which I've chose Maybelline's Color Show Nail Polishes in 'Coral Crush' and 'Pedal to the Metal'.

I've actually purchased these a while ago and I'm STILL lagging behind with the haul post. Therefore, don't be surprised if you see these two featured again in another post! I know, awkward order, hey? :P

Coral Crush is such a prettyyyyyyy coral colour! It has a creme finish. I can't wait to wear it on its own, and also put it up against my other coral nail polishes! I've been hoarding coral and blue nail colours home lately.. Eeek. How many coral and blue polishes do you need, Tram? *scratches head*

However, as for Pedal To The Metal, I don't feel as guilty. This is probably the second shimmery silver nail polish in my collection. Not bad, not bad. Let's just hope I stop hoarding from here! >_<"

I've yet to post a detailed post of these two, but both lacquers glides on really nice and smooth on the nails. Pedal to the Metal is actualy quite sheer so I've used 5 thinner coats in the following photos. It's not too much of a hassle though since it dries pretty quick. As for Coral Crush, two coats was good to go!

Such a simple and easy manicure to recreate. Seriously! I can't wait to experiment with more of these quick and easy nail designs!

My next stop will be water marble nails!!! Yeeeeeeeeeey!.

If you guys know of any similar gold nail colour to the first photo I've posted above, please leave me your suggestions in the comment section!

I actually don't have a gold nail polish of that finish yet, so I'm still looking around! I remember reading Rebecca's blog and she was also looking for a similar colour! We'd appreciate your suggestions SO much!

Thanks in advance!

Simple Valentine's Day Manicure

Sorry for the 2 days of being MIA guys! I've been addicted to Candy Crush Saga app lately... Started two days ago and got hooked! Didn't even think I'd be posting today to be honest... Ya I know. So silly!!!

So anyways, I didn't think I'd give nail art a try for V'tines (aka Single Awareness Day) this year AT ALL! Just because I'm truly your biggest nail art noob! But hey, next thing you know.. I whipped out a nail art brush to give it a whirl and I actually nailed (oh, punny!) something presentable :P

Doesn't look TOO bad right?! >_<"

For the base colour, I've used Australis' Nail Polish in 'Satine' that I've purchased from the markets for a mere dollar.

Australis' nail colours have always been both hits and misses for me! Some shades applied beautifully, but some were gloopy as hell. I actually don't know how I feel about Satine. It sure isn't thick and uneven like most Australis' nail lacquers I've tried, but it's quite sheer. I feel like you need to put that extra bit of effort in to get a flawless opaque finish.

Nevertheless, I still really like this vanilla shade and will definitely keep it in my collection, not to mention that I've been wearing it for 5 days now and I've only got VERY minor tip wear!!!!

Initially, I didn't think I'd like it at all because it'd be too contrasting on my darker-toned hands, but it actually looks really subtle and it's just one of those nudes that makes your nails look clean and polished, ya know? One coat of this one would also be GREAT for french nails!

I also used a regular black nail polish and a coral colour by Australis called 'Titania' which I haven't had time to trial yet so... I'll keep you updated on that as soon as I get a feel on its long-lasting time!

What's on YOUR nails this Valentine's Day?

4 Xmas Nail Polishes & Manicures to inspire YOU!

I wish I was a creative peanut to whip up some creative Christmas-inspired manicures to share with you guys, but sadly.. I just lack creativity. I actually thought up of a few ideal Christmas manicures, but it seems like everytime I do get to it.. it just never turns out right!

Does anyone have the same problem?!

So instead, I thought I'd share with you some of my 'Christmas' nail polish picks! These colours are cheerful and festive, perfect to wear alone or you can even incorporate them into manicures!!

First up is one of my favourites of ALL time..

ORLY's Sweet Peacock has always stood out to me as the perfect 'Silent Night' blue! It has an amazing sparkly, foily finish which are my abso-fave finishes of all! It's one of the only fewer 'eye-catchin' nail polishes which can keep me staring at my nails all day... take my words for it... all day baby!

It's consistency is thin and somewhat 'runny' BUT.. but but.. it applies to be opaque in two coats! However, with most foily nail lacquers, its sparkles does rub off into silver shimmers after a day of wear. Nevertheless, it's still one of my top favourites ever. Like.. Ever. 

But in Sydney of Australia, you see, we don't have silent nights with the oh so snowy... Instead, we have bright and hot summery days with mood-changing temperatures at night.. which is okay I guess. Better than the gloomy and rainy season!

Another nail lacquer to get you red-dy for Christmas is Rimmel's Lycra Nail Polish in Hot Rock. Red for all no matter where you're from. 

In the bottle, it's full of beautiful gold shimmers, but when applied, those gold shimmers are nowhere to be seen, how lol and sad. Nevertheless, it is a cheery red with subtle supposedly-to-be gold shimmers. Quite pigmented with a so so smooth application, but the brush is a bit flimsy. I can sure pull this off with one coat!

Don't mind the black linings, it's from the previous nail polish I swatched.. hehe.

I snagged this at the markets for $1, but I haven't ever seen these Lycra nail lacquers in store in Aussie. Perhaps you could check online or if you're from America then you may be able to find it locally!

Another red nail lacquer, but this one's more of a darker metallic crimson red, which screams "holidays!"... say hi to Face Of Australia's Flaming Lava!

Reminds ya much of the red of mistletoes.. yes? I've just received this one in my mail and it's SO pigmented and smooth! I could also go with one coat of this!

I'm very impressed with this one and hopefully other shades from this 'Colour Pro Triple Action' range remains to be consistent with its high quality! Can't wait to try other shades yayay!

Another one by Face Of Australia from an older collection ( I'm sure you've seen me posted about before here) is Calypso-Gold from their Barbados collection. This collection is now discontinued in store, but you can still find them on Fashion Addict.

Calypso-Gold is a pearly warm-toned champagne with subtle gold shimmers! It's elegant and beautiful. One of the fewer light shades that I find to look okay on my darker-toned hands hehe.

To me, the shade itself is quite festive! Sure, it doesn't remind me of anything 'Christmas-y' but it's just something about it... hmm.. do you feel me?

So that's that!

-- On to 4 simple, yet beautiful Xmas-inspired manicures that I'd love to share with you (with proper credits to their authors)!

Cute little Santas on your nails by Michelle @ LabMuffin

Creative Abstract Christmas Tree design @ Nail Side

Simple glitter manicure from Pinterest (let me know if this is yours!)

Michelle @ Lab Muffin again! Just recently discovered her blog so don't mind me! :P

Link to this nail art from her site is here >

At times like this.. I wish I owned a Konad stamping kit to make up for my disastrous nail art skills. Meep.

What's on YOUR nails this Christmas? Which is your go-to Xmas shade?

Share with my any other of your fave Xmas-inspired manicures!

I'm doing nothing for Christmas, but if you don't hear from me before Christmas.. I'm wishing YOU and your loved ones a safe and wonderful Christmas!!


Disclaimer: ORLY and Face Of Australia nail lacquers mentioned in this post were provided for review considerations only. I am not obligated to review, mention or post about these products. All opinions within this post belongs to me and remains 100% truthful and unbiased.