Urban Stamped

It's Friday!!!! You know the best way to start a Friday???......getting a text from your boss saying 'take a snow day'.  Yippeeee. I started to sing a song called 'I love my boss'.

Today I have something simple but fun. I decided to just stamp my thumb this time. Mostly because this stamp would not fit on my ring finger.  I really like the look though.  It reminds me of when everyone use to wear thumb rings.  Very weird comparison but that's what it made me think of :)

The polish is two coats of Revlon's 'Urban'.  It said new shade on the bottle but how new I do not know.  Its almost like a navy purple.  I love it!  The stamp is BM214 from Bundle Monster.  Everyone kept asking if it was a sticker.  That's when you know you did a good job

Have a great weekend !

Here a Pink, There a Pink

Good morning all!  

It's the beginning of yet another work week.  I just found out today that I can start working 8 to 4 instead of 8:30 to 5.  I'm pretty stoked about it. The earlier I can get in and out the better. It means only a half hour lunch but I'm okay with that.  My boss is so easy going that if I take longer it's no problem.

I have something pretty simple but fun today.  The lines are by no means straight but I'm not going to hold it against myself. I don't seem to use pink that often so it was due time.

The dark pink is Revlon's 'Raspberry Rupture' and the light is Quo by Orly's 'Tease'.  I can't believe I remembered the colours.  I've been a big time slacker in recording my polishes used.  

From the Vault!!!

Yayyyy Friday!

Quick post today.  I'm back to work and actually have work to do! Shocking!

Today I have a stamped manicure for you.  If the stamp looks familiar it's because I've used it before.  This actually is a vault mani.  As you know I haven't been able to do my nails much lately but I see that turning around soon despite my short nubbies I'm sporting now.
All I know about this mani is the purple is Revlon's 'Posh'.  It's still my go to purple.

Dotted Chevrons

Happy Hump day everyone!  It's all down hill from here!

Today I have some more dots for you.  I'm loving doing the itty bitty dots lately.  It's very relaxing for me so I  hope you don't get tired of seeing them.  My only opportunity lately is to take pictures on the weekend. To think the days are only going to get shorter from here is kind of scary.  I keep on forgetting to bring my camera to work for lunch time photos so a lot of mani's have gone unseen.  

This time I decided to make a chevron type design with my baby dots.  The full nail is in Revlon's 'Impulsive'...I believe.  Not quite sure about the dots.  I just pulled out some randoms

31 Day Challenge: Inspired by a Colour

The very first colour that popped into my head was green.  I thought to myself 'what is the most beautiful green thing I've seen?'....well my eyes of course!  Don't you just love me?! :oP

I wanted to do something a little fun and goofy.  Cartoonish eyeballs it was.  For the base I used Revlon's 'Posh'.  I'm close to finishing this bottle.  The colour is beautiful so I think I may have to pick up another bottle soon.  My eyes change shade depending on the day or what I'm wearing.  I pulled out a couple different green's and went from there. 

It was yet another cloudy day for pictures.  I find when it is clouded over I get the shiny top coat look.  I love shiny but not like this. Hopefully I will get some pictures in tomorrow.  Time to catch up on my water marble!

Make sure to check out the other ladies colour inspirations

Kimber at Kimber's Lacquer Korner
-Kat at Hooked On Polish
-Diana at Nails By Diana
-Aly at Wonderland Beauty
-Meredith at Perfectly Polished
-Nicole at The Color Republic
-Kate at The Painted Pony Nails
-Cee at Absolutely Cee
-Sam at Polished Art
-Nail Narcotics
-Nicole at Nicole Gets Nailed
-Shelby at Shelby's Swatches
-Stephanie Louise at All Things Beautiful 
-Mixed Mama
-Joanna @ Sweet Polish of Mine
-Patty Greenberg
-Liz and Lisa @ Lozlosa 
-Mari at Nailista
 -Greta at How Was Your Day?
-Miss L at Beauty by Miss L 
-Gini at Sassy Paints
-Chameleon Stampede 
-Pam at Nail-E-Glance
-Me, Myself, and Polish
-Robin Sparkles 

Dreaming of Mango Dots

Happy Friday World! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh  Even though it was a short work week I'm so happy its almost over.

I have a little dotticure for you today.  I think I'm most impressed with the photo quality and sunlit nails.  My new-to-me camera did a wonderful job.  I'm still trying to get use to it and all the functions. I haven't been able to take a picture this nice since.  I'm blaming it on the cloudy sky. 

I used two coats of Revlon's 'Dreamer' over the entire nail.  For the dots I used Revlon's 'Mad about Mango' and FingerPaint's black.  I like how striking black looks on lighter colours.

Mango Flowers

Happy hump day everyone!  It's always so nice to know that I'm half way done the work week. I'm actually at home though.  Sick again!!!!

I did this a couple nights ago. No nails for me yesterday or today. I usually kind of like the smell of nail polish which is super weird. Right now it just makes me what to up chuck :oP

For this look I used two coats of Revlon's 'Mad about Mango' over the entire nail.  The black stripes are made with my trusty striping tape. I then used a dotter to create the flowers and dots.

I had a fun time messing around with this one.

Salon Express.....here is where we part ways...

You heard it! I don't know why I keep trying with these plates. I think I like the simple single designs. That way I have freedom to place them anywhere on my nails.  Unfortunately they are crap.....  I'm having a hard time throwing them out though. I have both Konad and Bundle Monster so I don't know why I hold on to them.

I should be getting my new set of Bundle Monster plates on Monday from Nail Polish Canada.  I'm being very impatient about it.  I just love the look of stamps. Especially when its a pattern that covers the entire nail. 

Any who the full nail is in Revlon's 'Vixen'.  This is what made this picture worth posting. It's a gorgeous deep burgundy wine colour.  Perfect for fall!

Peace out!

Bex

xo

31 Day Challenge: Polka Dots

I'd like to start off my saying 10 DAYS LEFT FOR MY GIVEAWAY/CHALLENGE !!!

 Remember any type of food whether it be candy, 5 course meal, I'm even going to include drinks!  Just post your link in the comment section of my post.  Anytime now................... :oP

It's polka dot time!!!!!!!
I was considering doing basic polka dots because there my favourite.  I ended up doing this blah mani instead.  I didn't have much time last night and the sun had set.  I hate not having sunlight photos.  The days are getting shorter here. Soon it will be dark when I go into work and dark when I go home. Very depressing!

The full nail is two coats of Revlon's 'Chic'.  The polka dots are in Revlon's 'Vixen', Sally Hansen's Complete Salon in 'Guilty Pleasure' and Essie's 'Yogaga'.    I was so disappointed that Yogaga was a limited edition.  Someone was looking out for me though.  I went to Shopper's Drug Mart yesterday and they were on final clearance!  I picked up the last two. yayyyyyyy! Only $1.99 each.  The Revlon polishes I bought not to long ago. Currently they are $3.99 but Revlon Canada has coupons all over the web for a dollar off.  $2.99 baby!

Make sure you check out the other fine ladies polka dots. 
Kimber at Kimber's Lacquer Korner
-Kat at Hooked On Polish
-Diana at Nails By Diana
-Aly at Wonderland Beauty
-Meredith at Perfectly Polished
-Nicole at The Color Republic
-Kate at The Painted Pony Nails
-Cee at Absolutely Cee
-Sam at Polished Art
-Nail Narcotics
-Nicole at Nicole Gets Nailed
-Shelby at Shelby's Swatches
-Stephanie Louise at All Things Beautiful
-Mixed Mama
-Joanna @ Sweet Polish of Mine
-Patty Greenberg
-Liz and Lisa @ Lozlosa 
-Mari at Nailista
-Miss L at Beauty by Miss L 
-Gini at Sassy Paints 
-Chameleon Stampede 
-Pam at Nail-E-Glance
-Me, Myself, and Polish 
- Robin Sparkles  

Salon Express Review

Another from the vault.  I should be getting a new(to me) camera tonight or tomorrow.  Thank goodness for mommy and daddy :oP

I had found the Salon Express kit on sale really cheap so I figured why not.  So far I'm not super impressed. I already had some Konad plates so I couldn't help to compare.  The designs were not always easy to pick up from the plate and when they did they smudged a little.  Like I say though it was on sale so no biggie

I painted my nails in Revlon's 'Royal'.  I loooove this colour.  It takes a couple coats but it is a jelly base so I'm not going to hold anything against it. 


Don't forget about my Giveaway/Challenge. Times a tickin!

Whimsical Clouds

Happy Sunday!  I'm spending the afternoon/evening in my room :os.  It's back to football Sundays so I try to stay away.  I'm good with hockey but football is a snooze fest.

On Friday I got in my Bundle Monster plates.  I see people using them more than Konad now so I had to try them out.  I also bought a brush and dotter set.  Mostly for the case but I'm loving everything in it as well

For the full nail I used the exact same polish as I did here. I love Revlon Whimsical but it can be a pain.  The clouds are from plate number BM312

I tried a couple other plates. Some good, some not so good.  You will be seeing more soon....

'This n' That' nails

Howdy Folks!

Today I have a manicure that I like to call 'This n' That'.  Why you ask??? Well because I don't know the proper name for it.   I don't even know if I want to know ;o)  I think 'This n' That'  is pretty fine and dandy. 

I really like just messing around on my nails and trying different things.  This manicure gave me the option to have a little fun with it and do each nail different. 
I once again used Sally Hansen Salon Effects that I picked up cheap at the CNE for my base.  They are all older colours but I'm still a fan!  This colour is 'Teal With It'. 
The beige colour is Revlon's 'Elegant'.  I'm all over the beige and taupe fall colours right now.   Although I would not wear it on it's own it's great with other colours. I can't think of one colour it wouldn't compliment other than pale yellow or orange. (my opinion :P)  It looks absolutely fabulous with bright colours.
The black is just the cheapo nail polish I picked up from Urban outfitters.  Any fine black lines in there are with the handy dandy striping tape.

What do you guys think of my 'This n' That' nails????

Don't forget to enter my GIVEAWAY CHALLENGE!

31 Day Challenge: Purple (a day late)

Yes I know ....I'm a day late.  In my defence though it was a long weekend. I had no idea until I saw Kimber's.  eeeeeks!  So I ran home and did up this look. Thank goodness my nails were already purple.


When at the CNE in Toronto I picked up some Sally Hansen Salon effects strips(see below!).   I had on 'Violet Night'.  This was a time saver when doing my nails last night.   The other two colours used in this mani are Sally Hansen X-treme Wear in 'Lacey Lilac' and Revlon's 'Impulsive'. 

I promise not to miss another day challenge!

I wanted to add a couple pictures of my visit to the CNE.  This is just one booth that had nail polish......one!  There was a ton of these.  Thousands and thousands of nail polish there.  Unfortunately I went on the last weekend so they were pretty much just grandma colours left.  Some fun colours but nothing I thought I would want.   One booth did however have Sally Hansen Salon Effects.  I decided to pick up some of those and one double pack of Borgese nail polish and top coat.  6 for $20.00...you can't go wrong ;)



Random lip gloss in there  :oP



My only nail purchase

Make sure to check out the other ladies participating in the 31 day challenge. 

-Kimber at Kimber's Lacquer Korner
-Kat at Hooked On Polish
-Diana at Nails By Diana
-Aly at Wonderland Beauty
-Meredith at Perfectly Polished
-Nicole at The Color Republic
-Kate at The Painted Pony Nails
-Cee at Absolutely Cee
-Sam at Polished Art
-Nail Narcotics
-Nicole at Nicole Gets Nailed
-Shelby at Shelby's Swatches
-Stephanie Louise at All Things Beautiful
-Mixed Mama
-Joanna @ Sweet Polish of Mine
-Patty Greenberg
-Liz and Lisa @ Lozlosa 
-Mari at Nailista
-Greta at How Was Your Day?
-Miss L at Beauty by Miss L 
-Gini at Sassy Paints 
-Chameleon Stampede 
-Pam at Nail-E-Glance
-Me, Myself, and Polish 
- Robin Sparkles 



Giveaway/Challenge Time!!!!- CLOSED

CLOSED

WAHOOOOOO!

I promised a giveaway so here it is! 

When I took the poll on how I should do this I think most were interested in doing a contest.  I’m so happy because that’s what I wanted.  What nail art enthusiast wouldn’t want a bunch of people doing nail art for them! 

The theme will be food!....anything goes!  My husband is a chef so I figured it would be a great theme and he could help out with the judging! I will not be judging myself.  Both my sister-in-law and husband will be doing the judging. If they can’t decide on a winner then I suppose I’ll have to go buy a second prize ;os

THEME: FOOD.

 I’m not saying you have to paint  steak and potatoes on your nails.  It can be inspired by any food.  For example if it is inspired by an orange you can paint your fingers orange and just add some seeds.  Pretty easy peasy

There is no rules as far as what you can use. If you want to stamp it, be my guest. I will however let the judges know whether it’s free hand, stamped, decal etc. etc.  How they want to incorporate it into their judging is up to them.I will not get involved in that part.  (hint: my sister-in-law is a crafter so she loves a little talent). Also if it is inspired by food I will let them know the type of food.

Additional rules:

·         You must be a follower of Nail Narcotics! 

·         Post title must contain ‘Nail Narcotics Giveaway challenge’

·         When posting your entry on your blog please make sure you have a link to this post.

·         Post blog link in comment section below or email to nailnarcotics@gmail.com

·         Due date is Saturday September 29^th(or at least when I get up in the morning on Sunday. I’m an early riser)

Contest is open internationally.  It will be sent Canada Post so patience would be required for those across the ocean!

Now on to the fun part…..the prize!!! I’ve purchased these all myself.   Photos don't do the product justice so google if you would like a better idea of the product



Incoco pedicure real nail polish strips. Purchased from Incoco website




Revlon Brilliant strength in 'Hypnotize'(I think. It's at home and I'm at work) and Essie Lux effects in 'Shine of the Times'. Purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart



Konad double sided stamp and scraper. Konad image plate in M19(french tip). Purchased on Kijiji

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO SHARE THIS POST. THE MORE THE MERRIER

Colour Blocking Becca

Well helloooooo everyone!

I have a fun manicure for you today! Very fiddly and time consuming but I'm loving the end result.  I'd been planning on trying the colour blocking for awhile but keep putting it off.  There are so many fun different colour blocking nails out there. I didn't want to fuss too much about what colours I should use so I just picked them quick and randomly.

The base colour of the nail is Revlon's 'Raspberry Scone'.  It's the only scented nail polish that I don't get a headache from.  I made two random sized blocks on each nail. The blue is 'Blue Skies' by Quo and the teal green is 'Flour Leaf Clover' by China Glaze.

There is no way I could make straight enough lines to create this look.  I used black striping tape to make the border around each block.

What do you guys think?!  It's definitely a look every nail art enthusiast has to try!

First flower mani post. eeks!

Here it is!  My very first post of a flower mani. I find them so intimidating because they never turn out as planned. I’m in awe with other bloggers flower art. Especially the queen of flowers Maria at Maria's Nail Art.   I find it hard enough doing them with the dotter let alone free hand.

 For this look I used two coats of Essie’s ‘YOGAGA’.  I wouldn’t usually pick up a colour like this but often find that I want one when I’m actually doing my nails.  For the flowers I used Revlon’s ‘Dreamer’ and a polish from Urban Outfitters’(sorry the name  peeled off).

Any suggestions for some good free hand flower tutorials?  I often see people using acrylic paint for nail art.  I’m considering trying it out but not 100% sure yet.  Nicole at Nicole Gets Nailed uses them and her designs always look amazing. Does anyone else use paint?

French tip/Dotticure/Sleepy girl

Today's nails are a post nap manicure.  I was still kind of groggy so I just went with it.  Generally these are the most fun. I don't like having an idea in my head then creating it.  Those ones I always tend to be so critical of.  Although this is not my favourite I just went with the flow and did what came to my head

For the full nail I used Quo by Orly in 'Green Meadow'.  I've really been a fan of the Quo nail polish but lately it has not been cooperating with me.  It was a mess until I put the top coat on.  I think adding some nail polish thinner may help.  Does anyone else use thinner? I'm just wondering if it works or if it ruins the polish.

The tips are in Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear 'Coral Reef'.  I didn't use tape for this as I knew I would be hiding the messy edge with something else.  What is that something else you ask??? DOTS!  For the dots across the the tip I used Revlon's 'Impulsive'.  It still looked really messy and blah at that point so I added the final vertical line of dots in Sally Hansen's Xtreme wear in 'Lacey Lialac'. It was amazing how much it changed the look.  It created a much more clean even manicure.

Gradient beginner

For this weeks Sunday homework assignment Nicole at Nicole Gets Nailed and I decided on doing a gradient.  I have such a hard time doing this and have tried most techniques.  I'm not really sure if this can classify as a gradient...but it's pretty!!!
I could REALLY use any suggestions or techniques that you guys use. I always end up with pieces of sponge attached to the nail or it gets too bumpy to smooth out with a top coat .

I used two coats of Revlon's 'Dreamer' for the entire nail. For the gradient I used Revlon's 'Metallic' . I liked the silver because it was easy to work with the sponge. I need as much help as I can get


Make sure you check out Nicole's at Nicole Gets Nailed

Diagonal strips and my first bottle of China Glaze!!

Good morning all! Hope all my fellow Canadians had a nice long weekend.   Today I have something a little different from my usual nail art. I actually really ended up liking it.  It took some patience but I think it was worth it.

I used my very first China Glaze nail polish ever! Yes I am in the big leagues now.  I figured it was about time that I catch up to the rest of you :o)

I applied two coats of China Glaze nail polish in ‘Spontaneous’.  I’m not sure if I’m a huge fan yet. I figured because everyone uses China Glaze that it would be really great.  Maybe it is but I just built it up to much.  I tend to do that a lot.

I created the strip using manicure tape.  I waited to do this about an hour or two after I applied my base colour. It was so humid that it was taking forever to dry.   I used Revlon’s ‘Plum Night’.  I think I bought this polish over two years ago so I figured I should start using it up!  For the small dots I used Avon’s ‘Starry Sky’ polish.  This was a little more difficult trying to keep them the same size.  I used a very small dotter for this.  I wanted to give it a pearl necklace type look across.

What do you guys think? Is it a pass?

Green Baby!

Well hello fellow bloggers!
It's been an insane week and I have barely had a chance to do anything. Long story short I hurt my neck so badly I couldn't swallow with out it going into spasm, had to move to a new house(while it was like this) and to top it all off with a cherry my dad had a heart attack.  The emotional and physical exhaustion I had was insane.  Everything and everyone is good now thank goodness

So on to the nails. I did this fun little look this morning before continuing to unpack.  I had the idea in my head but was not quite sure how it would turn out.  I love how the dots can create such cool designs.


Take a look below to see how it was done...

I started by painting my nails two different greens.  The lighter of the two is Sally Hansen's Xtreme Wear in 'Green with Envy'.  The second is Essie's 'Mojito madness'  You don't need a perfectly straight line for this because you will be adding the dots.

Next I used the dotter to create the dots on the opposite side of the line.

I used the exact same method up a little further on my nails using Revlon's 'Posh'. To top it all off I added Essie's 'Good to Go' top coat. 

I will definitely play with this method again. It was a lot of fun. What do you guys think?(if you don't like it lie to me, I had a VERY ROUGH WEEK ;o))