Seche Premier Colour Lacquer

Hi, Ladies!

How have you been?  I'm back to review a new gel-type system from Seche.  Honestly, I don't understand the fuss about gel-like polishes.  I find that they are a little more glossy than your regular nail polish, but that's it.  

So for this post, I want to tell you that I may change my mind about gel-like systems.  I have been given the whole 3-step package to try.  

1.  Base:  And I thought it was our normal base coat.  I applied it as I usually would--all five fingers, then return to see if it has dried.  After a couple or so minutes, the base was still sticky!!  But that was how it was supposed to be.  They say it has "adhesives and plasticizers  to secure lacquer to all nail types for long lasting finish." 

2.  Lacquer:  I layered my lacquers right after I found out the base was not gonna dry normally.  The lacquers went on like butter on my nails.  They were all easy to apply and were self-leveling.  I had no problem with streaking or glooping.  All of them were opaque in two coats.

3.  Sealant:  On my first attempt, I found that the brush was a little unruly.  I was told to just clean it with polish remover, and it fixed itself.  This top coat sealed my polish and nail art really nicely.  It gave the mani the shine that I wanted, and it also dried instantly.  The Seche brand did not disappoint. 

This looks really promising.  I have done 3 designs using 3 different colors.  Here they are:

Seche Sassy

Seche Candid

Seche Intrepid

Overall, I love the colors that I got, and how easily I can apply them. I like that I haven't seen the same colors in their regular Seche polishes, so I have a wider array of hues to choose from.  For now, they have 72 different shades.  I'm also happy about the new bottles--very unique, and a breeze to store.  I also love that the bottles indicate the 3-step process , making it easier to use.  The price is very reasonable, nothing too expensive.

I will update you ladies on how long this mani lasts me. I usually don't wear the same polish / nail art more than 3 days.  I'm hoping this one doesn't chip easily! :)  Come back for the update in a week!

Get your collection from Beauty Kingdom. (6th floor, 168 mall.  Contact number: (632) 7083913.)

Ciao!

Jamie

Apharsec Nail Stamping

Hi, Ladies!

How have you been doing?  As usual, I am not always on here because I'm ALWAYS on Instagram (except, Instagram is starting to eff us over with their new algo-sh*thm).

I would like to share with you a new nail art stamping system called APHARSEC.  If you wish to check them out on Instagram, here:  Apharsec IG.   It was founded by Hila Raanan from the UK. 

Hila was extremely patient with me during my first attempts to use her stamping system.

First, let me show you how the packaging looks like.

I was ecstatic upon receiving my nail mail, and even more when I opened it.  The boxes looked like ones from eyeshadows / blushes.  They are all artsy and colorful, expressing the boldness and versatility of the system.  I swear, I kept all the boxes afterwards.

You may check their website or Instagram accounts to see videos on how to use their stampers.

At first I had difficulty using it because I was so used to the traditional stamping plates, where you put polish, scrape fast, pick up the image and stamp it on.  I found that I had to unlearn the usual technique to be able to make Apharsec work for me.  I had to put stamping polish on the stamper, scrape it on to paper (making sure the paper is flattened or else the polish wouldn't scrape off whole), and then WAIT until the polish is dried before transferring the image to my nails.

I haven't had the chance to use multiple colors in my nail art as I still have to practice more of this system.

Here are two of my nail art samples:

This was using Apharsec 5 and Q30 (picture above).  And the other one using Apharsec 3 and 10 (below). 

I loved how the images sent to me are so retro.  I have a lot of manis on my mind, I haven't been successful in translating them into actual nail art yet.  Please wait for them soon on my Instagram account (@tinseltownnails).

So far, I find that I need to do a LOT more practice before I can perfect this technique, but compared to traditional stamping, this is more on-the-go.  Light weight because all you need to bring is this rubber stamp vs. plate, scraper, stamper.  

A stamp costs £7.99 though, so it might be pricey for most.  Buuuuut, good news is, shipping is free for UK, so better hurry, grab that and try one!   It IS exciting to learn something new!

Ciao!

Jamie

 

Essie Retro Revival 3 of 6: Birthday Suit, Cabana Boy and Starry Starry Night

Hi there, everyone!

I have been out for so long.  I haven't felt like writing anything at all since the last time I did.  I've been active on IG as usual, but not on here (AS USUAL.)  In fact, I'm feeling kind of lazy right now.  I have a lot on my mind, but I'm escaping it by writing this.

I bought half of Essie's Retro Revival just to be able to swatch it.  When my friend Selina (from www.sluenidoesnails.com) and I were talking about this collection, I swore to her I wouldn't buy a single bottle.  But curiosity got the best of me...and addiction, of course.  I got my polishes from Polish Please.

Birthday Suit here took me 4 thin coats.  It was watery and streaky, so I had difficulty with it.   I was surprised to see this lovely outcome after the 4th coat because I was losing all hope after the 3rd.  I thought I was gonna throw this bottle away from disappointment.  I can hardly say I'm happy with it, but I know this is something I'm keeping for the rare times I'm feeling delicate.  This shade is really good for work or weddings, if you're interested.

Cabana Boy was something that I knew I would like, and it did not disappoint, with just 3 thin coats.   It wasn't too hard to work with, compared to Birthday Suit.  It has a slight silver shimmer to it, so it's really unique.  I haven't had any shade like this before.

I only bought Starry Starry Night because everyone was nuts about it.  I wanted to compare to Zoya's Dream, too.  I'm sad to say this falls short of expectation.  It does build up nicely, but is probably a 7 or 8 out of a perfect 10 score.

Here are some stamping I did with these shades:

I hope you guys have a good one!  I'm hitting the sack.

Ciao!

Jamie

Doctor Lacquer Scubaloha Collection

Hi there, Ladies!

I'm back with some exciting swatches and simple nail art designs for the Doctor Lacquer Scubaloha Collection!  I got myself the Full Set which are 16.5 ml for each bottle, consisting of 8 (yes, EIGHT) amazing Glow in the Dark Neon / Pastel Neon colors!! They sell for $79.99 for the whole collection, which if you ask me, is a steal for that price.  But they also have an option for medium-sized sets, with the same 8 colors at 10.5 ml each for $57.99.  So, before I reveal everything I have to say about this collection, please check out my swatches and designs below. (Disclaimer: I have mentioned that this collection is gitd, but I apologize, I have yet to practice my gitd picture-taking abilities, so no posts on that here.)

First off is Nohu.  I swatched this color first because coral is my most favorite color of all (especially neons).

This is a rich pastel neon coral color.  I did 3 easy coats on this just to be sure.

And because this was my first swatch, I failed so badly with the photography.  I stamped on a BPS 024 image using MDU Spring Green.  This is really lovely IRL.  The image was sharp, the colors were a great combination of each other, but since these were too bright for the camera, it couldn't focus well.   I had to apply a matte top coat even though Nohu finished an even more beautiful semi-matte / satin.  IMO, I failed Doctor Lacquer so badly with this picture.  (I also tried putting a glossy top coat on, but it was even more painful to the eye.)

Hinalea Lauwili is a rich pastel neon green color.   I find it really refreshing to the eye. 

I also did 3 easy coats to achieve this.

This time, I stamped a Konad image on, with a local (or maybe Chinese) polish, but topped with Seche Vite.  And then I realized I liked Doctor Lacquer's finish best but it was too late.

Lau'i Pala is a pastel yellow color that looks like it gitd even in daylight, if you get what I mean.

This was 3 easy coats as well.

And because "Scubaloha", I stamped a Cici and Sisi image on it.  I used MDU 49 polish for this and I fell so in love.  You know that feeling when you give birth and see your child as the prettiest thing on Planet Earth?  That's the feeling I got for this. No humility AT ALL.  I wore this for 3 days, I think.  THREE. WHOLE. DAYS.  That almost never happens to me.  Ok, I'm gushing. Sorry.  On to the next one.

Omilu is a pastel blue that's said to glow strongest and longest.

Also 3 easy coats.  Do you get the pattern yet? :) 

And the attempt to do an advanced / multiple stamping design just didn't do it.  I'm sorry.  These were from plates my friend lent me (all dupes).  Those are merfolks there, if you can't tell. 

Lau Wiliwili is a pastel yellow color that still glows.  If I may say so myself, it looks a little orangey in some angles.  I love it.

You guessed it.  3 coats.

Stamped an image from Cici and Sisi again, using MDU 30 polish.  I dunno, the stamping polish needed a lot more shaking than what I did, so pardon this.  Had a great future to it though.  

I saved Kumu for last.

This was 2 coats.  Rich pastel neon pink that reminded me of...

Yes, Barbie.  I used Faburnails Fun 12 image plate for this.  (Don't forget my discount code: "Tinseltownnails" for 10% off all items!)

Oh wait.  I had trouble with the grittier Uhu Uliuli so I didn't swatch it alone.  I did this with Lauhau:

It took me days to finish this mani.  Kidding.  I loved the random colored glitters and thought it worked perfectly well with Uhu Uliuli.

To cap this blogpost, I'd want to stress how much I love this collection.  I was disappointed with another popular brand's pastel neon collection, but Doctor Lacquer met all expectations!  This wins it for me.  I hope this collection doesn't ever get discontinued because I'm thinking I might need another whole one in the next year or two.

If you want to know more detailed descriptions and more blog posts about this, please head on to Doctor Lacquer and look for "Scubaloha Collection", Angelyn has everything on there.  

Ciao!

Jamie

 

Picture Polish Wanderlust, New York, Arabian and Big Bang

Hi, Ladies!!

I finished last month's challenge, but wasn't able to post it here.  I'm so sorry.  I'm just too lazy.  I feel like nobody visits this page anyway.  They're all on instagram.

Buuuut, I'm so excited to share with you swatches of the new Picture Polish collab collection!  I am always so happy to see the collab line because I try to imagine what color a nail artist will come up with,  and they ALWAYS, ALWAYS come up with something awesome (my mind doesn't give the colors justice. LOL!).

These 4 colors I chose are from people I look up to.  

Here's one from Didoline.

It's Arabian--a Christmas red with little specks of gold, silver and metallic red glitters.  It's a rich color, really opaque. I love how elegant it is alone.  I imagine using this for parties, Christmas or New Year's!  

Here, I added an image from Cici and Sisi plate 03.  I wanted the stamping to be really subtle so I do not ruin the lovely color. 

Now, next one is from Color4Nails.

 New York is a little mauve-y, kind of old rose-y pink, with silver tiny glitters.  It is very, very elegant.  I'm thinking of getting myself a back-up bottle for this because I'm foreseeing a very used NY bottle in the next few months.  This color can be paired with ANYTHING!  Wear it at parties, work, home, you name it.

I just added some colored studs to decorate this mani, I didn't really want to over-do it. :) 

From La NPA Mouton / Faustgil, it's Big Bang. 

I had to use three (3) coats for this, and you can still see some of my nail bed.  It is a pretty purple color with a lot of colored glitters.  I like it, too, but not as much as the rest of the lot.  Probably because of it being a 3-coater.  I hate to 3-coat polishes.  :(  

And in my mind, this design will be awesome, but I totally forgot I had a dark base, and didn't put white underneath the other colors. Sucks for me.   Can you even see the design??? UGH.

Lastly, Wanderlust by NailDecor.

This probably isn't an everyday color, but this is my most favorite among the four colors that I got.  I can't help it, I'm a neon baby.  This is super neon pink, with a lot of scattered silver glitters.  It's a beaut!!  Of course, I expected this from Nail Decor! <3

And I had to tame it down with a little stamping or else I'm gonna blind every single one of you, and myself. :) 

I'm wishing I bought the other colors that came along with the collection, but maybe next time.

I got these babies from Polish Please PH.  Polish Please is my favorite, favorite store of them all because they always have the latest stocks and they offer almost all indies I want!!  And not to mention, every transaction is a breeze.  Thank you, Polish Please!

Thank you, Picture Polish for such exciting colors and collections!  Looking forward to the next ones!  **Picture Polish is a 5-free Australian brand.  

**All manis except Big Bang were 2 coats with HK Girl Top Coat**
 

Ciao!!

Jamie

OMD3Nails Day 2: Peach

Hi, Ladies!

Today I have spent hours and hours thinking of a mani that uses Peach + anything but Gold.  I ended up doing the P & G because I couldn't pretend I would be happy with anything else.  I love how delicate gold goes with peach.  I mean, who can go wrong with that combination? It's just classy.

Here, I did a gradient of China Glaze White On White, Color Club Hot Hot Hot Pants, and Essie Peach Side Babe.  I stamped over an image from OB Nail XXL G plate.  I added OPI Love. Angel. Music. Baby for an accent color.  I topped everything with Girl Stuff Magic Matte.  Take a look:

Ok, honestly, how did you find it?  Please let me know!

Ciao!

Jamie

OMD3 July Nail Challenge

Hi, Ladies!

Happy 1st of July!!  Last year, I joined in the #omd2nails challenge, so this year, because Craftynail, Eeeeknailpolish, Brijitelouise and Nailthataccent are hosting it again, I'M IN!!!  I definitely want to complete all 31 prompts like I did last year, plus every nail art I do gets me a raffle for the prizes they're giving away.  Cool, yeah?  If you want to know more about this challenge, please head on to their blog sites (linked through their names above).

And their first prompt is Teal.  Here's my entry:

I used Sally Hansen's Re-Teal Therapy, water-spotted on China Glaze White On White, and then I decal stamped an image from FabUrNails FUN14 plate. Seche Vite for the top coat.

 

It was my first time to try water-spotting, and boooooy, it was fuuuuuun!!! I'm looking forward to making more manis using this technique.

 

I hope I can do the next prompt tomorrow!

 

Ciao!

 

Jamie