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

 

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

 

Day 1: Red Nails #31DC2014

Hi, Ladies!

I have decided to participate in the 31-Day Challenge on Instagram.  For the first prompt, Red Nails.  

This was Essie Hip-Anema for the red base, and Pueen Encore SE01A image plate, BK White matte polish for stamping, Seche Vite Top Coat.

I decided to do this design for my mom.  I am staying with her right now because she's not feeling too good.  Instead of buying her roses, I did this design on my nails and on hers. 

I apologize for the quality and lighting of this picture.  I am not used to my mom's place's lighting vs my camera phone settings.

I hope to improve my stamping this month.  (And also to be able to complete the challenge!!)

Ciao!

Jamie

 

Bestie and Another

So, my fellow Filipinails member, Aiza Mamales, proposed a bestie with anyone and I grabbed the opportunity.  She made me choose the design we were going to recreate, and I stumbled upon Autumn Nicole @justagirlandhernails' watercolor mani.  We agreed to do it right away! 

Here's Aiza's (@icelovesnailpolish) solo shot:

And here's mine:

Obviously, I didn't do too well again, because the "watercolored" flower looked abstract. Lol!  

I used China Glaze's Bottoms Up (pink), Skinfood BW704 (white), and acrylic paint.

Anyway, here's the bestie mani collaged:

 

Thanks again, Aiza, for doing this with me.  I am honored to be doing nail art with such an awesome nail artist as you.

Aaaaand because I am an insomniac, I was just staring into my computer and went ahead and did another stamping.  You will laugh so hard because I didn't bother re-doing / covering the failed parts.

Tadaaaaa! I was inspired by my computer. Tsk.

So I used Revlon's Posh for the green, OPI's Golden Rules!, Crystal brand black polish, and BK white polish + the Bundle Monster BM-415 plate (Thanks again, Mae Espiritu.)  I had better be practicing 28,000 more times to be able to perfect the stamping technique.  And I need all your tips as to what polishes work well for stamping.  The OPI was the best I could come up with.  I tried Essie's Penny Talk but it dried up too fast the stamper couldn't get the image.  Sparitual's Gold Digger wasn't opaque enough.

Oh well, that's it for today!  Have a good start to your April!

Love you long time, 

 Jamie

 

Stamping: The Sinagtala Experience

Hi, Ladies!  

I asked a little help from my friend, Mae of artofnail.blogspot.com and started my own nail blog.  We were up at the Sinagtala Farm Resort and Retreat Park in Orani, Bataan for a quick meet-up with Mia of miawrrr.tumblr.com.  These two are a couple of the most awesome Filipina (represent!) nail artists I know.  I was so lucky to be able to spend time with them and get tips about nail art, photo editing, etc. 

But enough chitty-chat.

Here is a picture of a rushed leadlight stamping technique shown to me by the Master of Nail Stamping (Mae).

Pardon the job that I made here because we were busy catching up about life.  I didn't notice how badly I was holding her Anna Sui bottle until I posted this picture on my instagram account.

And so now, I'm back home, trying out this blogging thing.  I also tried to do some of my own stamping (the supposed easy, regular one, without special techniques) but I failed so horribly by putting on top coat while my special polish was still wet (thus, the bleeding.)

 I promise to try harder and better next time. I'm too exhausted to even think now. (Excuses...)

Love you long time,
Jamie