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

 

Bundle Monster BM-618

Hi, Ladies!!

I wanted to try a stained glass effect mani using Fun Lacquer Reunion (H) but it didn't turn out quite well with all the stamping polishes I tried to use.  Gold, Black, White, Metallic Pink.  So I decided to use a pastel base and the image from Bundle Monster BM-618 instead.

I have to say, I picked up the image quite well here.  The plate's image was well-etched (is there such a word?) that it makes a n00b like me look like I know what I'm doing.  I have so many more ideas with this image.  Give me a few more days and I will update some more nail art of the same image.

This Fun Lacquer Reunion (H) is super holo-crazy!  I just borrowed it from my best friend and will be returning it tomorrow.  I am also excited to try this brand out so I'll keep you posted. :)

UPDATE:

 

I did another mani using the same image from this plate.  I reverse-stamped it using colors from GirlStuff AskMeWhats, Topaz Horizon, Sophia and Indigo.  I hope you liked it!
 

Ciao!

Jamie

Bundle Monster Stampers and BM-605

Hi, Ladies!

MY BACK IS ACHING!!!!! You know why??!  I had this idea in my head and I wanted to execute it, but I wasn't sure what colors I would play with and if I could make it work... BUT!!! Before I tell you everything else, let me tell you why I'm blabbing...

Bundle Monster sent me two (2) stampers to play with, and image plates!  

A background on my stamping:  I only started stamping about 3/4 of a year ago. LOL!!  And I wasn't full time on it.  I stamped here and there because my friends were so into it.  I didn't want to be left behind (but my stamping ability was!!!), so I worked with what I had and tried to improve.

Wait, wait.  I'll show you what I was working on:

It was great that Bundle Monster gave me stampers in two different colors!   You see, when I was starting with my stamping, I only had a white stamper.  When I wanted to use a white stamping polish, I got cross-eyed.  So the photo above shows you a silver stamping polish and the difference of the image on the stampers with different colors.  MY PROBLEM IS SOLVED!  (Thank you, Bundle Monster!)

The image at the bottom of BM-605 was what I wanted to try first.  I was imagining all kinds of color combination because of the geometric shape.  

I have to admit, I tried a couple of times before my final nail art.

Here, I'll share with you the nail fail:

I wanted to use a Pixie Dust as base, but it didn't turn out too nice.  

So here, I decided to use a white base and this is how it turned out:

I have to admit, I liked it.  I used Lofes White Polish as base, also P2 Artful for the green, a black stamping polish, Quo by Orly Neon Orange and Neon Pink, and China Glaze Sweet Hook.

Okay, maybe I don't just "like" this mani, I'm actually quite proud of it.  It's my first successful advanced stamping ever!  I usually crease my decals and they always turn out so dirty, plus the image gets wrinkled.  This one was good!  The plate and stampers were great because I got the image whole.  I swear, this rarely happens!  

The stampers were quite hard to touch, which gave me the impression that they were going to be hard to use, but I was proved wrong.

The image plate was just perfect.  The images were etched nicely, it's hard to go wrong with it.

I'm really excited to get some more Bundle Monster plates!  They recently just launched their Secret Garden plates!  (And you know I'm waiting for my purchase in the mail!)

Please follow Bundle Monster on their Instagram, or go check out their website!

Ciao, Loves!

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

 

Make Up Store Philippines: Nail Polish

Hi, Ladies!

I collected a few of my manis using Make Up Store Philippines polish.  To be really honest, this was my first purchase from the store.  I always go visit but never purchased.  That last time though, I wanted to buy just one polish to try, but ended up buying more than I budgeted for it.  No regrets though.   They were on sale for 40% off.  So hurry yourself up if you're planning on bringing home some. Their selection is huuuuuge.

This was Clarissa.  When I bought it, I thought I was buying a lavender polish.  After trying it on, I realized it was more of a taupe-y color, only leaning on a little lavender.  It was really easy to apply, compared to my imagination of it being streaky, because it wasn't at all.  It was really clean, so I decided to stamp on a design for my accent nail from my Pueen 73 plate and decorated black studs on the rest.  Not the perfect stamping, but I liked how it turned out.

 Now, Patricia here was a deeper pink with a little purple frost undertone.  Anki was a frosted lavender with micro glitters.  They reminded me of disco, so I took my Winstonia W216 plate and stamped on a disco queen on for accent.  They were opaque in 2 coats, and easy to apply.

 

 This was Annica, a nude-peach frost that's really perfect for everyday use.  I used a water decal that I got from Beauty Kingdom PH  for the accent.  This is probably my favorite (nail art) of the three, although I ended up loving Clarissa most from the four colors above.

All manis used Seche Vite top coat.

Till my next post!

Jamie