Seche Ultra V

Jul22 by Cheryl Cheryl

My last manicure endured volumes of hardship (shampooing hair, washing dishes, bleach cleaning, hairstyling for a fashion show, cleaning and organizing) over the last 2 days, and resulted in chipping on my left thumbnail and my right ring fingernail. I can’t be sure that the Seche Ultra V topcoat wasn’t a superior barrier. So I started over. And I plan to chill out for the next few days. LOL.

China Glaze – “Electric Beat” & “First Mate”

The topcoat is simple to apply – just like your regular topcoat. After applying, cure the polish under the UV lamp for 3 minutes. (9 minutes total with Seche’s portable UV lamp – 3 minutes for each hand with 4 fingers, and then 3 minutes for the thumbs)

I love the way my nails feel after this process. It’s definitely a sleeker “gel nail” feel. So, all day I’m rubbing my fingers over my nails beds. LOL. My nails actually feel stronger too.

The shine is not any more brilliant than when using the regular Seche Vite Fast Drying Topcoat, in my opinion. And the drying time seems actually longer in that the regular Seche Vite top coat seems to dry rather immediately. (There are factors that affect that… if you have many thick layers of polish, it will definitely take more time to completely dry. I have watched the topcoat seeping through the layers and forming a “wrinkle” in the nail polish when the previous layers were thick and still rather wet…and then drying to a smooth finish. Craziest thing in the world to watch. haha)

Removal is the same for the Seche Ultra V topcoat as any other polish. There is no soaking required.

So, hopefully this time, I give the topcoat a fair chance. Last time I felt like I was looking for opportunities to use my nail tips as tools and just doing crazy things that directly impacted my nail tips. I gotta stop tripping and chill out. Smile

Whew!

Jul20 by Cheryl Cheryl

This manicure was hard work. It took some time to accomplish… and that was my goal.

I’m testing out Seche Vite UV topcoat… used alongside the companion mini/portable UV lamp. I wanted a manicure that was tedious, and one that I felt I would really enjoy viewing for the long haul. This fit the bill.

My aim is long-lasting shine, and chip free results. I’ll let you know how the topcoat holds up.

I ain’t scared of no Bundle Monster!!

Jul19 by Cheryl Cheryl

I am, however, a little overwhelmed. LOL

Within these 25 plates are so many wonderful options. I might be playing around practicing stamping a LOT…for a little while.

Here, I tested out stamping options with an OLDDDDDDD Wet ‘n’ Wild Pewter Metallic with Bundle Monster (BM-203) over China Glaze – “Trendsetter”.

kate spade – new york

Jul15 by Cheryl Cheryl

My iPhone needs its own “case closet”. Like a shoe rack. Or a wardrobe.

I didn’t realize the extent of my foolishness until I received my new case in the mail… that I forgot I had ordered… because I already had 6 cases that I wasn’t using. And yes, I have had my new iPhone for approximately 3 (count them: one, two, three..) weeks.

But I NEEDED this case!!!

Okay, okay. I know “need” is relative.
This gave me the perfect motivation to try out this “border nails” nail trend in the process.

I started with China Glaze – “White On White”

I didn’t have a perfect color match to the case’s pink trim. So, I made my own. *shrugs*
I blended an even ratio (1:1) of Sinful Colors – “Boom Boom” & “24/7” and used a size “0” nail art brush to outline my nail.

I knew it was a completely successful manicure when the cashier at Whole Foods commented that she loved how my nails matched my phone! Nail art wins again :-).

GUEST POSTING on TFND

Jul13 by Cheryl Cheryl

Check out the manicure I created for The Fashionista Next Door !!

You can read the guest post HERE.

Let me know what you guys think!!! 🙂

Blooming

Jul11 by Cheryl Cheryl

I feel like a florist. Smile

China Glaze – “Gothic Lolita”
Konad Plate – m9

Signed, Stamped, Delivered…. I’m Yours

Jul6 by Cheryl Cheryl

I can see this stamping thing getting out of hand very quickly. lol

I am in love with the idea of stamping now. So many choices!! I’ve used my stamping kit twice – TWO TIMES – and I have already started searching for more plates. I’ll have them ordered by the end of next week, I’m sure of it. This will be fun! Smile

China Glaze – “Concrete Catwalk”
circle: OPI – “So Many Clowns…So Little Time”
Konad Plate – m36

I dragged my mother into my manicure practice. Surprisingly (PLEASANTLY), she went all the way in…. and even let me practice stamping. YAYYYYY!

OPI – “Bubble Bath”
Konad Plate – m4 & m21

Color Picnic

Jun29 by Cheryl Cheryl

Napkin or tablecloth?… All the way down to the stitching.

Summertime fun.

~~~~~

All these colors (painted in this order) and white acrylic paint (with a size 5/0 precision paint brush) for the “stitches”.

Maybe it’s just a colorful plaid. lol

A Few Stripes

Jun25 by Cheryl Cheryl

China Glaze – “For Audrey”

OPI – “Did You ‘Ear About Van Gogh”

OPI – “Jade Is The New Black”

Graphic Art

Jun22 by luvnme1

When Cheryl asked me to be a guest on the blog, I must admit I was extremely flattered! Thanks Cheryl!!!

I have always loved graphic art designs and decided to try my hand at it in a Pedi. Surprisingly, I liked it so much I did a matching mani!

This look was inspired by Love4Nails….it reminds me of Mardi Gras! Don’t ask me why, it just does.

The colors I chose are all by China Glaze…the base color is Style Wars, an outrageous Orange that is nothing less than gorgeous when worn alone. The accent colors are Turned Up Turquoise, a familiar color here on Polish2Times, and Frostbite, an absolutely breath taking blue with just the right amount of shimmer. I then used Yellow, Black and White Stripe Rites to create random stripes and dots.

Had I known I was going to be asked to share on the blog, I would have taken pictures of the process and tried not to be so messy. Next time I’ll be prepared…LOL!