Teal and tip guides

Morning all! This mani didn't completely turn out as I'd like, and then I didn't know what settings to use to photograph the color right either, so I can't say I'm all that pleased with it. But I do like the combo, so shush it inner critic, I'm gonna post it anyway :P

China Glaze Millennium, Essence In Style and Essence Life Is A freeride with Viva La Diva #70 and BornPrettyStore Super Matte.

I am loving the glitter I used for my accentnails, it's bright blue and green - and definitely something to take to my photography course next month, and hopefully learn how to deal with it, haha! Very much looking forward to that :)

The tip guides I used for this mani are from BornPrettyStore, and they work fine! The reason I didn't get my beloved crispy clean lines is because I used 2 coaters, and I get issues with anything that isn't a 1 coater and taped manis more often!
It feels like a thicker layer of polish easier spreads a bit, making the lines somewhat blurry. Top coat will have a harder time making it all smooth with those thicker layers as well, so I used a matte TC on top of my usual TC, to make it less obvious. Next time I'd use these tip guides with 1 coaters to prevent both issues :)

These tip guides stick very well, in fact, I placed them on my skin first to remove the worst stickiness, before placing them diagonally on my nails. But you can of course also use them straight horizontally or vertically!

A package contains 28 tip guides and 2 half (those are straight on 1 side, the last 2 in the package). They come in 2 variations, these and a wavy version, and a package costs $1.58. And as always, coupon code ABJ61 will give 10% off :)

Thanks for looking and take care!


The product(s) in this post was/were send to me for review. For more information, please have a look at my Disclosure Policy.

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2 manis with BPS QA92

Right, polish, stamping, making photos... time to get back to blogging again :) I'm starting with a stamping plate from BornPrettyStore, and 2 manis that are similar in some ways (same base, finish and plate, and both have a bit of a lace look) yet completely different!

Catrice C02 with Catrice Purplelized, BPS plate QA92 and BPS Super Matte.

And here's the plate I used for these looks! It came with protective blue foil on both the front and back, there's no other protective cover on the back, but the plate isn't sharp either. The images are of great quality, I had no problem getting good transfers! You can find this plate here, and it costs $2,99. In case you're going to order anything, don't forget to use coupon code ABJ61 for 10% off!

The 2nd mani, for which I used only half of the lace image. Yes, these images are nice & big! =) And of course I've added them to my Stamping Plate Sizes page as well :)

Catrice C02 with Konad white, BPS plate QA92 and BPS Super Matte.

It's always a bit weird to stamp when you haven't done so in a while, but I think that especially the purple mani turned out nice! Hope you enjoyed these looks, thanks for stopping by ♥


The product(s) in this post was/were send to me for review. For more information, please have a look at my Disclosure Policy.

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Fosterkitten Colin

I hope you don't mind to see the same kitten over and over aaand over again, because this little sweety makes it near impossible to just choose say 5 pics! ♥ But I'll add a jump in case you're not so into cats :)

Colin was found inside a restaurant after closing time (it's called la Colline, hence his name) and I have no idea how such a unique yet unsocialized kitten ended up there! It took him some time to adapt here, and it wasn't until Mobi left -last I heard is that he's doing absolutely fantastic, yay!- that Colin started to show more interest in me as well. Last 2 weeks have been all about progress for him, at the start with scared kittens it often feels like 1 step forward, 2 steps back. Until they decide to trust you, and then it can go really fast! And that was the case with Colin as well ♥

Colin loves to play and balls are his favorite, if there was a kitten football team, he'd definitely be the star!

Feathery toys are a close 2nd though :)

His fur is called black smoke tabby, the smoke part stands for his hairs, the base of his hairs is a silvery-white! I can't remember ever seeing a smoke cat in real life before, and I can't get over how pretty he is!

I have loads of pics of him sleeping, what a sweet little angel he is ♥ And he found out I'm great for cuddles and snoozing as well :) Colin doesn't like to be alone during nights, and after Mobi left, he started meowing in the middle of the night and wouldn't stop. I went to sit with him several nights in a row, and during those nights we really bonded. He was so happy to see me, that he forgot to be scared! He simply just threw himself at me, sitting on my shoulders and rubbing against my face, that kinda thing, just amazing to feel so loved by him ♥ ♥ ♥
I still have him locked up during nights though, that's a rule I have for fosterkittens, to give my cats (and myself) some rest as well. But he knows now that in the morning I'll let him out and in the evening he follows me upstairs and often walks in there himself. In the morning he still meows, but luckily not in the middle of the night anymore, around 06:00 he starts and I get up to let him out. After racing around and playing a bit, he has an entire house to sleep or play, but he prefers to be on my bed with me and snooze on or against me :) Colin has a very loud engine, also loves to chat, follow me around, and well, everything he does, he does with passion! Needless to say, this little cutie absolutely stole my heart... but unfortunately he isn't the best match with my cats, and after loads -and I mean LOADS- of doubting, I decided not to keep him. This is partially why it's been a bit quiet on my blog last few weeks, this was one of the hardest decisions I had to make in quite some time :(

With a kitten this pretty, you'd maybe expect him to be gone in the blink of an eye, but Colin isn't a kitten that would be happy in every home. He still has a scared kitten inside of him, and it can come out very easily! A calm house is a must I think, so that means no kids and an owner that's willing to give him time and earn his trust and all that, so that this amazing little cutie dares to show his true self. Besides that, the owner also needs to work a little bit with him because he's also passionate about playing with hands and chewing on fingers, oops! Sounds cute, but he already packs a nice set of claws (as he shows below!) and sharp little teeth, and this behaviour becomes even less cute when he's an adult cat! It's normal for kittens to at some point show some behaviour that's less wanted, for example some might kill plants, others have a thing for curtains or climbing your legs, and some just love to play with hands. I think Colin is well-behaved, except for the last part, haha! But I'm sure with some time and being more stubborn than he is, he'll get over that as well, it already improved now too :)
Colin has been online for about a week or so now (I felt it was unfair to keep him offline while I wasn't even sure if I'd keep him, which added some extra pressure to making the decision), and he'll get visitors tomorrow. It's very double, I really hope it's a match from both sides and he'll find his forever home, but at the same time, it'll be so hard to let him go... If it's a match, they can go to the shelter straight after to fix the paperwork, and pick him up after that again. And in that case I might be AFK a little longer, I think it'll be very weird without him at first. Needless to say, he's gonna get lots of cuddles tonight! :)

Hope you enjoyed seeing this precious :) Thanks for looking and take care!

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China Glaze All Aboard - Preview

Morning lovelies! I'll be back to posting nais (and maybe some kittens) again real soon, but first I have a preview for you of the China Glaze Fall collection, and some info about their new website. I always get excited when I receive CG previews, and this one didn't disappoint at all! Totally perfect for Fall, and with some unique polishes as well, curious to see more of them! How about you, does this collection get you in the mood for Fall as well?

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NOW BOARDING: LUSH, FALL TONES

Move full steam ahead with China Glaze® All Aboard collection

Cross-country train travel – it channels romantic images of club cars, elegant style, and travel at a less frantic pace. This fall, pack your bags and get ready for a colour adventure with the China Glaze® All Aboard collection. Inspired by vintage railway travel, the adventurous palette includes 12 new crèmes, shimmers and glitters, each filled with mystery and intrigue.

The China Glaze® All Aboard collection includes:

• Don’t Get Derailed: Elephant gray crème
• Choo-Choo Choose You: Purple/gray smoky shimmer
• All Aboard: Purple crème
• Nice Caboose!: Raspberry glitter
• Conduct Yourself: Oxblood crème
• Lug Your Designer Baggage: Brown crème with gold flecks
• What Are You A-Freight Of?: Brown crème
• Mind the Gap: Olive shimmer
• Well Trained: Dark turquoise crème
• One Track Mind: Navy blue crème
• Loco-Motive: Gunmetal and red glitter
• Stop that Train!: Rust red shimmer

clickable for an enlargement

clickable for an enlargement

China Glaze® All Aboard will be available in September 2014 at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide. In addition to open stock, 12-piece and 36-piece displays, the collection will be available in two six-piece sets, “Loco-Motive” and “All Aboard”.

Individual polishes will retail for $7.50 MSRP and the six-piece box collections will retail for $45 each.

China Glaze® is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde.

China Glaze® nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, please visit www.chinaglaze.com or follow China Glaze on Facebook (@ChinaGlaze), Instagram (@ChinaGlazeOfficial), Twitter (@ChinaGlaze) and Pinterest (pinterest.com/chinaglaze), #ChinaGlazeAllAboard.

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CHINA GLAZE® BUILDS BEAUTY COMMUNITY WITH WEBSITE REDESIGN

Leading nail polish brand brings together and inspires colour enthusiasts

Los Angeles (August 15, 2014) – China Glaze®, a leader in innovative nail colour and technology, has unveiled a new look for ChinaGlaze.com. Responsive to mobile and developed with social traffic in mind, the new site is visually intriguing and demonstrates the extensive colour selection China Glaze® has to offer. The revamped site boasts a fashion-forward look and easy navigation, and is designed to promote products while building a community of colour enthusiasts through linking content, personalization, trends and inspiration. Focused on consumer loyalty, ChinaGlaze.com’s new design gives consumers an outlet to more deeply interact with the brand online and via social media.

“Colour exploration was the basis for the creative development of the new site,” said Kristen Spaun, Director of Digital Marketing at China Glaze®’s parent company, American International Industries. “With the expansive colour palette China Glaze® has to offer, the colour possibilities are endless. The China Glaze® girl polishes her nails as an expression of how she feels or wants to feel; we wanted to bring that colour, passion and creativity into the site for our users to express themselves and inspire each other.”

Highlights of the new website include:

• Seeking Colour – We are surrounded by beautiful colour every day. China Glaze® captures those moments of colour inspiration in the Live in Colour: Colour Quest section. From fashion and beauty to travel and lifestyle, and everything in between, users can browse by a specific colour shade or theme to spark inspiration. They can also upload their own colourful visuals and favorite nail art looks to add to the gallery.
• On Trend: Visit the Trending section to view a live feed of trending content connected to China Glaze®’s Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter feeds – all pulled together in one place for easy navigation.
• Nail Artist – Click through the What’s Hot section to get the latest nail art trends. Each design features step-by-step tutorials to easily recreate looks such as Half Moon, Polka Dots and Galaxy nails. Designs are sorted by Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced skill set, and feature suggested shades to replicate the look.
• Beauty Beholder – Consumers can create a user account with the option to use their Facebook account login credentials to save their favorite China Glaze® shades and collection, create a wish list of shades and an inventory list of shades they already own.
• Virtual Manicurist – In the Try On: Colour Studio, consumers can virtually try on any China Glaze® shade, customizing the skin tone, nail length and nail shape to match their own hand, and save desired shades to their user account for easy reference.
• Responsive Layout – No matter the device, the new ChinaGlaze.com design optimizes and delivers the website in the best way possible.

Visit the new ChinaGlaze.com – live now – and get inspired! 

China Glaze® is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze® nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. Follow China Glaze® on Facebook (facebook.com/chinaglazeofficial), Twitter (@chinaglaze), Instagram (@chinaglazeofficial) and Pinterest (@chinaglaze).

About American International Industries

For 42 years, AII has been the leading manufacturer and worldwide distributor of innovative, quality beauty and skin care products for men and women.  Our product lines include Andrea, Ardell, Body Drench, Bye Bye Blemish, Checi, China Glaze, Clean + Easy, Clubman/Pinaud, DUO, European Secrets, EzFlow, Fright Night, Gena, GiGi, Gypsy Lash, IBD, It’s So Easy, Jeris-Lustray, Jerome Russell, LASH BeLONG, Nail Tek, No Tweeze/Micro Tweeze, 'N Rage, Poshe, Prolinc, RAW, Salon Perfect, Seche, SuperNail, Surgi-Care, Waterworks, Winning Nails, Woltra, Woody’s, and Youthair. For more information, visit our website: www.aiibeauty.com.

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Catrice Check & Tweed - Preview

Morning all! Catrice Check & Tweed will be in stores from mid September till end October, here's the preview of this LE:

clickable for an enlargement

Ultimate Nail Lacquer: London Calling - England’s Rose - Mind The Red! - Brit Chick - Hyde In The Park. € 2,99
Highlighting Powder: Flagg The Union Jack. € 4,49
Eye Brow Fixing Gel: Neutrally Brown. € 3,39
Quattro Baked Eyeshadow: London’s Eye - Town of Crown. € 4,59
Velvet Lip Colour: Queen’s BEAUTea time - Mind The Red! - Brit Chick. € 3,99

The tiny polish is Brit Chick I think, I always receive a preview file and a download link to pick up the images. That polish was shown in the preview but not a part of the download files, so I don't have a bigger version of it, sorry! Those polishes look like they could be interesting, but I'd have to see them in stores first :)

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Sunny gradient

Hi guys! Here's the last scheduled post, it'll be a few days before I'm back again :) I showed this gradient in black & white on Instagram before, and asked what to do on top, stamping, glitters, decals? Fairy Dust was the answer! But I actually don't have that one, haha! I do have another similar holo glitter topper (at least, based on images I think it's pretty similar), but somehow I felt this gradient was too bold for such a cute glitter. So I checked with some other sparklies, doubted over a gold glitter, but decided on this black one, and I'm glad I did!

Sinful Colors Unicorn sponged with China Glaze Sunshine Pop, Papaya Punch & Ruby Deer, finished with JENsations Black Out.

Hope you like this as much as I do! :) Take care ♥

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Inspired by... hydrangeas

My mum and dad have lots of beautiful flowers in their garden, and for me, the ones that are (literally as well) jumping out are huuuuge hydrangeas. This mani was inspired by those! I started with a light basecolor, then applied lots of different polishes in little dots and smudges on my placemat, dabbed in a sponge and sponged it on my nails. The result is a subtle sponged effect, and I finished it with a bit of sparkle and a matte top coat. Then I went to my parents and took these pictures :)

China Glaze Secret Peri-Wink-Le & Electric Beat, Essence Absolutely Blue & No More Drama, Catrice Lucky In Lilac, P2 Poetic, W.I.C. By Herôme Aarhus, Trind Purple Sunset, Essence Glitter Top Coat and BornPrettyStore Super Matte.

Here's a closer look on the sponging that shows the various colors a bit better. Could've done with less colors I'm sure, but I was doubting and decided to just use them all =) The glitter topper is just subtle silver glitter, perfect for adding a soft finishing touch, and it's a simple but lovely polish if you ask me!

It's been a while since I did an Inspired by... mani, and I hope you like it :) Thanks for looking!

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Mysterious gold

The polish that I showed yesterday just screamed for some stamping, and picking a color was easy, gold! Here's how that turned out:

L'Oréal Mysterious Icon with China Glaze 2030 and Lily Anna plate 09.

Love how this all came together on my nails! And love that image too :) I reviewed this Lily Anna plate, you can check it out here. And I couldn't resist a macroshot of this stamping :)

Enjoy your weekend! Thanks for looking & take care :)

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Mysterious Icon

Hi lovelies! I'll be AFK in the coming week, but I do have some posts scheduled, and I still love to read your comments even though I won't have time to reply! :) I recently found a L'Oréal polish for sale somewhere (for the Dutch, I can't remember if I got this one from Action or Big Bazar), and it looked pretty unique in the bottle, unlike some of the other polishes you often find at such sales. At home I found out it covered in 2 easy coats, and looks unique on the nail as well, yay! Made me curious after more of their polish :) My swatches are with top coat.

L'Oréal Mysterious Icon.

I wanted to make photos with some pretty flowers, but quickly found out the polish looks more purple in the bottle than on the nail, and I felt this wasn't the best background for this color. But this pic shows the polish well, so wanted to post it anyway :) Below you can see it in sunlight, where the shimmer comes to life!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

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How To: Patch a nail

Here's a How To I've been planning for a while, but either I forgot to make photos, or I simply filed my nails down when I had a chip/tear/whatever. But at last, one of my nails could use a patch ánd I remembered to photograph it =)

Meet my right indexfinger! And there's a sight I don't like seeing at all, I'm not sure what I did but my nail got folded so to say, making it very weak and I know it wouldn't take long before it would tear off. You can use patches on these kind of things, but if your nail has a tear, you could even help it grow out with a patch, without having it tear off completely. The right picture shows the patched nail.

Here's what you need to patch up a nail:

• Remover
• Nail files, I use a coarser one and a 3-way buffing file (yes, those are cat teeth marks on the end :P)
• Scissors
• Cotton pads or a similar product
• Basecoat 
• Nail glue *optional*
• Nail wraps or an empty tea bag *not shown*. I've ordered these strips of wraps online years ago and I can't fully remember, but I think it was the cheapest silk strip shown here.

And here's how it works!
1) Use the remover and cotton pads to fully clean and dry your nail, and cut your tea bag or wrap to the preferred size. I think the pyramid tea bags work better than the regular ones, they seem to have a different structure and feel more like nail wraps to me. But the wraps have an advantage over teabags, they're a bit sticky already, which makes the rest of the process easier! I usually cut them smaller than the size of my nail, to prevent glue on my cuticles or making the filing harder near that area.
2) Stick the wrap or teabag to your nail.
3) Now you can take it 2 ways, either a quick and short-term solution: apply basecoat over your patch and let it dry, now you're good to go! Or a longer lasting solution: apply nail glue on top of the wrap, as shown here. Be careful though, that stuff is nasty on your skin, and a little often goes a long way :)
4) You can see when the glue starts to dry, the structure of the wrap is showing again.
5) Filing time! Gently file till you have a fairly smooth result, and no hard bits and pieces sticking out. I use a coarser file for the first bit, then smooth it with a buffer file. Don't file too much though, the goal is to smoothen it a little, not to file the whole thing off!
6) Apply a basecoat, or for an extra smooth result, a ridgefiller. Done!

To remove your wrap, either soak it with some remover with acetone, or gently file it down some more. If you're wearing polish on top of your patched nail and want to remove it, just be quick about it and the patch should stay in place. And I haven't tried it, but I suspect remover without acetone could help as well with making your patch last. If you went with the simplified version with basecoat only, the removal is of course easypeasy!

Hope this helps, thanks for looking!

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Guest post for Lucy's Stash

Hi guys! I'm proud to be guest posting for the incredibly talented Lucie today! So head over to her blog to see my post, and I hope you'll enjoy it :) Take care!

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Dance Legend Smoky collection - my 3 picks

Good morning :) After all the bright, colorful Dance Legend craziness that I showed you last month, I'm gonna end my DL swatches with something more calm & subtle: the Smoky collection. Or well, half of it at least =) I used 3 coats of each polish, no top coat, they simply dry up this glossy!

Dance Legend 1026 Cetraria.

Dance Legend 1027 River Of Time.

Dance Legend 1029 Cozy Sweater.

I'm not fully sure yet how to capture these muted colors well, they all look a bit darker and more grey (more like in the bottle), but I sure do love them! I think they look classy :) But Cozy Sweater was -as I feared a little- not really complementing my skintone. I think some stamping could help with how it looks on me. I'm sure all 3 will make great nailart basecolors, but they look lovely on their own as well!
I didn't have much experience with DL at all until recently, but what can I say, I'm a huge fan! Lalaloving the colors, the application, drying time, the amount of awesomeness they manage to put in a bottle ♥

You can buy this polish at the Dance Legend website, and you can also find them in webshops like Hypnotic Polish, which ships worldwide.


The product(s) in this post was/were send to me for review. For more information, please have a look at my Disclosure Policy.

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