Nailpolis | 1,000,000 Facebook Fans Nail Art Contest

Nailpolis is a hand-curated museum of some the most amazing pieces of nail art I have ever seen. Everyday I am wowed by the work I see and I’m going to sound like a nail art snob here, but you won’t find out of focus photos or swatches here (unless the polish is just stunning!). Even things like studs, water decals and stamping are taken up a notch. The majority of the work is hand-drawn nail art. When I look at the work that is created everyday I feel the need to challenge myself just to keep up with all of this talent!

Nailpolis is currently holding a nail competition celebrating 1 million followers on Facebook and I just wanted to share my very literal translation of that occasion. I started off with 2 coats of Lime Crime – Lavendairy followed by 1 coat of China Glaze – Fairy Dust. Everything else was hand-painted in acrylic paints and top coated for shine.

If you’re looking to be wowed everyday by what someone can paint on their nails, follow this community. It’s hard to brush off nail art once you see what some of these women have created!

Mont Bleu | Glass Nail Files Review with Pastel Gradient Nail Art!

I’m quite selective of my nail tools now since I’m addicted to making sure my nails look PERFECT. I have not CUT my nails in years and instead choose to file them down with a glass nail file. I love using a glass nail file especially ones that are gorgeous and have a great grit like the nail files from Design Glassware by Mont Bleu! For those of you who have seen the Mont Bleu nail files, there is a line that have Swarovski elements encrusted onto them and when I saw the Mont Bleu Instagram with these beautiful shots of nail art paired with their nail files I knew I had to join in on all the fun!

To create my gradient, I started with two coats of Trust Fund Beauty – They’re Just Jealous and then sponged on Models Own – Pastel Pink and Lime Crime – Lavendairy. I topped it all off with Maybelline – Clearly Spotted which is one of my favourite matte black and white glitters.

Scientista Foundation | Nail Art Inspired by Women in Science

About a month ago, Julia Tartaglia, co-founder of the Scientista Foundation, contacted me to do a Scientista-inspired nail design which I was delighted to do. The Scientista Foundation was founded by Julia and her sister Christina and is the largest network for campus women in science, tech and engineering. It provides support for women in the form of visible role models, career advice and programs and encourages young women to embrace both femininity and brains in what may be a male-dominated career path.

I wish there was support like this when I was an undergrad because there were certainly times when I felt like I was “the only girl”. I felt like if I was a girl that did my nails and makeup, I had THAT much more to prove. One guy in my class even told me that if I really wanted good grades, I had to choose to either “study or be pretty”. Talk about an ultimatum huh?

So for today’s design, I decided to pay tribute to some of the most notable women in science and their discoveries! The Scientista colour is purple and their logo is two purple Xs which are actually two X chromosomes because that’s what makes us female!

Day 25-Inspired by Childhood with Japanese Cherry Blossoms

My very first trip as a child was to Osaka, Japan and although my memories are few of my visit, what I do remember was how magical the scenery was since we went in winter. I was still living in Malaysia at the time so seeing snow for the first time was incredibly exciting. Even though cherry blossoms were far from blooming while I was there, every time I see them, I am transported back in time to Japan and my surroundings feel magical once more.

Even though this is a not a new idea, I have always wanted to try cherry blossom nail art because the final result looks so elegant yet you don’t have to be Van Gogh to achieve it. To make my design a little bit different, I gave my blossoms a purple background with two coats of Lime Crime-Lavendairy and sponged on Julep-Anne for a slight gradient. Then I used black acrylic paint and a small nail art brush and drew some random branches. For the blossoms I used Sally Hansen XtremeWear-Bubblegum Pink and Sally Hansen XtremeWear-Fuchsia Power. A coat of top coat and we’re done!

Day 9-Saran Wrapped Pistachio

This is my first time trying out the saran wrap method and I have to say that it isn’t exactly my favourite manicure. Maybe it’s the lack of control I have over what my nail looks like in the end. This manicure was one that I actually had to do twice because my first combination of dark and light brown ended up looking like bathroom-doings…so I changed the dark brown to a bright spring-like green also known as Lime Crime-Pastelchio layered over top Essie-Brooch the Subject. I then finished off with a matte top coat which toned down this textured mess of polish just a little.

Day 5 of the N31DC–Purple on Purple Leopard Print

Do you really want to know why I decided on this design for today? Even if you don’t, I’ll share with you anyway! My underwear currently has the EXACT same pattern. I would have loved to pose with them, but then Cosmetic Proof would have to be rated 18A.

For the base colour, I used two coats of Limecrime-Lavendairy (gifted to me by the lovely Traci!) and Forever 21-Lavender outlined with purple acrylic paint.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Be sure to check out the other wonderful ladies also participating in this challenge!

Naomi @ Bellezza

Traci @ drinkcitra

Masha @ Lost in Lacquer