Baltimore Ravens Nails - Week 7 - Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Kate's Nails 

The Ravens are in Pittsburgh today to take on the Steelers.  It's the best rivalry in football!  I can't believe I actually have the Steelers logo on my nails... this pains me.  The things I do for the sake of nail art...

Go Ravens!!!

Polishes Used:

Spoiled 2 Weeks Sober

Milani White on the Spot

OPI You Don't Know Jacques

Wet N Wild Red Red

Revlon First Class

Ulta Sun-Sational

Baltimore Ravens Nails - Week 6 - Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers

Kate's Nails 

The Ravens are at home this week against the Packers.  Go Ravens!

 

Polishes Used:

Spoiled 2 Weeks Sober

Milani White on the Spot

Wet N Wild The Wonder Yellows

Sally Hansen Going Green

OPI You Don't Know Jacques

Baltimore Ravens Nails - Week 5 - Ravens vs. Miami Dolphins

Kate's Nails 

This week the Ravens are in Miami to take on the Dolphins.  I'm really looking forward to having friends over today to watch the game.  Go Ravens!!

Polishes Used:

Spoiled 2 Weeks Sober

Sinful Colors Snow Me White

Sally Hansen Fairy Teals

Sally Hansen Sun Kissed

OPI You Don't Know Jacques

Baltimore Ravens Nails - Week 4 - Ravens vs. the Buffalo Bills

Kate's Nails 

This week the Ravens are up in Buffalo to play the Bills.  I'm super jealous of my friends who are up at Ralph Wilson Stadium right now rocking the purple.  Go Ravens!!!

Polishes Used:

Spoiled 2 Weeks Sober

Milani White on the Spot

Wet N Wild Red Red

Revlon First Class

OPI You Don't Know Jacques

Cashmere Half Moons

Cara's Nails

I have been staring at five of those beautiful Zoya Cashmere polishes sitting on my shelf for a few weeks now. I finally had the opportunity to try two of them out and wow! Zoya does not disappoint! 

I went with a simple half moon design using Flynn as a bottom color and Sailor as the overcoat. These colors are just wonderful. Flynn went on easily in two coats. How amazing is this color? Such a rich caramel. And Sailor is just as nice. This navy blue went on also in two coats. This color is great because I have been trying to find a good navy blue for years now and they always go too far in either the blue or the black direction. This one is just right!

Half moons always seem like a good idea until I have them on. I decided to change up this look with a more modern, straight moon shape. I finished the whole mani off with a coat of Essie Good to Go. I just want to end by saying Good to Go, you are dead to me! I tried to give this fast dry top coat a try but the shrinkage is ridiculous! In this case there was so much shrinkage it made my tips look like they are funny shaped! I will be picking up my trusty Seche Vite on my next trip to store.

Baltimore Ravens Nails - Week 3 - Ravens vs. Houston Texans

Kate's Nails 

This week the Ravens take on the Texans at home in Baltimore.  This should be an exciting game!

Polishes Used:

Spoiled 2 Weeks Sober

Milani White on the Spot

Revlon Cherry

Ulta Joined at the Hippo

OPI You Don't Know Jacques

Leather Gradient with Nails Inc. Leather Effects

Cara's Nails 

I posted a few weeks back about picking up the ultra cool Leather Effects textured polish from Nails Inc. Today I wanted to show of the black polish, Noho. I cannot take credit for the idea to do a leather gradient. I saw these beauties on Chalkboard Nails a little while back and just fell in love. I sponged Noho with Dalston to get this gradient effect. It took about three applications to get rid of all the blotchy spots. The end result is a fun, simple mani in very little time.  I am pretty happy with the end result!

Baltimore Ravens Nails - Week 2 - Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns

Kate's Nails 

This week the Ravens have their home opener against the Cleveland Browns.  It's nice to see the Ravens back in Baltimore!  

Purple Nails:

Spoiled Two Week Sober

Sinful Colors Snow Me White

Browns Nail:

A Mix of - OPI Schnapps Out of It and Sinful Colors Big Daddy

Sonia Kashuk Chocoholic

Milani White on the Spot

Football Nail:

OPI You Don't Know Jacques

Sinful Colors Snow Me White

Comic-con nails

Cara's Nails

I was a good wife today and joined my husband at Comic-con. I say that but in all honesty I love going! People go all out for this event and it is really a great time!! It's no secret that I love me some super heroes! I thought I too would go all out in my own way by doing a themed manicure! I have seen these nails with the white glare a few times and just fell in love with the simple comic-y-ness of it. I paired this looks with the classic "Boom" and "Zap" action nails to get this Comic-con worthy manicure. 

I kept with primary colors because to me that screams classic comics! My primaries were China Glaze Salsa, China Glaze Happy Go Lucky and Butter Blagger. The black I used is Essence Black is Back and for white I used China Glaze White on White.

Baltimore Ravens Nails - Week 1 - Ravens vs. Denver Broncos

Kate's Nails 

It's football season again!!!!!  This year, I decided that instead of doing a purple manicure each week, I'll do a manicure that represents that week's match up.  This week the Ravens are taking on the Broncos in Denver.  I can't wait for the game to start - I hope everyone has their purple on and is ready to go!

Polishes Used:

Spoiled 2 Weeks Sober

Milani White on the Spot

Sonia Kashuk Chocoholic

Ulta Joined at the Hippo

Sinful Colors Big Daddy

The Ravens logo is a nail decal, and the bronco is from plate SH07

Nails Inc. Leather Effect

Cara's Nails

My life has been pretty hectic lately! Between vacations, moving, getting married, and school starting I have had very little time or energy to paint my nails. As a result I have relied heavily on textured polishes to keep my nails from being naked. I'm aware that I am a little behind on the times but I finally scored some of the Nails inc leather textured polishes. Previously Noho, the black polish, was only available in a package with Swarovski crystals and a price tag of $26. I'm a little too cheap for that! But now they are sold as individual polishes and in a variety of colors!

Today I'm showing off Dalston, a fun baby blue. The polish goes on glossy and gradual dries to give a leathery effect. I don't know how they do it but it looks just like leather! It was still a little blotchy after two coats so I went ahead and did three. The texture does seem to get lost a little with each coat. Overall I am pretty happy with this polish. What do you think? I'm looking forward to ricking the black tomorrow!

Natural Light

Indoor Light

Getting my chevron on

Kate's Nails 

Like just about everyone, I'm kind of addicted to chevron patterns lately.  I had a few hours to kill last night, and decided to do a tape manicure.  Since I knew I would have plenty of drying time, I decided to go for a multi-color chevron design.  

It seems that I have moved on to the fall nail colors, even though it's still August.  Sorry, hot pinks and bright blues... I'll see you regularly again next year!

Polishes Used:

LCN Tokyo Expression

BUTTER London Dodgy Barnett

Sally Hansen Jungle Gem

Zoya Farah

BUTTER London Rosie Lee

I'm back!

Kate's Nails 

I can't believe I haven't posted in almost a month!  I was lacking some serious nail inspiration this summer, but I'm starting to do my nails regularly again (finally).  In browsing Pinterest for design ideas, I came across these nails.  I really liked the simple design, so I decided to try it out, but in a different color palette.  

Polishes Used:

Revlon Blue Slate

Ulta Concrete Evidence

Also, if you haven't heard, Zoya is having a Buy One Get One Sale (!!!) until August 31st.  Use code: SCHOOL.  Their new fall line (especially the cashmere polsihes) is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l.

July Birchbox

 It's Birchbox time again!  I got some good products this month, including nail polish!  If you're wondering what a Birchbox is, or if you want to see previous Birchbox posts, click HERE.

Caudalie Divine Legs:

This lotion is tinted, and adds color to your legs.  It goes on really dark, but blends in pretty well.  It was a bit orange-y for my skin tone, though.  The next day when I showered my shower turned brown/orange from this stuff, so I would avoid using it if you're headed to the beach or pool!

(Full size - $38)

ModelCo Party Proof Lipstick:

I love that ModelCo always sends full size products!  I love their mascara, and although I don't wear lipstick, I can see that this is a quality product.  I tried it out around the house, and it didn't dry out my lips.  It stayed on pretty well too.  The color was a bit too bright for me to wear even on a special occasion, so I ended up giving this one away.

(Full Size - $19)

Dr. Jart + Ceramidin Cream:

Having fallen in love with Dr. Jart+ BB Cream, I was excited to get another sample from this brand.  This cream does make my skin softer, and it's not heavy or greasy.  I haven't noticed any long lasting effects, but I do like the way it makes my skin feel.

(Full Size - $48)

Birchbox Bobby Pins:

The patterns on these bobby pins are super cute.  They are a bit big for my preferences, but I'm sure I'll use them anyway! 

(Full Size - $5 Set of Six)

Birchbox + Color Club Wanderlust Collection:

Nail polish!!!!!  

(Full Size - $8)

This color is called London Calling.  Holy moly, this is a bright color! The colors in this collection are referred to as "neon pastels", which is totally accurate.  This polish applied easily in two coats.  Since it's so bright, I decided to tone it down with a little nail art.  I paired it here with OPI's Eurso-Euro.

If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox (or giving a subscription as a gift!) you can use my referral link here: https://www.birchbox.com?raf=xdgbr

Beachy Nails

Kate's Nails 

This week, I spent a few days in Rhode Island for my family's annual vacation.  Here are the nails I wore for most of the trip.  They were inspired by THESE awesome nails by Chalkboard Nails.  They are such a cute design, and I enjoyed doing my own version!

Polishes Used:

Zoya Godiva

Sally Hansen Pacific Blue

Zoya Blu

Sally Hansen Sun Kissed

Julep Teri

July 4th Bunting

Cara's Nails

Take two on the July 4th nails. I couldn't help myself! Happy July 4th to everyone!!

Polishes  used:

China Glaze White on White

China Glaze Salsa 

Butter London Blagger

July 4th Sparklers

Cara's nails

Happy 4th of July!! This manicure is honoring one of my favorite aspects of the July 4th holiday. Sparklers!!!! Hope everyone has an enjoyable holiday!

Black base coat is Essence Black is Back

Sparklers and flag colors are China Glaze White on White, Sally Hansen Rapid Red, Pacific Blue, and Celeb City.

Happy 4th of July!!

Kate's Nails 

It's almost July 4th!  We hope that everyone has a safe, healthy, and happy holiday!  

In the fun news department, Miscellaneous Manicures now has an Instagram!  Be sure to follow us - our user name is Misc_Manis

Happy Independence Day!!!

Polishes Used:

Revlon Cherry

Milani White On The Spot

Ulta Joined at the Hippo

Zoya Wood Grain

Cara's Nails

Between the Pixie Dust, Lovely, and Stunning collections, Zoya has produced some of my most favorite colors this year. I can't get enough of them! The only problem is waiting for my local Ulta to finally have them in stock!! This wood grain manicure was created using two of my Zoya greens. The base color is Josie from the Stunning summer collection. This is a great, pure grass green. Goes on nicely in two coats. The wood grain is Neely from the Lovely spring collection. This has to be my favorite minty green. I've used it a lot in previous entries. 

June Birchbox

 It's Birchbox time again!  Nothing in the month's box wow'd me, but I enjoyed trying out some new products.  If you're wondering what a Birchbox is, or if you want to see previous Birchbox posts, click HERE.

100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream:

This is the first time in my life that I have been tempted to find out what a lotion tastes like.  These lotions (I got vanilla and coconut) smell AMAZING!  Unfortunately that's where my love for them ends.  The lotion is very greasy, and you can feel it on your skin all day.  Definitely not what I'm looking for in a lotion!

(Full size - $15)

suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser:

Although the scent on this was a bit strange (not unpleasant, just strange), it's a nice cleanser.  It starts off as a scrub, and then turns in to a foam.  I used it on my heels and elbows, and it did a nice job of exfoliating!

(Full Size - $32.95)

Mirenesse Glossy Kiss Lipstick:

I never really wear lipstick, so I wasn't overly excited to see this product.  However, I gave it a go, and it is a nice, subtle shade.  I won't be wearing it on the regular, but maybe for a special occasion.

(Full Size - $26.55)

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk:

I'm so sick of dry shampoos!! They never work!  I gave this one a try, though, and I will say it works a little bit better than the others I have tried.  I was excited, because at first my hair had more volume and looked a bit less greasy.  However, about 15 minutes later, my hair was pretty much back to its typical day 2 look.  

(Full Size - $18)

Birchbox + Color Club Wanderlust Collection:

Nail polish!!!!!  

This color is called Reign in Spain.  My camera could not figure out how to capture this color.  It is MUCH brighter in person - it's definitely a neon.  It covers in two easy coats.  I paired it here with Milani's White on the Spot and Sally Hansen's Coral Reef.

(Full Size - $8)

If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox (or giving a subscription as a gift!) you can use my referral link here: https://www.birchbox.com?raf=xdgbr

Zoya Summer Tribal Nails

Kate's Nails 
I have been waiting for (what feels like) forever for Ulta to get the new Zoya collection.  I have been dying to get my hands on Josie, which is a beautiful green polish (that I will be swatching very soon!).  Ulta was conveniently having a buy two get one free sale, so I also picked up Yana and another Pixie Dust polish.  I decided to wear Yana today, and wanted to pair it with a bright, fun design.  The tribal design was all done with Zoya polishes, a striping brush, and a dotting tool.  Any other Zoya enthusiasts out there?  What is your favorite polish from the new collection?

Zoya Polishes Used:

Yana

Natty

Farah

Blu
Josie

Watercolor Accent Nail

Kate's Nails 

These nails were a total accident.  I started out with a completely different design, which I screwed up.  I was feeling lazy, though, and didn't want to start over.  So I decided to do a watercolor accent nail on top of the messed up design.  Watercolor nails are done by putting drops of polish on the nail, and then using a brush soaked in acetone to thin and spread the polish.  Not bad, for a cover-up design!

Zoya Natty

Sally Hansen Eel Skin

BUTTER London MacBeth

Sally Hansen Mellow Yellow

Sinful Colors Snow Me White

Sally Hansen Purple Pulse 

Misc. Manis in Nail Art Gallery Magazine!

Nail Art Gallery Magazine is a bi-monthly online magazine that features TONS of on-trend nail art designs.  If you're ever lacking for nail art ideas, you should definitely check it out.  You should especially check out the June/July issue, because Miscellaneous Manicures is in it!!! There are two designs featured in the Nautical section (here are the original posts for the designs: Annapolis Nails and Rhode Island Nails).  The designs are on page 74 - Go give them a look!!

Shocking Seas and Minx

Kate's Nails

Thanks to a coupon, I was able to get this gorgeous new polish super cheap.  This color, Shocking Seas by Maybelline, is my second polish purchase from their Color Show line.  The formula in these polishes leaves something to be desired, but the colors are so fabulous that I'm willing to work with the formula issues.  My nails are still in pretty rough shape (I've been taking some time off from nail art in order to help them get stronger), but they're getting better.  For this manicure, I did an accent nail using a nail decal from Minx.  This design is called "Technical Tribal".  These decals are very easy to use, but unfortunately I find that they peel off a bit too easily.  I didn't mind too much, since I only wore this manicure for a day.  On my middle finger I layered one coat of Sally Hansen's Strobe Light.  

Sally Hansen Fuzzy Coat

Cara's Nails

Textured polishes are all the rage this season. I have a hard time wearing these polishes because I feel like it limits the nail art potential. But they are perfect when I want fun nails but am too lazy to do anything too artsy. Sally Hansen is the newest brand to jump on the textured band wagon. Here I have Fuzzy Fantasy from the new Fuzzy Coat collection. This polish consists of  lime green and white flecks in a clear polish. This is very similar to the Feathers collection from Nails Inc. but less expensive. Kate did a review of one of those polishes here. Here I have used two coats of Fuzzy Fantasy but I could have just as easily used one. I put it overtop of a double coat of OPI Mod About You. It coated nicely and I did not have any trouble with chunking. 

So what's your opinion about the new texture trend?

May Birchbox

I'm really happy with my Birchbox this month! I got four products that I will definitely be using, and I will probably buy the full sized version of two of them.  You'll notice that there are no pictures this month.  Unfortunately one of my samples (the sunscreen) was damaged in shipping, and leaked all over the box.  Luckily no other samples were damaged.  I have to compliment Birchbox on their customer service - I e-mailed them about the issue, and they shipped a replacement sample right away.  Well done, Birchbox!  If you're wondering what a Birchbox is, or if you want to see previous Birchbox posts, click HERE.

Beauty Protector Protect & Detangle:

This is one that I will probably be buying in full size.  This is a spray in detangler/conditioner.  This product smells great, and leaves my hair super soft.  After first trying it, I was planning on saving it to use when I go to the beach this summer.  However, after spending a few windy days outside this weekend, the sample is almost gone!  It detangles really well, so this is a product I won't mind spending the money on.

(Full size - $21.95)

COOLA Classic Face SPF 30 Cucumber Moisturizer for Face:

This was the sample that was damaged, and I am so glad that I got a replacement.  I am in love with this stuff!  I have really sensitive skin, so products that use cucumber tend to be great for me.  This was no exception.  It was very soothing, and left my face well moisturized without feeling heavy.  I haven't really tested the SPF factor, but if it keeps me from burning, I will definitely be buying the full size!

(Full Size - $32)

Joie Folle de Joie eau de parfum:

This is a nice smelling perfume, but not $98 nice!  It's not a heavy scent, which I liked, but it was a bit too flowery for my tastes.  I'll definitely use the sample, but I don't feel like I'll care when the sample runs out.

(Full Size - $98)

Sumita Color Contrast Eyeliner:

I'm pretty unadventurous when it comes to eyeliner - I've been using Clinique's Quickliner in black-brown ever since I was 15.  I wasn't too interested in trying out a blue eyeliner, but since the whole point of subscribing to Birchbox is to try new things, I gave it a go.  It definitely gives my eyes a softer look than my regular liner, and it applied easily.  When they say in the description that it lasts for hours, they aren't kidding.  Days, really.  Even with eye makeup remover, I had a hard time getting this off.  I'll be using this again, for sure.

(Full Size - $21 for four mini pencils)

My Birchbox extra this month was an Acroball pen from Pilot in a turquoise color.  Fun!  I've heard that you can use gel pens on your nails, so look for an attempt at that in the near future!

If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox (or giving a subscription as a gift!) you can use my referral link here: https://www.birchbox.com?raf=xdgbr

Petals and Dot Drops

Cara's Nails

Passion for Petals in a newer find from the China Glaze Avant Garden collection. This is such a great pink!!  I rarely wear enough pink polishes but I think I will need to change this for the summer because I am finding so many lately! I topped this color off with "drops" of OPI Can't Find my Czechbook, a current spring favorite. I accented with two coats of China Glaze It's a Trapeze over Passion for Petals.

Naughty Nautical

Cara's Nails

I'm showing off my newest polish buy today. Essie Naughty Nautical is a blue/green polish with a very subtle sparkle running through it. I just love the look of this color! Application was a little thick. It took two coats to smooth out the color and the brush marks. I used a striping brush and Wet n Wild Ebony Hates Chris to apply the thin tips and chevrons. I like the idea of this manicure but the top coat really screwed it up. I applied a layer of Good to Go after what I thought was a good amount of time. It streaked some of the black polish. It also caused so much shrinkage! I'm looking for a new fast dry polish if anyone has any suggestions.

Color Run Nails

Kate's Nails

As you saw in Cara's post earlier, we participated in the Color Run yesterday in Baltimore.  It was a messy, great time (as you would expect it would be, with 25,000 people covered head to toe in colorful powder).  If you get a chance to participate in a Color Run, do it!! It was such a fun experience.

I wanted to do some fun, color run-themed nails for the occasion.  I started off with a base of Milani's White on the Spot.  Then I used a coffee stirrer to splatter on Sinful Color's Dream On, Sally Hansen's Mellow Yellow, and Zoya's Yummy. 

My nails, pre-race.

My nails, post-race.

Inside the color cloud at the finish line :)

Color Run

First let me start by saying that we are still here!!

Lately life has gotten in the way of regular postings. Now things are slowing down and I can return to my love of nail art and posting more than once a month. 

Today's post is dedicated to the Baltimore Color Run! Kate and I ran for the first time this year and it was everything I wanted it to be but messier! It truly was the "Happiest 5k"! To get this look I splatter painted layers of Revlon Coastal Surf, Sally Hansen Presto Pink, China Glaze Happy Go Lucky, and Essie Mojito Madess over a base coat  of Sally Hansen White On.

Here is a pre and post run a pic of my splattered nails.

April Birchbox

This month's Birchbox was a good one!  I'm really happy with most of the products, and I even got some nail polish! If you're wondering what a Birchbox is, or if you want to see previous Birchbox posts, click HERE.

Caudalie Divine Oil:

This oil does a really nice job of softening your skin!  I used it on my knees, elbows, and nails, and I was pleased with the results.  A little goes a long way with this product.  I still haven't used the entire sample.  The scent is  nice, but not overpowering.  This is definitely a quality product!

(Full size - $9-$49)

Nexxus Youth Renewal Rejuvenating Elixer:

This hair serum promises to help dry hair, and reduce the odds of age-related breakage.  I can't attest to the breakage prevention yet, but it certainly helped my dry ends.  I am in desperate need of a hair cut, and I have more split ends that any person should ever have.  This serum smoothed them out and made my hair soft and better looking.  This is one I'd consider buying when the sample runs out!

(Full Size - $20.99)

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream:

This was my least favorite product of this month's box.  First off, the scent (blueberry) was sickeningly sweet.  It lingered long after I got out of the shower, too.  Yuck.  Second, I could not figure out how much product to use.  I used a little bit, and the razor didn't glide smoothly, so I added a little more, and didn't get a close shave.

(Full Size - $20)

Simple Revitalizing Eye Roll-on:

Full sized sample!! Whoop whoop!  Simple refers to themselves as the "sensitive skin experts".  As someone with sensitive skin, I'm very happy with this eye roller.  It does a great job of reducing puffiness and dark circles (something else I struggle with!).  I will definitely be checking out their other products, and am hopeful that other products will work as well as this eye roller!

(Full Size - $10.99)

Ruby Wing Color Changing Nail Polish in Poppy:

I love when I get nail polish in my Birchbox!  This was my first experience with a color changing polish, and it was fun to wear!  I used three coats for the swatch below, with no topcoat.  As you can see, it dries with a matte finish.  The color indoors is a super bright raspberry pink.  After only about 15 seconds in the sun, it becomes a darker purple.  I would definitely be interested in trying this polish in other colors!

(Full Size - $10)

If you're interested in signing up for Birchbox (or giving a subscription as a gift!) you can use my referral link here: https://www.birchbox.com?raf=xdgbr