Category: pastel

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SWATCH SUNDAY — Pure Ice Cookies ‘N Cream

Hello lovelies & happy Sunday! The first Sunday of April at that — can you believe it? I mean, I feel like I’m always saying this, but I can’t get over how quickly this year is passing. I’m happy that we’re that much closer to Summer dress weather, but wow… this year is already 1/4 over! That is crazy.

Today I’m going old school though, with a polish from deep in my stash. I’ve been living for speckled nail looks lately, so obviously that means pulling out some from deep in the past. You might remember, a few years ago, the brand Pure Ice released a collection of speckled nail polishes that I think were based on nail polishes. Naturally, I bought three at the time. I don’t often pull them out, with the exception of this time of year because I feel like they’re absolutely perfect for Easter nails.

2 coats, no top coat.

As the name implies, Cookies ‘N Cream is a white base with multisized hex glitters that gives the impression of cookies & cream ice cream.

I applied 2 coats of polish for my application — a thinner first coat, followed by a thicker second coat which gave exactly the opacity I was hoping for. The base is thin enough that the black glitters show through perfectly, giving you the multi layered effect. It also dried down quickly. which left a semi textured in some places, thanks to the layered glitters, but this could easily be fixed with a thick coat of glossy top coat.

I really, really love the different sized glitters in this polish ( & its sister shades I own Boysenberry & Orange Sorbet) versus a speckled polish like Deborah Lippmann Polka Dots & Moonbeams. & it really does look like ice cream, which just makes me think of Summer, & I can’t wait for Summer days.

It also kind of makes me wish I had scooped up all 6 shades in the collection back in 2015 because every time I wear one I realize just how much I freaking love speckled nail polish, & this trend needs to make a comeback!

What do you think about Pure Ice Cookies ‘N Cream? Do you love these speckled polishes as much as I do? Are there any nail polishes you’re hoping the Easter Bunny brings you next weekend? Let me know down in the comments below!

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Spring Speckled Egg Skittle Nails

It’s the time of year again lovelies, where I recreate one of my favourite Spring/Easter designs: mini egg/speckled egg skittle nails. I’ve been doing some version of this manicure since the early days of my blog, & it never gets old to me. There is something about a speckled egg design that just screams Easter & Spring. Plus it’s so easy to do!

Today’s look was especially on the easy side, as I chose a glitter top coat for my specks.

The polishes I used for this manicure are: 

  • Base Coat: Essie Hard To Resist Glow & Shine 
  • Top Coat: Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat
  • Matte Top Coat: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat
  • Sally Hansen MG Sun-Shower
  • Sally Hansen MG Sweet Pea
  • Sally Hansen MG Sugar Fix
  • Sally Hansen MG Lavendoor
  • Sally Hansen MG Orchid-ing Aside
  • ACO by Ardene Meteorite
  • Wet N Wild 2% Milk

When I saw this look was super simple, I mean it was super simple. I painted each finger a different colour, applied the glitter top coat, applied Wet N Wild 2% Milk for that faded look, then finished it off with my Seche Vite (because there was a lot of layers of polish) & then added my matte top coat after about 15 minutes. Everything did take a while to dry, but it was totally worth it! I just love a good speckled nail design.

What do you think about this speckled egg design? Do you like a look like this for Easter & Spring? Are you already feeling the Spring temps where you are? It’s just starting to warm up around us, so I’m excited. I’ll be wearing my Spring dresses in no time!

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SWATCH SUNDAY — Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Orchid Around

Good morning lovelies & happy Sunday!

& a bright, sunny, warm Sunday at that. Finally, it’s starting to feel like Spring. So naturally, I needed to pick out some kind of Spring-esque shade for this week’s Swatch Sunday polish pick.

After perusing my polish stash for a while, I decided on this pastel beauty from Sally Hansen: Orchid Around from the Xtreme Wear line.

2 coats + Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat

How pretty is this beautiful pastel is somewhere between pink & pale purple, with a very pretty shimmer which — sadly — is hard to actually see on the nail unless you’re really looking for it.

The formula was a good consistency & easily applied in 2 coats. I did need to apply top coat to smooth things out, as I found it had some streakiness, but since I always add top coat when I’m wearing nail polish anyways, it’s not a big deal — & definitely not a deal breaker.

You can see that pretty shimmer in my macro shot! I just wish it was more visible.

The colour is so perfect for Spring! & I’m always here for a pretty pastel shade to inspire warmed days. This would be the perfect base for some Easter nail art (which, is less than a month away!) I’ve always had good luck with the Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear line in terms of wearability, which is awesome because it’s a great affordable option.

What do you think of Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Orchid Around? Would you wear this shade for Spring? Let me know all your thoughts down in the comments below!

Have a lovely Sunday! 🌸

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Pastel Neon Half Moons

Hey beauties & happy Tuesday!

I hope everyone’s weekend & beginning of a new week was lovely. We’re quickly approaching March, & that is probably the weirdest nail art month for me because it’s the least inspiring — aside from St. Patrick’s Day, of course. Naturally, I’m craving Spring, as I have been for the last few posts, but Winter has actually hit Halifax which is lame.

So give me some neon!

Today’s look was a quick & easy look to satisfy my neon cravings. A little hint of Spring, even when it’s way below freezing.

The polishes I used for this manicure are: 

  • Base Coat: Essie Hard To Resist Glow & Shine 
  • Top Coat: Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat
  • Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Neon Electri-Lime 
  • Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Orchid-ing Aside
  • Paper Hole Reinforcements (Dollarama stationary section)

How cute are these! I love the pastel purple & the neon green paired together. It’s a nice bright look on a chilly day — which we’ve been having a lot of lately. I may not be able to break out the Spring dresses yet, but at least I can wear some Spring nail polishes. It’s the little things that make me happy.

Also this is a super, super easy look to do. Half moons this way were one of the earlier nail art techniques I taught myself — circa like 2011/2012 — but even after all the years, it’s still one of my easy nail art go tos. Seriously… if you’re wanting to dip your toes into the nail art game, but nervous about technique, go with this easy look! As long as you make sure your base is well dried, it’s pretty hard to muck this look up.

What do you think about these pastel neon half moons? Are they giving you all the Spring vibes? Let me know what you think down in the comments below, & if you would try this easy nail art look.

Have a lovely Tuesday! ♥︎

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SWATCH SUNDAY— Revlon Unicornicopia

Hello lovelies & happy Sunday! It’s a beautiful sunny Sunday here which only means one thing — let’s wear some holo. I was digging through my nail polish stash for this week’s Swatch Sunday, & decided to take a peek into my Revlon stash. There was a few polishes in there I’ve realized I bought, but never worn, but the one that really caught my eye was Revlon Unicornicopia.

3 coats, no top coat.

Revlon Unicornicopia is a beautiful liner holographic lavender that was originally released in 2017. The formula is a bit thin — I needed 3 coats for full coverage — but I found it dries quickly. I had no issues with the coats pulling when you apply another, something which I’ve found with other holographic shades.

The sparkle is quite pretty, & I like the pale lavender shade it has. It’s almost pastel, which obviously makes me feel Spring vibes (yes… still). We still be digging out from a big snowstorm on Friday, but that doesn’t mean I can’t still be dreaming of Spring.

& obviously I needed to show off a sun shot of this holo. The liner holo definitely shows up better in the sunshine than under my daylight bulb with camera flash. Both are gorgeous though! & I’m really glad I finally pulled this shade out. It deserves its day in the sun.

What do you think about Revlon Unicornicopia? Do you love this beautiful lavender holo as much as I do? Do you have any of the Revlon Holochromes in your stash? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a lovely Sunday!