Nailipedia on Manicure Monday

Illamasqua is one of my favourite polish brands: This blog debuted with Milf and have acquired a number of their polishes since then.

Last night I uploaded a photo on Instagram in which I used Faithful prominently and got a lovely compliment from them.

This evening, as I was painting my nails with Raindrops, I received the following comment:

In case you are not familiar with their site, there is a section on it which is called Socialise and under the heading Manicure Monday they mention some of their favourite nails from the web.

I've seen those fingers before!

I was over the moon! I know it's a drop in the ocean compared to the exposure some bloggers get, but it's always a nice feeling when people like what you do. Not bad for the first Monday of 2014!

My First Giveaway

Today's post is very special to me. I have been meaning to do a giveaway for some time, but I wanted it to be a little different.

So, with the help from my good friend and fellow polish collector Carolina, I can offer something which will make a super kawaii addition to your stashes: The Thelma & Louise - Club de Fans collection. These polishes were imported from Argentina by me and are not available here in the UK.

If you are familiar with Gwen Stefani's Harajuku Lovers' line, you will find these dolls VERY familiar. I am not entirely sure how Thelma & Louise can get away with ripping off the design, nor do I particularly care! I love Harajuku Lovers (and most Japanese-inspired things) and needed to have these cuties in my collection.

So, what can you win? All four dolls, see below:

Lily (green/blue/silver/holo hexagonal glitter)

Katie (pink creme)

Penny (turquoise hexagonal glitter)

Lucy (ultramarine blue shimmer)

The dolls can be removed/interchanged and there are normal caps underneath. Brushes are on the small side but pick up enough product. The creme and shimmer will be opaque in two coats, glitters are likely to require more (I would use them for layering).

If you are a polish snob (and I am by no means judging!), then you might be disappointed: although the formula is decent, these beauties are not B3F.

Sadly, this giveaway is UK only because of the postage restrictions on dangerous goods imposed by Royal Mail last year. It will start on Saturday, 4th January at 12 am (GMT), and will run for four weeks, until Saturday, 1st February at 12 am (GMT). Please note that the prize was bought by me and there is no alternative cash value. To enter and for full T&Cs, please see the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of the post.

Best of luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mini Mani: Sofia the First Nail Art

This could also be called "Mummy must be insane", because complicated nail art on a four-year-old is always a challenge! 

My daughter asked me to paint Disney's latest princess, Sofia the First, on her tiny nails, so I had a go. 

I used Amelie, Jazmin, Karen and Bartola by Make MyDay; Black Onyx, Glitzerland and Do You Think I'm Tex-y by OPI; Fall Brown by Models Own Pro and Avalon by a-england.

See the results for yourselves!

Getting decent photos was almost impossible, but I tried to capture the main components: Sofia's face, her crown and the Amulet of Avalor. Sadly, my topcoat dragged a little of the black detail on Sofia's face, but I am pleased with the overall design.

I used this photo for inspiration:

www.watchcartoononline.com / Disney Junior

2013 in Nail Art

Happy New Year everyone!

As you are aware, I am mostly active on Instagram. I wanted to share this video I made of my Nail Art during the past year. I hope you like it!

Holo Gradient: Turquoise Blue to Green

When I tried the Born Pretty Store turquoise blue holo, I immediately thought it would look great with an old favourite of mine: Nubar Reclaim.

So here they are together, in all their holographic glory. Feast your eyes on this radiant combo.

I think they complement each other perfectly. Would you agree?