Fall Nail Trends

 Hello!

via Refinery29

   Just popping in to mention an article I found today -- Fall Nail Trends! This might be ridiculous to anyone ever but me, but I'm totally obsessed with doing my nails (and fall, too), so I was weirdly excited to read it. Anyway, here's the article.

 xoxo,
   Zoe

Review :: Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color

    Hello!

  I recently picked up some Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color in Golden Conduct, and I'm here to share a review of my experience!

The magnetic cap is removable

   If you've yet to hear of this magnetic nail color, here's the run down: the polish is a "formula" infused with magnetic particles that move when exposed to the "specially designed" magnet, which is then supposed to create a little pattern. The magnet is built onto the cap of the polish. Many brands are jumping on the trend (as usual; remember those inescapable shatter polishes?), but I figured if I were to try it, I should try a more classic brand, one that's not too cheap but not too expensive. Enter Miss Hansen!

   The rules: put on a base coat (like with any manicure), then put on a light coat of the polish and wait to dry. Apply a thick coat on your nail, immediately followed by the magnet. Place the magnet on your cuticle (there's a handy-dandy little grasp so you know where to put it), and hold it there for 10 seconds.  Then remove, and viola!

  My thoughts: the starting color is incredibly lackluster. Luckily, though, the magnet takes care of that. As far as holding the magnet for "10 seconds" -- I found the longer I held, the better the effect; I held mine for 15-25 seconds per nail. When I removed it... the effect was gorgeous. It was like nail art, without any extra tools, mess, or polish. The actual swirls were a lot wider-apart than advertised, as you can see, but actual result was evident. It took several days to begin chipping (I added a top coat). Let me note, though, that removing the polish was way more difficult than I imagined! It took about a cotton ball per two fingers.

 In conclusion: I adore this polish. It's easy to apply, the effect is impressive, and it lasts a while without chipping. However, removal of the polish is challenging, so take that into consideration if you're wondering whether or not to drop the ten bucks.

 Brand: Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Color :: Golden Conduct
 Cost: $10
 Would I buy it again: Yes.


  Have you tried any trendy nail polishes lately? Did they turn out okay?

  xoxo,
   Zoe

How To: Sunset Nails!

   Hello!

  I'm here today with a nail tutorial for super-easy sunset nails. I was inspired by one of my friends' manicure that she had done at a salon, but I took the main features of it and gave it an easier twist. Let's get this (beach!) party started.

You'll Need...

~ Yellow nail polish ~

~ Pink nail polish ~

~ Orange nail polish ~

~ Black nail art polish ~

~ Top coat ~

~ Base coat ~

Step One: After you started your basic manicure, apply yellow polish to 1/3 of your nail (the cuticle, the side, or the top). Mix up the way you apply it per nail, so no sunset is the same.

Step Two: Do the same with the orange. The colors should look like they're melting into each other.

Step Three: Do it one last time with the pink. I ran over them with a top coat while still mildly wet, to blend the colors even more.

Step Four: Make a palm tree with your black nail art polish. Start with the trunk (thick at the base), pulling it toward the center of your nail (thinning as you go). Make your "fronds" where you left off at the center.

Step Five: Repeat the palm-tree process with one or two of your other nails. I did my thumb, middle, and pinky fingers.

  It's vacation at your fingertips! :)

 xoxo,

    Zoe

Nail Tips & Tricks

   Hello!



  As promised in my basic manicure post, here are some of my mani/pedi tips! Read on below for more.

Why wash hands first? This removes any dirt and grime from your nails, as well as softens them slightly (for softer nails, try dipping them in rose water). Don't forget to follow with polish remover!

Why clip before polishing? I thought this one was kind of obvious: so you can see where you're clipping! Also, this way your nails won't break underneath your polish.

Use remover to thin out chunky nail polish? What? Yep, pouring a tiny bit of nail polish remover into a bottle of old/thick/chunky polish will thin it out and get it back to normal! Credit to my mom for her worldy wisdom.

Why do I need a high-quality top coat? I used to have a low-quality, Dollar General brand of clear polish as my top coat, and it was crazy chunky and sticky! After two or three uses, it barely applied at all. Oh, and I'm pretty much super positive the fumes got me sick. Well, maybe not. But probably.

Why should I apply a top coat throughout the week? I want to say to do it every other day, because that will ensure your manicure lasts at least all week, but I never have time to do that myself. Try top-coating mid-week, at least, to avoid chipping (or more chipping) and anything else that could compromise your hardwork.

Why can't I file back and forth? This is important: Filing back-and-forth actually weakens nail fibers and cuticles! I know, mind-blowing. Try filing all one way.

Why can't I apply my next coat when my base coat is still wet? Oh, come on. :)

What do you mean, 'leave your bottle open'? I mean, when you're applying, say, your top coat, leave the original polish bottle open, in case it's actually still wet. That way, if you've gotta redo your entire nail for some reason, you won't ruin the rest of your polish in the act of opening the top coat bottle.

Not on the list...

  For shatter coats, I've found less is more. Don't glop the shatter polish, use only a light coat for the full effect.

To make sure your nails are dry, tap two together. If there's any resistance, then they're not fully dry. If they don't stick at all, you're ready to roll.

  Do you have any nail tips and tricks of your own?

  xoxo,

     Zoe

How To: Do a Basic Manicure!

  Hello!

  I've made a little diagram on how to do a basic manicure...

 Allow me to elaborate...

1) Gather your supplies: (Clear) Base coat, (clear) top coat, nail file, nail clippers, cotton ball, nail polish(es)

2) Remove dirt and old polish. This will not only make your manicure smoother, but last longer, too!

3) Clip your nails, then file them.

4) Apply one even base coat.

5) Apply nail polish.

6) Apply one even top coat.

 Be on the lookout for my nail tips and tricks post soon!

 xoxo,

   Zoe

This & That (2)

  Hello, hello!

  
    It's been a while since my last This & That, hasn't it? So sorry! These pictures are all (but one) via my iPhone, but I might have a couple better ones (related to these) in an upcoming post; I just wanted to make a quick blurb about my recent going-ons. Anyway, here's just a little update of what I've been up to lately...

(This is after a day...Sorry for the little bit of chipping and wear you see!)

  

   I finally tried Galaxy Nails (best tutorial, right here!)! They look a-okay...I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed with the hold-up! It must have something to do with the polish I'm using; 8 of my nails' polish came completely off by the end of today! I had to redo them, mid-week. Bummer!

     I've been super smooth-obsessed lately, but fresh strawberries have been hard to find. Frozen it is!



  Eeep! I saw Sleeping Beauty for the first time recently and loveloveloved it! You're able to see the 1959 creation date just by looking at the iconic 1950's drawing technique used in the fairies' faces. Although Beauty and the Beast will remain a favorite in my heart for all eternity (it's a tale as old as time, you know), Aurora takes the cake for prettiest princess! I'm head over heels for her peasant dress!

 Speaking of Beauty and the Beast.... I feel so lucky to have been able to see it in 3-D! I forgot how much I just adore that movie. These are some "commemorative lithographs" I was (super-psyched to be) able to get.

Check out this stellar "Keep Calm and Carry On" little display at Barnes & Noble!! All-time favorite quote; I could give you a history lesson on it. :) 



 While we're on the topic of Barnes and Noble (Books-a-Million is usually my bookstore poison, but this trip was last-minute), I got Mindy Kaling's Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) today. I've got to read a biography for school, and I already read Blackbeard, and Jack the Ripper was always kept anonymous by the 5-O, so... Also, from Hastings, I got This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel. ... MOTHER OF ALL THAT IS HOLY, THIS BOOK DESERVES AWARDS. ALL THE AWARDS. This is a prequel to Frankenstein (but written in 2011; fear not! It takes place in the period it's supposed to). I originally got it from the school library, but I saw it and had to have it. Why? See "MOTHER OF ALL THAT IS HOLY", above. I can't recommend a book more that I recommend this one, okay? Maybe I should do a whole review? Annnyywaaayyy, also pictured is my brand-spankin'-new deer sweater (clearance, baby!). I've been dying for an animal sweater for the longest time. So stoked!

 (source)

Ringer returned this week! Next to New Girl, it makes my Tuesday nights even more perfect.

 As for the news!

• Jason Wu for Target is unleashed this Sunday! Will it be like Missoni? I don't know, but I'll be getting up early. I may be broke (thanks, ModCloth), but I've got a $25 Target giftcard that's been burning a hole in my pocket...
•  I've been crafting! Be on the lookout for some crafting posts, and maybe a special baking one, too!
•  Don't be confused by the mini-redesign of the blog! I've been working up a storm!

   

       What've you been up to lately?

 xoxo,
    Zoe