M.I.A. ( not the singer)

Hey guys, sorry i haven't posted in a long while, i've been taking a break from the polished life to take care of some other things as well as breath real air (not filled with those oh so wonderful polish and remover fumes)

I will be coming back soon!

kelly :)

kreativ + glitter.

Thank you Kaki @ Glitter Obsession and Kimberly @ Nail Reflections for passing these award/badges on to me. The first is the "glitter" badge, to honor a fellow bloggers love for all things that sparkle and the second is the Kreativ Blogger Award!

 

rules: 1. thank the giver

2. share a glitter pic for proof!

3. pass it on

I give this to anyone who feels that they can relate to the badge!

rule 1: link to giver

rule 2: complete form below

rule 3: award to 10 blogs and tell them

rule 4: list 7 random things about yourself

favorite song: ...at the moment... bjork- venus as a boy

favorite dessert - cheese cake!

what ticks you off? bad drivers

when your upset you...? watch a movie that reminds me of childhood

favorite pet? no favorites! but i love my puppies i have now of course!

black or white? definitely black!

biggest fear?-  being eaten alive... totally weird, i know.

everyday attitude? - happy!

what is perfection? its in the eye of the beholder

guilty pleasure- i'm a video game junkie

7 things

1. i have a collection of vintage sequin shirts

2. i live with my bf, Tommy

3. i'm definitely a dog person

4. i'll watch any movie once

5. i hate garlic

6. you couldn't pay me to jump off a boat in the ocean, no matter how deep!

7. i danced and did competitions for 12 years

i pass it to (i'm just going to do 6)

1. Nail Reflections! of course :)

2. Maria's nail polish blog! :)

3. deez nails! :)

4. copy that copy cat! :)

5. color and creativity

6. anyone who wants it!

thank you again to kaki and kimberly!

thanx for stopping by!

102!

Wow i can't believe that i have reached 102 followers in just over a month and 1/2!!!! Thank you all for being interested in and supporting my new found love, i appreciate it more than you know!!!! I'll be posting a simple, little giveaway soon once i figure out the details of it! so stay tuned!!!! :)

grateful and excited!

Kelly!

Review

Review on Martha Stewart Halloween Glitter/Glue 6pk.

So I bought these glitters actually in August of this past year, and have become obsessed with her glitters ever since!
Now as you probably know her glitters are priced on the higher range of craft glitter, but let me tell you, THEY ARE WORTH IT!

The quality of the glitter is outstanding, and if you love glitter as much as i do her colors are DELICIOUS and her packaging i super clean too!
 This pack of glitter comes in black, silver, red, green, blue and orange, colors which are perfect for the halloween/fall season.
They are super fine and loose so the glitter never gets sticky and clump together.
Perfect for a light dusting as well as creating a super metallic surface that goes on smooth and clean no matter how many layers. The viles of glitter are generous, depending of course how often you glitter, but mine are still half way full after 4 months!

Note: The only problem with using a lot of layers of glitter both loose and polish is that you need to be prepared to scrub harder when removing it!!

One of the most important things about using any sort of embellishment whether it be craft glitter or micro beads is how the colors hold, and Martha Stewart glitters deliver! Some glitters bleed into nail polish or when your at the end of manicure and it bleeds when putting on top coat... that's the worst!
However I have found that Seche Vite - fast dry top coat is less likely to cause bleeding, and O.P.I.- top coat almost always makes poorly dyed embellishments bleed, which can ruin the design!

Now as far as the glue is concerned I haven't used it, but I'm confident it is more than adequate for crafting on paper and such, but obviously not meant for nails.

All in all if you see Martha Stewart in a craft store next fall I highly recommend buying it! you will not be disappointed! This specific 6 pack of colored glitter is seasonal, however there are other color combos offered all through out the year.

You can buy the 6 pack of martha stewart glitters at Michaels, Jo Ann fabric and crafts, and other craft stores, or online HERE

Tutorials

Hello all,


Three tutorials are now available for trying out on my TUTORIAL PAGE!

If you try any of these I would love to see images of your results! and I ask that you credit and link back to me!

UPDATE!!!

Hi guys,

navigating this blog just became easier!


You can now search through posts using 5 categories of labels: STYLE, COLOR, EMBELLISHMENT, BRAND and OTHER- which includes material, level of difficulty, personal notes and much more!

You can also browse other blogs on my BLOG ROLL TAB, which lists all the blogs I currently follow in alphabetical order. As well as the 25 most recently updated sites which appear on the lower right hand side of the blog at all times.

Another tab available is the Challenge tab which will show links to completed challenges and special posts.
You can also see product reviews on the REVIEWS tab,  HOW-TO's for some of my designs can be found on the TUTORIAL page, and amazing blogger giveaways on the GIVEAWAYS page!

If you encounter any problems with any links, or would like YOUR BLOG to appear on the blog roll tab please email me at basecoattopcoat.kelly@gmail.com

Thank you,

Kelly

mommicure

Did my moms nails for an xmas party! she never EVER gets designs... and she generally only wears reds and pinks so this was exciting for the both of us.

I used O.P.I. - designer...de better, 2 coats for the base, and then adhered the red and green rhinestone cabochons using 10 Professional Nail Lacquer - perfectly clear (#401), finally a coat of seche VITE - quick dry top coat!
She was so excited, it was awesome! :)

Review

Hi guys, this is kind of a rant more than review, but i thought i should share it since every time i have to use it i feel the same way about it.
It's about CUTEX protein enriched regular nail polish remover. I JUST HATE IT!
One of the main reasons why i dislike this polish remover is because it makes my hands sticky! maybe its the protein enriched part of it, but my hands get greasy from using it and that sux. I like a nail polish remover that makes my hands look and feel clean, which this fails to do. It says it works two times faster, but i have to rub twice as hard to get the polish and such off.  For some reason with this brand, more than any other, the cotton balls always get stuck to my fingers and nails.... its just annoying. TOO STICKY!
I also, when using it like that cool feeling of nail polish remover, maybe this is just me, but it sort of adds to that feeling of cleanliness. This brand however is cool to the touch but if you put it on a cotton ball and use it its warm and almost syrupy. The one thing I do like about this remover is that it does not dry out your skin as much, however that may also depend on the soap you use to wash its residue off.
Phew! glad i got that out of my system! lol

Maybe you feel the same way? maybe you don't?
have you had similar experiences with another brand?
is there a brand you think is the best?

Let me know! :)

kelly

WOW!

Thanks to Theodora from Red Hair and Black Nail Polish I was given the Versatile blogger award!

1.) List seven things about yourself

2.) Pass to 15 bloggers

Now i've seen that other bloggers have answered this and the questionnaire so first here are 7 things about yours truly and following i'll do the little survey.

1.  I love all animals , and am obsessed with dogs!

2. When i was in high school I had a pet chinchilla :)

3. I have  a 3/4 sleeve or tattoos on my left arm

4. I also collect DVDs, Insects and Occult books

5. My middle name is Nicole

6. I dislike extremes in temperature, and am super picky about the weather

7. I wish it could be halloween all year long!

Now for the Survey!

MakeUp:
Blush or Bronzer ?  blush
Lip Gloss or Lipstick ?   Lipstick
Eyeliner or Mascara ?   Both ? mascara, occasionally both
Foundation or Concealer ?   neither
Neutral or Colored Eyeshadow ?  neutral
Pressed or Loose Eyeshadow ?   doesn't matter, i don't wear it often
Brushes or Sponges ?  brush

Nails:
Long or Short ?  Long, but they aren't there yet

Natural or acrylic? Natural, acrylics feel to weird

bright or dark? depends on the mood

flower or no flower? depends on the design, but generally always a design

Body: 

perfume or body splash? perfume

lotion or body butter? Lotion

body wash or soap? body wash

Fashion
Jeans or Sweat Pants ?  Jeans, definitely
Long Sleeve or short? both
Dresses or Skirts ?  both
Stripes or Plaid ?   Stripes! but plaid is cute too
Flip Flops or Sandals ?   sandals
Scarves or Hats ?   both
Studs or Dangly Earrings ?  both
Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots ?   riding boots
Jacket or Hoodie ?   both, normally at the same time

Hair
Curly or Straight ?   my hair is pin straight to getting any sort of texture is next to impossible
Bun or Ponytail ?   bun
Bobby Pins or Butterfly Clips ?   Bobby Pins generally, but butterfly clips because i love the 90's-2000's
Hair Spray or Gel ?   Hair Spray
Long or Short ?   i've had both, and change my hair every year, but for now long
Light or Dark ?   dark
Side-swept Bangs or Full Bangs ?   both, again, now I do full and short
Up or Down ?   down

Random
Rain or Shine ?  rain if i'm indoors.. shine... as long as its not too hot... not much for sun
Summer or Winter ?   again, i don't like extremes and both are... so summer if i can get cool and winter if i can keep warm, but i guess... winter because its festive
Fall or Spring ?   FALL FALL FALL .... and spring
Chocolate or Vanilla ?   Vanilla

I'm only going to do 10 bloggers because i'm feeling lazy so here they are:

 Nevorpurify's Nail Art

Nails and stuff

Owls and Nail Polish

nightly nails

Art Evolve

Alexandra RC

my wet nails

Chroma Craze

finger painted

Another bottle of polish?!

Again thank you Theodora!

and thanx for stopping by!

The Nail Polish Tag

The Nail Polish Tag!

Thank you Courtney from GaGa for Nails for sharing this tag with me!

FAQ
✶ How many bottles of nail polish do you own?
      About 128 and counting!

✶ What is your favorite nail polish brand?
     hmm... it depends
       I'd have to say Love & beauty (forever 21 brand) because they are super cheap and are generally 1 coaters. they also come in a huge variety of colors and cremes, glitters, sheers, metallics etc. but most importantly they are $2.80 USD
     I Love O.P.I. because they are just beautiful and excellent quality. I also love their themes and the names of the polishes
    Butter is also a favorite although I currently only have a few i think their micro glitters are really amazing, super seamless and have plenty of glitter per coat.

✶ Do you love or hate crackle?
Well, I don't own any and never want to buy it... i guess i don't see the point of it? (sorry :)) but it looks cool sometimes

✶If you had your own nail polish line what would you call it?
haha thats funny... mmm... maybe BC//TC? idk... id probably have to think about that more.

✶What Nail Polish does not compliment you?
not that it would stop me from using them but certain yellows and certain greens just make my skin color look a little sickly

✶ Name two of your best nail art friends?
i'll name 3! nail art beads, glitter and Seche VITE - quick dry top coat


✶ What was the best nail polish gift you've ever received?
 A gift i gave myself 72 pots of different kinds of glitters and beads! (seriously, like candy)

✶Make a speech about thanking the blogger
 I just want to say THANK YOU to Courtney (who is also a aspiring geologist!) from GaGa for Nails. My favorite thing about this bloggers nail style is her use of colors and her interchangeable manicure designs.  If you check out her blog you will see exactly what i mean. Now she's very knew to the nail scene, but from what i have seen i really lover her blog, and i look forward to the nails she'll be bringing to us in the future!



Rules:
Answer these 10 questions
Pass the tag on to 5 other blogs
alert the people who you've tagged


1 Nail Reflections
2 Red Hair and Black Nail Polish
3 OMG noodles
4 Paint that nail
5 KK Nails

Top 10 Award :)

Hello hello! :)

I want to first start off by thanking Nail Reflections and Chroma Craze for thinking of me for this award! its always nice to know your blogging is appreciated, and it is quite an honor to be receiving this, especially being so new to the blog scene!

So the rules for this award are to do the following

- Thank the person for whom you have received

the award and link to their blog

- Set the top 10 award image on your blog

- Make a list of your top 10 cosmetics

1. Miracle by Lancome (perfume)

2. Dove Body Wash

3. Olive Oil for my cuticles

4. Seche Vite quick dry top coat

5. L'OREAL - true match blush

6. Water with lemon juice

7. Burts Bees beeswalk lipbalm

8. Crest whitening strips

9. Maybelline Great lash Mascara

10. Aveeno Daily moisturizing lotion

- Tag 10 other bloggers

I give this award to

Nail Reflections

Chroma Craze

Chalkboard Nails

Red Hair and Black Nail Polish

Nail Stories

Moves Slightly

OMG Noodles

Nails From Fairytale

Nailasaurus

nevorpurify's nail art

Thanx again for supporting me and my blog it is truly appreciated!

i'll be posting my POINTSETTA themed nails later tonight!

GIGANTIC FESTIVE GIVEAWAY CONTEST

Hello! today I bring to you amazing news! ASK Cosmetics Inc. is having a HUGE giveaway
called the "Gigantic Festive Giveaway Contest"!!!

It's a Canadian based cosmetic company that stresses quality of their products above all else! They offer healthy and safe products that replenish and fortify your nails!

The prize is unbelievable too! It includes the companies entire line of products, worth $250.00 CAD
Seriously AMAZING!

The prize package includes: 

 2 bottles of T.I.P.S. Nail Conditioner,

1 bottle of T.I.P.S. for Toes,

 1 x Contour Nail File,

 1 x Revival Nail Polish Remover,

 1 x Revival Hand & Nail Cleanser, 

1 x Revival Skin Conditioning Milk, 

1 x Revival Daily Use Shampoo, 

1 x Revival Conditioner,

 1 x Revival Styling Creme,

 and 1 bottle of each of 9 ASK Cosmetics’ Nailwear polishes

 = total retail value of $250.00 CAD.

This contest ends December 22nd 2011, and only requires a few simple steps to enter, everyone including international can apply too! this is only 1 of 3 giveaways this company is offering so check them out NOW!

To see all the requirements and begin your entry process go to the link below!
Lisa's Nailcare

To see their facebook page click facebook.com/askcosmetics

Good luck to all those who enter!

:(

my blog is broken! is anyone else having this problem?!

i can't see any of my members! this had happened awhile ago but went away till about an hour ago!
i was wondering if it's just me who is unable to see this or is nothing showing up for you as well?
if anyone has had this problem and have been successful at fixing it please TELL ME YOUR SECRETS!
thankyouuuuu!!! :)

kelly

Art Friendly :)

Hello hello hello,


So today i was awarded this awesome Nail Art Badge by fellow blogger Kimberly from Nail Reflections, for being a Nail Art Friendly Blogger! Thank you Kimberly! i'm very excited because this is my first award! :-) I love love love thinking of fun and new nail art designs as well as admiring and being inspired by the creations of my fellow nail-enthusiasts! I'd like to pass this badge on  to some of my favorite nail art blogs!

Kimberely @ Nail Reflections :)

Linda @ Copy That Copy Cat :)

Tera @ Nails in Nippon :)

Paint that Nail :)

Courtney @GaGa for nails :)

Shannara @ Nails and Stuff :)

Sylvia @ Nail Art Creations :)

Rebecca @ Rebecca Likes Nails :)

Florence @ Everbella Beauty n Nails

check them out!
and thanx for stopping by!!

24 days of XMAS nails!

hello hello hello!


today i want to share with you this up and coming challenge that is spreading through the blogosphere!
Created by paint that nail to coincide with the days leading up to the christmas holiday! (need not to celebrate to join in!)  nail themes include fun and festive imagery such as gingerbread man, ornaments reindeer and more! topping off with a visit from santa  and your favorite manicure for the eve! so take a look at the list,  and if you would like to participate and include a link to your blog to share your holiday cheer than tell me!

it's almost here! :)

base coat // top coat: about me // about this blog

I've always been interested in ACCESSORIES, brooches, necklaces, earrings and the like, but my love of NAIL ART manifested itself into an obsession during my years as a Jewelry and Metal-smithing undergrad. My specialty is COLOR // ENAMEL, having worked with vitreous enamels for several years, and having a background in illustration, it was an easy and exciting transition into miniature works with NAIL POLISH. The question; why can't nails be transitory and at the same time valued as much as your favorite necklace, or that flea market ring you just had to have? well, they can! Some of the most valued and precious of things are those which their appeal is based on temporality, that they can only be yours to treasure and appreciate for a short while. Sure, a diamond last a life time, but how many people have original diamond encrusted nails?? not many! (i hope//think) Ultimately, my goal of this blog is to bring to you some of what i would like to think of as personal nail conquests and fetes, tutorials, templates, wish list, inspirations and noteworthy NAIL POLISH,  NAIL ART designs, people and blogs!

DISCLAIMER: i am not left handed, so sometimes things get a little out of control

feel free to e-mail me any questions // comments at basecoattopcoat.kelly@gmail.com!

ENJOY!!

-Kelly