Wintry Butterfly Skittlette

Hi friends!

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Today, I have a quick little nail art to share with you all.  I did this mani on a whim trying out some new nail art vinyls from Whats Up Nails and just loved it so much that it needed it's own post.  Vinyl nail art stencils have taken over the world.  They make complicated nail art so simple that anyone can use them and still get a good mani.  Beginner or expert nail artist...no problem.  Whats Up Nails has so many patterns to chose from that is can be overwhelming.  Usually, I have a set idea of a manicure in my head and then find the tools and polishes to make it.  But this time, I let the pattern of the vinyls guide me.  I saw these delicate butterfly vinyls and got a vision of crystalline butterflies flitting about in the the snow and ice.  Like a wintry butterfly garden with snowflakes and ice flowers all around.  (what can I say, I miss the snow and winter isn't winter without it. there's no winter in Florida)  So this manicure organically happened out of my longing for snow and ice.

Takko Tuesday! - Film Noir

Happy Takko Tuesday!

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I have another flawless Takko Lacquer creme to share with you today.  This past fall, Takko released six new creme shades into the Curiosities and Exquisites Collection.  "Film Noir" was one of them.  This is a deep grey creme polish that has a slight green tint.  The formula is just great.  You could definitely get away with one coat but I am showing you two in this swatch.  It is creamy and smooth and applies like a dream.  I really like this shade of grey, too.  It is dark but doesn't look black on your nails.  The slight green tinge makes it unique.  It is really is reminiscent of the the gritty feeling of old Film Noir movies.

Kiara Sky Nail Lacquer Swatches

Hi there!

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Are you all ready for Christmas this weekend?  I am almost done with all of the shopping.  I am a professional procrastinator...so I wait until the last minute to do everything.  Just like getting these swatches out to you!  I have waited too long to share with you pretty polishes from the brand Kiara Sky.  I have seen this brand floating around Instagram for a while now but had never tried them myself.  They are known for their professional nail polishes, gel polishes and dip powder.  They have a nice core collection of colors.  I was sent a random selection of nail lacquers to try out and I was quite pleased with the formulas.  Let's take a look at some of their shades!

Takko Tuesday! - Boyfriend Jeans

Happy Takko Tuesday!

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Oh man...do I have a beauty to share with you today!  We all know how skilled Takko Lacquer is at making an interesting shimmer polish.  Well, they have not disappointed with the stunning shimmer that is "Boyfriend Jeans".  This shade is from the most recent collection and it was a favorite for many.  It is the dark and sexy sister of "Kiss the Sky" in my opinion.  The base is a deep navy blue crelly that has a little bit of grey in it.  There is a large amount of intense, coppery red shimmer in this polish.  It looks like glowing embers glittering on your nails.  The contrast of the dark base and the fiery shimmer is just so stunning.  The formula is nice and opaque.  I am showing you two coats here with a glossy top coat.  The vegan, vitamin E infused, Takko Lacquer base does dry down a little flat, so be sure to use glossy top coat to bring out that incredible shimmer.

Takko Tuesday! - Moonrise

Happy Takko Tuesday!

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Only a few more Tuesdays left in the year to share gorgeous Takko Lacquer polishes with you all!  I think I am going to end the year with some of the smooth and perfect cremes that Takko has to offer.  "Moonrise" is a cool toned nude taupe creme with an amazing formula.  I am showing you just one single coat  here.  ONE COAT!  That is quite a feat for a lighter nude color.  I like the shade of this nude as well.  It is cooler toned with almost a grey undertone.  As I said before, I am showing you one coat with a glossy top coat here.  I think I forgot to put base coat on my pinkie.  My ridges are showing!  Lol.

For a little more nail art, I decided to do a distressed, grungy look.  I dry brushed Createur and Starships over the base of Moonrise.  I added a glossy top coat to the whole look and wore it all day.  It was great!

Moonrise is part of the Curiosities and Exquisites Collection with is an ongoing collection of cremes and toppers.  It is currently available on the Takko Lacquer site for $12 a bottle.

Takko Lacquer shop and restock info

Takko Lacquer Instagram and Twitter

Takko Lacquer stockists: Color4Nails, Mei Mei Signatures, Femme Fatale, Color4Nails


Thanks for stopping by!
 - Amy McG (McPolish)

*products provided by the maker for honest review*

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Random Nails of the Day

Hi folks!

Press SamplePurchased by Me

With all of the reviews I do, I hardly have time to share the manicures I actual wear during the day.  I figured I could group them all together and share them here once and a while.  I got this idea from my friend Jen at AggiesDoItBetter.com.  This is collection of manicures that I actual wore for the day during the past month that haven't been posted on my blog or social media yet.  Usually, these photos get tossed into a folder on my phone for times when I don't have anything new to post.    But they want to be seen!  So let's give them their own time in the spotlight :)

Disclaimer...some of these polishes may be older, limited edition, discontinued or otherwise hard to find.  I apologize if you fall in love with something and have a hard time finding it.  But by checking out these makers, I am sure you will see something you will love even if you can't find one of these specific polishes.  Get ready for #notd spam!

Tassels and Fringe - Born Pretty Store

Hi all!

Press SamplePurchased by Me

Ready for some nail art?  I don't feel like I do as much nail art as I would like to.  Collection reviews take up a lot of time.  But today, I have a little easy nail art to share with you!  I was sent some adorable nail water slide decals from Born Pretty Store a while back and just had to show them off.  This set of decals reminds me so much of native american art and clothing designs.  Chevrons and fringe and tassels with brown and turquoise accents.

I started with a base of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in "Yummy Yams" and "White Out".  Then I cut out the designs I wanted from the sheet and placed them in water for approximately 30 seconds.  Once the paper backing was soaked, then decal slid right off.  I placed them each on the nail and smoothed out any bubble or wrinkles.  Then I added a glossy top coat and some tiny gold studs (also from BPS but I cannot find them on the site anymore).  

I really liked how these turned out.  I think that my favorite designs are the turquoise with fringe and the tassels.  But there are so many ways you can wear these decals.  They are a simple and easy way to get some very nice nail art on your nails.  I dig water slide decals!  Especially thin and clear ones like these.

Born Pretty Store has a ton of water slide decals to choose from.  Along with a huge selection of inexpensive nail art supplies.  If you want to save 10% off of your order, use my code 'AVAW10' at check out.  It is not an affiliate code, just a coupon.  Happy nail arting!

Smooches!

 - Amy McG aka McPolish

*decals provided for review, polishes purchased by me*

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Takko Tuesday! - Merbunny

Happy Takko Tuesday!

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Today, we are taking a look at a very sweet and delicate takkito.  "Merbunny" is a new polish from the latest Fall 2016 Collection.  It may not look like a typical fall shade but it is gorgeous all the same.  Merbunny is a pale milky pink jelly polish that is packed with small iridescent green flakies and soft golden flakes.  It is quite sheer but applies so beautifully.  Usually, pale pink sheer polishes apply with lots of streaks an unevenness.   But Merbunny was applied smoothly and had a nice squishy jelly effect on the nail.  The flakie in this polish are quite delicate, too.  I think the combination of green and gold compliment the soft pink nicely.  I did three coats with a glossy top coat for these swatches.  I was pleased with the opacity even with my longer nails.  You can still see a hint of visible nail line but it was not distracting in the least.  Isn't this shade just so precious?  I seriously love it!

I love it!  I hope you do, too.  If you want to get your hands on this baby, be sure to set your alarm for 8:30pm EST this Friday.  Takko Lacquer will be restocking the Fall collection along with a few older multichrome polishes on December 9th.  This will not be a preorder but just a regular restock.  So get your trigger finger ready!  Takko will also be restocking at their international stockist very soon, so keep your eye on their social media for that announcement.


Takko Lacquer shop and restock info

Takko Lacquer Instagram and Twitter

Takko Lacquer stockists: Color4Nails, Mei Mei Signatures, Femme Fatale, Color4Nails


Thanks for stopping by!
 - Amy 'McPolish' McG

*products provided by the maker for honest review*

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Whimsical Ideas by Pam - Holiday Collection 2016

Hello all!

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I have another lovely holiday collection to share with you all today.  Whimsical Ideas by Pam always has great holiday themed collections...for all of the holiday.  In this collection of six polishes, she covers Christmas, Hanukkah and the winter season in general.  We have three glitter toppers and three base colors to look at today.  These polishes are available right now, so let's go!

Nine Zero Lacquer - Holiday 2016 Collection

Hey there!

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Can you believe it is December already?  Where does the time go?  The holiday season is in full swing and I have some lovely nail polishes to go along with it.  Nine Zero Lacquer has released a nice collection of polishes in different finishes for the holidays.  There is something for everyone here.  Let's take a look!