Product Review: Sally Hansen Salon Effects

There is no Minx salon in my area, so when these came out I was especially excited.  I have tried Frock Star (multi-colored glitter pictured here), Misbehaved (gold with black fishnet), and Laced Up (cream with black lace).  Misbehaved is a stand out, it looked really great.

Obviously for around $10 these aren't entirely affordable, especially for the looks that are easily recreated with regular polish, but they wear so well.  Mine stayed on for two weeks and would have gone longer.  Plus no drying time!

I used the glitter ones as my Bonnaroo manicure.  I knew I was going to be hard on my nails that weekend, and wouldn't have time for touch ups.  These were the perfect solution, plus in the sunshine they sparkled like mad.  The look was easily recreated with glitter polish, but the perfect dispersion of each color fleck, outrageous shine, and durability made it worth it.

I highly recommend these for special occasions, long trips, or when you don't have the time to sit down to do your nails properly.

Tribal

This was my attempt at recreating the original design done by attackedastoria who is stunningly talented, and obviously more accomplished than me.  You should definitely check out her nail art.

I am obsessed with tribal patterns.  And florals.  And fine cheeses.  But that is besides the point.  I knew I had to attempt a tribal pattern despite being a little afraid that my complete lack of artistic ability coupled with my inability to do anything with my right hand would prove an issue.  But in the end I love the result, and the pattern actually benefitted from my shaky hand, as the uneven lines work with the tribal nature.  Inadequacy lending to accuracy!  I'll take it.

Don't let this one scare you, it is super easy, and very forgiving...you can get sloppy with it and it will still turn out great.  Color combinations are endless, but I went with these because I wear so much lavender and mint.

To achieve this look start with a light color, I used China Glaze White on White, then paint stripes of various colors and width.  Finish with a striping brush and dotting tool in a dark color.

Polishes used:
China Glaze - White on White
OPI for Sephora - I Don't Bite
Sinful Colors - Pullover
Stripe Rite - Black
Urban Outfitters -  Green 10 (terrible formula...needs 5+ coats, goopy, just general eww but it was all I had in this color)

Simple Half Moons

The half moon trend has been all over the runways and red carpets lately.  I think it is a great place for nail art beginners to start with because not only is it easy, but it is very versatile.  You can mix up the colors, add french tips, or swap the moons for chevrons.  Plus, it is super elegant.  I really loved wearing this manicure.  I wear a lot of turquoise and coral bracelets and the colors always looked great with them.

To complete this manicure I used those neon circle stickers that are less than a dollar at Walgreens.  I first painted my nails the lighter color, then placed the stickers over my cuticles to create the semi-circles, and then painted the darker color before finishing it up with top coat.

Polishes used:
OPI - San Tan-tonio
Cheap Forever 21 navy blue
Seche Vite

Mondrian Manicure

Like I mentioned previously.  I am a huge De Stijl fan, and yes, I am a White Stripes fan, but the two are unrelated, I swear (although that is their best album, obviously).  This Mondrian homage is not as clean as I would like it to be, but no one really gets down that close to examine your manicure, so from a distance this looked great and I got many compliments.  This is a pretty classic nail art pattern for those that follow other blogs, but it was really my first foray into this art form, so it seemed fitting as a first post.

Polishes used:

• China Glaze - White on White
• Sinful Colors - Pullover
• OPI - Double Decker
• Stripe Rite nail art polish - black, blue

Vision

There are two things I really enjoy in life…music and nail art.  This blog will combine the two.  I will share my nail art, while showcasing a new band once a week.  I’ll occasionally share recipes, fashion observations, and other musings.

My nail art is simple.  I am not an artistic person.  I cannot draw a straight line to save my life.  If I can create these designs so can you, I promise.  I aim to show the average girl how to re-create these nails with as little effort and talent as possible.  My style is polished and understated…you will not see cutesy character nail art here.  My favorite art movement is De Stijl, which is often reflected in my designs.

The music I will share will be eclectic.  I will probably start with my favorite bands, so be ready for a flood of early ’00s anglophilia.

Besides that get ready for snarky observations, tips for people that are as lazy as I am, and generally “fabulous” finds from around the internet.  My main goal is to bring original content to an already cluttered marketplace.  I hope you enjoy.