Rock Star Fashion: Touring Summer 2015

One rock band that I've had the pleasure of being friends with for some time now is The Dirty Pearls.. Particularly Marty Eiee, their drummer and also the singer with the band, Midnight Crisis. They're having a good year. Marty usually rocks a black manlicure as you can see in this photo of him and good friend Lady Gaga and the superbly talented Tony Bennett, Brian Newman and the rest of The Dirty Pearls. Music and art shape our lives and these Rivington Rebels live for the music. The Dirty Pearls are also headlining a tour this Summer promoted by Jameson Irish Whiskey (they just hit L.A., next up N.Y.C.), have a new record, and Midnight Crisis; the band Marty's in as well, is releasing new music! This train don't stop!

After you look at the success and happiness and hear the addictive echoes of true rock.. Remember that this liberation costs nothing but a free soul and a willingness to embrace one's glorious self.
· Imagine getting to do what you love to do.
· Think of the liberation of saying "YES" to the creative spirit hungering inside you.
· Let your talents and creativity be your self worth; not the same degree everyone in your class also got.
There's a rebel soul inside all of us.. Let yourself blossom and don't be eye candy. Be soul food. All that matters at the end of the day is that you did it for yourself. Go on.. Rebel and free yourself! The music sings to you. YOU are a canvas, an instrument.. Go crazy!

There are a hundred shades of black and the stage picks up each one.

I highly suggest The Dirty Pearls and Midnight Crisis to anyone with a taste in music. The vocals are passionate; not autotuned and fake. The chords and harmonies hit you like a freight train.. Instead of killing you, it takes you on board this non-stop concert and you won't want to get off. It's too much fun. This isn't some looped sample; this is music. Try the links.. You'll be singing along in no time. Enjoy! Rock out with your nails out!

The Dirty Pearls Official Website
http://www.thedirtypearls.com/

The Dirty Pearls YouTube
https://m.youtube.com/#/user/thedirtypearls

The Dirty Pearls Soundcloud
https://soundcloud.com/thedirtypearls-2/

Midnight Crisis Soundcloud
https://soundcloud.com/midnight-crisis-nyc/

Baltimore Foot Freaks

https://youtu.be/3DsVYL541Ts

It doesn't get better than this! The Valley! That is a pedicure!

Nail Polish Chemicals Can Kill You!

A Twitter trend, #PerfectNails caught my attention today and  I read a heartbreaking New York Times article about how a large percentage of manicurists are very sick with respiratory diseases, cancer, skin infections and some mentioned having miscarriages. That means that EVERYONE who wears or works with nail polish, removers, solvents, acrylics, gels, nail art.. Is at risk. I am. You are. This might mean the death of my blog, yet I'd rather that die than my soul. And I already have cancer, so let me help you. There's hope though..

These manicurists, make up artists and nail artists who have suffered while beautifying us didn't have to and won't have to suffer in vain. We do our nails or get them done to feel good.. To relax.. To treat ourselves.. For our look.. These hard working manicurists have bills to pay and they want us enjoy our treat.

PERFECT NAILS, POISONED WORKERS
("Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers", New York Times)

The fumes you smell when you open a bottle of nail polish should be a warning enough that there is something toxic inside. Nothing in nature smells like your average nail polish. However, the smell goes away when they dry. The residue is washed off, we hope. When we look at the beauty of the art, we can forget about the chemicals. We eat with our fingers, touch mucous membranes with nails, touch other people with nails. Gel use can be just as dangerous especially if you don't use sunscreen and use UV instead of LED.

*The Toxic Threesome*

The three chemicals in nail products that are associated with the most serious health issues are dibutyl phtalate (currently banned in the European Union and Australia starting this June), toluene and formaldehyde (popular for embalming; cosmetic use will be 7banned in the European Union in 2016).
Obviously, if these ingredients were safe, Australia and the European Union wouldn't ban them.. Unless they ban things that are healthy.

As for the United States, regulations of chemicals in nail products are dictated by the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act of 1938. This law has, which hasn't been updated in seventy-seven years, states that cosmetic products and ingredients do not need F.D.A. premarket approval.
The F.D.A. has further mentioned,
“Neither the law nor F.D.A. regulations require specific tests to demonstrate the safety of individual products or ingredients.”

So.. If someone tries to tell you that the same chemicals that they use to preserve dead people are completely safe for your nails; they're probably a lobbyist or someone trying to sell you their nail polish.

*How To Polish Safely*

We don't have to stop painting our nails. Just play safe..

· Use 3/5 free, vegan and/or cruelty-free polish
· Use sunscreen when getting gels
· Try out nail stickers, foils, stamps (pictured)
· Tell nail polish companies you won't support animal testing
· Ask for ventilation and safer practices for manicurists
· Avoid toxic ingredients whenever possible
· Don't eat polish off nails!

A great many of nail polish companies have voluntarily removed certain chemicals from formulations. In 2006, several prominent brands had announced their products would no longer contain any of the three. The new products were labeled “3-free” or “5-free,” meaning they did not have the "Toxic Threesome" and/or less other toxins.

*Thank California And Pay It Forward, Nail Salons!*

California passed a measure that required cosmetics companies to disclose certain hazardous chemicals to the California Department of Public Health. These California advocates introduced a grass-roots program that officially recognizes “healthy nail salons,” which that carry “greener” products, are safer and that ventilate. The New York City Council held a hearing this month on a measure that would establish a similar voluntary program.

Today, 55 salons in California are in this program. Let's try to encourage more salons to do this! A lot of manicurists and nail artists are told by their doctors to wear gloves and masks, yet they can't because people say it doesn't look pretty. They need to! And it might be a little drafty in the salon, however they are inhaling all of these chemicals to make us feel good and look pretty. We can bundle up a little so that they won't cough. The one featured in the New York Times article is Lulu Nail Spa, a tiny salon with a dusky rose wall and white-leather pedicure chairs in Burlingame, California and it has 5 stars on Yelp! So if you're there, check them out and keep up the good, ethical work!

I will keep you in the loop about healthy cosmetics and salons and remember to treat your bodies with love!

Support Bruce Jenner and Transgenders and #PaintYourNailsForBruce

Thanks to Australian radio station KIIS 1065, #PaintYourNailsForBruce has become a worldwide trend to show support and love for former Olympian, Bruce Jenner, as he goes through a highly scrutinized, transgender transformation. I'd like to take the time out to say that I welcome any person based on the goodness of his or her actions. It does not matter to me if you are man or woman, gay or straight, or black or white. We all bleed red. I am just one human and I cannot and will not judge other humans. I'd like to welcome the Transgender community to my blog and if there are any topics you'd like me to talk about, let me know! 

For any heterosexual guys that want to wear nail polish, yet still have reservations.. Now you can say you're painting your nails to support Bruce Jenner and the Transgender community. Why? The world needs love.. Less hate! Even if you just polish your middle fingers, you'll be able to flip people off. ;) This trend was started because Bruce Jenner wanted to wear nail polish "long enough for it to chip". It's important to remember that Transgender people do not choose how they feel. A lot of people who are transgender have Gender Identity Disorder and/or Body Dysmorphic Disorder which is very hard to deal with. We need to support our brothers and sisters and show love!

#PaintYourNailsForBruce

Nails For Cancer

I apologize for not being on that much the past week. It's time that I admit that I have a brain tumor. I haven't wanted to mention this, yet the past week has been rough. I'm due a procedure to alleviate some of the pain this coming week. To make matters more difficult, one of my best friends, Liz, announced that she has Stage Four Mesothelioma. Not only are we both sick together, fighting the demons inside of us harvesting on our very cells; we don't have the money to cover all our treatments. However, we will fight tooth and NAIL!

My good friend Molly gave me her nail polish collection. She knows I'm blogging and she goes to the salon to get her nails done (gels on acrylics). She doesn't have the time to do her nails the old fashioned way with her career and the speed and durability of gels are probably most efficient for her. Molly has made it her purpose to be there in every way possible during my illness. I was delighted to see her gift of OPI, Essie, Sinful Collection, Sally Hansen, Kiss, NYC.. And most haven't even been opened!

I remembered a picture of Liz in her hospital bed and she was wearing nail polish. I know that every dignity is stripped when one is labeled as sick, and since I have the plastic nails, my own art supplies and now even more polish, I spent days making my good friend a bling-bling, dirty French manicure! The colors are Wet n Wild 455B Tickled Pink, Sephora by OPI SE 235 Queen Of Everything, Revlon Transforming Effects 765 Holographic Pearls and Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat. 

I used nail guides after the pink dried to create the French tip look. I added a rhinestone on each nail where the pink and silver meet and on one nail I placed a rhinestone Crucifix so that Liz will have Jesus at her fingertips. I must say that the Holographic Pearls really gave the nails a fantastic, mesmerizing look that I haven't seen with other shimmer or glitter polishes. Like a matte top coat, only with this, you can put everything into a shimmer. My next post will feature the Holographic Pearls and a matte top coat for a superbly abstract, yet inviting look. Liz's nails got mailed out and I hope to post a pic of her wearing them. I've included pics of her and me. We'd greatly appreciate any donations for our medical expenses. Thanks again so much. Love and blessings to all of you!

www.gofundme.com/drewstumor 

http://www.gofundme.com/rtab363k?fb_action_ids=10206085400675320&fb_action_types=og.shares&fb_ref=undefined&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map=%5B906111949439633%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.shares%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%22undefined%22%5D

 

Valerie (Amy Winehouse's version) Instrumental

I made this cover of "Valerie" by Amy Winehouse on FL Studio for fun. I also love music and the arts. It's a dance version. I hope you like it!

How To Stop Streaking

These are a project for the friend with cancer.

I apologize for not being on that much this last week. A close friend was diagnosed with cancer too and I needed some time for myself. I hope all of you are doing well!

Spring brings out the white, nude and pastel polishes. Often these colors, regardless of how good the brand, tend to streak. Several of my favorite colors do this as well. Luckily, there is a cure!

Start with CLEAN nails that are free of polish, cotton, dirt or any other substance. Wash your hands thoroughly to get rid of any oil build up. 

The first step is a ridge filling base coat. Even if your nails are very smooth or even fake, this step guarantees an even texture, even porosity and and even adhesive-ness. There is now an even playing field for the colored polish. Wait at least one or two minutes until the ridge filler base coat dries.

Apply your first layer of polish. This should be a thin layer, from cuticle to tip, that just covers the nail in color. Do NOT get frustrated when you see streaks! Just keep going and ignore it. Let them dry again completely for three minutes. Patience is key with this.

Now apply a slightly thicker second coat. Do not glob on the nail polish. Less is more. Once the second coat is on, if there are any streaks, apply a very, thin final layer of polish. This might not be necessary; yet if it is, keep it very thin.

This is where things get interesting..

Instead of waiting for the second coat to dry completely, start applying the top coat! What will happen is the chemicals in the top coat will react with the color polish that's still a little wet and the bonding will give it that opaque, even color and the streaks will disappear.

OPI GIVEAWAY! - The PolishAholic: 5 Year Blogiversary Giveaway!

The PolishAholic: 5 Year Blogiversary Giveaway!: Hi guys! Guess what today is, it's my 5 year blogiversary...yup. I've been at this for a long time, I feel like I say it every yea...

Congratulations on five years of blogging and now buying a condo! This is a rare giveaway. OPI nail polish and everyone is getting on it! One week left from today. Go subscribe and enter the contest for some free OPI nail polish. They're cruelty-free!

How Arizona Officer Rams Patrol Car Into Human And Gets Away

An Arizona police officer used his patrol car to hit a suspect at lethal force!
I'd show you more pictures but they are too graphic. What do you think? Should suspects be run over by police cars?

What the f💅 ck?
http://youtu.be/oJ7ZJfc8FJ0

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-arizona-robbery-suspect-video-20150415-story.html

http://www.cnn.com/2015/04/14/us/arizona-police-run-over-suspect/

INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWY! - Just For Fun: KIKO Digital Collection Swatches + 2 years Anniver...

Just For Fun: KIKO Digital Collection Swatches + 2 years Anniver...: A lot of glitters in the blog lately ha? ;) So, today I have for you swatches of two polishes from KIKO Digital Emotion Collection . Firs...

This is an international giveaway. Just check the blog! However, time is running out! 

http://justforfunnailblog.blogspot.co.il/2014/01/kiko-digital-collection-swatches-2.html

I love reblogging every Giveaway that I can find and I love seeing the fashions in EVERY COUNTRY! will never I judge. I want to see the art in other countries and communicate with the good people around the world. We are a Global Village. I love my neighbors.

Subscribe to my blog and I will bring you contests, giveaways, tutorials, information, reviews and anything else that you ask for. Have a great day!

Manscaping! Prune the bushes! "Men's Health Grooming" NSFW

http://www.menshealth.com/grooming/best-manscaping-survival-toolsicid=OBtrafficMH_TBD_SB1

These are 8 Manscaping Tools from a Men's Heath article.

I have #4 the Mangroomer and it's excellent! I would say get it. Summer's coming. There's nothing wrong with body hair, yet like the hair on your head or your face, keep yourself looking well groomed and organized. Look like a sexy beast, not a beast looking for sex.

Remember.. You're hot and you have style. Trust yourself.

WITH JOHNNY DEPP! - Nailed: A Nail Polish Blog: Lauren B. Beauty: Review & Swatches

Nailed: A Nail Polish Blog: Lauren B. Beauty: Review & Swatches: Hey guys! If you celebrate, I hope you had a good Easter yesterday. Today I've got two awesome polishes to show you from a new-to-...

*Not sure what happened after reblog, yet I see that the text is highlighted on some devices. As soon as I get a free second I'll try to fix it. Sorry about that!

Johnny Depp on DETAILS 1/15 wearing Marc Jacobs Beauty Genius Gel.

"Lauren B.'s polishes are 5-free, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. All of their polishes names and colors are inspired by the L.A. lifestyle." That was all I needed to read from this great review. 

Green is definitely in this Season. L.A. obviously knows it. I already have fifty shades of green. This color is calming, strong, earthy and has so much range due to the fact that it's a secondary color. Yellow and blue act as the North and South Poles of color for green. Find your shade.

The blue is a lovely pastel blue that swatched really nicely on Chelsea's well-cared for nails. I would use it for accenting just because I like medium to dark colors and I'm not too much of a blue fan on myself. This pastel blue is just like the Sunny, cloudless L.A. sky. I'm going to have to try Lauren B. Beauty now!

I highly recommend this blog, "Nailed". Chelsea is a great writer with a flare for fun. She has exciting tastes and knows what she's talking about. And she's been around since 2011. I will always strive to reblog informative, top tier blogs and introduce you to excellent authors. The link below is another one of Chelsea's blog entries on a different green nail polish. All the best to you and always remember that you are worth all the love that you can give yourself!

http://www.nailedblog.com/2015/03/la-femme-holografico-unica.html 

FREE GIVEAWAYS! - ColorMeSoCrazy: Make Me Pretty Giveaways

ColorMeSoCrazy: Make Me Pretty Giveaways: **All photos are provided by giveaway owners. All credit is given to them. **  Today is make my Pretty Giveaways!! You get a compr...

While surfing on this awesome new blog, looking at the pretty Easter Bunny nail art, I noticed a TON of GIVEAWAYS and I know y'all love that! 

Estee Lauder! Tarte Cosmetics! So much! Go have some fun!

http://colormesocrazy.blogspot.com/2015/04/make-me-pretty-giveaways.html

New Maybelline "Black To Black".. One good AND One Peculiar

I hope you're all doing well! As most of my readers and friends know, I love black nail polishes. While grabbing groceries yesterday, I came across Maybelline's new "Black To Black Collection". Click the link to see the goodies I saw..

http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Nail-Makeup/nail-color/Color-Show-Black-To-Black.aspx

There were five kinds of black polish..
· Black Matte 706 (A Black Matte Laquer)
· Patent Black 700 (A Shiny Black Laquer)
· Smokey Black 704 (A Smoky Black Top Coat)
· Corrupted Black 708 (A Textured Black) I got this too. Ehh..
· Black Dust 702 (A Black Microglitter Top Coat) This is great. A couple more coats and it's a base color.

The bottles are .7 ml instead of the usual 14 ml. Pricing is around $2-$4 (in NYC, U.S.).

Let's start with the one I liked, 702 Black Dust. It's a top coat, however after two coats it was getting opaque just like a regular lacquer. The microglitter inside is silver and black primarily. I do like microglitter. Guys.. It's like that Glam Rock look with Steven Tyler and Jim Morrison freedom. With a matte coat on top the effects are incredible. On white, gray and silver, it produces a delicious cookies and cream look. And ladies.. Get some discreet bling from your lovely manicures and wear it to work.

What I love is putting this over any color and following with a matte top coat. It brings out every color. In the picture, 702 is on Revlon 660 (with a matte top), Sally Hansen Triple Shine 360 and by itself (three coats).

I'm not quite sure about how I feel about 708 Corrupted Black just 
yet. In the store's promotion photo, it looked like it had several colors in it. I could have gotten confused. The polish went onto the prepped swatch nail very well and very opaque. You only need one coat. Dry time is quick and the final look is matte black sand over a shiny black coat. I don't suggest using a top coat or you might ruin it. (Polish and swatch are pictured underneath.)

I would wear this for special occasions, Halloween and maybe in a performance.. It's textured (feels like sand paper), and I personally don't really care for textured polish. Since it's mostly matte, it doesn't pick up color like I thought it would. For those looking for a textured, black nail polish, you might like this very much. The finished product is very sturdy and you or a partner might enjoy rubbing your sandy, black nails.

Disclaimer: Maybelline DOES test cosmetics on animals.

GIVEAWAY! The Naily Mail | UK Nail Art Blog: #TheNailyGiveaway - WIN HJ Manicure Nail Polishes

The Naily Mail | UK Nail Art Blog: #TheNailyGiveaway - WIN HJ Manicure Nail Polishes: Hello! I've been running a series of giveaways for The Naily Mail's 2nd Birthday and today I bring you the final one. The last g...

I love this blog and it's quite successful! They are ALWAYS having Giveaways it seems, so I thought I'd let you know so that you can head on over and subscribe and take advantage!

The Men's MANLicure.. Naked, Simple and Sexy

Notice the man in the picture above is only wearing a smile. ..And some sand. He's obviously hit the gym a few times, his hair looks trimmed and the only thing that would ruin all his hard work, would be bad hygiene.. Such as a hangnail, dirty or yellow nails. Just like a shave kit; having a men's manicure kit is just as important. Or, you can go to a nail salon and have one done. To get one done is usually under $10 because the stylist will either just use clear polish or a buffer for shine. No color is involved. 

How to Perform a Male Manicure

http://m.wikihow.com/Perform-a-Male-Manicure

The first time I had a men's manicure was when I was interning for a lawyer in Beverly Hills and it was the day before a lengthy trial. "What do I ask them for?" My boss responded with a smile, "A men's manicure. They do it all the time." Her assistant got clear polish with his, and I opted for the buffing instead. They used an oil or with the buffering and I loved the results. Also, I didn't have nail polish or remover at home and I didn't want to deal with chipping. We won the trial!

Things To Remember About The Male Manicure:

· Do not buff or have your nails buffed more than once every 2-3 weeks (wears out nails).

· This is a discreet manicure that leaves your nails with a clean, professional look.

· The Men's Manicure is likely the only one suitable for lawyers, judges and those in conservative employment.

· The Men's Manicure promotes good nail hygiene and will be appreciated by those around you.

  

$.99 cents, Cruelty-Free, GOOD Nail Polish! YES!

From the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, comes Wet N Wild, a cosmetic company with nail polishes ranging from $.99 to $2.50 (price could vary by store). Yeah, and get this.. They don't test their cosmetics on animals! Check out their site..
http://www.wnwbeauty.com/faq.php#11

This polish is also pretty good. I first used their Red Red 414A when I did my American Horror Story: Freakshow nails (pictured). I picked Wet N Wild's red because I didn't think I'd be using red that much.. Just designs and nail art, and I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a war paint I'd hardly use.

http://themalenail.blogspot.com/2015/03/american-horror-story-nail-salon.html

Turns out that I bought quite a few as you can see! The best way to describe Wet N Wild nail polish is that it's easy-to-use, hassle free and true to color (the color in the bottle will be the color on your nails which isn't always the case even with high end lines). Most importantly, as an animal lover, I am really happy that there is an inexpensive, cruelty free GOOD nail polish in most major retailers across the U.S. and Canada. I checked to see if this nail polish is available internationally, however their website said that they're working on it. They contract with Drugstore.com though.

 

The one with the silver cap is 414A and the one with the black cap is 476E. They are both called "Red Red". Always making new stuff!

I hope this has been helpful and I'd love to hear what you think. Just to let you know, this is a completely independent review. Meaning that I did not ask Wet N Wild to review them for a coupon or them approach me. There are plenty of bloggers who do honest reviews that inform and educate and I'd rather them get some swag and post honestly, as opposed to some celebrity endorsing with a script. I'd love this opportunity. I think it would be very important to have opinions from the male demographic too. --- I just checked Wet N Wild and they have opportunities for bloggers! They also have giveaways! I'd like to share it with all of you.

http://www.wnwbeauty.com/

GIVEAWAY! Nail Swag, Nail Merch

I'm very excited to announce my first GIVEAWAY! I won't keep you from getting a freebie, so here are the details:

·The Giveaway link is specific to my blog and tracks how many hits they get with me. That means you have to subscribe to my blog if you haven't already AND you must click the Giveaway link from my blog in order for it to work.
·3/26 is the date.
·Really simple and win/win!
·Enjoy! 

http://www.bornprettystore.com/born-pretty-stamping-plates-c-268_94_652.html

Above is the Giveaway link to click.

F-CK OFF! Flip The Bird In Style With Nail Art

Disclaimer: I do NOT recommend flipping anyone the bird or any other curse, and if you do, you do so at your own risk. 

There's a lot of power in the middle finger nails and a lot of fun to be had. Numerous times over the years in school, at work and having fun, my friends and I have flipped each other the bird a lot. It was harmless fun. Or maybe you are that brazen rebel who already flips off everyone. Either way, decorating this nail is A LOT of fun!

At this point, you want to start assembling a nail art collection. The most important items will be different sized brushes, striping tape, a nail art pen or two and perhaps stickers or water decals. Learn how to use these items first. A pair of scissors and masking tape will also do in a pinch if you don't have striping tape or tip guides.

You can use a nail art pen to write on your nail. A whole scene can be painted with a little brush. Rhinestones or jewel embellishments will certainly catch any light and get attention. Put a crown on your nail and announce who's in charge! 

I also recommend "F-ck Off Nail Art" to beginners in the field because it only requires that two nails be decorated. Much easier than starting out with ten, especially if you've never polished your nails. You don't even need a ton of polish either.. You might just want to use a few pens or a sticker. Perhaps just tips. A lot of famous men wear nail polish on a couple of fingers only. I sometimes only do a few nails. I've included some photos from the internet of mainstream male celebrities rocking nail polish and not just the color black. Some of these designs might inspire your foul-mouthed digits. 

My middle finger nail might look simple, yet I used three polishes. The nail was coated with Sally Hansen Triple Shine 190 and the "FU" was written with Sephora by OPI SE 235 and Sinful Colors Nail Art 1629. I would have rather used a nail art pen than a brush to write out letters, yet I might keep it. What do you guys think?

To some, this would be your accent nail because it's different from the rest. Let your middle finger nails be your canvases for your rebel art. As long as you don't flip off the wrong people, this will be so much fun!

Zac Efron

Snoop Dogg 

 The polishes and nail art I used

"FU" on my middle finger claw

Click below to get the nail decal credited in the above photo!
http://wheretoget.it/link/890385

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day In Style!

Green beer, green hair and green everything! With holidays in which there are "holiday colors" or dress up (Halloween, Christmas, Purim, St. Patrick's Day), decorating one's nails are fun and creative. Also, I don't have to worry about wiping off on anyone and if just my nails are done, my costume is much more discreet. 

As you can see, I used fake nails (plastic) so that I could do some nail art that is rather difficult to perform on myself. We'll cover fake nails another time. There are pros and cons for a guy to fake nails. Just think.. That new junior associate might be the lead singer of a local rock band. They're kinda like wigs. Or a toupee depending on quality.

The reason why I showed you my design in steps (sorry for the mix up), is to illustrate that I didn't do anything too difficult.. I let my theme grow in stages. I took all the green nail polishes I had and the yellow gold. I could have used my darker, copper gold; however in the second picture down, it has a bronze, reddish look. My nail polishes included N.Y.C., Nuances, Revlon, Sally Hansen, Julep and Poparazzi. 

Irish green, gold at the end of the rainbow and the luck of the Irish were my themes. Get creative and have fun! There's no wrong way in art.
(Steps One and Two are reversed.)

Pebbles and Polish: Essence 'Cinderella' Nail Polish - 03 Prince Charm...

Are you Prince Charming?

Pebbles and Polish: Essence 'Cinderella' Nail Polish - 03 Prince Charm...: Hello, everybody! Just a few days ago Essence released the new Cinderella trend edition. They teamed up once again with Disney ...

The Naily Mail | UK Nail Art Blog: Nail Polish of the Month

The Naily Mail | UK Nail Art Blog: Nail Polish of the Month: A new blog series for 2015, The Naily Mail's 'Nail Polish of the Month'.  When we go shopping and decide to treat ourselves to &...

The Naily Mail | UK Nail Art Blog: #TheNailyGiveaway - WIN HJ Manicure Nail Polishes

The Naily Mail | UK Nail Art Blog: #TheNailyGiveaway - WIN HJ Manicure Nail Polishes: Hello! Celebrations are still underway for The Naily Mail's 2nd Birthday. First up was a chance to win some lovely Vivien Kondor polis...

Exciting Penis News! [NSFW]

This Week In Penises

Although this is a blog for men's nails and fashion, the defining body part for men is the penis. Taking into consideration that the penis is prone to involuntary actions (perfectly timed erections, hanging, pointing, poking and everyone's favorite, shrinkage), there are a lot of funny stories about this one of a kind phallus. Thanks to "Men's Health", this link has the week in review.

Disclaimer: NSFW

All About That Base.. Coat

Top of the morning to y'all. I take it that if you've read this far, you're pretty interested in dazzling those digits. Polish on, polish off. Let me teach you the way..

The first polish you're going to put on your nail is the base coat. Think of this as your paint primer. Even if you're wearing fake nails, you will get professional quality results when you use a base coat. 

Although the main goal of a base coat is to lay down an even, adhesive-like quality on the nail for polish and take the crown for first line of defense against chipping and bad manicures, base coats do different things. Examples like strengthen the nail, double as a top coat, prevent staining of the nail and of course, moisturizing. It's almost kind of funny how every part of us needs constant moisturizing.. Yet when I think about Winters in the desert I get it. Nails need moisture too. Also, fast-drying nail polish dries up nails. Take your time figuring out what kind of base you need. Read about the products yet don't be fooled by advertising techniques. Unless a polish says to not use a base coat, use one. Gels don't have base coat.

After your nails are clean, start with a base coat. The color polish will stick to your nail easier, your nails will have some protection from the damage and staining effects of nail polish all while giving that nice, canvas-like, even texture.

Base coats usually are clear, sheer or sometimes white. I've included white polish as a base coat due to its ability to bring out colors and make them pop. It doesn't substitute a base coat, yet could be used over before your desired color to really enhance it. Ridge-filling base coats (great for uneven, natural nails) are thicker than regular base coats. They work harder to smooth out the nail.

After the base coat dries, which is usually quick, apply white or your nail color of choice. Step one is done.

Nail Polish Society: Feeling Irish For A Day With Zoya Staasi

Nail Polish Society: Feeling Irish For A Day With Zoya Staasi: Hey everyone! I feel like it's been so long since I've posted! I have been going through a kitchen remodel and it has made lif...

Zoya Nail Polish Blog: How To: Noon by Noor Negative Space Nail Look for ...

Zoya Nail Polish Blog: How To: Noon by Noor Negative Space Nail Look for ...: Rebecca Isa, Creative Director of Zoya , gives beauty reporter Celia San Miguel, of Sicka Than Average, the Noon By Noor nail look" ho...

Experiments in Layering: Hits Phenomena Moonbow + Essie Grape Crush

Experiments in Layering: Hits Phenomena Moonbow + Essie Grape Crush

Back To Black

This title is not to be confused with the great Amy Winehouse song/record, "Back To Black" as that would be deeply offensive. I'll always love that chick.

Black nails really do matter as the nail color is no longer a symbolism of goth, rather elegance and class. Black is universal to everyone and black symbolizes strength and importance. We always here "this is the new black", "the simple black dress" and there's an award winning TV show, #OrangeIsTheNewBlack. Black is always in style and matches with everything. The question is.. What are my choices with black?

Nail polish either has one of three finishes: creamy, shimmer and glitter. Next, there are top coat options, the two most popular being matte and shiny.

My favorite black nail polish is Sally Hansen Triple Shine #190 "Slick Black". Sold in most drugstores for around $5-$7. The Triple Shine line has mostly shimmers and glitters. I have found other great metallics by Triple Shine. Sally lives up to her word.. When she says something will dry fast, it does. Really fast! When she said this would be shiny, not even a matte top coat could fully dull the shine. Instead, it produced a really fantastic, edgy yet still professional look! At the same time, what the polish's color looked like inside the bottle was exactly how it looked on the nail after drying. A welcomed plus. With a top coat application every few days, it didn't chip for nine days and I play guitar.

To describe this color is a tricky question. It is also two different colors: 1. when it's shiny, it's natural design and 2. matte finish (see photo). #SlickBlack190 is a true, lively black in its natural state that resembles a midnight's look into the galaxy.. There are tiny far off stars that reflect through this complete and clean, dark abyss. This black color is awake like an after party and it's reflecting back at you, knowing you're drawn in. A true metallic.

With a matte top coat, as you can see (also on my hand), it doesn't dull the shine, it slows the momentum of the shine, letting us get lost figuring out what else is there. #SlickBlack190 is still black, though there might me specs of diamond or gray or silver. Or is it gun metal? It's a different shade of black under every light and it's not dull. The brand is called #SallyHansenTripleShine and matte top coats couldn't really dull it; they made it look great! This is my favorite! I think every guy who's reading this needs #SallyHansenTripleShine in #SlickBlack190 with a #MatteTopCoat. This is my color.

As for the matte top coats, I am presenting you with two.. The Sally Hansen matte top coat which ranges from around $4-$7 and is the one I just used with this nail polish and I have no complaints. My nails looked great, I got tons of compliments and they didn't chip for nine days. I already polished my St. Patrick's nails with the Poparazzi version and they look really good and dried fast. Thinner brush too. I'll let you know how it wears. I got that for around $1 on sale. I think Poparazzi usually runs from $1-4. Check promotions. 

I hope you guys have fun getting your black nail polish. Can you name the owner of the foot in the last pic "sporting" the matte black pedicure? 

Having a go-to black nail polish favorite is like that black suit. It compliments you. Although I highly recommend this shade, I have seen many shades of black with different finishes, tints and hues. Have fun!