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.)

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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.

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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!

American Horror Story: Nail Salon

TV Shows Can Be Nail Themes..

I rarely like to have all my nails the same color. In art there are always themes. When basing nail polish designs off other art.. A #Freakshow in this instance, the collaborative possibilities are endless. The nail is my canvas and I'll be showing it off for a while. I love TV shows and movies and books as themes for my polished paintings. The last TV show theme was American Horror Story: Freakshow in the beginning of 2015. It got rave reviews! Also, I was able to wear crimson red without it looking feminine. Freaky, maybe.. However, that was my goal. ;)

I remember I prepped each nail with Wet And Wild Base and followed through with a couple of thin coats of N.Y.C. white polish. I read in several places that nail polish actually takes up to 24 hours to fully dry, so I left it to dry over night. I also read that it's good to have a white polish in your stash because when used as a primer, it makes the colors "pop". It's true! The only white I've used so far is the 99 cent one from N.Y.C. It's nothing to write home about, yet it worked well and looked good. I like the cheap 99 cent N.Y.C. collection for several reasons.. 

·Good variety of colors. 

·Ideal for those that only expect to wear the color for events or parties.

·Great for beginners.

·Use for nail art.

Don't let the salesperson be like, "Yeah.. That's our cheap line. You don't want that." Just be like, "That's exactly what I'm looking for." And give a nice L.A. smile. They're the best.

So back to the nails..

The next day I cut out my "Freakshow tent stripes" out of masking tape and then pasted them on each nail evenly, except for my two accent nails. After the tape was securely in place, I polished over with red (black for two nails), and let it dry over night. It was very hard to get the tent stripes completely even. What helped was my white French tip polish pen by #SallyHansen. This pen isn't designed for corrections, yet despite the fact that it needs a top coat to keep the color from washing off, it worked very well.

The next morning I peeled off the tape and it looked great! I used a tiny brush to correct any mistakes. Then, I applied a clear #topcoat.

The key is letting it dry naturally. You cannot use any quick dry methods on these nails aside for a fan, so unless you have quick drying polish, prepare to wait. Don't ever let your top coat bleed colors into each other. Your entire nail will be ruined if when you apply the top coat, red polish bleeds into the white polish. Talk about a Freakshow!

With the #accentnails, on my ring fingers, I decided to do #Twisty's mouth and a decorated "FREAK" nail with some rhinestones. Twisty's mouth was drawn on with the silver and red Sally Hansen "I Heart Nail Art" on the white mask, and adding in some black to separate the teeth.

I wanted to paint my darling, sensuous #JessicaLange on the other accent nail, but I'm not that advanced. Instead I polished the nail silver with Sally Hansen Insta-Dry Silver Sweep. I always give two thin coats. After I used the dark silver "I Heart Nail Art" to write "FREAK" (in the event people didn't know of the show or get the theme). I glued on a few rhinestones and topped them with a non chip coat.

I left this design on from the beginning of January to a week after the show's finale. Most people knew right away it was in reference to #AmericanHorrorStory: Freakshow. Others thought it was a circus and a tiny handful thought it was a candy cane. I saved the nails (yup, gross) to remember this great show with.

Why Men Should Polish Their Nails

Polish It Up, Fellas..

Why you shouldn't have fear..
· Long hair amongst men is common as well as hair coloring. Men with gray hair often seek to cover it for a more youthful, natural appearance. Unfortunately, a lot of jobs discriminate based on age.
· Earrings and other piercings on men are common as well now.
· There are plenty of skin care products for men. Some men shave daily, some multiple times a day and some men don't shave and opt for facial hair. We also have different methods for shaving. This requires different kinds of shaving creams, gels, aftershaves and lotions.
· Cologne! Or man perfume! Everyone likes when we smell good.
· Nail polish actually has been around for thousands of years (in different formulations), however it originally was for royalty or the rich. It didn't matter what gender as long as you had money. In effect, men have always been wearing nail polish. So don't be afraid. You can always wear it with your friends on weekends or at parties! Have fun!

In hindsight, which is said to always be 20/20, I think my attraction to nail polish and nail art stemmed from the look of it under a spotlight, giving a new style and a new avenue for me and my many characters. I had male friends who got manicures (usually the standard male manicure) and some who polished their own nails. Only part of that demographic, a handful, is gay. Society tends to think that when men "spend too much time in the mirror", have long hair, put on a little bronzer or fake tanner or look too nice.. They're metrosexual or gay. Really they want to look good. Or they're rockstars. I've only lived in the world's biggest, most industry dominated cities.. Los Angeles and New York, so please excuse me if I'm not up to date on what hot trend Westboro is protesting now. 

Also, men want to have good hygiene and taking care of one's nails are a huge part of that. A lot of men get a clear coat to protect the natural nail while having a classy shine. Almost like a spit-shine on a pair of fancy, black shoes. Just like women have fashion models, so do men. Check out any fitness magazine, GQ, Rolling Stone, N.Y. Times Men's Fashion and Christian Grey. It's not uncommon for a man to tell his barber or hairdresser that he wants a certain actor's look or telling his personal trainer he wants a body closer to some athlete's physique. Men enjoy the confidence of knowing that they look good, that they are at the top of their game and that they are taking care of themselves and spending time on themselves. Care like this that produces endorphins and creative release raises confidence and self esteem.

Nail polish on men is only going to "look girly" if you do "girly" styles. Yes, if a man is wearing nails with kittens painted on to match his prom date bff, it could look feminine. Yet if he has a metallic color with a black stripe like Steven Tyler, or a matte top coat, it will obviously have a masculine look. The same goes for "guyliner" and piercings, tattoos and long hair. Men can rock it! The nail is your canvas. If you mess up, you can always start again.

Nail polish dates back to 3,000 B.C. It has been used on royalty, certain colors for certain classes, to protect the nail and for men and women. A person's clan or tribe might have all wore the same design.

Some men do want to look feminine, and there's nothing wrong with that and nail polish helps them to express and achieve this femininity. Of course in this instance, it's best to look at trends and shades most popular with women. Some of these trends can include gel polish, tips and acrylics which are usually done in a nail salon and usually last longer. However, with the right tools and resources, one can learn how to do this.

Welcome to my workshop! All these photos are my own. I hope you enjoy my blog and the adventures we share together. The photos are of my current manicure, my nail table, and my war paint and nail art. I hope you enjoy and see you soon!

Drew