31 Day Challenge - Day 08: Metallic

- Metallic Madness -

While today's theme may seem simple in theory, you wouldn't believe how difficult it is to find a nail polish that keeps its perfect metallic sheen when dry. In a momentary fit of rage, I debated working a bit on tin foil into my manicure, but thought that might constitute as cheating, so I continued the search for metallic polish.

Waaaaay down deep in the bottom of my nail polish bin, I found the perfect polish! Of course it's a lesser known brand called Magicolor Cosmetics that I must have picked up somewhere along the way in my travels, and I have no idea where it came from, or how to go about purchasing any more should I run out. This means I must use it sparingly, but I love you all enough to use some of it today.

If you happen to randomly find the brand and pick it up, I must warn you that the formula was a bit on the streaky side and also takes a veeeeery long time to dry. Seche Vite does not play well with it either, it seemed to make it more goopy as opposed to having the quick dry effect it has on most polishes. Be prepared to spend a lot of time sitting perfectly still until this one dries completely. 

I finished the look off with a bit of metallic striping tape, and there we have it, day 8 down!

Kaley Cuoco's Heart Themed SAG Awards Mani

Just when I think Kaley Cuoco couldn't get any cuter, she somehow manages to find a way. I absolutely ADORE the heart themed manicure with nude cutout hearts she was sporting last night at the SAG awards! The mix of candy apple red and nude is very playful, and a recreation would be perfect for Valentine's Day, so adorable!

Photo: Getty

31 Day Challenge - Day 07: Black & White

- High Contrast Sugar Spun Nails -

For the black and white theme, I decided to try a technique that is new to me. I've heard lots about sugar spun nails, and honestly thought they would be perfect for day 7. I love the way my nails seem to pop with the white on black.

Polishes used: China Glaze - White on White, Orly - Liquid Vinyl

Sugar spun nails consist of using a dotting tool or toothpick to drag very tiny strands of goopy polish from side to side across the fingernail, which makes it extremely time consuming, but the end result is well worth it. 

I quickly found that there is a bit of a learning curve with this one, it took a bit of trial and error to get the strands to be the right consistancy, but once I got the hang of it, it was smooth sailing from there!

31 Day Challenge - Day 06: Violet

 -A Little Bit Of Purple Passion For Zoya Aurora-

By my own admission, I have never been a huge fan of violets or purples in general, so in all honesty I was not entirely looking forward to the color of today's challenge. (I know, I know...Please direct all hate mail to IhateUnitedInBeauty@thisemailisfake.com) 

I'll understand if you feel the need to make a voodoo doll with my name on it after reading that confession. If there is one thing I've learned in my 30 years on this colorful Earth it's that people are passionate about their purples.

If you're still reading, I have great news! There's no need to track me down and cover me in purple paint in a fit of rage! Luckily, my Zoya haul from the 2013 promotion arrived in my mailbox today, and included was Aurora - an intensely sparkly and holographic wonder of a polish - perfect for today's theme! I think these pictures speak for themselves: