Fun in the Sun - Color Changing Nail Polish! - Part 2

Welcome to the second half of my summer nail polish surprise!  In my prior post I mentioned that I happened upon a shop called Life on a Sandbar in Nags Head, North Carolina while on a family vacation.   Once there, I saw a sign for a Del Sol Nail Polish.  I was familiar with Del Sol color changing T-shirts, since I purchased one once at a shop in Virginia Beach several years ago.  I didn't realize that  Del Sol offered nail polishes now, so I had to check them out. 

For those who missed my last blog and to those who are unaware, Del Sol makes t-shirts and now nail polishes that change color in the sunlight.  The colors in the products use a technology that was developed by NASA called SpectraChrome.  To explain it simply, SpectraChrome acts like a flower in sunlight, opening when it hits the suns rays to reveal the inner color.  With the nail polishes, it seems that you can have almost any color on the outside and then when the sun hits the SpectraChrome molecule, it opens to reveal it's inner color.  Nina, the manager at  Life on a Sandbar was extremely helpful in finding four polishes for me that had some extreme color changes in the nail polishes.  The second two I want to show you today are Electrik and Glitz & Glam.

I really liked Electrik, and so did some of my clients, because of it's frosted teal blue.  Again, the frosted color went on pretty smoothly, as frosts go, and the color was a gorgeous shade of teal blue.  

While you can't see it so well from these photos, Electrik goes from a teal blue to a Mint Green in full sun.  Check out the next photo to really see the difference.

Again, since I am such a "green girl" I just loved this one.

The next color I want to share with you is a glitter polish called "Glitz & Glam".  It is such a pretty medium iced blue that turns glittery purple in the sunlight.

Even better is a pic of Glitz & Glam in full sunlight!

I have some "die-hard" purple fans amongst my clientele (they know who they are) and I thought they were going to fall off their chair when they saw this color in the sunlight!

I would like to thank the folks at  Life on a Sandbar for introducing me to these fun nail polishes!  And if you wanted to see more of these colors, this is not my last blog on Del Sol color changing nail polish collections.  There are more on their way, complements of the Del Sol shop in beautiful Sedona, AZ.  

If you missed the first blog, check out "Fun in the Sun - Color Changing Nail Polish! - Part 1"  

Don't forget to enter our Del Sol Nail Polish Contest!

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Stay tuned for more Del Sol Nail Polish colors to come!

Fun in the Sun - Color Changing Polish! - Part 1

Summertime is for fun, sandals, beaches, sand and FUN polish colors!  Sure, you can wear a french but that's boring compared to what I found when I was on vacation on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

I happened upon a shop called Life on a Sandbar in Nags Head near a fun kite store.  I saw a sign for a Del Sol Nail Polish.  I had been in a Del Sol shop in Virginia Beach, and purchased a T-shirt several years ago, so I was aware of the color changing properties of the Del Sol products.  I didn't realize that they offered nail polishes now, so I had to check these nail polishes.  For those who were unaware, Del Sol makes t-shirts and now nail polishes that change color in the sunlight.  I had purchased a cute black and white t-shirt that, in the sun, changed to beautiful pinks, blues, greens and violets.


The store's manager, Nina, was extremely helpful.  She started showing me the different polishes and found out that I was interested in colors with a more extreme color change.  She shared with me several different colors that were popular and had a great color change.  Nina introduced me to two glitter polishes and two frosted nail polishes.  I will be sharing them with you here in  two part series. (I will apologize now for the quality of some of the photos as some are a bit blurry.)


The first color I'll share is Spike.  Spike is a very pretty frosted mint green.

I loved the consistency of this frosted formula. I know frosts are sometimes hard to apply for most people.  They tend to look streaky, but this formula didn't seem to have that much of an issue to make it look smooth. Since I am a "green" girl, I fell in love with this shade without sunlight, but in the sunlight it turned a light lilac.

The second color I will share with you today has been, so far, my client's favorite!  It's called Ruby Slipper.

Sometimes I wish I was a professional photographer, but alas, my skills are more in manicuring than in photography. I wish my photographic skills were better, but you have to admit, the color change effects with the Del Sol Nail Polishes are stunning.  As I said, this is my client's favorite for now.

I will share with you the next two colors in Part 2 of "Fun in the Sun - Color Changing Polish!" next week!
Enjoy the colors and remember, shop local where you can.  If you find yourself on the Outerbanks of North Carolina, specifically Nags Head, check out the shop Life on a Sandbar.  Nina is really helpful and they offer a Buy 3. Get one Free deal on their Del Sol Polishes. 

You can also find a local Del Sol store by going to http://www.delsol.com/stores.html.  Or you can purchase online at http://www.delsol.com/womens/nail-polish.html.

Bella10 is giving away a free bottle of Del Sol Ruby Slipper and CutiOil,1/2 oz and the 2 oz Refill Size.  To enter click on the link below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to check out "Fun in the Sun - Color Changing Polish!" Part 2.

Jessica Cosmetics Sping 2014 - Coral Symphony

Bright cream colors abound this season! 

This season, Jessica Vartoughian, founder and CEO of Jessica Cosmetics International, brings you to the coral depths of a warm gulf reefs filled with a glowing creamy collage of various pinks, corals and glowing whites!

I've always been a big fan of Jessica Cosmetics nail treatments and color polishes.  They last much longer than most of the major professional brands I've used.  As always, Jessica Cosmetic color polishes are Three-Free, that means they are Formaldehyde, Toluene and DBP (Dibutyl phthalate) free.  Jessica Cosmetics nail colors and treatments have always had longer wear and less chipping, and now they have a new "STRETCH FORMULA" that stretches while drying to reduce chipping even more!  It expands as it drys so it will move with the natural nail for increased wear-ability.  Their colors are intense, rich, and they flow without the streaks or lines that you find in other brands.

So what are this season's colors?  I'm going to show you from left to right of the above photo but on my model's nails.  You'll notice that glossy Cream colors are hot this season!

Ocean Bloom is a lavender infused pink that is reminiscent of a sea flower.  I will admit that all of these colors just make me want to try snorkeling as soon as I find myself near the ocean.

Can Starfish look as vibrant as Starfish Glow?  This reminds me of a newer, more modern version of an 80's neon pink. (Yes, I was doing nails in the 80's)  I believe I may have actually seen this lively color on the tips of a starfish I received as a kid.

Monsoon Melon does not remind me of a desert monsoon that I see so often in the South West.  This color shines forth like a creamsicle on steroids!  And I don't mean that in a bad way! This coral is the height of summer fashion.  Try it, I just know you'll love it as much as my model and I did.

Tropical Sunset has to be my client's favorite color so far this Spring.  Hot coral and yes, Tropical Sunset is about the best name that could be given to this rich exciting color!

Do you want a bright, bright, pure white to give your nail art some pizzazz?  Use it as a french tip, as a base below your glitters or add more punch to your nail art.  This color does not streak!  It goes on smooth and flawless!

I think I found Barbie's color for this spring season!  lol  Conch Shell is the perfect pink for those that cannot part with their seasonal pinks.  The coverage is smooth, creamy and like all the colors in this collection, it is reminiscent of all the high colors you'd expect to see in a coral reef.

To see more of what Jessica Cosmetics 

has to offer for natural nail care, check out their website! 

www.jessicacosmetics.com

Jessica Cosmetics - "A Night At The Opera" Fall 2013 Collection

I have always wanted to go to the Opera.  What an experience that would be...  Epic dramas, romance and intrigue all set to glorious music and colorful sets.  Glamorous men and women, dressed in their finest... "Velvet & Pearls" adorn guests and performers during the "Opening Night", from the "Overture" through the "Blue Aria" sung by the "Prima Donna" of the performance, and on to the "Standing Ovation".  Like Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" to Julia Roberts in "Pretty Woman" sitting beautifully in the window box.

Prepare yourself for "A Night At The Opera"!

Shall I illuminate Jessica Cosmetics and "A Night At The Opera" Fall 2013 collection!  Prepare yourself for splendid attire and glorious color for your finger nails and toes alike!  This is no time to hide your dainty digits in long gloves with this season's luxurious color palette.

Starting with "Velvet & Pearls", this is a stunning Black shade that is as rich as velvet.  It applied smoothly and without streaking.  While I have never been a huge fan of black polish, this color has completely changed my viewpoint on the color.

An additional point about this color is that when it was removed, it did not smear or run all over the nail and cuticles.

 I find this is a color that can be worn on any skin tone and with any item of clothing!

The next color in this stunning collection is "Opening Night".   I found this shimmery fuchsia to be right in line with this season's fall fashion colors.

I found it to be a very vivacious color, wildly deep, and it would be great to wear on a party night when you are feeling just a little spunky!

Wear this color with purples, blues and blacks or with other fuchsia attire during this fall season.

 
"Overture"  is another of my personal favorites.  I just love iridescent coppers!  In the bottle, this color has hints of shimmery gold which blend in with the color beautifully on the nail.  "Overture" is warm and golden, giving a glimpse of the inner fire within all of us.

It will go extremely well with warm toned skin and wear well with attire in the emerald and linden greens that are showing for this fall, as well as blacks and corals.

"Blue Aria" is a creamy dark cobalt blue.  It reminds me of deep ocean waters.  Like deep ocean waters, it has mystery and allure.

Your darkest denims with love this color!  Paired with your favorite dark denim jeans, it can be worn with almost any color in this season's color palette.  Wear it with blues, greens, corals, purples, blacks and fuchsias.

Like the black, this color removes cleanly with polish remover.

"Prima Donna" is, as Jessica Cosmetics puts it, "a violet celebration of the inner diva". This is truly a complex purple that is spirited, mysterious and exotic.
 

In the bottle it shimmers with a very slight hint of red which, on the nail, helps give it it's vibrancy and energy!  Another perfect color for the fall season.

 This color works well on someone with a cool skin tone.   It combines well with fuchsia, black, blue and even rich corals for this season's colors.

Lastly, because I am such a green girl, I am thrilled to present "Standing Ovation".  In the bottle, "Standing Ovation" has hints of shimmering blues and golds and even a little purple.  This gives it it's rich shimmering emerald to linden green that is so popular for this fall season. (It'll also be great for Christmas!)

It works well with any skin tone and pairs well with the greens of this season, coffee browns, corals, blacks and even blues.

I do hope you have enjoyed this season's polish colors from Jessica Cosmetics .  They truly reflect the colors showing in fashion for this fall season.  Each color is sumptuously rich and vibrant (yes, even the black) and I am certain that you will love them all as I did!  They are available now and you can get them at Jessica Cosmetics online and at fine salons and spas internationally! In addition, Jessica Cosmetics colors are formulated with antioxidant vitamins for maximum conditioning and UVA/UVB protection from the sun.  They are quick-drying and Three Free (toluene, formaldahyde and DBP free)!  If you can't find them online, you can call 818-759-1050 and tell them Bella10 Nails sent you.  Each professional quality color is only $8.40. Grab your favorite or get the entire collection!

I hope you enjoyed "A Night At The Opera", I'll be sharing Jessica's Effects "Glitzy" collection soon.  If you like glitter, you'll love "Glitzy"!

Prevent Polish Chipping and Peeling

This is the most common issue most people have with regular nail polish.  So what are some of the causes of nail polish chipping and peeling?

PROPER NAIL PREP- This is the most important step to prevent polish peeling.  If there is any natural oils on your nails, the polish will peel up, usually in sheets.  To effectively remove oils from your nails without thinning them (ie, buffing), wash your hands with soap and water and use a nail brush to clean around the cuticle and under the nail.  After washing your hands, cleanse the nail surface with a nail prep or rubbing alcohol. After prepping your nails, immediately apply your base coat of polish.  Note: Do not let the nail surface you want to polish touch your skin or hair before you apply your polish.  If you do, you put oil right back on the surface and your polish might peel.
 
USE BASE COAT - Base coat nail polish is usually more "rubberized" than other nail polishes and can cling to the natural nail better than applying polish without it.

USE A TOP COAT- A top coat will not only protect your polish color and add shine but it also adds durability and hardness. After your manicure, if you apply a top coat every 2-3 days after your manicure and cap around the tip of your nail where you file, your polish will last longer than if you do not.

WATER - Washing your hands before you polish is a good idea but too much water after you polish your nails, especially the first 4-6 hours afterward, can be detrimental to your manicure.  In the first 4-6 hours, your polish is still not completely dry, your nails will swell and expand the polish with the nail.  When the nail drys and shrinks back to it's normal size, your polish won't and increase the chance of it chipping when it finally does finish drying.

OLD OR CONTAMINATED POLISH - Old nail polish is thick and hard to work with.  It also takes forever to dry!  Some people decide that they need to thin out their polish with polish remover but this breaks down the polish in a manner that reduces it's adhesion properties.  Thin your polish with Nail Polish Thinner.  This can be found in your local beauty supply.

For more information on how to properly thin out and care for your polish, 

see Reviving Old Nail Polish and Maintaining Your Favorite Nail Polish.

Trick or Treating With My Ghoul-Friends

With Halloween approaching at the end of this month, I felt it appropriate to show some Halloween Nail Art, Polishes and Treats!
Since we all love great ideas for things to put on our nails, let's start with the polish.  I think that the China Glaze Wicked  and the Jessica Dark & Stormy collections speaks for themselves.  The small bottle of Sally Girl nail polish U Glow Girl (only $.99 USD) is an under-rated piece of Halloween magic.  It glows in the dark!  So much fun!

Now, what can we do with that polish... Create some great looking nails, and here are just a few!

And for more great nail art ideas, check out my Pinterest page!
Lastly, the latest idea I've seen in Halloween treats are these funky finger cookies! Use sugar cookie dough rolled out pencil thin, score the lines in the top for the knuckles.  Use an almond shard for the nails and brush with a little cocoa powder to give these ghoul-ish fingers some contrast.  Bake the cookies at the recommended temperature for the sugar cookie recipe you are using.

Click here for the recipe

Yumm!

Chipped Polish

Why do most women, even after a great manicure in their favorite nail salon, have problems with their polish chipping.

There are several reasons that polish chips or peels.

Let's take a look at application first.

Peeling is usually because there is too much oil on the natural nail between the nail itself and the base coat of polish. It is very important to clean the natural nail of any and all oils, creams and lotions, paying special attention to the tip and cuticle area. This is a very important step if you want your polish to stay. Polish itself, should also be kept out of the cuticle area. Applying a base coat (because it is more flexible and adheres better to the natural nail), two coats of the color polish and then a good topcoat (which adds shine and protects the color from wear) is important. When applying the base coat and the top coat, it is always a good idea to apply the polish around the tip of the nail where you file the nail.

The polish itself. . .
 

It is always a good idea to use fresh polish and not polish that is too old or thinned out improperly. This type of polish will usually breakdown quicker than a fresher polish. To keep your polish fresher, longer, keep the neck of the bottle and the inside cap free of polish as this allows air into the bottle and thus thickens it more quickly.

Water

Stay out of water for long periods of time 24 hours after having your nails done. The reason is that your nails are made of the same types of cells as your skin, they have just dried out and flattened out as they grow out from your cuticle area. Also, your skin swells as it absorbs the water that you are in. It doesn't take too long for this to happen. So if your skin swells when it is in water, so do your nails. If your polish has not fully set (which it takes a full 24 hours to completely set) and you are in water long enough for your nails to start swelling, your polish is going to swell with it. When your nails contract again, your polish won't. You have increased your risk of your polish chipping just by taking a quick swim in the pool, or soak in a hot tub.

Maintenance

 

Yes, I said maintenance. We can't apply polish to our nails and expect it to just magically stay there without any wear and tear. If your polish can chip by having your nails swell while the polish is drying, imagine that your polish has completely dried. Polish is plastic and while it is slightly flexible, it is not invunerable. Your nails, through wear, are continually expanding and contracting when it is in water. Eventually, the polish will disengage from the nail where it keeps expanding and contracting. Like water under a shingle. So all you have to touch is a towel and the polish chips off where it loosened. The trick is to keep applying polish down the nail and around the tip of the nail (where you would file) starting the day after your manicure.It really isn't difficult to maintain your polish if you follow the above procedures. 

For more info on natural nail care and to get the latest book

"The Secret to Beautiful Natural Nails"

Visit the following websites
http://www.bella10.com/
or
http://www.secrettobeautifulnaturalnails.com/