Pantone's Classic Blue at Your Fingertips With Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer

The 2020 Pantone Color of the Year has been announced and it's time to embrace the blues, nail polish lovers. Pantone's Classic Blue instills calmness, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era. This timeless color can literally be at your fingertips with the wonderful shades of blue offerings from Morgan Taylor Nail Lacquer.

Morgan Taylor’s wide ranges of blues will cure the “blues” any day. Three of our faves are the crème blues featured above. They include “Making Waves” ($9.50 at www.sallybeauty.com), “After Dark”, and “Deja Blue” (both available for $9.50 at www.saltearthspa.com).

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Go Bold this Fall With A Pretty In Pink OPI Mani

Who says you can't wear bright nail colors in the fall? I reached back into one of OPI's older collections and came out with this very vivid pink. This season, why not make your nails stand out with That's Hot! Pink by OPI nail lacquer, #B68 (available at H Beauty Bar)! This bright pink from the OPI Brights Collection, is heavily-pigmented and sizzles with bold color!

The best thing about OPI's polishes, aside from the great colors, is that they are all Formaldehyde-Free, Toulene-Free, super rich, long-lasting, chip-resistant with shine that lasts up to 7 days, and wonderfully affordable.

For more information on OPI nail lacquers, visit www.opi.com.

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Morgan Taylor's Rocketman Summer 2019 Collection

Inspired by the new Rocketman movie coming out at the end of this month, Morgan Taylor Lacquer launches a bright summer collection that features seven vibrant shades. It boasts ultra-bright pinks, rich purples and teals, and is complemented by Bedazzle Me, a luxe glitter overlay that gives each color its own disco ball vibe.

There are seven NEW Morgan Taylor colors to choose from. Check them out below:

1. Just Me & My Piano – Purple Crème
2. Sir Teal To You – Teal Shimmer
3. Put On Your Dancin’ Shoes – Red Crème
4. It’s The Shades – Hot Pink Crème
5. Tickle My Keys – Bright Pink Crème
6. Glow Like A Star – Yellow Crème
7. Bedazzle Me – Glitter Overlay

The nail polish retails for $9.50 per bottle and $14.95 for the mini 4-pack. All Morgan Taylor Lacquers are fast-drying, 5-free, easy to apply.

The Morgan Taylor Rocketman Summer 2019 collection is available for a limited time starting this month at www.ulta.com and www.saltearthspa.com. 

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COLOR Yourself Happy: Sally Hansen + Crayola Insta-Dri Collection

We're well into the fall school season but there's still time to enjoy some back-to-school beauty. The new Sally Hansen + Crayola Insta-Dri Collection transports you back to that care-free time of coloring with crayons, sketching out vibrant creations, and jumping back into the back to school season. Color authorities Crayola and Sally Hansen joined forces to offer a bright, bold, and fun suite of hues that dry in just 60 seconds — so no time is wasted for the woman on the go.

With a 60 second dry time, Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color’s 3-in-1 formula features a built-in base and top coat to provide shiny, extended wear in a single step in just one stroke. These color specialists did their homework: From a saturated red to a marvelously mod white, here are the 12 new, specially designed shades inspired directly by the Crayola crayon colors we all know and love.

Wild Strawberry

Ripe and ravishing, this primary red crème shade is a classic.

Sunset Orange

As bold as it is beautiful, this hue conjures memories of blissful beachy evenings.

Carnation Pink

Everything’s coming up carnations in this vivid, pretty pink.

Dandelion

Picked right from a sprawling field, this sunny saturated yellow is a force of nature.

Granny Smith Apple

Take it to the tart side in this vivaciously verdant polish.

Cerulean

Rock this hue, it’s a go-to blue for back to school.

Vivid Violet

Cultivate the feeling of floral fancy in this purple shade that elevates any first-day-of-school outfit.

White

No better way to kick off the year than with a blank slate. Be crisper than a white board with this pristine white.

Razzmatazz

It’s your time to shine bright and be a dazzling star with this raspberry hue.

Scarlet

Show off your summer tan with this red hot mani.

Denim

Casually cool, this jean-ius indigo hue goes with everything.

Purple Heart

Be the Queen Bee in this courageously colorful purple.


The Sally Hansen X Crayola Insta-Dri Back To School Collection became available July 2017, but there's still time to get your hands on your favorite colors from the collection at Ulta Beauty and Walmart.

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Deborah Lippmann Oscars 2016 Nail Report

As one of the most sought-after celebrity manicurists, legendary Hollywood manicurist Deborah Lippmann, has worked with several Oscar nominees and winners. For the 2016 Oscars, the master manicurist decorated the nails of nominees and presenters Alicia Vikander, Charlotte Rampling, and Daisy Ridley, to name a few. Here's how the nails of these three lovely ladies shone on the red carpet.

Best Supporting Actress Oscar winner, Alicia Vikander, stunned on the red carpet with a romantic look in a gorgeous strapless dusty yellow Louis Vuitton couture gown. To compliment her red carpet winning gown, Deborah opted for a nail look that was soft and ethereal, with a bit of a shimmery feel; Deborah Lippmann's Bring On The Bling, a divine diamond shimmer, was the ultimate finishing touch for Alicia’s fingers and toes.

TO CREATE ALICIA’S NAIL LOOK:

Deborah prepped the nails using her signature 5-step manicure technique:

• First, she cleansed the nails with The Stripper nail lacquer remover ($19.00), shaped the nails with her Smooth Operator 4-way nail buffer ($12.00), exfoliated with Cuticle Remover ($20.00), and hydrated the hands and nails with Rich Girl SPF 25 Hand Cream ($28.00) and The Cure ($24.00), respectively.
• Deborah applied a layer of All About That Base ($20.00) to correct and conceal discoloring and imperfections before lacquer application.
• Next, she applied one coat (one coat for pedicure as well) of divine diamond shimmer, Bring On The Bling ($20.00), for a hint of glitter.
• She topped off the look with a layer of Gel Lab Pro Top Coat ($45.00, part of set with Gel Lab Pro Base Coat).
• After allowing the nails to dry one minute, she applied a drop of the quick dry drops, The Wait Is Over ($20.00).

Making her Oscars debut as a presenter, Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Daisy Ridley looked absolutely stunning in a shimmering silver and lavender Chanel couture dress. To compliment her look, Deborah Lippmann kept her nail look understated with Naked, a clean bare beige, on her fingers and toes.

TO CREATE DAISY’S NAIL LOOK:

• After prepping the nails using her 5-step manicure, Deborah Lippmann applied Naked ($18.00), the clean bare beige, over one coat of Gel Lab Pro Base Coat.
• She then sealed the look with a coat of Gel Lab Pro Top Coat ($45.00, part of set with Gel Lab Pro Base Coat).

To match Lead Actress nominee Charlotte Rampling's printed and textured Armani Prive dress, Deborah Lippmann used Single Ladies, a flirtatious red, for Charlotte’s fingers and toes to complement her earrings.

TO CREATE CHARLOTTE’S NAIL LOOK:

• After prepping the nails using her 5-step manicure, Deborah applied Single Ladies ($18.00), the perfect flirtatious red, over one coat of Gel Lab Pro Base Coat.
• She then sealed the look with a coat of Gel Lab Pro Top Coat ($45.00 part of set with Gel Lab Pro Base Coat).

All products can be found on www.deborahlippmann.com, Barneys New York, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Sephora

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Cosmic Travel In Lauren B. Fall 2015 Shades

Hello darlings,

I created a gorgeous cosmic mani using three yummy shades from the Lauren B. Fall 2015 Collection, which is inspired by the vivacious colors of Los Angeles:

The collection boasts eight colors that range from creamy soft pastels to bold shimmers and glitters, but the three colors I used are:

Espresso On 3rd: "Shot with sparkling caramel flecks, this deep chocolate tone has a fresh effect on all skin tones; it's one of the most gorgeous fall shades we know."

Santa Monica Shutters: "Clean and fresh with a touch of translucence, this milky, off-white shade creates the best first-snowfall effect: one coat makes your nails look healthy and glowing; two coats lend them a pearly gleam."

Ivy At The Shore: "The Goldilocks of teal polishes, this isn't too light or too dark - just commandingly pretty. Metallic undertones lent it an elegant luminous vibe."  

Espresso On 3rd

The luxury nail polish brand is 100% vegan, eco-conscious and 5-free, which as any nail polish addict knows, means it's free of harsh chemicals that do more harm than good. What do you think of my cosmic travel-inspired manicure? 

Lauren B Beauty is an LA based company and they name their shades whimsical LA references. I love it. These colors and more are available online at www.laurenbbeauty.com and retail for $18.00 a bottle.

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Deborah Lippmann’s NEW Nail Lacquer Collaboration with FOX’s Empire

In celebration of the second season of FOX’s hit show, Empire, Deborah Lippmann has created the new, limited edition Deborah Lippmann X Empire Collection of three nail lacquer colors, named after songs performed by the star-studded cast. With these three colors, fans of the show can embrace the rhythm and indulge their fabulous side with these lavish new shades:

Hustle Hard - a fierce fuchsia shimmer
Power of the Empire - a gold record glitter
War of the Roses - a seductive ruby red shimmer

This collaboration carries special meaning for Deborah, a longtime member of the entertainment business with three albums to her own name, and perfectly ties in with the brand’s heritage of using music as one of its inspirational sources. She adds, “As The New York Times said, 'EMPIRE has prestige, great music and gifted actors…it is Dynasty in the age of hip hop.' What’s not to love?! It combines all my favorite passions–gorgeous beauty, killer style, and out of this world music. I am a loyal viewer and can’t wait to tune in weekly.”

Previous TV show collaborations have included HBO’s Girls and True Blood, Broadway’s Wicked, and several celebrities. The Deborah Lippmann X Empire Collection is available now and retails for $24.00 online at www.deborahLippmann.com, www.sephora.com, and www.nordstrom.com.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Pink Ribbon Mani

Hello Lovelies,

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and before the month is over I'd like to share with you my dedication to the many women and men who have been affected by this disease.

FACT: One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

My aunt being a survivor, I have personally been touched by this. Know your risks. Do self exams. Learns the signs and symptoms. Get screened. Research charities and donate. Together we can beat cancer. Here is my Pink Ribbon dedication:

Colours Used:
essence the gel - sweet as candy
Sinful Colors - 24/7, Casablanca, Pink Break
Nina Ultra Pro - Gorgeous Guava (for version 2.0)

Version 2.0

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Nail Your Halloween Mani with Deborah Lippmann

Who's ready for Halloween? What will you rock on your nails? We may not know what our costume will be, but we certainly know what our nails will be dressed as. Thanks to Deborah Lippmann and her Limited Edition ROAR Fall 2015 Collection, we have found our spooktacular Halloween manicure. This Halloween, dress your nails in Witches Claw or Howling Half Moon Mani:

Witches Claw:

1. Begin with one coat of deborah lippmann Gel Lab Pro base coat and let dry fully.
2. Apply two thin coats of Respect over the entire nail, waiting 2 minutes to dry and capping the tips of the nail after each coat.
3. Wait one hour for nails to fully dry. Then, cut low-tack blue painters tape into a triangle shape and place in the center of the nail. The triangle should be placed where the pointed tip is at the top edge of your nail and is wider at the base.
4. Paint the exposed sides of your nail with Miss Independent, then carefully lift the painters tape - do not wait for Miss Independent to dry.
5. Finish the look with deborah lippmann Gel Lab Pro top coat.

Products Used:

• deborah lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base and Top Coat (sold as a set) – $45.00
• deborah lippmann Respect Nail Lacquer (Limited Edition for Fall/Winter 2015-16) – $18.00
• deborah lippmann Miss Independent Nail Lacquer (Limited Edition for Fall/Winter 2015-16) – $18.00

A Howling Half Moon Mani:

1. Begin with one coat of deborah lippmann Gel Lab Pro base coat and let dry fully.
2. Apply two thin coats of Fade to Black over the entire nail, waiting 2 minutes to dry and capping the tips of the nail after each coat.
3. Using a nail art detail brush (or the bottle brush if you have a steady hand), paint a half-moon at the base of the nail with Can’t Be Tamed glitter lacquer.
4. While that dries, apply Ruby Red Slippers over the tip of your nail, gradually dragging the glitter down towards the middle of your nail to create a subtle gradient. Add a second swipe of Ruby Red Slippers just across the tips of your nails to create a more intense glitter ombre effect.
5. Finish the look with deborah lippmann Gel Lab Pro top coat.

Products Used:

• deborah lippmann Gel Lab Pro Base and Top Coat (sold as a set) – $45.00
• deborah lippmann Fade to Black Nail Lacquer – $18.00
• deborah lippmann Can’t Be Tamed Nail Lacquer (Limited Edition for Fall/Winter 2015-16) – $20.00
• deborah lippmann Ruby Red Slippers Nail Lacquer – $20.00

The ROAR Collection evokes feminine strength and echoes the united voice of women everywhere. Inspired by the rebirth of female empowerment (equal rights, equal opportunity and female solidarity) and iconic leaders like Grace Jones, Madonna, and Cher, Deborah specifically designed these show-stopping shades to represent that power with color.

The new, full coverage shades include She Wolf (crème taupe - not pictured), Respect (crème brick red), Miss Independent (crème berry wine), and Can’t Be Tamed (crème holographic honey gold).

The Deborah Lippmann ROAR Collection is available now at www.deborahlippmann.com, and at Barneys New York, Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Sephora stores nationwide

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Green with Envy: Dry Marble Mani

Hello Lovelies,

Mixing is the name of the game for this mani. While I love water, sometimes I don't have time for a water marble. That's where the "dry" marble comes in. By simply putting one stripe of each colour on my nail and using a brush (or dotting tool or any pointy implement) to mix the colours, you can achieve one stunning manicure. Swirling, like the hairspray mani, produces different result each time. it all depends on how you mix the colours.

 

For this one, I swiped back and forth, light into dark green and vice versa. Mixing too much can cause you to lose the pattern but you will know when it's perfect.

 

Polishes Used:
Zoya - Shawn
Zoya - Tiana
essence the gel - Don't Be Shy (that's the one neon green)

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Abstract Nail Art

Or is it just dropping blobs of nail paint everywhere and hoping for something cool? That's what I did for this abstract watercolor nail art. A stroke of the nail polish brush, any random directon, or not, a skinny brush dipped in acetone, then a flick of the wrist to smudge the paint and voila. Everyone can be an artist!

Hello Lovelies,

I hope you've been having a spectacular, albeit hot week. I need to work on my abstract skills but it's fun to practice. Tell me, what you think of today's mani?

Colours used from l to r:

Essence the gel: 40 play with my mint, 30 let's get lost, 27 don't be shy, 52 amazed by you, 9 lucky

Zoya - Tasha

Happy weekend, darlings!

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Summer May be Ending but the Beach Still Beckons

Hello Lovelies!

Anyone else feeling like the Wicked Witch of the West this week? Because I am meeelllltiiiiiing. Everyone is crying out "goodbye to summer" already. I'm not! And the weather sure isn't, judging from the high range temps on both the east and west coasts. When I want to cool down, I close my eyes and recall memories of Caribbean vacations filled with dip after ocean dip and very frozen Pina Coladas. This latest mani can attest to the fact that blue waters and waves are very much on my mind.

I used all essence the gel: 30 let's get lost, 40 play with my mint and 33 wild white ways and a semi-dry brush technique to create this look.

Stay cool, darlings!

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Funky French Tips

Hello Lovelies,

I have caught the negative space bug big time! After my last mani, A Little Space Never Hurt, I fell so in love with the clean simple look of the sliver of bare nail peeking through colour, that I decided to do it again. Only this time, I bared a little more ;D

 

Armed once again with striping tape, I dipped into my Zoya stash for Caitlin, which is the creamy purple-gray, which I contrasted with an accent nail in 27 Don't Be Shy from Essence The Gel line. The vibrant neon green paired exquisitely with the smoky Caitlin. I couldn't get enough of this mani. I probably walked around with my nails up so everyone could see it

Zoya Caitlin and essence the gel don't be shy

Happy Labor Day weekend!!! Be safe and enjoy

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A Little Space Never Hurt...

Negative space that is!! Hello Lovelies,

A few weeks ago I dropped in at Ulta and scored a major haul of Essence The Gel polishes. They do not require a UV lamp. They come in the cutest little bottles and at $2 each, well...erm...lets just say I've sorta banned myself from going there for a little while.
I adore purples, reds, oranges and pinks and was dying to crack open these cute teeny bottles so for this negative space mani I pulled the 47 va-va-voom. I wanted something simple and I had recently bought some striping tape that I wanted to experiment with, so I grabbed the packet.

  

 

va-va-voom, gel base & top coats

 

The creamy coral is just plain yum. What I love about these is the brush is nice and wide. I got the coverage I wanted in one coat and the colour dried to glossy perfection. I think the result was quite adorable. I know I will be using these a ton!  

 



The Haul

Happy Hump Day, Darlings!

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