how i make hearts

Hey guys, so I got asked by a reader how I did the hearts on my heart nails!

So today while bored at work I made a little graphic tutorial in paint!
It's not the best, but you'll get the point!

The first way is the way I tend to do mine. I'll explain them in words!

Version 1:
Step 1 - Make a line with your detail nail art brush, starting in the upper left corner of the heart, and pull downward, ending where you would like the point of your heart to be.
Step 2 - Make a line starting in the right corner of the heart, and go down to meet with the bottom of the heart.
Depending on the shape of your brush this might not work properly. I use a brush like brush C in this image so the tip is a bit rounded and can create the rounds of the hearts easily.
I find this easier/quicker.

Version 2:
Step 1 - Make a dot as the top left portion of your heart, you can use a dotting tool, toothpick, bobby pin, anything. Play with different sized items to get different sized dots.
Step 2 - Make another dot to the right of the first dot, making sure they line up right.
Step 3 - Connect the two dots with a V-shaped section underneath.

I hope this helps! :)

More about → how i make hearts

OPI - I Get A Kick Out Of Gold

I bought this polish AGES ago, probably the beginning of last year, and yesterday I was going through my boxes to find polishes that I hadn't swatched and I found this one.  I can't believe I forgot about it and it got lost amongst my stash.  I didn't even include it in my gold foil comparison.  I'll have to do another one now.

The above photo was taken in the sun, below indoors under artificial light.  OPI - I get a kick out of gold is an older polish, but you can still get it on ebay.  But, given that there are so many gold foil polishes out there that would be almost dupes of this, it's not one that you need to go out and get.  What I like about this gold is that it is a cool tone (like Orly Lux and Jessica Palladium). This was three coats + one Seche Vite.

To mix it up a bit, last night I added two coats of LA Girls Rock Star Double Platinum.  I love this polish but have never been able to get it opaque enough to do a swatch of it on its own.  LA Girls Rock Star Double Platinum is a holographic glitter in a slightly smokey, almost clear base.  Here is the full sun pic from this morning.

Under artificial light last night.

And the obligatory blurry shot to show the glitter.

It makes me smile looking at my nails today, what a shame I have to take it off to put on the green magnetic polish that turned up in the post today!! 

More about → OPI - I Get A Kick Out Of Gold

Katrina's Nail Blog's 1st Birthday Giveaway!

WOW! i cannot believe i've been in the blogging world for a whole year now!

i know everyone always says this...but... i honestly had no idea that anyone would follow, read, or find any interest in my silly little blog here...and yet there are 923 of you who put up with me :) the love, encouragement, and support from you ladies is really incredible & i really appreciate it~ ♥

now, to say thank you to you all & to celebrate my blog's 1st birthday, i have a giveaway! :)

there will be two prizes so there will be two winners.

first prize:

brand new bottles of polishes that i personally bought myself.
- Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure's Sea And Be Seen.
- Essie's Van D'Go.
- Orly's Candy Cane Lane.
- Rimmel's Sunset Orange.
- Zoya's Edyta.
- Nicole by OPI's Nicole...Spotted!.
- Barielle's Elle's Spell.
- Revlon's Emerald City.


second prize:
the winner of the second prize will win two polishes + one top coat + 5 stickers from Younique Nails! the winner will get to choose whichever two polishes and which top coat she wants. [the glitters count as top coats.] big thanks to Younique Nails for sponsoring this second portion of the giveaway!

this giveaway will end
Sunday, March 20
the winner will be announced a day or two after & the winner must respond within 48 hours after i sent out the email.
-as usual, this giveaway is opened internationally~ :)


the rules:

*1] you must be publicly following me through GFC or bloglovin' or whatever else blogger has to offer. *please note that i am not including my tumblr followers in this giveaway. & new followers are welcome :)
*2] leave your name [gfc/bloglovin' name] + email address. [one entry]
optional] blog / sideblog about my giveaway - with a link provided. [extra entry 1]
optional] "like" Katrina's Nail Blog on facebook - leave your fb name. [extra entry 2]
optional] add Younique Nails as a friend on facebook - leave your fb name. [extra entry 3]

*please note that anyone who comments my blog regularly will receive an extra entry! :)

please leave the following information in the form below:



good luck to everyone! thanks for all the love in this past year! im looking forward to another year with you awesome ladies :)

and thanks to Younique Nails for sponsoring! please do check out their site!

<3KATRINA

More about → Katrina's Nail Blog's 1st Birthday Giveaway!

i can't get enough crackle!

Hello to my new followers! I've more than doubled in the last two days.
So delighted :D

Now, I bet everyone is getting sick of seeing crackle, but I am not sick of seeing it on my nails!

(click to enlarge)

It just doesn't get old to me.
I can't wait for Sally's to restock so I can get the rest!

(click to enlarge)

I always like to show both hands for designs like this when every nail is different.

I like trying to figure out different ways to use the crackle and shatter to make it a little more original.

I used:
Wet N Wild Shine - Black Creme
China Glaze - Broken Hearted
China Glaze - Crushed Candy

To get the half-n-half look, I let my base coat fully dry and used some technical tape (sort of like electrical tape - it doesn't stick to nail polish the way scotch tape tends to) to tape off half the nail.
With the tape on, I painted one half with Crushed Candy and took the tape off really quickly before the crackling started.
Then I carefully painted the other half with Broken Hearted, no tape this time so it wouldn't pull off the crackles.
Thick coat of Seche Vite and you're done!

More about → i can't get enough crackle!

Weekly Giveaway Roundup

I love giveaways. Each week I'll post giveaways that I think are awesome! I'm trying to catch any giveaway that has nail polish & I always post them on the Monday before they close. I figure some publicity towards the end of the entry period is a good idea, so don't worry that I've forgotten yours if I don't post it immediately! On the other hand, I know that I will occasionally miss a giveaway or two. If I miss yours, please know that it was accidental and nothing personal!

NAIL POLISH & MORE

• Nouveau Cheap is giving away the Wet N Wild MegaLast Bloom polish collection!! 3 winners!!! Ends 3/2.
  
• Kendal is giving away 10 polishes including Revlon Perplex! Ends 3/3.
• Pretty Punk Beauty Junkie is giving away 2 GOSH polishes and Ahava Hand Cream! 2 more winners will receive the Ahava!! Ends 3/3.
• Rijah is giving away 8 polishes!! Ends 3/3.
  
• A Splash of Serendipity is giving away the OPI Katy Perry Collection! Ends 3/4.
  
• Cosmetic Cupcakes is giving away 2 amazing prizes packages!! Ends 3/5.
• Beautifully Addicted To is giving away 5 polishes and much more! Ends 3/6.
• Make-up Music Money Me is giving away 4 polishes including one of my favorites, Wet N Wild Shield! Ends 3/7.
  
• GildedNails is giving away 3 OPI polishes! Ends 3/7.
• Hot Pink Aurora is giving away 8 polishes! Ends 3/7.
  
• Ivana is giving away 8 fauxnad plates, 3 Kelier Crackle polishes & lots more! Ends 3/8.
• Polish Freshie is giving away 4 polishes and some nail art goodies!! Ends 3/8.
  

MAKEUP & SKINCARE

• Nouveau Cheap is giving away complete sets of the new Wet n Wild Coloricon 8-pan palettes! 2 winners!! Ends 3/1.
• Nouveau Cheap is giving away all six of the new Wet n Wild Coloricon Eyeshadow Trios! 2 winners!! Ends 3/1.
• Nouveau Cheap is giving away the new Wet n Wild Vanite Collection! 3 winners!! Ends 3/2.
  
• Laura DeLuca is giving away you choice of 2 fragrances from Auric Blends! 2 winners!! Ends 3/2.
  

MISCELLANEOUS

• Family Focus Blog is giving away an Eco-Friendly Dog Bed!! Ends 3/2.
• Polished Lyrics is giving away a $40 CSN Stores GC! Ends 3/3.
  
• Creative Noms is giving away The Sriracha Cookbook! 2 winners!! Ends 3/5.
  
• I'm giving away a $70 CSN Stores GC! Ends 3/15.
  

Please feel free to post your giveaways in the comments of the Weekly Giveaway Roundup posts! Let's keep them all on these posts and not on regular posts.
Thanks for reading!
April

More about → Weekly Giveaway Roundup

Zoya Nail Polish :NYFW Fall 2011, Peter Som

Zoya Nail Polish : NYFW Fall 2011, Peter Som  
Zoya Nail Polish
New York Fashion Week (NYFW)
Fall 2011 Recap: Peter Som
Zoya Nail Polish: Zoya Sally

Peter Som runway was a perfect blend of ready-to-wear and haute coture. Peter Som looked to the The Zoya Nail Polish Team to manicure models nails in the delicate pink shimmer of Zoya Sally which complimented the shows looks.

Each nail was cleaned and prepped with Zoya Remove + from the Zoya Color Lock System, prior to applying a base coat of Zoya Anchor, two coats of Zoya Sally and an ultra glossy top coat of Zoya Armor. Everything dried quickly with a few drops of Zoya Hurry Up.

Watch live streaming video from petersom at livestream.com

Video courtesy of live stream (livestream.com/petersom)

More about → Zoya Nail Polish :NYFW Fall 2011, Peter Som

Zoya Nail Polish, NYFW Fall 2011: Joy Cioci

Zoya Nail Polish: NYFW Fall 2011, Joy Cioci

Fall 2011 Recap: Joy Cioci

Date: 02/16/2011 

Zoya Nail Polish: Zoya Caitlin and Zoya Dove

Haven Spa for Zoya 

The Joy Cioci presentation was full of soft light looks that were effortlessly beautiful! Joy Cioci looked to the Haven for Zoya Nail Polish team to manicure models nails in the custom nail design using Zoya Caitlin tipped with the soft grey Zoya Dove which complimented the shows looks. 

Each nail was cleaned and prepped with Zoya Remove + from the Zoya Color Lock System, prior to applying a base coat of Zoya Anchor, two coats of Zoya Caitlin and then tipped with one coat of Zoya Dove and an ultra glossy top coat of Zoya Armor. Everything dried quickly with a few drops of Zoya Fast Drops.

Video courtesy of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

More about → Zoya Nail Polish, NYFW Fall 2011: Joy Cioci

Sephora by OPI Urban Ballerina Collection

Today I have Sephora by OPI's newest collection called Urban Ballerina. I was a little indecisive on whether to buy the whole collection or not, but since I'm loving all these spring collections, I thought this one wouldn't disappoint. Take a look at the swatches.


Break a Leg-Warmer is a charcoal gray creme. Very opaque under one coat, but this was under two coats


Who's Spinning Tonight? is a purple creme with subtle shimmers. 2 coats


Shiny Dancer is a dark charcoal gray shimmer with a semi metallic finish. 2 coats


Let's Plié is a light beige creme with subtle silver shimmers. 3 coats. It was streaky with the first coat but after the 2nd coat it evened out


Leotard-Optional is a mocha beige creme. Which really reminds me of a mocha drink. 3 coats


The Way Tutu His Heart is a very light pink almost white out pink. 3 coats. Also streaky with 1st coat but started to even out. I like how this one looks white with a hint of pink on it.

Overall, I liked the whole collection. Not all the colors are unique, but majority of them are. Leotard-Optional might have a few similar polishes and Shiny Dancer as well. But I can't think of any like or dupes for the other ones. The formula for these were great. They're available at sephora.com for $9 each. Prices are a bit high in my opinion, but you get what you paid. These are better formula than most $23 bottle nail polishes =X

Well that's all I have for today!

More about → Sephora by OPI Urban Ballerina Collection

MIX AND MATCH FOR AXA!

[Photo above taken from Axa's blog]

[Excuse the bodge job photo booth pictures (below), I didn't have my proper camera with me!]

More about → MIX AND MATCH FOR AXA!

CSN Stores $70 Giveaway! Ends 3/15. (Closed)

Update! 3/17. Winner is Kevin Linkie!


CSN Stores has offered a $70 gift certificate to one of my readers from the U.S. or Canada! They have over 200 individual stores that you can choose from. I really can't believe the variety of products offered at the many CSN Stores. You can get an LCD TV stand, fountains, toys, pet accessories, lighting, even shoes! My sisters and I have thought about purchasing things from their store allmodern.com in the past. This store is filed with amazing designers like our personal favorite Toord Boontje!
Here are some of my favorite picks for around $70.

Cute flats for spring.


Pretty roasting dish.


Nice sweater for your doggie.

This is a TINY glimpse of the things you could get if you win this giveaway!

RULES:
PLEASE READ ALL OF THE RULES BEFORE ENTERING.

• Winner will receive a $65 gift certificate good at any CSN Store. Shipping charges are not included unless otherwise stated in the item description. In the case of Canadian addresses, international fees for certain products may apply.
  
• This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. & Canada only.
• This giveaway starts today, February 28th, and will end Tuesday, March 15th, 2010 at 11:59PM Central Time.
• We'll select the winner with random.org's random number generator and notify the winner by email on Wednesday, March 16th.
• The winner will have 24 hours to respond. If the winner doesn't reply within 24 hours, that winner will forfeit the prize and an alternate winner will be selected via random.org.

HOW TO ENTER:
Each person is allowed to enter up to four (4) times as follows:

• Mandatory Entry. Just leave your name and email in the form below.
  
• Earn an optional entry if you "Like" CSN Stores on facebook. Leave your facebook name for verification.
  
• Earn an optional entry by following CSN Stores on twitter. Leave your twitter name for verification.
  
• Earn an optional entry by following our blog with GFC. Leave your Google Friend Account (follower name) in the entry.
• You only need to fill out the form once. This works MUCH better than comments, so I've turned them off for this post to avoid confusion.

Thanks for reading!
April

Thanks to CSN Stores for sponsoring this giveaway! I did not receive compensation for this giveaway in the form of product or payment of any kind.

More about → CSN Stores $70 Giveaway! Ends 3/15. (Closed)

Red Carpet Red - Zoya has your perfect nail polish color!

One big trend emerging from the 2011 Academy Awards was Red! Red hair, red dresses and red nails. With hundreds of reds to choose from in both cream and metallic options, Zoya Nail Polish has you covered for your next Red Carpet walk!

Not sure on your shade - order a Zoya Color Spoon to try it before you buy it.

What's a Zoya Color Spoon?

Zoya Color Spoons are clear plastic, spoon shaped devices with actual nail polish poured in the nail shaped tip. Before you order a bottle of a color you are not sure of, order a color spoon of that color instead. You can order as many (or as few) colors as you would like. When you receive the Zoya Color Spoons, simply hold them up to your nails and see what the actual color will look like on your nails as though you applied 2 coats and a clear top coat. You never have to worry about ordering the wrong color again.

Ok here is the best part: Zoya Color Spoons SHIP FREE (Economy Ground). That's Right, weather you buy 1 or 200 spoons you do not have to pay for shipping unless you want to upgrade to faster shipping.

So how much are the Zoya Color Spoons? Well they are basically FREE. When you place an order for Zoya Color Spoons you are charged $0.50 per spoon, but as soon as your order is invoiced and ships you will receive an email with a personalized promo code for a discount in the amount equal to the amount you spent on spoons to be taken against you next order.You can use your coupon code towards the purchase of the real color you want to buy or any merchandise on our websites. You can even use it to buy additional color spoons. read more ...

More about → Red Carpet Red - Zoya has your perfect nail polish color!

Zoya Nail Polish, NYFW Fall 2011: Victor de Souza

Zoya Nail Polish: NYFW Fall 2011, Victor de Souza

Fall 2011 Recap: Victor De Souza

Date: 02/10/2011 

Zoya Nail Polish: Zoya Dove

Nail Taxi for Zoya 

Victor de Souza runway was structured futuristic femininity. De Souza looked to the Nail Taxi for Zoya Nail Polish team to manicure models nails in the creamy grey Zoya Dove which complimented the shows looks.

Each nail was cleaned and prepped with Zoya Remove + from the Zoya Color Lock System, prior to applying a base coat of Zoya Anchor, two coats of Dove and an ultra glossy top coat of Zoya Armor. Everything dried quickly with a few drops of Zoya Fast Drops.

 

Cinnamon Bowser of Nail Taxi uses Zoya Armor on Cynthia Bailey of  The Real Housewives of Atlanta!  

Video courtesy of FashionTV

More about → Zoya Nail Polish, NYFW Fall 2011: Victor de Souza

LEE ♥ COCO / THE ORIGIN OF LOVE

[Photo taken from Axa's blog]

More about → LEE ♥ COCO / THE ORIGIN OF LOVE

MIX AND MATCH FOR MICHAELA!

[Excuse the bodge job photo booth pictures, I didn't have my proper camera with me!]

More about → MIX AND MATCH FOR MICHAELA!

Fault Line Crackle

I forgot to mention that before I removed Nubar Verde the other night, I did try China Glaze Fault Line over it. Now I have heard MANY say that it doesn't crackle as good as the rest of the China Glaze, but I didn't really experience much of a difference.  Here it is with no top coat.

and now with SV on top

More about → Fault Line Crackle

Red & White Striped Nail Art

My friend Carla-Rose organized a Girly Swap recently and I came home with this great Bebe shirt. She invited dozens of women to bring their unwanted clothes to her house, served us champagne and homemade cupckaes and then let us all go through each others things. So fun! All of the leftovers went to a local charity. Thanks again Carla-Rose!!
This shirt made me so happy that I decided to do my nails to match. I used one coat of Sally Hansen White Out and then did some quick stripes with one coat of Zoya Kristi.

Have any of you ever matched your nails to a favorite piece of clothing?

Thanks for reading!
April

More about → Red & White Striped Nail Art

ZIG ZAG TIPS FOR MAMA

More about → ZIG ZAG TIPS FOR MAMA