31 Day Challenge: Day 26 Pattern Nails

#31DC2015 Pattern Nails

I know. I know I've been MIA a few days here and there. A little behind on the challenge, but I'm here today, so let's go with that. We'll see about tomorrow when it comes. Sometimes you just have to grab a little ME time or family time when you can. This weekend I got to spend some time with family and catch up on what's going on with all of us. What made it extra special was that I got to spend time with my Uncle who has very strong opinions about life. He's from the WWII era and the struggles back then were very different than the ones we have today. I enjoyed an eye opening history lesson. I could write about it all day, but that's not what you guys are waiting for. I'm setting thoughts of air raids and war aside for now.

The challenge today is patterned nails. I chose this one because I was in a hurry and it was the first patterned plate I put my hands on. I paired a Revlon polish with Moyou London's blue stamping polish.

Here's what I used.

Aquamarine by Revlon
Moyou London Blue 

Next up,  art work.
Ciao for now.

Dear Diary -- July 10: A trip to the aquarium

Dear Diary,

Mom and Dad were in town for the holiday weekend and we took the boys to the National Aquarium at the Baltimore Harbor.  We had a great time.  I wanted to take lots of pictures, but soon after we arrived my phone died.  I had forgotten my camera and I didn't have a charger so I had to rely on my resident teen photographer.  I think he did a great job.  I didn't have to edit a thing.

His superb photography work inspired me to do a seaside manicure.  I used a few China Glaze polishes for my gradient, and a Sally Hansen Triple Shine glitter polish for a little sparkle.

For Audrey and DJ Blue My Mind by China Glaze
Broadway Boogie by Loreal

I couldn't resist a mermaid, sail boat and palm trees.

Now I have Jelly fish on the brain.  Hmmmm.....

Revlon's Gold Glaze

Yesterday I promised you a few swatches of 'Gold Glaze', a sister polish to Revlon's 'Pink Glaze' and 'Holo Pearl'.

Pink Glaze    Holo Pearl  Gold Glaze

Once again, I wasn't disappointed.  I used both white and black base coats to get an idea of how the top coat effect layers over both dark and light colors.

After several coats (about four), I got a sheer gold shimmer over white polish.  But after just two coats 'Gold Glaze' transformed into a beautiful metallic gold over black polish.  I have metallic gold polishes that aren't as appealing as this combo.  Two thumbs up for Revlon's 'Pink Glaze', 'Gold Glaze' and 'Holo Pearl' polishes. 

Revlon's Pink Glaze Nail Polish

I can't remember the last time I visited a Rite Aid, so when I drove by one today, I had to turn around and take a look around.  After promising the kids that I'd be right back (that really means pull out your video game devices and have a good time).  I planned to do a little personal comparison to my local CVS and Wallgreens.  My plan was to look around, not shop, but when I found two sister polishes to my Revlon Holo Pearl, I couldn't pass them up.  Revlon's top coat effects 'Pink Glaze' and 'Gold Glaze'.

I was so impressed with Revlon's 'Holo Pearl' that I couldn't resist the other two.  I didn't expect them to live up to the same standard as the 'Holo Pearl', however,   simply because they are not holographic polishes.  They looked great in the bottle, though, and I do have a new found respect for Revlon, so it was definitely worth a try. 

Pink Glaze             Holo Pearl            Gold Glaze

I painted both top coat effects over white and black polish to see how they would look over dark and light colors.  I was surprised to see that the Pink Glaze showed up as a faint pinkish shimmer over white polish, but a vibrant purple iridescent color over the black polish.  'Pink Glaze' over white polish was barely noticeable, but it was absolutely stunning over black polish.  Quite impressive.  

    

After a bit of stamping

Tomorrow we'll take a look at Revlon's 'Gold Glaze'.

Ciao for now.

Revlon's Holo Pearl

      I happened upon a beautiful find at CVS.  Revlon Holo Pearl, a holographic top coat.  Since I've recently  caught the holographic micro glitter, bug I had to try this one.  My experience is that not all holographics are the same.  But, I was satisfied and quite impressed with this one.  No, I didn't see the rainbow,  but the glittery effect is outstanding.  It twinkles like a million tiny diamonds.

Unfortunately, I have to give this disclaimer first.  The following pictures do not give justice to this polish.  The beautiful, holographic, glittery effects are noticeable.  But believe me when I say this....Trust me it's fantastic!  

Beautiful in the bottle, gorgeous on the nails.  Since this is a top coat, I needed a base color.  I chose two, white and black. 

Ring finger base coat is black

I loved the polish so much that I couldn't resist a little stamping.