Shades of Phoenix 'Day of the Dead' Nail Art

I'm back again with some regular blog programming! Today I have some pretty detailed (for me!) nail art to show you :)

I did these nails for the nail art contest that Shades of Phoenix is currently having (it's international and has an awesome prize, go check it out here). The theme is Dia de Los Muertos aka Day of the Dead and you have to use at least 1 Shades of Phoenix nail polish.

Since the only SoP polishes I have are this years Halloween Trio (based on Dia de Los Muertos), I used all three of them! I also have 5 SoP shades coming to me in the mail next week (including the new 'Furies' Trio) so look out for my swatches of those :)

First, I'll show you the base on it's own because I love it! 'Calaca' and 'Mictlan' look awesome together in a gradient!

I started with a white base and used Ulta3 'Carrot Top', 'Royal', and 'Frog Prince' to sponge on the base gradient. Then I used Shades of Phoenix 'Calaca', 'Mitclan' and 'Catrina' over the top.

Then, for my Day of the Dead design, I was mainly inspired by this photo:

and here's what I came up with! I used all acrylic paint except for the pink which is Nutrimetics 'Cafe'.

anddd, mattified using Revlon Matte Topcoat!

I love how it looks matte! Which do you prefer?

You can purchase the Shades of Phoenix Halloween Trio here for only $25

Caitlin, xo

Moonstone Nail Polish Launch Collection Swatches pt. 2

Hi everyone!

I'm back again to show you the second half of polishes from the Launch Collection of Moonstone Nail Polish. If you missed my post from the other day, be sure to check it out here.

Moonstone nail polish is my own baby indie polish brand and is due to be released October 29th!

The first polish I have to show you today is 'Dark Shines'! A blurple jelly jam-packed with deep purple holographic flakes with a blue shimmer. May dry slightly textured. Simply smooth it out with a good top coat. My swatches show 3 coats with topcoat.

'Dark Shines', outdoors in the shade

'Dark Shines', direct sunlight

'Dark Shines', direct sunlight

'Strangeness & Charm', is a deep pink jelly with white hearts, marigold yellow, holo silver, iridescent violet, crimson, and light green hex. Swatches show 3 coats with top coat.

'Time Child' is a steely metallic blue with a slight blue/purple colour shift with holographic hex in various sizes. Swatches show 3 coats with topcoat.

Finally, we have 'New Romantic', a glitter topper with white hearts, white hex, gold hex, and pink/gold flakes. Swatches show 2 dabbed coats over dark purple.

and that's it! I hope you all like them! They will be released on October 29th and will be available from my store, www.moonstonenailpolish.bigcartel.com

Oh, and please like Moonstone Nail Polish on Facebook! :)

xo, Caitlin

Introducing: Moonstone Nail Polish! (Launch Collection Swatches pt. 1)

Hi ladies,

 I'm sorry that I've been neglecting my blog (and my nails!) for the past few weeks, but it's for good reason - I've been working hard trying to organise the launch of my own nail polish collection! Between working full time and setting up this little business, I've had no time for blogging but hopefully after the launch (October 29th!) I will be able to get back into it :)

Moonstone is inspired by Harry Potter (weird!). The Moonstone is a key ingredient in several love potions in the Harry Potter universe. I chose this name for my brand because mixing polish is a lot like mixing potions and I mix my polish with love!

The Moonstone Nail Polish Launch Collection

 Today I'm going to introduce to you 4 polishes from the upcoming Moonstone Nail Polish Launch Collection! This collection  does not have a specific theme but these polishes are inspired by music, Harry Potter, & Doctor Who. These are my greatest passions in life and I am constantly inspired by them.

First we have 'Midnight Express', a dark navy/violet jelly packed with tiny blue and holo silver hex, micro holo squares, and micro blue/violet iridescent hex. Swatches show 3 coats with topcoat.

'Midnight Express' in sunlight

Next is 'Electric Bird', a dark royal blue crelly filled with pink/gold flakes, iridescent violet micro hex, and scattered micro holo sparkle. Swatches show 3 coats with top coat.

'Jiggery Pokery' is a fun glitter topper packed with white stars, mint squares, holo rose hex, light blue diamonds, periwinkle blue hex, and iridescent rainbow hex. Swatches show 1-2 dabbed coats over a dark bluish black base.

Finally, we have 'Radioactive', a soft violet shimmer polish with a subtle pink/blue colour shift. The colour shift can be intensified by wearing one coat over black. Swatches show 3 coats on it's own with topcoat.

'Radioactive', direct sunlight

'Radioactive', shade

'Radioactive', outdoor light

'Radioactive', outdoor light

That's all I'll be showing you today! Come back tomorrow for swatches from the rest of the collection! What do you think about these ones so far? Which one is your favourite? They will be available for purchase on October 29th at my store (shipping within Australia only) at $9.50 for a 12ml bottle. 

Caitlin, xo