Soooo, I haven't blogged since mid August... this is equally due to several factors. One, I have had a crazy schedule. Two, I am in an intense search for a full time job. Three, I am in an intense search for a reliable car that isn't going to cost me more than it's worth. The last two things have been very taxing and stressing. But have no fear! I am still happy as a lark :) Exciting things are coming in the future... but let's talk about the now... FALL!
It has finally made it's way to East Tennessee. I woke up this morning and saw that the temperature on my phone read 62 degrees. I could've shouted! But, as usual, the high today will be barely 80. That's Tennessee for ya.
If you know me you know that I love to paint my nails, as well as painting anyone else's nails who will allow me to. So I have started my search for my Fall colors. I generally am one of those girls who sticks to certain colors every year. I usually choose a couple of shades of orange (Go VOLS!), a few shades of blacks and browns and a few shades of red. But since this year has been far from the norm, I decided to do the same with my nail color choices.
The cost ranged from free to about $7. Not too shabby! I have been partial to purples and reds here lately, even during the Summer months. I am extremely pleased and happy with all of these colors! The quality varies, depending on how I'm wearing them. Let me explain...
Okay! So the first two polishes here are a nude pink from Revlon and a fuschia purple by Forever 21.
Revlon, Classy: Cons- Because of the color, it takes about 3 coats to get thick coverage. If you don't, it will chip quicker. At least that seems to be my observation. Pros- For my skin tone (olive), it is a PERFECT nude! The color doesn't reflect an orangey type of pigment, which is a problem I had with other nudes I tried in the past. Colors that look awesome layered with it: Black and gold! I used my small brushes to draw black and gold triangles on a few nails and I loved them. It matched all my outfits and received great reviews. :) Also, Revlon is a good quality polish for a great price... around $4.
Love & Beauty by Forever 21, Strawberry (scented): Yep. You read that right. SCENTED (after it dries)! My inner child was very happy to find this. :) Cons- Definitely needs a top coat to give it a good color and shine; otherwise, it will be dull. Pros- Very pretty purple! It may be a little bright for Fall, but it's not so bright that it can't be used. I paid 99 cents for this polish, and the few times I've used it, it hasn't chipped. It paints on good (I only used one coat), and with the top coat it's unstoppable! Colors that look great with this is gray and black. So if you're like me and wear black all winter long, using this polish --or a color like it-- will add color and could even brighten your mood. :)
This is the polish I am currently sporting.
Pure Ice, All Nighter: Out of all of these colors, this is one that I buy every year without fail. Despite it's red appearance in the picture, it is more of a deep maroon. Imagine a color made of red, purple and bronze... that is the color of this polish! Cons- I have to "clean" my nails with baking soda after keeping the polish on for a long period of time (usually two-ish weeks). But all reds and purples have that effect. Also, the polish does like to chip at the tip of the nail. I usually carry it in my purse with Orly's In A Snap to dry it quickly. Pros- Beautiful color. Fresh alternative to a plain red color. $1.97 at Walmart, so it doesn't break the bank. EXACT match to Essie's Wrapped in Rubies (proven by matching my nails to my neighbors who just happened to have hers painted with the $8 polish... score!!!). This color is an awesome backdrop to a cheetah print design. Very fierce.
These last two look awesome paired together... which is the reasoning behind their pairing in the picture. :)
O.P.I., Super Bass Shatter: I am not a big fan of "crackle" polishes. Don't shoot me! It's just not my thing. But the color is gorgeous! My aunt, who is a cosmetologist, gave this to me while I was at her salon because her clients never choose it.. so I figured I could give it a try. Cons- Because it's such a dark purple, it has a limited range of colors that can be used beneath it. So far I have used the a nude (the first color up top) and the gray pictured with it. Pros- Because it is from the glorious O.P.I., it doesn't chip or fade. I had this on my nails for over two weeks and only put a new top coat on once. Looks best with solid colored outfits by working at the accessory. This polish can be found at any salons or drug stores usually, and Kroger! Unless there is a sale (usually only on sale at a salon) it can be purchased just south of $9.
China Glaze, Elephant Walk: Awesome gray! Cons- I have had a lot of China Glaze polishes, and it seems that they chip easily (and quickly) unless you use a base coat, bonder, two coats, plus a top coat... you get the picture. Most people don't have the time (or money) to do that. Pros- I know that nothing in this world is perfect, but this gray... oooh, this gray! Two coats and you're good to go! Doesn't look gross (like most grays) and goes with almost everything in your wardrobe. Looks great with navy, purple and black/white.
If you are looking for a new take on your fall nails besides the obvious reds, browns and oranges... try these out! Happy shopping and happy Fall, y'all :)
-Carrie Anna
**I forgot to add this to my original post! The best base coat I've ever used is Orly Bonder Rubberized Base Coat. So if you have an Orly near you and you get coupons in the mail, get it!!! Also, their In A Snap dries polish in "minutes"... more like seconds! These two things make life easier. Enjoy! :)
