Beauty 101: What's Up With O.P.I. Infinite Shine?

 Recently, I (thankfully!) found a replacement for gel nails. Gel nails were nice and long withstanding, however, made my natural nails thinner and took up a lot of space and time. The latest replacement is O.P.I.'s Infinite Shine! Infinite Shine is a three-bottle process and doesn't need any lights or excess nail prep. The purpose of Infinite Shine is to create a shiny, lustrous polish that lasts up to 10 days! And, although it does not advertise to be chip free for 2 weeks, the shine and polish does last for at least 7 days.

Now, the process consists of about 3-4 steps. It begins with applying the Infinite Shine 1 Primer, practically the equivalent of a clear base coat. Then, of course, the Infinite Shine 2 Nail Lacquer in any color choice. I purchased a bright pink for the summer and a nude polish for a simple and clean manicure. The Infinite Shine 2 Nail Lacquer does require a good amount of shaking before use as well as about 2 coats of color. After applying step 2, the process finishes out with Infinite Shine 3 Gloss which is similar to top coat. After these three steps, let the nails dry and settle. 

Above are pictures of my Infinite Shine manicure in nude. The nail polish is extremely true to color after being applied to my nails, even after just one coat! My only "big" tips for the Infinite Shine process is to make sure the polishes are properly shaken before applying. If not, the manicure could turn into a clumpy, streaky, mess. However, unlike gel nails, Infinite Shine does not seem to thin or discolor the nails, takes a lot less time, and comes off with acetone-based nail polish remover, like any other nail polish! It's a complete manicure win in my beauty book!

Have you tried O.P.I.'s Infinite Shine Nail Lacquer? Why or Why Not? 

Help! My Nail Polish is Ruined!

In the world of manicures and pedicures, there is only one thing worse than a chipped nail...a ruined nail polish color! (especially in your favorite color!) I have probably witnessed hundreds of nail polish bottles become hard and guppy, clumpy, or just "stuck" inside the bottle. However, I have figured out some tips and tricks to making my nail polish last much longer in their bottles! Check out my tips below:

1. Invest in the Best! So let's just start off with the obvious, cheap nail polishes die faster. Nail polish brands such as O.P.I. and Essie are some of the best nail polish brands around because their polishes are made to last in the bottle and on your mani/pedi.
2. Storage is key! I used to throw all my nail polishes into a little basket, some would sit upside down and others on their side. This caused so many of my polishes to clump up on the brush bristles and around the tops caps. Nail polish sits and lasts longer when stored right side up. So, you might want to invest in a nail polish storing kit.
3. It's all about the temperature! Adding on to the storage tip, be sure that your nail polish sits at room temperature. Don't have them in sweltering heat or extremely cold environments, especially since the bottles are typically glass. 
4. Pour on the Acetone! When the polish is starting to get clumpy, try pouring a small amount of acetone based nail polish remover into the bottle. Pour only a tiny droplet into the bottle and the shake it up thoroughly until the polish thins itself out.
5. When all else fails... Sometimes it's just time to throw in the towel and start again with a new bottle of nail polish. But, before you do that, make sure you remember the name of the polish color if you are planning on buying it again!
   

What are your favorite nail polish colors and brand?
Leave your answers in the comments below! 

Beauty 101: Fall 2014 Nude Nail Trend

Fall 2014 Nude Nail Trend by lyndseycamille featuring a nude nail color

I am a self-proclaimed manicure maven! My dresser is full of nail polish, from glitter polishes to bright neon polishes. An entire dresser drawer is home to nail design brushes and manicure kits. However, I won't be needing an abundance of color this Fall 2014 season. Throughout the summer, I became extremely bored within a repetition of bright pink, poppy coral, and classic red nail polish colors. So, I traded in bright colors for nude polishes. I found that the nude polishes complemented my accessories and made my fingers appear more elegant and lady-like. Now, two months later, who would've thought nude nails would become the Fall 2014 trend?! A nude nail look is all based upon your skin tone, a deep-toned lady may want to go for a more chocolate, rich nail color, a bronze-y girl for a soft tan polish, and a fairer skin girl for a creamy or pink-toned polish. Nude polishes are perfect because chips aren't as noticeable and can easily be dressed up with a coat of glitter polish.

What is your perfect shade of nude?

Beauty 101: The Secrets of Gel Nails

Kate Spade Fashion Week Manicure 

Nail art is the fun trend that we all love! Like any other form of art, nail art is full of infinite designs, prints, and colors. Perfect for any fashion/beauty look, mood, or self-expression for the day. However, we all know the feeling of utter disappointment when a perfectly polished nail chips. So, to combat chipped manicures, gel nails were created. Gel nails give a perfectly polished, glossy manicure that can last up to 2 weeks! What more could a nail polish maven ask for?! However, there are some pros and cons to gel nails. 

Pros

• As gel nail popularity continues to rise, more and more colors and nail art techniques continue to rise. So, don't even think you have to give up your favorite nail designs! 
• Gel nails can withstand just about anything, from digging around in your purse to washing the dishes! No chips...AT. ALL. 
• The glossy film of gel nails keeps your hands and nails looking fresh and well groomed.  
• Gel nails are super easy to apply at home! Purchase a gel nail kit, carefully follow the instruction, and you will always have top notch nails. 

Cons 

• Although gel nails don't chip, I have experienced peeling. However, for me, the peeling usually occurs after cleaning with chemicals or subduing the polish in liquid for extended periods of time. 
• Nails can weaken after excessive gel nail use. When taking gel nails off, you must be very careful not to peel off the actually layer of nail because it will cause the nail to weaken. 
• Because gel nails are so secure on the nail, the real nails do not receive a lot of oxygen causing bacteria to build up. 

Now, I am sure there are many more pros and cons of gel nails, but it is entirely up to you whether or not to try a gel manicure. My personal advice is to go for it, but be sure to care for your real nails and wait 2 weeks in between gel nail application. 

Be sure to send me your gel nail photos and let me know your gel nail experience! 

Beauty 101: Summer Nail Polish Colors

Summer Nail Polish Colors by lyndseycamille featuring a bright pink nail polish

Summer nails are all about fun designs and color! Whether a girly look is desired or an edgy look, any style can be achieved.

1. Blues and purples work for all seasons and style depending on the shade. Purple is the color of royalty and looks great on a variety of skin tones. Bluer shades are youthful and peaceful and, like purple, work with various skin tones.
2. Pinks and reds are very classic summer colors. These colors look great with a more girly look, especially when paired with glitter and sparkly polishes. Pinks are great for an everyday look while red is even more perfect for a more classic and classy look. 
3. Nudes, white, and sparkly polishes are perfect for a simple manicure. These colors look amazing for a more formal look or a very clean nail look. 

What are your favorite summer nail polish colors?

My Nail Polish Faves

Neutrals polishes are beautiful colors on all skin tones which is why they're some of my favorite nail polish colors. I like my neutrals in various shades browns and greys, sometimes deep blues and purples, because I love the subtleness and simplicity it gives my nails. The best neutral colors in my opinion come from the O.P.I. and China Glaze nail brands.

Every girl has to own at least one glitter nail polish. Glitter nail polish give you a touch of glam girliness whether the glitter covers your entire nail or is working as a top coat over a solid color. What I love is that glitter nail polish is great for an accent nail and work for any style. However, the downside to glitter is that it's tough to get off and requires an acetone nail polish remover. Sally Hansen and O.P.I have the best options for glitter nail polish.

Pink, orange, and red nail polishes are my top oils for bright spring and summer nail looks. Pinks are perfect for sprin and flower nail designs while reds are classic and can be bright enough to compete with the summer sun. Orange nail polishes are quirky cool because they are bright and different. I love getting my colorful polishes from all types of brands and always use a white base coat to make the colors appear brighter.

A nail file, clippers, cuticle cream, and an overall nail kit are a must if you want to keep your nails looking good. Never file your nails going straight across or attempt to make big changes with just a file, clip the nail first and use the file for adjustments while filing all in one direction. Clip your nails when they break to not case further breakage and chipping, don't ever use your teeth! A good cuticle cream will help to keep your nails feel and look smooth and super clean.

What are your favorite nail polishes and brands?

Nail 101: Liquid Sand Polish

"Get Your Number" Liquid Sand Polish

I have been on the hunt for a bright blue nail polish but instead I went for a liquid sand nail polish from Mariah Carey's new O.P.I. line. The polish gives off a textured sandy look full of glitter that looks absolutely gorgeous! The polish applies with full color coverage with 2 coats and a top coat is not needed to create the sandy, textured look. The polish has stayed on chip free for about four days which is a nail polish record for me especially since I use my hands a lot throughout the day resulting in chipped nails that I constantly have to redo. The glitter in the polish are all different sizes making your nails sparkle and shimmer from various angles and while the background color pops. The best part about the liquid sand nail polish is that it is true to its color and is not just another see through nail polish. Kudos to Mariah Carey for a top notch liquid sand nail polish line in multiple gorgeous colors!

What is your go to nail look?

Beauty 101: Everyday Beauty Essentials

Every girl has that one go-to product that they can't just go a day without, it'd be the same as going out naked if they didn't put it on. Whether your go-to everyday product are beautiful stud earrings, nail polish, or even a pair of lucky socks, every girl should definitely take to time to learn these beauty essentials. Of course it's perfectly fine to go without these beauty products, which is me most of the time, because you are absolutely beautiful with and without the make-up. These everyday beauty essentials are for the days when you want to look polished, wide-awake, and like you put way more effort in your beauty look than you actually did. 

• Sparkly Nail Polish! Okay, so this may not be your typical beauty product, but I think sparkly nail polish adds a little more personality to a handshake. Any nail polish color will automatically jazz up your fingers and if you use a sparkly polish you won't have to worry so much about obvious chips.
• Mascara! Mascara is probably my 2nd favorite beauty product besides eyeliner because no matter what it always makes your eyelashes stand out. Lengthening and thickening mascara make your lashes pop more in pictures and can even make your eye color appear brighter.
• Lipgloss! Lip gloss is just about every girls first make-up product, it's easy and simple which is perfect for any age. Lip gloss comes in some many different pigmented colors and formulas that it's hard not to find one that works perfectly for you. Just be sure your lips are nice and smooth before you apply or else it will be a crackly mess.
• Bobby pins! Whether you have short, long, curly, or straight hair, bobby pins are your hair's best friend. Bobby pins can be used to create so many different styles as well as hold your hair in place or to just get your hair out of your face. 
• BB Cream! BB creams are a new product to me and they are worth the hype. BB creams help the skin and give a light coverage which is great for everyday since you don't want to pack your skin with too much make-up.

What are your beauty essentials?

Beauty Essentials by lyndseycamille featuring deborah lippmann nail polish

DIY Nails: Keep Your Natural Nails Pretty

Okay so this is definitely my nail look from last week, but I like it so much that I'm  keeping it this way for my birthday on Saturday. The only difference for this week is that I did an all purple ombre and used a ton more glitter, glitter is girl's best friend though, right? Anyways while I was going through a struggle taking the glitter polish off I noticed that my nails are looking much more healthy than usual. For the past few weeks I have recently been trying out new nail routines because I began to notice that my nails we're breaking and peeling so easily which resulted in my polish looking not so hot. Now that my nails are all about the same length, have very little to no peeling, and don't seem to breaking so easily, I'm ready to share a few things that I've been doing to them.

• Check the remover! I've always known not to use nail polish remover containing acetone on the regular, but it takes the polish off so easily that I caved in to using it every time. Big no-no! Use a remover without acetone so your nails will stay super strong.
• Beneficial Base Coats! Base coat that have vitamins or moisturizes the nail really do work to protect and help your natural nails, plus they prevent your polish color from staining your nail.
• Stop Excess Filing! There is no need to file your nails every day, only file about once a week to shape up your nails. Do not use a nail file to drastically change nail length or shape, it will weaken your entire nail.
• Picking Your Cuticles! This may not apply to your nails, but your cuticles are so close to your nails that it should. Picking at your cuticles is actually a health risk because it can cause cuts, bleeding, and allows bacteria a way into your skin. Leave your cuticles to the professionals and extremely clean tools.

I really hope you enjoyed this post and that these tips help you to achieve great looking natural nails. If you try out any of these tips or have any of your own please let me know in the comments below!

DIY Nails: I Love Fall

I am so obsessed with fall, the leaves are beautiful, the clothing is warm and snugly, and to top it off my birthday is in the wondrous fall months.My nail design for this week definitely embodies how I see fall as well as my love for owls and this beautiful fuchsia nail polish. All you need to recreate the nail look is a nail art brush, dotting tools, a light pink polish, grey, brown, and fuchsia/purple polish color.

1. Begin with clean nails and coat them with a clear base coat followed by polishing all of your nails a light pink color.
2. Take your nail art brush and dip it into the brown or purple color and being creating leaves. The leaves will come out great if you begin with the round portion and slowly create the tip, almost like a teardrop.
3. Now for the owl take the fuchsia color and paint the entire nail except for a small semi circle. Let the polish dry, then add eyes, a beak, and small polka dots with the dotting tool.
4. The tree can be created with the nail art brush and can have as many branches as you would like, they look more realistic if the have bent and wobbly lines. Use the dotting tool to represent leaves at he end of the tree branches.
5. Wait about 5-7 minutes for the nails to dry and apply a clear top coat. Be sure to make sure your nails are dry so they will not smear or smudge.

Now your nails are fall perfect, you can even add sparkles, glitters, or play around with different color schemes. Let me know if you try out the nail look!

Fall 2012 Beauty Trends

This year's fall beauty trends are so gorgeous, it's all about nudes, browns, deep reds, emerald greens, and regal purples. The colors scream dark princess in my opinion and work for every skin tone. Nail polish is definitely huge this year, every celebrity and fashion brand is beginning to make their own nail line which means everyone's nails are going to painted. A matte black nail color is a great alternative to the everyday shiny black and a nice emerald green, dark red, navy blue, or regal purple are fall ready too. A nude brown is also a trendy nail color that makes your nails appear longer and when it chips, no one can really tell. Not only is a nude brown a trendy nail color, but also a lipstick or gloss. Dark lips in violets and reds are so popular for nighttime looks in fall, while a nude lipstick or nude gloss is great for daytime wear. Don't forget about the hair, Lauren Conrad has switched up her Cali girl blonde hair to brunette which looks amazing and totally embodies fall.

Fall Beauty Trends by lyndseycamille featuring a sheer lipstick

Mimco lip makeup, $26 / Mimco sheer lipstick, $26

Trend Alert: Fall Nail Colors

Fall is coming faster than you think so it's time to get your nails up to season. This nail polish season bright colors are still in, but in darker shades. A bright blue or purple in a dark hue are perfect for this fall and will even take you into the winter months. I am currently loving Maybelline"s Sapphire Siren for the perfect dark blue polish that stands out while still being subtle. Nude, brown, and grey polishes are also big for fall and work for any lady. A nude polish is also a perfect shade for chipping because it's not as noticeable. Overall regal blues and purples and subtle greys, browns, and nudes are totally in for your nails. Try out brands like Zoya, Loreal, Ciate, O.P.I, Sally Hansen, Maybelline, and more for amazing polishes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIY Nails: All About The Polish

It's Mani Monday and time to talk about nail polish. There are so many nail polish shades, colors, stickers, shatters, and so much more! Personal preference plays a roll in picking a great nail polish, but so does skin tone and sometimes even nail length. Your nail polish color can have so much more impact than you think, it can tell your favorite color, wether your into dark or light colors, or if your  into lots of sparkle and glitz. Here's some tips to picking out the best color for you!

1. Chipped Nails! If your always concerned about chipped polish you may want to try polishes in pearly, nude, or beige shades. Even if the polish chips you won't be able to tell and you can dress up the colors with cute designs.
2. Bright Colors! No matter your skin tone, bright polishes always appear bright. They stand out best if you normally wear neutral colors, but they still work if you always rock lots of color.
3. Sparkles! Sparkly and glitter nail polishes may look pretty in the bottles, but sometimes they don't come out exactly right. Don't be afraid to open the bottle in the store to see just how light or heavy the specks of glitter really are.
4. Application! Nail polish looks best when it is applied correctly. Coat the polish once directly in the middle of the nail, then one time on the right and left side.
5. Stickers! Nail stickers from just about every brand do amazing things! They come in designs, prints, and bold colors that make your nails dazzles.

DIY Nails: Wonder Woman

These Wonder Woman nails are so cute and they also work as Fourth of July nails! The picture of these nails are a little messy since I didn't have a chance to wipe off the excess polish around my cuticle. The nail look is actually very easy, even the star! All you need to create the look is red and blue polish, a white nail striper, and glitter polish.

1. Begin with clean nails and coat them with a clear basecoat.
2. Paint youe pointer finger and ring finger with the blue polish and the remaining nails with red polish.
3. Take your white nail striper and paint about  lines on the red nails.
4. Use the glitter polish or glitter shatter polish to coat over the blue polish on your pointer finger.
5. Take your white nail striper and carefully draw an outline of a star on your ring finger. Fill in the outline after you draw it.
6. To add extra sparkle, dot sparkles around the star and make the tip of your nail a sparky red.
7. Coat your nails with a clear top coat after all the nails are dry.

• If you have problems drawing a star, just add sparkly dots.

DIY Nails: Butterfly Wings

Butterflies are such beautiful, interesting creatures. They are so inspiring and they had to be used in some type of artwork which just happened to be on my nails. I actually saw a picture of a butterfly nail design and I just had to recreate it with my own twist! All you need for this nail design is a bright nail polish color such as the pink, black nail polish as well as a black nail striper, and white polish. You also need a dotting tool or a tooth pick.

1. Begin with clean nails and coat them with a clear base coat. This will help your nail polish show up more vibrant and stay on longer.
2. Coat your entire nails with a bright nail polish of your choice. Use about 1-2 coats.
3. Take your black nail polish or striper and paint a small section on the side of each nail.
4. Continue the line across the tip of your nail in a diagnol line.
5. Take your nail striper and draw a diagnol line from the bottom corner to the top corner of your nail.
6. Draw 3 slighty curved lines conntecting your original black lines. Let the nails dry.
7. Take a dotting tool or tooth pick and put polka dots across the tips and side of your nails. Let the nails dry.
8. After your nails have dried, coat them with a clear top coat and continue to let them dry.

This nail tutorial is actually very easy to recreate and requires very few materials. Remember to be patient and practice makes perfect when trying out new nail designs. Be sure to show off your lovely mani!

DIY Nails: Midnight Summer Silhouette

I am in love with my summer-y nails complete with a palm tree accent. This nail tutorial is inspired by the late nights of summer, sun sets, and calming palm trees. All you need to create this nail look is a blacck nail striper, sparkly clear, dark blue, orange, neon teal,and purple nail polish. Be sure to have nail polish remover and a clear top and base coat handy!

1. Begin with clean nails and coat them with a clear base coat.
2. Take the purple polish and paint one-third of your nail starting from the cuticle.
3. Immediately take the orange polish and paint a little over the purple polish and the middle section of your nail. Be sure to let the colors blendd together.
4. Take the blue polish and paint a little over the orange all the way to the tip. Let the colors blend and fade into each other in an ombre effect.
5. While the nails are drying begin on your accent nail by painting it a neon teal. Be sure to let it dry.
6. Take the black nail stripers and make a thick line at the tip of the nail.
7. Create a short angled line with the black nail striper.
8. Make a circle at the end of the angled line and draw lines extending from the circle. Now you have a cute palm tree, but make sure to let it dry.
9. Go back to your other nails and coat them with the clear sparkly coat to add a starry effect. Do the same to the accent nail when it is dry.

Rock this nail look all summer long and even try out different designs such as dolphins for your accent nails. Remember practice makes perfect and remember to prevent any chips with an amazing top coat. Show off your mani girlies!

DIY Nails: Cheetah Girl Color

I decided to get a little animal print nail design on my nails, but I couldn't do it without adding some color! This nail design is actually very easy and even the most unsteady hands can achieve the look, all you need is a light nail polish color such as tan, three bright nail polish colors, and a black nail polish striper. Don't forget a base and top coat!

1. Begin with clean nails and coat them with a clear basecoat.
2. Apply the base nail polish color. A tan or light grey color works best.
3. Take one of your colorful nail polish colors and create a medium-size dot anywhere on the nail. Make sure it sits flat on the nail, not piled up.
4. Continue adding colorful dots on your nails and let them dry. Be sure to keep them spaced out and seperated. 
5. Take you black nail striper and let the polish fall to the tip of the brush. Pat the polish around the colorful dots creating a cheetah print.
6. Let the polish dry and seal it with a clear top coat.

*As you can see it the pictures I have a lot of polish on my cuticles, to fix that problem soak a Q-tip with nail polish remover and rub it in any areas where the polish is not supposed to be.

Remeber to be patient while trying out new nail designs and that practice makes perfect. Try out this fun nail design and feel cheetahlicious!

DIY Nails: Starburst Candy Nails Video

DIY Nails: Starburst Candy

I love painting my nails in bright, neon colors and have two different polishes on the same nail is perfect for me!  This is nail art design is actually inspired by the sunset and Starburst candy which called for a yellow and red-orange nail polish colors. I am always looking for ways to amp up my nail designs to another level so I also reversed the traditional french manicure. All you need to recreate this DIY nails look is 2 contrasting nail polish colors and a clear base and top coat.

1. Begin with clean nails and coat them with a clear base polish.
2. Paint your nails, concentrating near the nailbed, with the lighter nail polish color. Let the poish dry before moving to the next step.
3. Take the darker nail polish color and begin painting at the tip of the nail downwards. Paint going in a semicircle around the nailbed.
4. Let the nail polish dry and finish by coating the nails with a top coat.
5. Clean up any extra polish by soaking a Q-tip with nail polish remover and rubbing around the edges of the nail.

**Use a circular sticker during Step 3 to get a more precise and defined semicircle. Remember practice makes perfect and to be patient when trying out new nail art designs. Try out this nail art look in any color combo!