WW: Perfect Nails

For me, one of the most fun parts about getting ready for our wedding (or any wedding related activity) was doing my nails!

Now, I'm pretty horrible at painting my nails. I can do a solid color, but anything beyond that needs to be taken to the professionals. I love getting my nails done, but my bank account doesn't love it so much. In fact, it's quite the opposite. When I decide to get my nails done, I'm usually sacrificing something else for that luxury (unlike when I was 18 and had no bills and got them done every two weeks).

I found out about the amazingness of Jamberry too late in the game for my wedding, so I'm going to share it with you! I'm not being compensated for this, though I am currently hosting a party by a blogger consultant. I am seriously considering becoming a consultant because these things sell themselves. (I'm horrible at approaching people for sales).

Without further ado, here are my top picks for wedding nails. Each link will take you to the Jamberry website where they always have a buy 3 get 1 free sale (on everything!) If you click my name as the party host and Victoria Meyers as the consultant, you will be a part of my party! We get to virtually party together, since we're so far apart.

Here is the home link for my party if you just wanted to browse yourself.

Purchase here

Purchase here

Purchase here

Purchase here

Of course, I picked some mostly neutral nail designs because I think they're more classical, but of course go all out!! Think of how much more fun this would be than getting your nails done at a salon. They seat you all separate -- the day before my wedding I was literally by myself in the corner getting my nails done for NO reason, my friends got to sit together....they could have easily moved me to one of those seats.

On top of that, I would say that I got my nails done at least 4 times for our wedding festivities (engagement party, engagement photoshoot, bridal shower, wedding) and each time spent around $65. Now in SoCal it is super easy to find affordable nail salons, but I know in some places it isn't that easy *cough* Ohio *cough*. So you could easily be paying more for your fingers and toes. Each $15 Jamberry purchase gives you enough for your fingers and toes and then some. Some packs have lasted multiple applications, depending on how dilligent you are about saving.

Pretty nails, but expensive! (If you look closely you'll see matching toe tattoos!)

What's even better - to me - is that you and your girls could be doing your nails together and for each other. We did that at my bachelorette (but with regular nail polish) which was fun buuut let's admit something here...I was a little too sloshed to keep them from getting messed up.

Problem solved!

Plus, if you wanted a cute design like this at a nail salon you'd be paying extra. So you're welcome.



P.s. Maybe I'm not so bad at this sales thing when I think something is legitimately awesome.

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How To: Spring Nails and an Outfit to Match [Guest Post]

While I'm honeymooning in Europe [I just landed!], a few wonderful bloggers will be taking over my blog! I am so excited to be sharing these ladies with you! I can't wait to try this nail polish style - I think I could actually do it! 

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I'm Rania and I blog over at Excuse Denied. I'll be posting for Raewyn today!

Spring is here! Spring is here! And to celebrate I've come up with a simple, Spring manicure that is easy enough for you to do at home. I've also styled an outfit to go with your new nails. Remember, you can change the colors of the manicure to suit you, but I thought pastel purple and peach worked perfectly together for this new season. As for the outfit - this is just something fun I've put together to go with the two colors I wanted to paint my nails. You don't HAVE to purchase these items. You might even have something similar in your own wardrobe. I've just showed you how easy it is to pair two colors that are completely opposite. Ok, enough talking, let's get started. 

This is what you'll need:

You will need the following things, additionally, I added a bobby-pin into the mix, but we'll get to that in a few. If you are skilled at cutting your own cuticles, go with that. I am not that skilled, so a gel cuticle remover is ideal for me and so easy to use. 

Step 1: File your nails down and make them even. When filing, make sure you use long strokes and not short ones. Short strokes make your nails more prone to breaking. Long strokes are a lot more forgiving for your nails and allows you to get a precise and smooth file. 

Step 2: Push back cuticles. Apply the Instant Cuticle Remover and let it sit on your nails for about 5-8 minutes. This softens the cuticles, making them easier to push back. This is where the orange stick comes into play. Use the orange stick to push the cuticles back and shape them. Cutting your cuticles is never the way to go, as that part of your nail is prone to infection. We love cuticles and they love you too, as long as you take care of them properly! 

Step 3: Apply a base coat. This is one thing I hardly ever do (as you can see, my nails are tinted blue from my previous manicure) but it's a super important step. Applying a base coat allows your polish to grip to your nail as well as protect your nails from staining. Only apply 1 coat though, as more coats will make the polish too thick making it dry slower. 

Step 4: Apply the first coat of your desired polish. Yay! Color! Apply this polish thinly, making sure to cover your entire nail. This step can be messy, because you're going to apply another (or more) coat. Try not to be too messy, as cleaning up nail polish around your nail is NEVER fun. 

Step 5: Apply your final coat. This is the coat that needs to be perfect because this is the one everyone will be seeing. Make sure to carefully apply a thin coat covering your entire nail. Don't put too much polish on the brush or else your final coat will be gloomy and dry too slowly. 

Step 6: Design time. I decided to go with a simple design, but I really love it because it's super chic (imagine how this would look with white + black polish!). The design isn't too bold, that's why I think it's so appropriate for Spring. I use a bobby-pin head to apply the little dot. All I did to the bobby-pin was stretch it out so it would be easier to use the head (ball type point) to dot the accent color to the base of the nail. You can either put the dot on the base of the nail, tippy top, or even have then going from the base to the top in a row of dots (that'd be cute!). Allow this to COMPLETELY dry before applying a top coat. 

You're done! After you apply a top-coat (I do two thin layers), you're done. Make sure your nail is completely dried before performing tasks. You can even dip them in freezing cold water to make the drying process go quicker. After the nail is dry, I apply cuticle oil around my cuticles and lotion to make the ashy-ness from the filing disappear. Et voilà - a beautiful and easy Spring manicure. 

Now, what do you wear with your new spring-do? Well, here's an outfit I styled below on Polyvore to help you with just that. If you're feeling adventurous, this outfit is for you. If not, keep it simple with just the top and skirt and some of your favorite shoes. 

Remember, when putting together an outfit with bold colors, make sure your base is neutral. The black and white striped top and grey skirt is a perfect base for the loud shoes, a clutch and fun jewelry. Keep it fun! Fashion and beauty are things that should be light-hearted and fun. And since we've been in this winter stump for so long, I'm craving bold color and brighter days. 

Thank you for reading! If you want more posts like this, head on over to Excuse Denied. :) 

Rania Bolton

Excuse Denied, a style blog 

www.excusedenied.com 

Thank you so much for taking over my blog as I'm gallivanting [and hopefully not freezing] in Europe!

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