Challenge - Monster & Halloween!!!

Once again, I have put two challenges together since they were pretty similar. Monster and Halloween!

I chose to do a Witch-y theme. Not that many witches are monsters, but it works. I am very happy with my mani this time! Took a bit, and I tried a new technique of bubble mani. Definitely need practice for that technique, but the effect came out ok.

The index finger is a cauldron using the bubble technique. Meh, but was interesting to try it out. Will definitely be attempting again. Then middle is the lovely witch. I didn't want her to be ugly, so she is kinda glamourous with sparkly skin. My ring finger is "eye of newt". I have always loved that phrase for some strange reason, and Cadillaquer's Masterpiece just screamed it! Of which, it is a spectacular polish! It's like a reverse Scofflaw's David Bowie's Bulge. That's a combo that will be tried, fo sho! Last, pinky kitty! I didn't give him a pink nose because my cat is all black with a black nose. I did want him to have one, so it made it grey.

My thumb I did a sparkly jelly green for sparkly slime!

What do you think?! I really loved doing this one. My freehand has been getting pretty bad lately, so this turning out was a big boost in confidence.
What were your Halloween mani's?

Rachel

Challenge - Plants - Venus Fly Trap

Daffy looks just like my late Basil. RIP

Plants are collectively some of the neatest organisms on the planet.  My grandmother is a plant fanatic and has always stopped to smell the roses in her own way (usually that way is by keeping little baggies with her to take clippings and seeds home with her to plant later).  From a very early age I had a healthy respect for how difficult it is to balance loving your plants with drowning them. I don't have any houseplants because I still haven't mastered not going all Abominable Snowman on them. That said, I was pretty stoked for this week's inspiration.

I decided to go after The Venus Fly Trap and I love how they turned out! The texture of the spun sugar feels really neat on the nail while the contrasting colors really pop.  It was a time consuming manicure but definitely worth it for the final look!

First, I painted 2 thin coats of Julep Francis. I free-handed a ruffian over that with NYC Broadway Burgundy Frost and topped with a coat of seche.

Next, I dropped a bit of Julep Francis on some photo paper and mixed it with a toothpick until it was thick and no longer freely dripped. On a fresh toothpick, I grabbed a bead of the tacky polish and brought it up to the nail. I touched the bead to the nail and slowly dragged it diagonally down the nail. When I had gone far enough, I retraced my route so any stringy bits could be easily masked in the line I'd made. Rinse and repeat! When the polish got too thick, I'd add another drop or two and mix thoroughly.

Finally, I used a detail brush to paint the outside edges of each nail with a thin dry brushing of Julep Leah.
This is my second attempt at Spun Sugar.  Have you tried it?

Challenge - Animal - Nudibranch Nails!

Meet Mr. Chromodoris roboi.
He can grow as big as 26mm! (We're really impressed)

I'm a teensy bit too excited about these! I pinterest stalk nudibranchs pretty hard and it came to me that they could make for some amazing nail inspiration. The hard part was trying to narrow which tiny color bomb could be done justice in polish! I couldn't hope to capture it completely since they are such ethereal, surreal little things.


In my pinterest "research" (If I call it research I can procrastinate doing the dishes guilt free, right?), I came upon this little guy who reminded me of reverse gradients.  I formulated my plan based on that idea.

First, I laid down a coat of OPI My BF Scales walls and topped it with Julep Bess. Then, I sponged a gradient using F21 Earl Grey to about three quarters down the nail and covered it all with a topcoat.  Next, I cut irregular shapes out of tape using an xacto knife and placed them on my nails to mimic the pattern on the nudibranch.  I sponged a gradient of Julep Nina, Lucy, and Cleopatra over this (careful to line up Bess with the Lucy/Cleopatra gradient), removed the tape and popped on another topcoat.

 

 I love the outcome! Reverse gradients are one of my favorite techniques. What are some of yours?

Breast Cancer Awareness Mani

Today I have for you my Breast Cancer Awareness Mani!
I did this mani a long time ago, back when my nails weren't nubs. But, I love this glitter topper Ballerina Girl so much from Joyful Noise Cosmetics, I felt it was perfect to do again.
There are two manis. The first is Sinful Colors Glass Pink, and the second I used Sinful Colors Cotton Candy as the bases.  Glass Pink was suuuuuper sheer, and not really what I was santing it to turn out, so I did the second one.

I love the shimmer that Ballerina Girl has. This is also going to be used in my upcoming CHALLENGE! Yep! We are starting them again now that things have calmed down. Can't wait!

Rachel

Challenge - Inspired by Tea!

On my daily list of priorities, a cup of tea is mandatory! There's something about a cup of freshly brewed tea that says, "Hey me! You're RAD! Have something awesome. In fact, I recently purchased a comically huge mug so I can enjoy MORE tea as I reflect on how important I am.

One of my current favorites is The Tea Table's Masala Chai because it is such a rich, complex and unique blend.  If you're in the market for a new chai, it is the bee's knees with a bit of milk and sugar.  In fact, the Masala Chai convinced Mr. Husband not all tea had that weird "I just came out of a soda fountain" taste.

I tried to take this one a bit literal and was inspired by the experience of enjoying a cup of tea. 

On my accent nails I did a watercolor technique to try and meld some of the colors used like the spices in my favorite beverage: deep brown black tea leaves, a warm metallic cinnamon,  creamy taupe vanilla and a bit of warm yellow for the ginger root.  The other nails are also a watercolor technique but I hoped it would mimic the way milk and black tea swirl together when first combined.  

They didn't turn out how I'd hoped as the average human wouldn't see "tea" in these. I do love the look though! It's very subtle and feminine and will look great wrapped around my tea mug.

Challenge - B Horror Movies and A Song - Rocky Horror Picture Show

It's been too long! Life has been busy and I always tend to slow down on the polish when I've had to mow my nails down because of a break. Is there anything more devastating to a polishaholic? It takes the wind RIGHT out of my sails!

Without furhter adieu, I present my Rocky Horror Picture Show and Science Fiction/Double Feature manicure!

To start, here is the Rocky Horror piece of this mani! From index to pinky, we're representing Magenta (Space Hair), Columbia (glittery top hat), Frank N Furter (Lab Coat), and Rocky (stunning little monogramed briefs).

And for the Science Fiction/Double Feature, I freehanded using polish the iconic lips of the opening song! I'm so proud of this one!!

Challenge - Miyazaki - Totoro Nails!

 Hello, party people! I finally got my challenge done for last week.  I was feeling a lot a bit under the weather so I'm way late BUT it did give me time to correct a wrong that has gone on too long.  Up until last week, I'd never seen My Neighbor Totoro! Yes, yes, admonish me. I deserve it. 

Now that your tsk tsks are out of the way, check out my derptastic mani! I love the expressions of Totoro and the Soot Sprites although most of that was unintentional and caused by making tiny details on a tiny surface. That said, who doesn't love a happy accident?

BONUS: Guess who got her camera workin!

Challenge - Miyazaki - Spirited Away

This challenge was the most fun so far!
I am a HUGE fan of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki. I have most of the movies. Princess Mononoke was the first one I saw ever, which started me down a wonderful road of adorable creatures and spectacular stories.
I think the one I love the most is Spirited Away. I got to see it in the theater, and it was so beautiful and fun. So, I chose to use it as my mani inspiration.
My ndex is Yubaba's bird after it and Boh transformed. Middle is Kaonashi, which admittedly is a little wonky. Ring are the Susuwatari, or the dust bunnies. Pinky is Boh, the fat baby that turns into a fat mouse. (Yes, I had to look up the names! Some fan I am.)

I like how they came out! Can't wait for next week's challenge of B Horror Movies! LOL! Lotsa blood and fun to be had.
What would you do if you did this challenge. Feel free to join and we will post your pics too!

Rachel

Challenge - Fourth of July!

Happy 'murica day, y'all!
Don't forget the giveaway that puts the Blue in Red White and Blue!

I think these ones kinda speak for themselves! It did cross my mind that my accent nails were slightly influenced by the Bioshock Infinite logo and I'm totally okay with that.

For my dominant hand, I found the louboutin effect to be totally adorable and worth the mess it caused to create it.  On my right hand it was neither adorable nor worth the mess.  I think the mixture of my oafish left hand and shorter nails was disastrous.


 I hope your holiday is safe and filled with more fun than you can shake a stick at (not that I  encourage stick-waggling in public, mind you).

OPI My BF Scales Walls
OPI Swimsuit... Nailed it
Julep Jackie

Challenge - 4th of July & Challenge Update

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
I hope everyone has a safe and fun celebration!

Before I get to the challenge, I wanted to set up some clarification to the giveaway.
The first two entries, email and following Newly Obsession on Facebook, are mandatory. I'm sorry I didn't clarify in the post. I did update the post with this information.  If you have already entered the giveaway without completing both entries, you will NOT be disqualified. There were only two. Any new entries must have the first two completed to be eligible, and all entries will be verified.

Okay enough of the blah blah blah.

For this mani I got to use some untrieds! WOOHOO!
I used:
Orly Royal Navy
OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls
Julep Jackie
Orly Angel Eyes
Julep O Canada! <snicker>
Mash 46 & 49

The next challenge is MIYAZAKI!!!!! I've been waiting for this one. I do see to get excited about a challenge, try to do something, then totally bomb it. So, with my skills getting better I'm psyched to do Miyazaki. I just have the hard part left.  WHICH TO DO?!

Now, GO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY TO GET FREE STUFF!!!!

Rachel

Challenge - 80's Flick - The Last Unicorn

I feel like this challenge had so much potential that I just had TOO much inspiration! I had ideas for a million different films and couldn't commit.  I ended up going for The Last Unicorn! 

My goal was to match the colors of Amalthea's dress with some of the wispiness of the art.  The butterfly happens to be one of my favorite characters, so I wanted him represented too.

TRAGEDY STRUCK when I overestimated how quickly Seche dries.  My middle finger was so smudged! I opted to glue a pretty rose on there rather than re-do the water marble. While these aren't exactly what I'd hoped for, I do think they're quite fetching!

Polishes:
Julep Alice
Julep Annette
OPI My BF scales walls
Sally Hansen Color Quick Silver

Challenge AND GIVEAWAY!

So, lotsa stuff to talk about today!
First, I'm an auntie again! My sister gave birth to their second son, Jason Ryan. He's beautiful, and I'm not being biased.  Well... Maybe a little.
This brings great things for you, readers! After we look at the challenge, there will be the giveaway stuff, so hang tight!

First, the 80's Flick challenge.  My favorite has to be Pretty in Pink.  I love the Brat Pack, and most of all Molly Ringwald.  GO GINGERS!

This is based this loosely on a minimalist poster for Pretty in Pink.

I started off with a pink ombre of Julep Jennifer, L'Oreal Penthouse Pink, Julep Avery, Orly Purple Crush. A little polka dotting, some stamping, and a few caviar beads for her pearls... VOILA! Granted the caviar beads are silver, but you make do with what you got. Unfortunately the lighting in this got a little wonky, but you get the idea.

So, now... To the goodies!
We made this, OUR FIRST GIVEAWAY, a blue theme.  This is to celebrate Jason Ryan's first day of life. WELCOME TO THE WORLD LITTLE MAN!
This is a U.S. ONLY giveaway. Sorry international readers. We will attempt to make the next one international participation. Giveaway will end on July 14, 2013 11:59pm PST.

Now the PRIZES!!!

Winner #1 will get a Nails Inc. Bling it On Midnight set.

Winner #2 will get two Sephora OPI polishes. Indi-go With the Flow and Opening Night.

Winner #3 will get Layla #09 Aqua Zen.

Winner #4 will get the aptly named Hard Candy Birthday Bash.

Enter in the Rafflecopter below! There are some mandatory entries.

Good luck, readers!!!

*******UPDATE! You must complete the first two entries to be eligible for the giveaway. If they are not completed, you will be disqualified. These entries will be checked for validity.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

All polishes were purchased by me, Rachel.  The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Open to US, 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Challenge - Panoramic - Noah Bradley's M13 Plains

As you may recall, I'm a super nerd for Magic: The Gathering. The artists who illustrate these cards are freaking HEROES! One of my favorites is Noah Bradley. His works are evocative and breathtaking and his use of color makes my inner artist green with envy.

Without further delay, I did my best to capture his M13 Plains with acrylic paint!

I ain't too humble to confess that I'm proud as shit of this manicure. I love the colors and it is probably the first time I've illustrated a cloud that didn't look like some kind of cartoon sheep. In person, it does resemble buttered mashed potatoes but, hey, that's not a sheep.

BONUS: Noah Bradley offered (on reddit) to sign some of his cards if one mailed him a postage paid envelope with the cards to be signed.I jumped at the opportunity and made him a thank you card. He signed my cards and returned them with the following note:

I AM A BIG DEAL.

Challenge - Sushi - Kawaii Sushi Nails!

I wasn't sure what to do for the sushi challenge since "california rolls" are the closest to sushi I've been (outside of a hazy memory of a first date when I was a teen). I turned to the google machine and came up with a couple photos for inspiration: from Hawaii Kawaii and from Kukubee.

Armed with some hyper-cute ideas and a can-do attitude, I went to work creating the most barftastically adorable manicure I could imagine. My wasabi plush begged to be included, so forgive me for any cute aneurysms I induce.

I learned a very valuable lesson from my efforts, actually.  I need a lot of practice with dotting.  I've tried before with limited success, but I've never come so close to ragequitting mid-manicure as I did making my little nori wrapped roll. At one point, it literally looked like I had poked its eyes out with a hot poker.

Challenge - My Favorite Monster - WWE's Kane

I'm a renegade who doesn't play by the rules, man. I still have the sushi challenge from last week but I got a bit zealous about doing "my favorite monster"! An opportunity to mix two of my favorite things? YES, PLEASE! 

First, meet Kane. He's WWE's 7ft tall "Big Red Monster"/"Devil's Favorite Demon" and one half of my favorite tag team in recent history, Team Hell No. As you may have noticed, he's adorable.

Now for the mani! I wanted these to be 100% gothy and campy just like Kane. I decided it would be the best homage to have his ring gear be the imagery used.  Plus, it's a mani I wouldn't mind wearing for a few days!  

This mani features:

Rimmel 430 Black Satin

Julep Molly

Julep Parker

Challenge - Inspired by Candy - Spun Sugar Minty Truffles

Initially, I had wanted to do a chocolatey truffle mani but I don't actually OWN a chocolate brown. So, instead, I decided to take different elements of Candy and put them together.  My main inspirations were spun sugar, truffles, and mint.

The result? An obnoxiously sweet 80's track suit. I can totally remember my Grandma Grace giving me something very similar for Christmas as a kid. No lie - I loves these colors together then, too.

Julep Dianna and Alice were used for this.  Dianna is so hard to photograph! It is definitely not Tiffany blue bit is darker than sea foam. Alice's dusty lavender with the white shimmer is so lovely!  

Challenge - A Tutorial Under the Sea

I cheated and I don't feel the slightest bit bad about it. I've been behind in my challenges the past couple weeks (too many non-lacquer adventures) and have struggled to catch up. In order to make sure I'm ready for next week (Inspired by Candy!!) I combined the last week and this week!

Last week's theme: Under the Sea. This week: Inspired by a Tutorial.

I immediately though about a watercolor mani. I found a bunch of tutorials online and used their advice (which often differed) to create my bubbly ocean waters. It is such a shockingly easy mani compared to the effect you get! The greens in it didn't photo well, unfortunately. 

One of my favorite pictures of myself is one in which I'm high-fiving the giant starfish statue at Sea World. I had to give props to my homies if I wanted to go underwater in style! To achieve this look I used a star shaped punch on a piece of scotch tape.  Then, I stuck the tape to my hand to make it a bit less sticky before placing it on my nail and painted two coats of Julep's Sea Salt Textured Jill. Once tacky, I pulled it off and cleaned up the edges a bit.

The Sea Salt texture was exactly what I needed to make my starfish pop, but Jill is very much not a starfish color. I painted over it with Julep's Sasha and a detail brush.  When it dried, I still had a good deal of that sandpapery texture. After finishing the other details, I painted the topcoat around the star to maintain the "roughness."

I kept my accent nails simple since I really wanted to showcase the watercolor background.  Essie's Shine of the Times is PERFECT for the fishy scales and added just enough flash without being overwhelming . The bubbles were done with dotting tools and tacky black polish.  I did have to go back in with a toothpick to finish a couple areas that weren't cooperative.