Friday, July 23, 2010

The four directions

Hello ladies,

I decided to create a four directions manicure. There are many spiritual traditions and belief systems that utilize this symbol. To me, it feels like a starting point. Being in the center is limitless. Paths open up. The four directions are before you.

The equal armed cross can also represent the four seasons and the four elements. Connect each point to form a wheel and then you have the circle of life. The familiar Christian image of the cross can also be seen. It fascinates me how symbols can appear across cultures, across time, all throughout human history. Since we don't paint on cave walls as much anymore, I might as well ornament my nails.

I started with Chainmail Charm by Diamond Cosmetics as the base. I can't think of a better color to represent the swirling cosmos than this charcoal holographic. I stamped the equal armed cross from fauxnad plate B22. I used Konad pastel green special polish since it echoed the green flickers of the holographic in sunlight. In the center, I placed a sparkling crystal.









The petals of the giant hibiscus feel like a bolt of silk.

Chainmail Charm is a masterful polish every holographic lover should own. Why doesn't Diamond Cosmetics have more holographics in their core line? I personally would like to see a dark green holo, an aubergine holo, and a true red holo. Many of the red holographics available lean a bit too much towards pink. I would be delighted to see a pin up red or a burgundy with holographic.

The application on this polish is excellent. It seems like it would be opaque in two coats. I used three for certainty in bright sun and the macro setting.

In respect to the theme of a nail polish blog, I hope I gave a useful synopsis of the four directions. I could have easily written ten pages!

The stamping design plate B22 was sent to me for consideration. It is available for purchase at chez-delaney.com. Keep an eye out for an upcoming giveaway sponsored by chez-delaney.

Chainmail Charm was sent to me for review. US residents can purchase this polish at diamondcosmetics.com. International readers, please see this post for a list of e-tailers. For a chance to win 12 polishes from Diamond Cosmetics plus a treatment product of your choice, stop by the contest post to enter.

Happy painting, ladies!

15 comments:

  1. Very pretty! I like the inspiration behind your mani, and it looks nice as well. I can't wait for the chez-delaney giveaway. :)

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  2. Zara: Thanks so much! I love doing a simple stamping design over holographic polish. The chez-delaney giveaway will up in the next few days. :)

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  3. I so enjoy your writing. Sometimes I don't want your story to end. This was very interesting. Those are fantastic ideas for holographic polishes. Wish someone would take you up on those shades. I've always wanted a deep green holo. A pin up red holo would be perfect. Your manicure is also perfect. I love the stamp that you used. Just such a lovely look. That hibiscus is tremendously beautiful.

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  4. They are so pretty! I love the color you used!

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  5. The polish, stamp and crystals compliment each other very nicely! And phenomenal pics as usual.

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  6. I agree with you, a true red holo would be awesome :)

    chainmail charm is one of my favourite holos :D

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  7. Cute design


    http://becksmakeupcorner.blogspot.com

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  8. Very cool idea, it turned out very pretty!

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  9. Oooh! I love this mani!!! I also just noticed (even though I visit your blog frequently!) that you are in Philly! Very col. I live on the other side of the river ... about half way between you and the ocean. :D

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  10. What a gorgeous mani! How do you like the Chez Delaney plates? Are they easy to work with?

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  11. this polish looks great on you!

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  12. chainmail is one of the polishes I would pick. You just justified the pick. It is so pretty!!! I also love the 4 directions idea, very cool

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  13. Ahh, perfect! I love it. Chainmail Charm is such a gorgeous holographic, it's one of my favorites! And I think you did such a lovely job conveying the four directions with the stamp choice; the center gem is a lovely accent.

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  14. Ooh I really like this one! I've been wondering how it looks on the nail. I agree that Diamond should make more holographic polishes!
    -Lisa

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  15. Love the holo polish and I really like the theme of the four directions. Makes the manicure even more special. Beautiful as always and I love the picture of your hand against the hibiscus flower!

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