Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Pirate Cove

Hello ladies,

Today we will venture to an old pirate's cove, where shipwrecked treasure is hidden beneath the jetties and low lying rocks. Beware! The pirates may still be guarding their wealth of pearls, gems and gold.

Using Konad white special polish, I stamped the skull and crossbones from design plate T29. I was really delighted that my pearls fit the eye sockets perfectly. I couldn't resist! I created a funky french using two kinds of crushed shell. Laura from Sawan had sent me some beautiful grey shell that composes the majority of the tip. Lavender shell from Art Club is used as a highlight.






A lepidolite skull and BB Couture Michael.

Michael is a gorgeous purple shimmer. There is a hint of inky blue to this shade. I continue to be amazed by the artful complexity of BB Couture for Men polishes.

I am wearing three coats of Michael, more out of habit than need. Most BB Couture polishes require three coats for my long nails. Michael seemed opaque at two, but I kept on painting. Unless you are mesmerized by the subtle shimmer, you will likely be pleased with a two coat application.

I hope you enjoyed my pirate Halloween manicure. Those are some of the most joyful skulls I have ever encountered.

The lavender crushed shell is from the Art Club sprinkles line. These are available at Sally's retail locations and on-line at sallybeauty.com. A review sample was sent to me.

Image plate T29 was provided for my consideration. To view the entire line of nail art stamping plates, please visit chez-delaney.com.

BB Couture Michael was sent to me for review. The Infamous Lovers Men's Collection is available for purchase at overallbeauty.com. Would you like the opportunity to win your choice of five polishes from Infamous Lovers Men's or Ladies' Collections? Stop by Trick-or-Polish?: A Halloween Giveaway! to enter. The last day to enter is October 18th.

Happy painting, ladies!

31 comments:

  1. I love the shell idea!! It looks amazing! =D

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  2. Katiana and I are sitting here drooling over this one! Absolutely gorgeous!!!!! She wants her nails done now. I finally found a black that I could use that was similar to my last favorite, now I have to do this one too. LOL

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  3. That is the funkiest french! So cool! Your Halloween manicures are inspiring.

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  4. MissPukka: Thanks so much! The shells are a fun variation on a French tip. :)

    Heather: I am so glad you both like it. I bet you could do a diagonal placement of the shells on her nails or a vertical placement...half crushed shell, half polish. <3

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  5. Karen: Thank you! It's only the 13th. There will be many more to come! ;)

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  6. This is awesome! I love the shell bits.

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  7. Arrrr! That is a right sharp looking manicure, matey.

    I like the pearls in the skulls' eyes. :D

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  8. One of my new favorites of all your awesome manicures!

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  9. Ooo the shell is really pretty and eye-catching!

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  10. I love this mani, it's so funny and looks great!

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  11. You dont fail to amaze me with your pictures. Not only are your nails wonderful but also the drama that you direct to create such wonderful pictures. Keep it up.

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  12. I think the little skull is cute with its smile :D

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  13. the shells add something more and are eyecatching! Great idea! :)

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  14. LOVE this manicure. The colors, the design...everything!

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  15. Diana, I freaking love you and your manicures.
    Enough said.

    I'm curious about the crushed shells wear. Are they cloth-non-friendly(meaning that it easily picks up cloth threads) etc. ? :)

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  16. a smiling toothy skull with pearl eyes
    it's perfect
    Happy October

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  17. such an awesome design!! come follow oxo

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  18. A wonderful tale and a fascinating manicure. I love those special extras you use.

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  19. wow! this design looks so awesome!

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  20. i love the shells so gorgeous. great job

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  21. I've never seen crushed shells look so lovely. This is gorgeous!

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  22. Zara: Thanks so much! The crushed shell is a lot of fun to work with. <3

    Ice Queen: Thanks! I seriously could not resist those pearls!

    April: Wow! Thank you! The smiling skull was inspirational. :)

    pfefi: Thanks! I should use shells more often. I love how they capture the light.

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  23. Mansikka: Thanks so much! The smiling skulls make me happy too. :)

    CHEERYL ANN: Thank you! I have been learning a lot about photography over the past year. I am always experimenting! <3

    rijaH: Thanks! That little skull is a charmer. ;)

    Alice: Thanks so much! I really enjoy creating French tip variants.

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  24. nihrida: Thanks! I am so glad you like how all the elements came together. <3

    Daria: You are so dear! Thank you! xoxo!

    I used two layers of topcoat over the shells. I didn't have any problems with fabric. There is just enough texture that my cat liked it when I scratched the bridge of his nose. He purred and purred!

    peripatetic33: Thanks! I think the smiling skull is a good ambassador for October. :)

    FASHION ICE: Thank you! I'm glad you like the look.

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  25. Lucy: Thanks so much! I love creating a theme and adding embellishments to my nails. <3

    MyMakeUpMania: I appreciate it! Thank you!

    Vhlesz (Bless): Thank you! I am glad you enjoy the shells. I will certainly create more looks with them. <3

    ABOP: Thanks so much! I definitely recommend blending colors when working with crushed shell. It adds dimension. I want to experiment further with shell. So much fun! <3

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  26. Fantastic!!

    What you did with the shells is amazing, and the colors are such a perfect combo. If I tried that, my whole nail would be covered. :oP

    Argggg matey!

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  27. Ahoy Milady,

    I am mixing pirates and musketeers in me comment. Shiver me timbers. That's some talent ye possess. Me parrot cage can only hope to rival ye nails. (well sort of). Me ghost cat likes the Jolly Roger motif the best. He's sailed on many an eerie vessel. Godspeed lassie.

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  28. ow wow diana, this is gorgeous, I really love this!! if my nails would be as long as yours, I`d go for this mani!

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  29. Very cool. The crushed shell is such a neat idea. Great texture!

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  30. This one is amazing, I really like that crushed shell :D

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  31. Oh my goodness, I love these! Sooo awesome! I know that's a totally immature and not-so-useful comment but really. I love them. <3

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