Gel (aka Shellac) Nails

I’ve heard a lot lately about shellac nails, especially with my wedding coming up. My friends have told me that it lasts over 2 weeks (umm, huh??) Well, so far, so good. My nails look freakin awesome (many girls around me have said so, it’s not just my ego talking!) and it’s been four days since I’ve gotten them done. They really do look like I got them done this morning. Hell, if I did get a regular manicure this morning, they would probably already be chipping!! I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on the color also, which is OPI’s gelcolor Louve Me Louve Me Not.  Apparently, you can only use this special type of nail polish. When the lady at the nail shop told me to choose a color, she got so pissed when I chose a color from their regular stash – damn! Sorry!! Either way, don’t be weirded out when the girl puts on the polish, dries it then goes to put (what you think is) nail polish remover – it’s really not! In fact, you walk out with completely dry nails to the point where you can open a can of soda and not have to worry about your nails getting messed up. Another big perk!!

I’m not sure if you can do French tip shellac nails, but after this round, I’m going to find out!!

Spring Is Here and With It Comes….COLOR!!

If you’re like me, you feel differently around mid-March/beginning of April – everything smells different – fresh, alive, renewed. And with that, comes my renewed sense of wanting new stuff to go with my enhanced mood! So what to do this year? Well, you can do a variety of things to spruce up your wardrobe or your look in general. One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to upgrade your look for a season is different colored nail polish.

Luckily for all of us, one of the biggest trends this year is colorful nail polishes. OPI and Essie are two of my fav brands because of their wide variety of colors and the quality of the polishes. And both brands just so happen to be coming out with a variety of lines this Spring. I have yet to try (any new colors) but I keep seeing so many stylish women and celebs sporting this fashion and it makes all the difference in adding a splash of color to their wardrobe. Here are three of the biggest color trends I see for this season:

Neons – don’t ask me why this 80’s trend is coming back, but it is and in a big way. BUT, if you don’t want to invest in a piece of clothing for this passing fad, I say take it to the nails (not the mattresses :).

Tangerine – between nail polishes, blushes and lipsticks, this is the big color trend for 2012. And given that you can wear it in a variety of shades you can play it up or down in whatever works best for you.

Pastels – lavenders & seafoam greens seem to be making a big splash on the scene this year. And just in time for Easter and Spring! Loving Essie’s and OPI’s color palettes for these – I’d say check out OPI’s Go On  (pictured below) and Essie’s Nice Is Nice or Playdate. 

Let me know if you have some other suggestions for colors/nail polishes that you love! (Oh, and I promise it won’t be so long before my next post again!!)

Lincoln Park After Dark – Get’s a “B” Mark

So maybe it was the $9 I didn’t like spending on another OPI product. Maybe it’s because when I saw it on, it was a shade I realized I already had (a few times over). Maybe it’s been all the hype I keep hearing about this color. Or maybe, just maaaybe, it’s just ok. Now, I know what you’re thinking “But Lisa, this has been on ALL of the ‘Best Of’ lists!” True dat. But, I wasn’t impressed; unlike most other OPI shades I’ve tried (the bright, summer colors are AWESOME – those I don’t mind spending the extra money on). Here are two cheaper substitutes that are the SAME EXACT color, both you can get from Target (or Target.com):

- Sally Hanson Salon Nail Lacquer in Pat on the Black, $7

- NYC In A New York Color Minute in Lincoln Center, $2

What other OPI colors have you found that you simply can’t live without?