Born Pretty 15pc Nail Art Brush Set

Hey all!  Here is my second review for Born Pretty, an online nail art store*.  One of the things I knew I wanted to review right off the bat was this 15 piece nail art brush with dotting pen set*.  I love doing nail art, but a lot of the detailing I wanted to do required specific brushes.  I always used striping brushes, but those don't offer the control I need, since they're used for drawing stripes.  With the right brush, you can easily create details like the one shown above.

First, let's take a look at all the brushes that come in this set.

2 fan brushes:  Apply two or more colors to these brushes to create gradient effects, such as a sunset or a rainbow.

3 liners of different lengths: Used for making stripes.

3 pointed drawing brushes of varying sizes:  Use these to draw intricate details such as drawings or lace outlines.

3 angled brushes:  You can use these for painting or drawing one stroke flowers.

3 flat brushes:  The function of these are pretty similar to the angled brushes above.  This one just has a horizontal edge.

1 fine tip dotting pen:  You can make very small dots with this!

I love the variety of tools in this set!  The only negative thing I have to say is that maybe shipping could have been a bit sturdier for the brushes.  I can't really complain with free shipping, and most everything did come safely in the padded envelope.  The only casualty was this minor one, which was easily fixable with some super glue.

As for the design I showed you above, I used the flat brush to create a watercolor effect in blue, pink, and green.  I then used a pointed drawing brush to make loops and the dotting tool to make dots on top of each loop.  I think the loop design kind of looks like zippers.  Sort of a good-girl-gone-bad-esque look with florals and leather?

Overall, I think this brush set is perfect for nail art enthusiasts!  I can't wait to try out more complex designs and drawings with these.  You can buy this set from Born Pretty for $4.74 with free world wide shipping.  I would say that is a pretty fair deal, especially with this 10% off coupon! :)

I was also just informed that this code has been used over ten times, so a giveaway will be underway as promised by Born Pretty!  A little something to look forward to. :)

Liz

Links marked with * are affiliate links.
The items reviewed in this post were sent to me for my honest review.
Please view my Disclosure Policy for more info.

Preview: China Glaze On Safari

Now, it’s time to go On Safari . . .

UNTAMED COLOUR AWAITS YOU

China Glaze® Introduces 12 New Crèmes and Glitters for Fall 2012

Los Angeles, CA – (June 2012):  China Glaze® nail lacquer invites you to take an exotic expedition with its Fall 2012 collection, On Safari.  Be captivated by the earthy tones, rich plums and celestial sparkles that make up this adventurous assortment of polishes. 

Nail Mail! (& some randomness) ♥

Hey all!  I got some pretty cool stuff in the mail today, so I thought I'd show you!

First off, I got these pretties from the lovely folks at Milani.  A few polishes from the Spring 2012 line, as well as some glitters! :)

I also got my Target Summer beauty bag!  I was a little disappointed that the Lip Butter wasn't full size, but there are still a lot of goodies here. :)  There's also a $3 off Revlon coupon, which I'll be using to purchase their Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.

Ah, I've been awful about posting regularly.  Like I said in a previous post, I've been a bit busy sitting in for my mom.  On the plus side, I've been trying out new recipes.  Here are a few I've made so far.

Chicken Rollatini Stuffed with Zucchini and Mozarella.  I used this recipe from SkinnyTaste.com.  Mine didn't get that perfect swirl in the middle, but it was good nonetheless.

Guacamole Shrimp Burger with bacon.  This one's my own creation.  I had an avocado shrimp burger in S Korea a few years ago, and decided to recreate it with a few twists.  For the guac, I used this recipe by Alton Brown.


Well, that is all from me today!  Hope everyone's enjoying the weekend. :)


Liz

July Julep Maven Boxes (Free polish this month!)

Here are the previews for this month!  P.S. Julep Maven* is giving away a free polish this month! So excited. :)  (Please note: If you join this month, you won't get this box.  You'll get the intro box.)

How cute are the free polishes?  You get either America the Beautiful or O'Canada depending on where you reside.  I love both of them!

What do you think of the boxes this month?  I usually get Boho Glam, but I'm thinking of getting Bombshell.  I need to see swatches!  Hopefully Julep will put them up on their blog soon.  Which one are you getting?  Let me know in the comments! :)

**update: Julep's July swatches can be found here.


Liz

Links marked with * are affiliate links.

Hello :)

Just thought I'd drop in and explain why it's been so quiet around here.

My mom recently left for S Korea, so I was busy helping her prepare for her leave.  She'll be back in a few weeks, but in the meantime I'm now in charge of the housework.  Whew, being mom is tough!  I think my mom forgot to give me her super powers.  I've been editing pictures during my free time, so I'll be posting again soon! :)

Thanks for being patient! ♥


Liz

Introducing Sheer Nail Lacquers by American Apparel

Hey all!  American Apparel just launched a new line of sheer polishes this week!  They look pretty cool, so make sure to check out their press release below. :)

To celebrate the Summer weather,  we've released a limited-edition (for Summer only) line of 6 vibrant-yet-sheer colors inspired, and named after California beaches.  The 6 new shades are; Summerland Beach, Manhattan Beach, Zuma Beach, Moonlight Beach, Redondo Beach, and Pacific Beach.

These new sheer lacquers are unlike other sheers polishes. It's highly pigmented making it perfect for layering art or ombre effects. These lacquers are cruelty-free as well as DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde free, like all of our other nail lacquers!

They are now available online at http://store.americanapparel.net/nailpoliss.html. As well as in stores across the US (and soon internationally).

OPI Pure Lacquer Nail Apps in Peacock (& Application Tips!)

OPI recently came out with these new Pure Lacquer Nail Apps!  They are nail strips made of real nail polish and apply like stickers to your nails.  I got them in three different designs: Pink and Black Lace (creme), Peacock (creme), and Girly Glam (glitter).  I love how the packaging looks; very sleek.