It’s been a long wait for the fans of cracked nail polish. After the release OPI’s Black Shatter and China Glaze’s colourful version, the China Glaze Crackle nail polish, fans will most certainly want to add the Silver Shatter to their collection. I’m particularly fond of Mermaid Tears, Planks a Lot, Sparrow Me the Drama and Steady as a Rose but it’s such a pity they dont make up the mini kit!

The apples used here aren’t really THAT big, but that was totally irrelevant. Lol. Here’s my nail art design inspired by the City that Never Sleeps: New York and it’s dazzling bright lights.

1) After applying your base coat and cuticle oil, paint 2 coats of your reddest red nail polish on all your toes. I used Revlon’s nail polish in 680 Revlon Red.

2) When the 2 coats are sufficiently dry, slather on a generous amount of clear top coat. This will act as the glue for all your nail decorations. While the top coat is still wet, carefully place the juicy apple slice in your desired position.

3) To mimic the bright lights of the City, I used red and silver crystals and mini gold balls alongside the apple slice. Randomly cluster them together next to the apple while the top coat is still wet and push them firmly down against your nail.

4) Do up both toes. The design for both toes dont have to be identical. To finish, paint 2 layers of top coat over the decorations to hold them securely in place. Let dry completely.

The result is a dazzling mix of bright sparkly jewels against the vibrant red backdrop of your nail. Feel free to add more apples or bling to your nails to really feel the energy of the City. In the meantime, while waiting for your toes to dry, why not head on over to Violet’s and she’ll have tips for you on what types of sneakers to wear this lazy Sunday..

What’s in store for your summer holidays? My trip is just 2 weeks away! I’m sooooo excited.

The new collection invites you to Wonderland with 4 beautiful colours.

Off With Her Red! – A brilliant tomato red
Absolutely Alice – Sparkly blue that obviously matches Alice signature blue dress
Mad as a Hatter – Grey/black with mad loads of multi-coloured glitter
Thanks So Muchness! – Metallic berry red with an undertone of pink

I can definitely see myself wearing Mad as a hatter for some mad partying, and the two reds for the upcoming Valentine’s/Chinese New Year holiday. Unfortunately, I dont think these are out in our local stores yet. I just got wind that some stores are already carrying these, Sephora being one of it! Yay!

Which of the 4 featured colours do you like best?

I’ve never had to bother with fake nails. Being absolutely clumsy it was either I cut them short, grew them out or get gel/acrylic extensions. But if you’re always busy working with your hands, what happens when you need a temporary permanent situation?

Fake nails to the rescue!

I only used them a couple of days before the actual Coronation while other girls sported extensions the whole time. Turns out they’re actually pretty easy to use!

What you need
- a fake nail kit (you can easily purchase them from a local drugstore)

The nail kit usually comes with an emery board, cuticle stick and nail glue. Otherwise, you will need to purchase them separately.

How to
1. Remove any trace of nail polish on your natural nails using cotton balls and nail polish remover. Wash your hands and dry thoroughly.

2. Apply hand-cream and allow it to soak into your skin.

3. Before applying the artificial nails, select the most appropriate sized one by matching the artificial nail to your natural one. The artificial nails should cover your natural nail and not be smaller than your actual nail.

4. Push your cuticle back to expose as much of your natural nail as possible.

5. File your nail surface using the emery board until it is smooth. This allows the glue to spread evenly and provides a better adhesive when you apply the artificial nail.

6. Spread an even layer of glue to your thumb and apply the fake nail starting from the edge nearest the cuticle. Apply gentle pressure and hold the fake nail down for 5 to 10 seconds before releasing.

7. Repeat Step 6 for the rest of the fingers.

8. Once you are done, viola, stretch your hands out and enjoy your handiwork! You can also choose to file any rough edges down or even shape the nails to any shape or length you want.

I think the question on most people’s minds is: how on earth do you pick your nose?!?!!

I don’t have an answer to that but do have a method of imitating a gel nail manicure for a fraction of the price. One set from the manicurist’s, on the average, costs anywhere from $70 to $150. Depending on the design, prices might sky rocket beyond the said price range.

Surprised by my friend’s set that wasn’t exaggeratedly long, I decided to embark on replicating a set of my own, at the same time, putting my enhanced creative skills to work; all thanks to the increased oestrogen levels during pre-ovulation (days 8 – 14 of the cycle).

Psssst! Increased oestrogen levels during this period gives you better looking hair, heightened verbal fluency skills and increased memory! I think the heightened verbal fluency must have helped me during my QnA segment last Saturday! Wahahaha! Perfect timing.

Things you need for your DIY:
- clear base coat
- 2 of your favourite glitter nail polishes

I chose a gold glitter polish from The Face Shop and some random cheapo blue glitter polish that costs $1.
- top coat

To fully recreate the effect of gel nails, it would be best if your nails were a leeeetle long say about 0.5cm long, but that’s not a definite requirement.

The How-to:
1) Apply base coat to clean nails.

2) Starting from the edge of the nail, apply the first coloured glitter until the middle of the nail. The glitter goes on thick near the tips and slowly decreases in intensity. Use a dabbing method to achieve desired effect. The best part about using glitter is you dont have to be neat about it!

3) Following that, when the first coat is almost dry, apply the second colour only to the tips of your nails. Again dabbing it on until desired intensity.

4) Finally, paint on the top coat and wait for your nails to dry fully!

The result

Im ashamed to say, I have no patience.

No patience for my nails to dry that is. I don’t like waiting for my nail polish to dry because it incapacitates me. There are so many things that need to be done yet mustnt be because your nails are still wet.

I am also particular about getting marks or any imperfections on my freshly painted nails.

Hence, the dilemma.

I LIKE having my nails done but I suspect I have ants in my pants for I can never sit still for that half an hour to let it dry. More often than not, I’m in a hurry to get my nails done but as you already know, a quick paint job is hardly ever well-done.

So I think this is the perfect solution for girls like me who need a manicure on the go.

Quick dry nail polish in one application.

You can pick those coloured ones, but personally I prefer clear top or base coats. They add shine to your nails making them look that little bit more polished without the hassle. Even better if you get those with strengthening properties because other than beautifying your nails, they protect your nails too!

The best part? One coat is all you need! Plus they dry in no time flat.

Recommended products:

* Sally Hansen Colour Quick Fast Dry Nail Colour Pen
* Sally Hansen Instant Strength Maximum Strength
* O.P.I Start & Finish Base & Top Coat

What’s your quick beauty tip for nails?
Share it with me!