NOTD: Pretty Dots + BP Dotting Tools Review

I finally received my nail dotting tools from BornPrettyStore.com to review. It took a while and then I think they got lost or held at customs but I finally got them in my possession now :)

5x 2-way Dotting Pen Marbelizing Tools

5 double ended marbelized dotting tools come in a pack and they retail for $4.74 on BP with free shipping. Each side is different in dot size which is great because it's like getting 10 tools in one package. So far they have been very sturdy and the workmanship of these tools is nice for the price. I chose the set that comes in marbelized purple which is very cute but there is a multi-colored set which is probably better for remembering which dot size you used on your nails. They measure appx. 5-1/4" in length which is nice because they are not too long, making it easier to keep the tool stable if your hands tend to shake your while working on your nails.

Natural Sunlight

I used my dotting tools to create this nail look. I used my e.l.f. polish in Lilac as my base color since I never used it before and have had it for some time. Here I applied 3 coats because it is a bit sheer with just 1 or 2 coats.

Lilac is a pastel lilac creme matte finish polish that can be a bit streaky with just one coat. 3 coats is highly recommended.

Indoor Lighting
e.l.f. - Lilac

I used 2 different sized tools for the dots and 2 different colors: e.l.f. polish in "Black" and Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in "Fuchsia Power."

Indoor Lighting

Indoor Lighting

Natural Sunlight

Natural Sunlight

If you're in the market for nail dotting tools I highly recommend these from BornPrettyStore. It might take a little while to get them since they are located overseas but they are worth the wait. I'm glad I don't have to use a pencil or toothpick anymore :)

To get your nail dotting tools, click the pic below:

***Use code ANGELL73 at checkout for 10% off your purchase!!***

5x 2 way Pink DOTTING Pen Marbleizing Tool

Have a great week MY LOVELIES

What do you think of this nail design?

NOTD: For Audrey On Crackle

Natural Sunlight (Overcast)

Last weekend I stopped into Sally's because I had a $5 coupon for being a member of the Sally Beauty Club. Initially, I was only going to pick up something that would be covered with the coupon but they are running a promo where you get a free Diamond Dry Air Dry Top Coat when you buy 2 CG polishes. I picked up CG "For Audrey" and CG Crackle Glaze in "Cracked Concrete." With my $5 Sally coupon, I ended up paying $5.98 for all three. Good deal!

Natural Sunlight w/ Flash
China Glaze - For Audrey

Natural Sunlight w/ Flash
China Glaze - For Audrey (2 coats)

For Audrey is a robin's egg blue creme polish that was released as part of their "Something Blue" Collection. As tribute to Audrey Hepburn and Tiffany's, this color resembles the Tiffany "color" very closely but is not a precise hit on it. For my base color I applied 2 coats of "For Audrey."

Natural Sunlight w/ Flash
China Glaze Crackle - Cracked Concrete

Natural Sunlight w/ Flash
China Glaze Crackle - Cracked Concrete (w/o to coat)

Cracked Concrete  is a dark grey creme polish. Here I applied 1 coat over my base color. It dried as a matte instantly and looked cool enough to just leave it the way it was but I didn't want to risk chipping. So I applied a top coat to seal in the polish.

Base: Sally Hansen Hard as Nail Strengthener - Natural
Base Color: China Glaze - For Audrey
Crackle: China Glaze Crackle - Cracked Concrete
Top Coat: Sally Hansen Diamond Strength - Flawless

I really love this crackle polish compared to others, mostly because it takes effect very quickly before your eyes. Meaning no wait time! Hoping I can get the entire collection of crackles + the metallic crackles!

What's your favorite crackle polish?

NOTD: Reverse French Manicure

Reverse French Manicure- NYC Minute Quick Dry (Times Square)

I'm sure many of you have already seen the reverse french manicure before which was widely sported back in the 1920's and 30's. If you research this mani you'll find that Dita Von Teese has been sporting the look for a quite some time now. If you're interested in trying this manicure out, I've put this step by step blog together allowing you to get the same look easily without having to freehand the top coat. Enjoy!

1. Pick a base color for your half moon section. Here, I used NYC Minute Quick Dry Polish (Times Square). A fast drying polish is probably your best option because you will need to wait until your base coat is completely dry to continue onto the next step. If you have the time and patience, then go ahead and use any polish you'd like.

*NOTE: make sure you evenly apply the color near the cuticle, you can pretty much disregard the rest of the nail since you will be applying another polish over it.*

Base (half moon) Color: NYC Minute Quick Dry (Times Square)

2. Once your base color has completely dried, take some page self adhesive hole reinforcements (you know the ones you would use for your looseleaf papers for school?!). I cut the reinforcements down the middle to get more use of them.

Reinforcements, use a scissor to cut straight down the middle.

3. Apply one sticker to each nail making sure the round side is facing down from the cuticle towards the end of your nail. Ensure the sticker is placed on securely to prevent the polish from bleeding onto the base color.

Reinforcement stickers applied onto base color.

4. Apply your desired top coat color to the rest of your nails from the round part of the sticker until the end of your nail. I chose to use a dark grey polish, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear (Grey Area). Depending on the type of polish you have chosen, you might want to apply a second coat after the first has dried. In my case, I only applied 1 coat because this polish was thicker than the NYC polish.

Top Coat Color: Sally Hasen Xtreme Wear (Grey Area)

5. Once the top coat color has completely dried you can go ahead and clean up any unwanted edges (if you have any) with a q-tip or small brush dipped in acetone. Then remove the stickers slowly from 1 side only (you can use a tweezer, to not mess up your nails). If done correctly, you should have gotten a nice crisp moon shape on your nails, known as the "Reverse French Manicure!"

*NOTE: don'y forget to apply a topcoat to your mani.. you don't want your fab nails to get ruined! I used Sally Hansen Diamond Strength (Flawless).

6. Wear your nails out with a fab outfit and be prepared to be complimented and qestioned on how to get the look! I was approached by 3 different women about my nails while waiting for my yummy ice cream at Cold Stone ;) 

Sidenote: I think this mani would be nice for this generation's prom go-ers. It is prom season!

In hand from Left: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear (Grey Area) & NYC Minute Dry (Times Square)

Getting ready for a workout- realized my mani matched my sneakers.. hehe

What do you think of this mani? What colors will you choose?

Leave a comment below. <3