31 Day Challenge Day 22 - Inspired By A Song

Happy Friday everyone! I was stumped on this part of the challenge for a while. I kept trying to think of a way to turn my favorite songs into some form of nail art. I never could figure out how to do that so I went a different route and chose a song that had a very visual title - Purple Rain. 

I used Nails Inc. Westminster (one of my favorite purple cremes) as my base and Layla Hologram Effect Ultra Violet for the "raindrops." I tried to make the drops smaller at the top and larger at the tip to give the illusion of rainfall - my middle finger is the best executed. LOL

Purple Rain

Purple Rain

Purple Rain

Don't forget to check out the other awesome bloggers participating in the challenge below! If you'd like to join the 30/31 Day Challenge, go here to grab the codes to embed in your posts for the next 30 days and add your post using the link below! 

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Layla Hologram Effect Flash Black - Swatches and Review

I am sure by now you have heard of these amazing new Layla Hologram Effect polishes. If you haven't, what planet have you been living on?? *wink*

Layla Hologram Effect 08 Flash Black is, by far, one of the most holographic polishes (if not THE most holographic polish) I have ever seen. It is CRAZY HOLO. As with all of these types of linear holos, application was a little troublesome. If you know that going into it then it's not so bad. I layered this over a black creme (Milani Black Swift, which is AMAZING) to help conserve the holo goodness. The less you manipulate this polish when applying it the better off you will be. To prevent cuticle drag I applied the second coat with my brush more parallel to my nail and with a light touch. I did use a top coat (I used Cult Nails Wicked Fast) with this and it did not have any negative effect on the holographic properties.

Unfortunately I must tell you that the wear on this polish, for me, was horrid. I had a huge chip in my nail just a couple of hours after applying it and I hadn't even done anything (no cleaning, etc.) I applied it late in the evening and by the next morning, without doing anything "harsh" with my hands, I had SEVERAL big chips. I am including a picture of my right hand at the bottom so you can see it for yourself. I have friends who have this polish and have not had this issue, maybe it is something to do with my body chemistry. Next time I wear one I will try using CND Stickey as my base coat and see if that helps.

With all of that being said, I would STILL purchase more of these (in fact, I have another one on its way to me as we speak). Yes, even with the application issues and chipping. I love this polish that much.

Please excuse the messy polishing job. It was nice and neat but had a few chips I had to touch up before taking pics and I was in a hurry. Just let yourself get mesmerized by the holo goodness.

Here is a shot in the shade, you can see that the holo is strong enough that it still manages to peek through a little.

And last we have my chipped right hand. I hate showing this because, frankly, it's UGLY. LOL This was taken inside with a cell phone and was less than 12 hours after I applied it, with no harsh use of my hands.

So, what do you think? Do you have any of these? Is the wear this bad for you or is it just me? Would you buy them even if you had the chipping issues I have?

Layla Holographic Effect polishes sell for $15-$16 and can be purchased at Harlow and Co. as well as at Ulta.

Guest Post Saturday! Jen's Wonderland with Layla Hologram Effect Jade Groove - Swatches and Review

It's time for another Guest Post Saturday! (If you missed GPS last week you can see that post HERE) Today is my dear friend Jen from Jen's Wonderland. Jen has done a guest post for me once before (you can find it HERE) and today she is back with another AMAZING holo. I have known Jen for almost a year now and have nothing but wonderful things to say about her. If you don't already follow her you should definitely check her out. Now let's get to the stunning post. Thanks so much for the post Jen!! ♥

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Hello everyone!!!!  I was very excited (and honored) when Ash asked me to guest blog again.  Boy, do I have a gorgeous holo to show you!  Layla Hologram Effect "Jade Groove."  The holo effect on this is insane, it makes other holos look kind of weak.  Ones that I did not consider weak!  I will admit I did not use the buffer that is recommended, no base coat either.  I might try the buffer next time to see if it does make a difference.  I applied 3 coats and it definitely required patience, I experienced balding and dragging.  The less brush stokes, the better with this.  The extra effort is worth it though, SO awesome. 
I topped it off with 2 coats of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Top Coat.  To me, I didn't notice it weaken the holo effect.  The wear (on me) was great too.  I wore it for 4 days with no tip wear or anything!!! 

Have a great weekend everyone!!  Thanks again Ash for having me!

Xoxo,
Jen