Thursday, March 5, 2020

How I Load My Nail Polish Brush

I saw the cutest photo of a young girl whose Dad is helping her learn to polish. He was asking for tips and after I gave mine, I thought to myself, why not share it on my blog too?

So here it is - the thing I wish I knew when I was first learning to paint:

xoxoJen's How I Load My Nail Polish Brush

1. Uncap and lift the brush from the bottle, pressing one side of the brush against the bottleneck so the paint runs back down into the bottle and the brush is left 'clean' on that side.
This side of the brush won't be touching the nail when painting.

xoxoJen's How I Load My Nail Polish Brush

2. Press and wipe the top half of the other side of the brush against the inside of the bottle neck, leaving a bead/drop on the side of the brush that will be touching the nail.

xoxoJen's How I Load My Nail Polish Brush

3. Get painting!

A few more notes:
Dipping the brush this way allows good control over where the polish ends up on the nail.

Re-dip the same way as needed for larger nails that need extra polish.

If there is a lot of paint on the plastic stem, it too can be wiped on the bottle neck to reduce what runs down onto the brush. I do this on the first lift from the bottle by sort of drawing circles against the bottle neck. It makes a sort of spiral on the stem of the brush which takes about half off of what was on there.

Model for photos was a gift with my purchase: Tonic Grateful

I hope you enjoyed this quick tip! What is your 'thing you wish you knew' about painting when you were just starting out?

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Thursday, February 27, 2020

Rogue Lacquer: From The Ashes We Rise


Rogue Lacquer brings us a fire opal inspired topper! The polish is a group custom for the Keep Your Toppers facebook group. It is available for pre order until Feb 29 at https://roguelacquer.com. $3 from each bottle will be donated to WIRES Australian wildlife rescue organization.


From The Ashes We Rise
Copper/red/gold/bronze ucc flake with green mettalic and vibrant sapphire holo glitter

Shown in one coat over a dark navy cream called Peace. The blue glitter in this topper pops when worn over dark shades.

xoxoJen's swatch of Rogue Lacquer: From The Ashes We Rise
xoxoJen's swatch of Rogue Lacquer: From The Ashes We Rise
xoxoJen's swatch of Rogue Lacquer: From The Ashes We Rise


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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Polish Pickup: March 2020

The theme this month for Polish Pickup is Ancient History! Launch is March 6 at 10am Central through March 9, 11pm Central. Tons of brands have awesome offerings this month, and I have some of them to share with you!

xoxoJen's swatch of Polish Pickup: March 2020

Blush In The Beginning
A pale silver-toned lavender nail polish with a strong linear holographic flame, reminiscent of a flash of light.
No cap

The last three photos are taken under a different light to demonstrate just how holo this polish can be! It's very striking! If I were to rank the intensity of it, I'd put it at the high end. Two coats shown, with topcoat.

xoxoJen's swatch of Blush In The Beginning
xoxoJen's swatch of Blush In The Beginning
xoxoJen's swatch of Blush In The Beginning
xoxoJen's swatch of Blush In The Beginning
xoxoJen's swatch of Blush In The Beginning
xoxoJen's swatch of Blush In The Beginning


KBShimmer Sól What?
A soft purple jelly base accented by color shifting flakes that shift from orange to gold and green. Micro holographic flakes reflect throughout.
The polish is inspired by the artwork based on the Norse story of Sól and Mani.
No cap

Shown in two coats on its own and in one coat over black. What a stunning polish! The formula is smooth for as many sparkly things as are in it!

xoxoJen's swatch of KBShimmer Sol What?
xoxoJen's swatch of KBShimmer Sol What?
xoxoJen's swatch of KBShimmer Sol What?

Over black cream

xoxoJen's swatch of KBShimmer Sól What?
xoxoJen's swatch of KBShimmer Sól What?
xoxoJen's swatch of KBShimmer Sól What?


KBShimmer Pomegranate Scrub
Inspired by the Greek mythology story of Hades and Persephone.
The pomegranate scrub features a hint of musk, with tropical notes of pineapple and guava for a bold pomegranate scent.

When I opened the jar, I saw swirls of pinks, reds and white and when I sniffed, I smelled the most creamy smelling pomegranate blend I've ever smelled. It's dreamy, even if you're not fond of pomegranate. The guava note really rounds it out and softens the pom. I promise, this is not sharp or tart at all - it's creamy and fruity and just delicious smelling!

xoxoJen's swatch of KBShimmer Pomegranate Scrub
xoxoJen's swatch of KBShimmer Pomegranate Scrub
xoxoJen's swatch of KBShimmer Pomegranate Scrub


Lollipop Posse The Sister Guardians
A sky blue crelly packed with two Aurora shimmers that shift vibrant pink, gold, and green.
Inspired by the Zorya sisters of ancient Slavic folklore. They are often referred to as the Auroras, and are the guardians of the morning and evening skies.
cap 220 - 215 US / 5 UK

I am super in love with this polish, this exact vibrant shade of blue and shimmer combo has been floating around in my "wish it existed" list for quite some time now.
I love seeing redbud trees and cherry trees in full bloom with their pink blossoms and vibrant green leaves in springtime and this polish is all that! I've worn it for a few days and people have noticed it and commented (that just doesn't happen to me, like ever) ok, enough mushy/nostalgia - I'm showing this here in three coats with topcoat.

xoxoJen's swatch of Lollipop Posse The Sister Guardians
xoxoJen's swatch of Lollipop Posse The Sister Guardians
xoxoJen's swatch of Lollipop Posse The Sister Guardians
xoxoJen's swatch of Lollipop Posse The Sister Guardians


Nail Hoot Golden Mask Dynasty
Inspired by a photo Brandie took when she attended The Golden Mask Dynasty (金面王朝) show. The story tells how a queen who wears a golden mask creates a splendid dynasty through wisdom, tolerance, trust and boundless love.
Cap: 280

A flood of green/orange/blue iridescent moon flakes fill the neon pink pearlescent base. Shown in 2 coats. Also works well in one coat as a topper over red toned creams, dark pinks and purples.

xoxoJen's swatch of Nail Hoot Golden Mask Dynasty
xoxoJen's swatch of Nail Hoot Golden Mask Dynasty
xoxoJen's swatch of Nail Hoot Golden Mask Dynasty


Rogue Lacquer Persian Nights
Described as a bright orange red coral with red, gold indigo color shifting flakes and micro holo shreds.
Inspired by ancient Persia, one of the oldest civilizations!

Wowza! This color packs a punch! Definitely eye catching and the intense sparkle going on just adds to that! Shown in two coats with topcoat.

xoxoJen's swatch of Rogue Lacquer Persian Nights
xoxoJen's swatch of Rogue Lacquer Persian Nights
xoxoJen's swatch of Rogue Lacquer Persian Nights


Turtle Tootsie Double Headed Serpent
Inspired by the two-headed serpent.
a mint green crelly loaded with orange/yellow/gold chameleon flakies and chopper shimmers.
cap: 200

Lovely pale shade, perfect creamy formula! Shown in two coats with topcoat.

xoxoJen's swatch of Turtle Tootsie Double Headed Serpent
xoxoJen's swatch of Turtle Tootsie Double Headed Serpent
xoxoJen's swatch of Turtle Tootsie Double Headed Serpent
xoxoJen's swatch of Turtle Tootsie Double Headed Serpent

What are you picking up this month?

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