Blog – Page 2 – The Nail Architect

4th June 20164th June 2016

Gelish Street Beat Collection Review – Cou-tour the streets, B-girl style, Hip hot coral, Tag your it, Street credible & Give me a break-dance swatches and comparisons

Hi all.

Here’s the newest summer collection from Gelish. First released in the UK at the Birmingham beauty show in May with main sale opening 27th May 2016 (Sally’s are meant to release them on the 28th of June). This time the swatches are back on my natural nails and as per usual the lighting is indoor, led and outdoor. The collection comprises of 6 upbeat colours and comes with a very upbeat speaker to (which is fairly descent) and draws inspiration from street art. There are as per usual Morgan Taylor matching polishes.

Cou-tour the streets – 3 coats

This colour has been advertised as a lilac cream and it does indeed have a lilac tone in it when I was grouping it with my swatches. To look at on its own I personally see a light bubblegum pink. I found the application a little watery with this one 🙁 so lots of warming and stirring is required for a nice application in 3 coats. I do not have similar colour to this and will be a nice addition to my collection.

Cou-tour the streets comparison pictures

B-girl style – 2 coats

This is beautiful neon pink peal with a good application, I love it. This is most like make you blink pink but with a far superior coverage.

B-girl style lighting comparison pictures

Hip Hot Coral – 2/3 coats

This bright coral red is beautiful with a stunning orange gold pearl finish and is unlike any other Gelish colour I have. I think it again could possibly benefit from a white underneath but is a personal choice. A new colour to my collection and I can see it be very popular.

Hip Hot Coral lighting comparison pictures

Tag your it – 2 coats

This bright fascia pearl has fantastic coverage and great application in 2 coats. It is quite similar to kung fu fuchsia but a little lighter and I can see it being very popular.

Tag Your It lighting comparison pictures

Street Cred-ible – 3/4+ coats

This is an orange yellow which is really very beautiful, however the application and consistency are a little thin for my liking. You can see from the swatch comparisons below the difference putting white beneath it makes, so I think I would probably do 2 arctic freeze and 2 colour coats. This picture actually has 5 coats. On practice with the application of this colour I have come up with two options.

Apply a thin coat (not curing, then another thin coat and cure, do this three times and you get a beautiful coverage.
Apply two coats of arctic freeze and the. Either 1 or 2 coats of colour to give a beautiful coverage.

Street Cred-ible lighting comparison pictures

Give Me A Break-dance – 2/3 coats

This teal pearl is very beautiful and I do not think the pictures do it justice. The application was OK in 2 coats however I think I will stick with 3 for clients. Its got a nice shimmer in it however is very similar to rub me the sarong way, so if you already own that I think unless you really desire this its not really a must have.

Give me a break-dance lighting comparison pictures

Swatches and Comparisons

Give me a break-dance swatch comparisons

Street Cred-ible & Hip Hot Coral with arctic freeze underneath

Summary

I was really looking forward to this collection and the colours do not disappoint. The application isn’t quite what I have expected of recent collections but is still reasonable once you’ve figured out what works best for you. Business wise my top 3 would be: B-girl style, Hip hot coral and Tag your it, as these three would be in my view the most popular with clients and have a reasonable coverage. For me personally I would buy: Street cred-ible, Tag your it and Give me a break-dance as they are colours I would wear.

I hope you find this helpful and would love to hear any comments or feedback you have 🙂

28th May 2016

Gelish A Very Nauti-cal Girl Collection – Catch My Drift, Wish Upon A Starboard, Girls Love Buoys & My Yacht Rules

Hi all

Here’s another beautiful collection from Gelish, perfect for Spring and summer. The collection launched in the uk in early May 16 is comprised of 4 colours, these being a red, bright magenta, blue and white, there are matching Morgan Taylor polishes. Once again my upcoming trainings mean I have liquid and powder extensions on and the usual indoor, led and outdoor pictures can be found.

Catch my drift – 2 coats

Catch my drift lighting comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors

This cobalt blue crème is stunning. It has a really beautiful hint of purple in it to make it different from ocean wave and Mali-blu me away. I’m relieved to have this colour in my collection now as it applies beautifully in 2 coats as opposed to the above mentioned blues which can take many more. So a definite must if your clients like blues.

Wish upon a starboard – 2 coats

Wish Upon A Starboard Lighting Comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors

Yes it’s yet another red crème, but this time I’m more then happy. It’s a new tone to my collection as it has a very orange tinge to it, which is perfect for the summer and has already proved very popular.

Girls love buoys – 2 coats

Girls Love Bouys Lighting Comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors — Girls Love Buoys Lighting Comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors

As you guys know I’m not the biggest fan of pinks on my own nails, but I have to say I LOVE this one. It’s a bright beautiful magenta and it’s stunning with great application.

My yacht rules – 3 coats

My Yacht Rules Comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors

This is the first one I swatched and by golly did it show the imperfections in my l&p. The coverage was OK in 3 coats, but you need to make sure you do not put it on too thick. It’s got a shimmer to it so is kind of like mixing sheek White with my secret Santa.

Swatches & Comparisons

Collection TIO vs Matte

A Very Nautical Collection Matte Vs TIO Comparisons Indoors, LED, Outdoors

Catch My Drift

Wish Upon A Starboard

Girls Love Buoys

Gelish Girls Love Bouys Swatch Comparisons — Gelish Girls Love Buoys Swatch Comparisons

My Yacht Rules

Summary

I love this collection and it works really well in the scheme of colours I already have so a good buy. If I were to buy them as singles it would be in this order: Girls Love Buoys, Wish Upon A Starboard, Catch My Drift and My Yacht Rules.

Id love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave comments 🙂

2nd April 20162nd April 2016

Botanical Awakenings Collection

Hi all

Here are my swatches for the new spring Botanical Awakenings Gelish collection launched in the UK as singles straight away on the 25th March 2016.

At first glance this collection doesn’t really have any must have stand out new colours, however on closer look I consider this collection a good buy, in that they are staples that your clients will want to go back to time and time again. The collection is based on fresh floral colours which includes 2 neutrals, 3 pinks and a red. After last springs discontinued ooh la la collection (which I loved) I’m glad to see some slightly similar shades. There are Morgan Taylor nail lacquer matches available.

So let’s take a look at the colours (the pictures show the colours over hard gel extensions following my fabulous PhD training – totally worth doing).

Rose-y Cheeks – 2 coats (needs warming)

When I looked at this colour on the advertising I felt it looked a lot like Ella of a girl, however on application I’m pleased to say it’s more similar to can-can we dance with its light coral pink with a pearl finish. I love this colour in the led lighting with its subtle shimmer and I can see my clients loving this one to.

Rosey Cheeks, Botanical Awakenings — Rose-y Cheeks

Warm Up the Car-nation – 2 coats

Nail Harmony state this is a hot magenta pearl and yes it has a pearlised shimmer frosty touch to it, but to me it’s more of a medium pink going towards red. Think sugar plum dreams but without the transparent finish. It applied nicely and didn’t need warming.

What’s Your Poinsettia? – 2 coats

As expected this medium frosty pearl is a great two coater just like queen of hearts and I’m so hot, but it is very similar in colour, finish and application, so doesn’t really offer anything new. But is admittedly slightly lighter. That being said its been chosen by 2 clients already so is going to get well used.

Don’t Pansy Around – 2 coats

This was my favourite colour of the collection, it’s a bright (but not neon) medium crème pink. It applied nicely without any warming and is just a lovely every day colour. Please not this is an easy one to apply too thickly so keep the coats thin.

Prim-rose and Proper – 3 coats

This colour is a light taupe cream with a hint of pink (less so then tan my hide). Yes it is indeed similar to other neutrals in past collections so you could do without. That being said it is different from tan my hide as you can see from the additional picture and I can see it being chosen quite a lot over the wedding season. So if you plan on doing brides and weddings I believe be it would be worth the investment.

I Or-chid You Not – 3 coats

Another taupe creme which is very similar to rodeo however is more mushroom and slightly lighter and in the additional photo you can just about see the difference when applied. I actually much prefer this colour and I am looking forward to wearing it on my hands for longer then 5 minutes.

Swatch sticks and comparisons

I apologise for the state of my swatches I knocked acetone over on my desk when I had my light nude swatches out and it ruined quite a few and I wanted to get this out so haven’t re done them yet.

The bottom unlabelled swatch is sugar plum dreams.

Conclusion

This is a collection full of useful every day colours that your clients will go back to time after time. My top 3 are Rose-y Cheeks, Don’t Pansy Around and Primrose and Proper.

15th March 2016

Kung Fu Panda 3 Collection

Hi everyone, here are my swatches for the Kung Fu Panda 3 collection launched by Nail Harmony UK on 28th February 2016. This collection is made up of 6 beautiful shades based on the Kung Fu Panda 3 film and most of which are ideal for spring. There has been a lot of buzz about this collection and the educators at Nail Harmony UK have been trialling them for the last few months since their release in the US in December 2015. There has also been a lot of buzz over the potential of a new lilac and I am putting it through its paces in a “colour in the spotlight” review. As per my usual way you will see the colours in different lights so you can get a truer reflection of the colour and there is no editing effects or smoothing, just my nails painted with the legitimate colours (different lighting is indoors, LED and outdoors). If you have any questions, want to see more comparisons or have any further thoughts and opinions on the colours please comment and share below.

It’s Gonna Be Mei – 2 coats of rose pearl

This colour is a beautiful pearly light pink. It applies nicely in 2 coats and I can see it being popular with my older clients. It is a bit lighter and rosier then tutti-frutti but different from texas me later.

Kung Fu-chsia – 2 coats bright fuchsia peal

This for me is the highlight of the collection, I absolutely love its bright shimmery lushness of this colour, it applies beautifully and has proved the most popular with my clients so far. A nice new addition to the Gelish line especially as Amour colour please was a limited addition last Spring.

Tigress Knows Best – 2 coats hot red crème

This bright red applied beautifully in 2 coats and is a beautiful red and will be my new go to red when clients cant decide. That being said if you have hot rod red or scandalous you probably don’t really need this one, however it is easier in my opinion to apply then scandalous and fewer coats then hot rod red.

Warriors Don’t Wine – 2 coats crème plum

I love this colour it’s a really beautiful mid plum crème. I can see it being very popular with clients especially with those who like grape expectations which is a little lighter.

Extra Plum Sauce – 2 coats of amethyst pearl

This colour is beautiful and will be exceptionally popular with my clients. It is a beautiful bright mid to dark purple with a shimmer pearl finish. Think Call Me Jill Frost only lighter and brighter. As far as I can tell it is completely new colour in the Gelish range. I would recommend you give this one a stir before you use it, as it did come out a little watery when I first swatched it.

Po-Riwinkle – 2/3 coats of light periwinkle crème

As the name suggests this a is periwinkle blue with a subtle shimmer. There had been hopes for a lilac and although this is a beautiful colour with purple hints to it, it’s not lilac. Fingers crossed for next year. It was the only colour of the collection which required me to use 3 coats. However that being said some nails where fine after 2, so I imagine with more application practice I will get used to the amount needed and could probably do it in 2 slightly thicker coats. I can see it being very popular with younger clients and have seen some spectacular designs with it already and it is completely different to all other colours in the Gelish range.

Since initially writing this I am pleased to say I have tested it for 2 weeks, whilst on holiday in Tenerife, going swimming in both the sea and the pools almost every day and a heck of a lot of sunscreen and after sun lotions (my daughter is allergic to the sun,) and I am pleased to report that there was absolutely NO FADING (more details in the next review). (Unfortunately the sun had gone in by the time I had painted this colour so the outside picture is on holiday a few days later.)

Swatch Sticks & Colour Comparisons

I am pleased to say that on every single swatch I only used 3 coats, so you know it’s good stuff when applying over clear sticks. The top row is what the colours look like matte and the bottom with the regular top it off.

Conclusion

This collection has many new shades to offer and once again Gelish seem to have been perfecting their formulas to get them to the desired two coats. I didn’t experience any application issues with wrinkling or shrinkage with these and they seemed to be fairly flexible on the thickness of the application so should work for most and if you are having any application issues with any colours try warming the colour a little first. I am really pleased with the shades in this collection, if I had to pick just 3 they would be Kung Fu-chsia, Extra Plum Sauce and Po-Riwinkle with Warriors don’t wine close behind. Singles will be available mid March and Morgan Taylor Lacquers offering the matching colours, so a fantastic chance for retail to your clients – they will want them.

I would love to hear your thoughts or see any of your designs using these colours.

Stay tuned for the Po-Riwinkle colour in the spotlight review 🙂

29th October 2015

Urban Cowgirl Collection Review

Hi everyone. Here are my swatches of the Gelish autumn collection from Nail Harmony UK. With this collection I have completed all the “colour in the spotlight” blogs so I should be able to give you some really useful information. You will find the colours in different lights so you can get a truer reflection of the colour and there is no editing effects or smoothing, just my nails painted with the legitimate colours. Let me know if there’s anything else you want to know or see.

The Urban Cowgirl collection consists of 6 core colours and 2 trends. It was launched in the UK on the 4th August 2015 with singles released on the 29th August 2015.

Tan My Hide – 3 coats

A light tan with pink tones in a crème consistency and a subtle shimmer. As it’s a crème consistency it applied a little more thickly so make sure it’s nice and warm when applying. I had no problem with shrinkage or sliding. There has been some mention of fading but personally I didn’t have a problem. This is my favourite colour of the collection and a definite must for your collection due to the unique colour.

Holy cowgirl – 2 coats

This sage green crème has a beautiful subtle gold shimmer and grey tone, it’s another brand new colour to Gelish and I love it for autumn. The application was perfect and I have absolutely no complaints about this colour at all.

From Rodeo to Rodeo Drive – 2/3

This a creme taupe has quite a grey tinge with a hint of purple to, along with a subtle silver shimmer to it. This is the only core colour in the collection with no matching Morgan Taylor polish.

Personally I didn’t experience any problems with removal or fading with this colour but some people have suffered with fading. There is also a possible batch problem with it causing it to lift and peel after only a few days. If you do think you have one of these bottles then contact nail harmony.

Pumps or Cowboy Boots – 3 coats

This is a black brown crème colour with burgundy / red tones. It has a smooth application but it is really highly pigmented so thin colours are a must and make sure you dry brush otherwise it can run. It is similar to black cherry berry and love me like a vamp but I don’t have either of these.

Plum Tuckered Out – 2 coats

I love this colour, a dark purple crème which can look almost black but outside you can see it’s true plum colour. It’s so smooth and creamy, not to thick and not to thin, Gelish nailed this one. Diva is very similar but with the perfect consistency and application this one will make your life so much easier.

Texas Me Later – 2 coats

A coppery pink with a frost finish, it’s smooth and fluid so easy to apply. There aren’t any similar Gelish colours so a nice addition.

Trends – neither of these are “toppers” but colours in them selves.

Seal the Deal – 2/3 coats

A dark burgundy which nail harmony portrays to have pink and purple flecks in. It does have them but I would say when it’s on you notice more orange, gold and red flecks. Unless in a very specific light, which wasn’t that often. Out if all of the collection I had the most compliments about this one. The application was good but make sure it’s not too thin. If you like who’s cider you on you will love this one.

Chain Reaction – 1/2 coats

A pewter silver, so on the mid to dark side of what we have seen before. It has a frost finish and a great application so is perfect for art as well. So if you are looking for value for money this is the silver for you.

Colour comparisons

Summary

I love this collection, with good applications and several really new colours it’s a great buy.

29th October 201529th October 2015

Colour in the spotlight – seal the deal

Name: Seal The Deal

Collection & UK launch date: Urban Cowgirl, 4th August 2015 (singles 29th August 2015)

Description & personal opinion: a dark burgundy which nail harmony portrays to have pink and purple flecks in. It does have them but id say when it’s on you notice more orange, gold and red flecks. Unless in a very specific light, wasn’t that often. That being said I had lots of compliments about this colour and it is beautiful. It reminds me of embers burning out from a bonfire.

Matching nail polish: yes seal the deal by Morgan Taylor.

Viscosity: shimmer

Application: I would say a 3 coaster for a good application but you could get away with 2. Other then that nice to apply and a good consistency. Don’t make the costs to thin with this one.

Lighting variance: (indoors, LED, outdoors)

Sparkles & trends: as this is a trend I didn’t do sparkles or glitter over the top.

Longevity: no problems

Fading: none

Removal: no problems

Similar colours: to me I think it’s the step between berry merry holidays and whose cider you on, so if you already have these you could probably spend your money elsewhere. However personally I love this colour as it has the different colour flecks in it.

Artwork:

My verdict: nice colour and application, I’m glad I brought it.

Next week: meet the king.

15th October 2015

Colour in the spotlight – chain reaction

Name: Chain Reaction

Collection & UK launch date: Urban Cowgirl, 4th August 2015 (singles 29th August 2015)

Description & personal opinion: this is a pewter silver so a nice mid silver with a frost finish.

Matching nail polish: yes Morgan Taylor chain reaction

Viscosity: a thicker frost

Application: great, you can almost get away with one coat, obviously I wouldn’t recommend this. As it’s a frostish finish try keeping your strokes straight when applying.

Lighting variance: (indoors, LEF, outdoors)

Sparkles & trends: as this is a trend I didn’t do sparkles or glitter over the top.

Longevity: no problems

Fading: none

Removal: no problems – quite quick as you don’t need many coats.

Similar colours: there are lots of Gelish silvers available, especially bringing out 3 in as many collections. This one is a good middle ground.

Artwork:

The snake skin effect will not work with this dense colour, obviously you can use it as the base though.

My verdict: this colour has fantastic application even in one coat, so makes it ideal for art work. I have to confess although not a colour I would wear every day, I did catch myself driving and thinking ‘oooh what an awesome colour’. So if you are looking for a silver that’s value for money and to use for art this is the one for you.

Next week: seal the deal

3rd October 20153rd October 2015

Colour in the spotlight – texas me later

Name: Texas me later

Collection & UK launch date: Urban Cowgirl, 4th August 2015 (singles 29th August 2015)

Description & personal opinion: A coppery medium to dark pink with a frost finish, this isn’t really a colour I would chose but has been a popular choice on more mature clients.

Matching nail polish: Yes, Morgan Taylor – Texas me later.

Viscosity: smooth and fluid so easy to apply.

Application: An easy two coats, this is a frost finish though so make sure all strokes are straight to give a neat finish.

Lighting variance: (indoors, led, outdoors)

Sparkles & Trends: I love my jewels keep me warm and all that glitters is gold with this colour.

Longevity: no problems

Fading: I do think this faded slightly and lost some of its initial pink rose tints and went to the more coppery side (sorry for the blurry picture).

Removal: easy

Similar colours: there currently aren’t any similar colours to this in the Gelish collection. The closest non Gelish is Sally Hansen raisin the bar.

Artwork:

My verdict: although this colour really isn’t one I would personally chose it’s a nice colour and popular with more mature clients so is worth the investment especially as it applies so nicely in two coats

Next week: chain reaction

1st October 20153rd October 2015

Red Matters Collection Review

Hi everyone, here are my swatches for the Red Matters collection launched by Nail Harmony on 28th September 2015 in the UK. This collection has 6 core colours and 3 trends. I think this was originally meant to be the Christmas collection however has been released early so it is unlikely there will be another collection now until spring. As a result of this there hasn’t been much lead up, pictures or content about this one so I hope you find this helpful when deciding colours choices. You will find the colours in different lights so you can get a truer reflection of the colour and there is no editing effects or smoothing, just my nails painted with the legitimate colours (indoors, LED and outdoors). Please let me know your thoughts and opinions on the colours, as per usual these are my thoughts and in not those of Nail Harmony UK.

Fire cracker – 2 coats

This is a bright red creme with a slight orange tinge and applies nicely in 2 coats.

Scandalous – 1/2 coats

This is your pillar box red, it’s a hot red creme and is seriously pigmented. Out of all these colours you had to apply this seriously thin and warm before hand to avoid wrinkly. You could do this in one coat, but I would always do two for longevity.

Ruby Two Shoes – 2 coats

This is a beautiful scarlet red colour it has a slight shimmer to it which is just beautiful it also applies beautifully in 2 coats.

Man of the moment – 2 coats

This is a medium red creme which applies well in 2 coats

I’m so hot – 2 coats

This is a beautiful red / burgundy shimmer which applies really smoothly. Think queen of hearts but a bit darker.

Red Alert – 3 coats

This is a deep red cream which looks seriously shiny. I did find it a little on the runny side so make sure you dry brush or flash cure to avoid running into your cuticles.

My Secret Santa – 3 coats

This is a fine white glitter, I was pleasantly surprised at how good a coverage you could get in just 3 coats with this trend. This is the only topper of the collection though and I think will look beautiful over the reds.

Tinsel My Fancy – 2 coats

Yet another silver, but what makes this one different is the beautiful subtle blue metallic sparkles it has in it.

Put A Bow In It – 2 coats

This is a sage green metallic colour which has brown specks in it. Very Christmassy.

Comparisons

30th September 20155th October 2015

Gelish After Hours Collection

Hi all. Here are my swatches of the latest Gelish autumn collection from Nail Harmony UK. There hasn’t been much lead up, pictures or content about this one so I hope you find this helpful when deciding colour choices. You will find the colours in different lights (indoors, LED and outdoors) so you can get a truer reflection of the colour and there are no editing effects or smoothing, just my nails painted with the legitimate colours. As this is the first of such posts I am doing please let me know if there is anything else you think I have missed in my initial quick review.

Sweater weather – 2 coats

Nail Harmony UK consider this to be a mellow charcoal grey. To me it is a cream mid to dark grey with a slight purple tone. It had a good application in just two coats.

Rhythm and Blues – 2 coats

A beautiful denim metallic blue completely different from any other Gelish colour. It had a great application in just two coats.

A Little Naughty – 3 coats

This is a on the darker side of a red / brown. It had a good application in 3 coats. *Nail Harmony have now updated their website and actually class it as a purple, so think it girl with a mortared / brown tone.

Last Call – 2 coats

This colour is awesome. It’s a copper / pink metallic and applies beautifully in 2 coats. If your you or your clients are a fan of oh what a knight this one is definitely for you.

Give Me Gold – 2 coats

Another beautiful metallic gold which is quite light and fantastic to apply in just 2 coats.

A-Lister – 2 coats

Another silver following the success of chain reaction from the urban cowgirl collection. It’s not quite as good a consistency so instead of 1/2 coats this one is a 2/3 coats. Personally though I much prefer this colour it is a light bright metallic silver.

Colour Comparisons

I don’t have many greys at the moment so this is a picture I took at the recent Nail Harmony South West Road Show.

I am so pleased with this collection, its offered me many new colours, I can’t but help think that I would have liked 6 metallic colours perhaps a green and a maybe a purple, but all in all I love this collection especially with the application and consistency its great value for money. And if you grab it now then you actually get one polish free. I would love to hear your thoughts and comments below.