3 coats – The Nail Architect

28th August 2016

Gelish Sweetheart Squadron Collection Autumn 2016 – Up in the air-heart, Perfect landing, Put a wing on it, Looking for a wingman, Oh para-chute, Rule the runway

The latest Gelish collection for Autumn 2016 is the Sweetheart Squadron collection. Available from nail harmony UK as of the 30th July. It consists of 6 fantastically autumnal shades from nudes, to reds and a khaki green. So let’s take a look.

Up in the air-heart – 3 coats

This is a dusky peach colour which will be good if you have lots of clients wanting a nude with a twist. I think it probably suits the more tanned and dark skin tones but if you like it go for it 🙂

Up In The Air-Heart lighting pictures on hands

Perfect landing – 2 coats

I really like this smoky coral colour, perfect again for those wanting to keep things on the neutral side but feeling a little adventurous. It is fairly similar to others, the new sun kissed bliss and sweet morning dew, but us slightly duskier. It’s been a firm favourite of clients already.

Perfect Landing lighting pictures on hands

Put a wing on it – 2/3

This vibrant red had been given a new twist with a golden shimmer. The pictures above show 2 coats which if you’ve got flawless nails will be more then fabulous. However on mine where I’ve been swatching the other colours you can see where I haven’t quite got all the previous polish off, so don’t cut corners with this one as it is beautiful and applies nicely to.

Put A Wing On It lighting pictures on hands

Looking for a wingman – 2 coats

I’m in love with this beautiful rich burgundy colour, it’s truly stunning and I can’t wait to do some beautiful designs with it in the autumn. It’s suitable for most clients professional, mature and young and it applies lovely. I didn’t experience any shrinking or bleeding with this one. I love it. Due to this I’m including the picture below of them whilst I was applying pulsar from the nail space on a clients nails. This will be a very popular combo come Christmas.

Looking For A Wingman lighting pictures on hands

Oh para-chute – 2 coats

If you’ve been waiting for a khaki green you’ve got it with this understated sage. It applies beautifully in two coats. It is suitably different from holy cowgirl as its got much more of a grey tone.

Oh Para-chute lighting pictures on hands

Rule the runway – 2 coats

Another grey taupe, but it applies beautifully in two coats and is a little lighter then rodeo and I orchid you not, but not an essential.

Rule The Runway lighting pictures on hands

Swatches

Sweetheart Squadron Collection Matte vs TIO

Up In The Air-Heart & Rule The Runway Swatch Comparison Pictures

Perfect Landing Swatch Comparison Pictures

Put A Wing On It Swatch Comparison Pictures

Looking For A Wingman Swatch Comparison Pictures

Oh Para-chute Swatch Comparison Pictures

Summary

The application of these colours are once again great. With several of these colours set to stay firm favourites. I am pleased that they offers a few new shades to my collection. My top 3 for clients would be perfect landing, looking for a wingman and put a wing on it. Oh parachute is lovely and a bit different but is unlikely to fly off the shelf.

As always I’d love to hear your thoughts 🙂

31st July 2016

Gelish Secrets Collection From Nail Harmony UK – Part 1 Pastels, swatches, comparisons, matte and lighting differences. Hidden Identity, Kiss Kiss, Once Upon A Manicure, Picture Perfect, I’m A Wildflower, Made About Mint, A Tribe Called Cool, Sun Kissed Bliss

Hi all.

Here’s the a few of the Secrets collection only currently available in the UK. It was first released on the 1st July with singles being available straight away through educators. The entire collection of 16 is now available online but only as a whole collection. As per usual the lighting pictures are indoor, led and outdoor but are on Prohesion L&P extensions.

The collection comprises of 16 colours created especially by requests from UK nail harmony techs. What this means is there are some fantastic colours available. I haven’t purchased the entire collection yet but did buy the pastels along with sun kissed bliss. The results of which you can find below. With these new Gelish colours only just released that means there are currently no Morgan Taylor or All That Jazz polish matches.

A Tribe Called Cool – 3 coats

This is what we’ve all been waiting for a pastel yellow. It does need warming but applies well in 3 coats.

A Tribe Called Cool Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Mint madness – 2 coats

This colour applied beautifully in 2 coats. It’s much lighter then mint of Spring and is like a mix between my one blue love and kiss me I’m a prince.

I’m A Wild Flower – 2 coats

This is a beautiful pastel blue. It’s slightly darker then my one blue love, but its application is far superior. Do warm up whilst prepping though.

I'm A Wildflower Indoor, LED, Outdoor — I’m A Wildflower Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Kiss Kiss – 3 coats

This is the latest pastel pink, I do recommend you warm though as I have had it wrinkle on me, so super thin coats are needed. It’s a bit like light elegance but more opaque.

Once Upon A Manicure – 3 coats

This is a baby pink with a hint of purple. Again this one needs to be warmed and applied super thin as it did have a tendency to wrinkle. I’m not overly happy with the pictures here so will update them when I have a chance. As a result I’m including a simple set taken in natural daylight.

Once Upon A Manicure Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Hidden Identity – 2 coats

This is a beautiful frosted light brown. It applies superbly in 2 coats and would be excellent for those who want to keep their nails neutral.

Picture Perfect – 2 coats

Another must from the collection. A dark lilac with no fading. It comes across quite dark in the official pictures but is much lighter in the sunshine. A definite must.

Sun Kissed Bliss – 2 coats

This burnt coral is a dream to apply in 2 coats and is just simply stunning.

Swatches

Top it off vs matte – to give you an idea of how easy the application was on most. My 3 year old daughter swatched all of the matte ones and a couple of the top it off ones.

Secret Collection Pastel Swatch Stick Comparisons Matte vs TIO Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Colour comparisons

Hidden Identity Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Once Upon A Manicure & Kiss Kiss Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Picture Perfect Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

I'm A Wildflower & Mad About Mint Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor — I’m A Wildflower & Mad About Mint Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

A Tribe Called Cool Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Sun Kissed Bliss Swatch Stick Comparisons Indoor, LED, Outdoor

Summary

These colours are beautiful and most apply really well. I have a feeling that once I am used to applying once upon a manicure and kiss kiss that the wrinkling issues I experienced would be ironed out. As with all the colours by Gelish, every single on is made differently so we as good techs have to learn how to adapt. And after all it’s much cooler here in the uk as opposed to California so a bit of warming is to be expected.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your pictures from this collection.

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.

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.

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.

19th September 20153rd October 2015

Colour in the spotlight – Pumps or cowboy boots

Name: Pumps or cowboy boots

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

Description & personal opinion: a black brown crème colour. It has red tones as you can see from the first layer.

Matching nail polish: Yes, Morgan Taylor pumps or cowboy boots UK release 1st September 2015

Viscosity: a nice smooth application.

Application: This is a really highly pigmented colour and therefore thin layers and dry brushing are a must. I did find in slid a bit during application.

Lighting variance: indoors, led and outdoors

Sparkles & Trends:

Longevity: no problems

Fading: none

Removal: really easy, lifts off nicely.

Similar colours: Gelish love me like a vamp and black cherry berry are very very similar. It’s only in bright sunshine you see the brown tone as opposed to the red tone of the similar colours. As well as black shadow when lighting is not great.

Artwork:

My verdict: I once again love this colour and as I do not own either if the two mentioned above it’s a good colour for me.

Next week: plum tuckered out

12th September 20153rd October 2015

Colour in the spotlight – from rodeo to Rodeo Drive

Name: From Rodeo to Rodeo Drive

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

Description & personal opinion: this is a Crème taupe. Personally I think it’s more grey with tones of purple and taupe. It has a beautiful subtle silver shimmer to it.

Matching nail polish: No, alas this particular colour has been replaced by Morgan Taylor with a touch of sass, a dark red crème, UK release 1st September 2015.

Viscosity: crème base so can run quite thick in the cold, I didn’t have any issues with this though.

Application: 2/3 coats with no shrinkage or running. As this is a crème colour, if you are in a cold salon you might wish to warm the bottle before application to keep the polish thin for easy application. You can do this by standing it on a warm wheat bag, placing in a bowl of warm water or any other method you prefer.

Lighting variance:

Sparkles & Trends:

Top: lots of dots, escargo to Paris, June bride, grand jewels

Bottom: am I making you Gelish? Vegas nights, izzy whizzy and rough round the edges.

Longevity: no problems

Fading: I didn’t notice any fading, that being said I think in all 3 lights it looks lighter.

Removal: 8 minutes of soak off and no problem.

Similar colours: I don’t have a similar colour to this in my Gelish collection. I really couldn’t find a similar colour to this one any where so no comparison to show.

Artwork: all the colours used are from the Urban Cowgirl collection and the glitters are from the nail space.

My verdict: a new colour with good application and so a good addition to your collection. Personally this is not a colour I would ever choose myself but actually I’ve quite enjoyed this colour, a lovely autumn shade.

Next week: pumps or cowboy boots