July 2, 2008
America, %*@& Yeah!
This is my attempt at a patriotic mani for the 4th of July. I used the following: OPI The Thrill of Brazil (and believe me, the irony is not lost on me), Rescue Beauty Lounge Dead Calm, Art Club by Color Club White and Silver Glitter, both of which are available individually or in the Art Club Bridal Kit.
I was torn over whether to use Silver Glitter or the tiny little silver crystals that come in the Bridal Kit. I ultimately decided to just wing it with the glitter. I’m a major newb at nail art so I have to say – for a first attempt, I’m really pleased with the results.
First let me say, I am so sorry about the sub-par application and lighting, again. I’ll be back to my usual application and lighting soon, I promise I’ll get it together. Second, OPI The Thrill of Brazil is one of my favorite reds, EVER. It applies like butter. Opaque in one coat, perfect in two – this red shines like there is no tomorrow. Simply, gorgeous. For the blue, I used Rescue Beauty Lounge Dead Calm. It was great for this mani because it, too, is opaque in one coat. I was able to use just one brush stroke for the blue behind the stars. Click here for a swatch of Rescue Beauty Lounge Dead Calm.
Finally, Art Club by Color Club – amazing. I’ve had the Bridal Kit and the Carnaval Kit for a while now but I’ve been stuck in professional-mani purgatory since the beginning of the summer so I haven’t been able to try them out until today. And WOW, I love these nail art polishes. The super long ultra fine brush is incredibly easy to use. The kits in general are pretty great. They come with 4 or so nail art polishes in assorted colors or glitters, decals, beads, stones, and other cute little accents.
To celebrate my nail freedom in exactly one month, I’m planning on breaking out all my accumulated nail art products. Seriously, I’ve been stock piling nail art supplies for a few months now in anticipation of a ridiculously elaborate nail art week on The Polish Addict, so if you’re secretly into the kitsch, like me, stay tuned.
The Polish Addict 
Scrangie said,
July 2, 2008 at 7:59 pm
I said it before and I’ll say it again, that’s AWESOME! And I love the title of your post, lmao!!
Masa_inn said,
July 2, 2008 at 8:03 pm
First, let me tell you – I’m NOT a fan of a nail art on grown-ups :) But this is just jaw-dropping. Amazing technique! And very, very tasteful. I cannot believe I’m going to use “cute” and “tasteful” in one sentence, but I am :)
Thanks for sharing!
/contemplating to copycat this/
pretear said,
July 2, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I’m a closet nail art fan. lol. Thank you very much and please copy cat away. : )
Rachel said,
July 3, 2008 at 8:18 am
I LOVE this!! I also am a closet nail art freak, great job!
pretear said,
July 3, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Thank you, and I think a lot of people secretly are closet nail art lovers. : P
Sanna said,
July 3, 2008 at 1:51 pm
That is sooo awesome!
firepail said,
July 3, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Hi!
I’m a longtime reader, first time poster, and I HAD to post because your patriotic mani is THE BEST! I am typically not into nail art, but yours is inspired, stylish, and perfect.
Thanks so much for sharing!
pretear said,
July 3, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Thank you both : )
And firepail please keep posting – I love comments, they make me feel like I’m not just writing to myself. lol.
Shryh said,
July 4, 2008 at 12:15 am
I will never sport nail art because of its association with rather silly, pink-frills wearing young women in Asia, but I love looking at them. You did a marvellous job, and I want to see MOAR!
pretear said,
July 4, 2008 at 6:14 am
Asian nail art = love. : )