A Pretty Pink Hello!

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Hello, friends! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’ve had several starts and stops of this return, all of them at every point wanting to convey the same message. How thankful I am for our nail polish community. I’m thankful to everyone who reached out to inquire, show support and love. You truly uplifted my family and me during a trying period. Thank you!

For some background. I’ve had chronic migraines for most of my life. Over the Summer, they started displaying more neurological symptoms than in the past. The more frightening of those included vision and speech issues, tremors, and weakness. After a few months of testing and new medications, I’m relieved to be doing so much better. It feels good to no longer feel like a patient, but more like a wife and mom. I can go back to doing the things I love like cooking, not leaving the house, planting things, and of course, nail polish!

I knew I was swatching a lot, but I didn’t realize just how much until I saw how free my nights were and how empty the mail box was. Nail polish was (and still is) is a big part of my life and my symptoms were so persistent and wearing that I started to grieve. It’s taken me a while to get to this point, and I’ve accepted that for now at least, I can’t be that heavy quantity swatcher that I was even a year ago.

But all is not lost! When I got too ill to work, I was literally at a point where I had to abruptly quit and head to the ER. So stubborn and dramatic! This left me with a few unswatched, previously released polishes that I hope to show you at some point. I’ll also swatch a few new releases and personal purchases during this year. My main hope though is that I get to do some more nail art. Holy cotton balls, I miss nail art. I did get some done over the past few months, but I didn’t always take pictures, cause I’m and dumdum.

I did photograph this pink pond mani I did in January. Look, I even tried some lettering on the thumb!

To achieve this look, I started out with two coats of Cirque Colors Chiffon and topped with topcoat.

Using dry brushes of Cirque’s Plush Suede and Carpe Diem, I randomly brushed on strokes over the Chiffon base then smoothed with topcoat.

After topcoat, I applied another coat of Chiffon to achieve that layered, pond look.

Once again, apply topcoat and while still wet, apply dots and drag stripes using shades Plush Suede and Carpe Diem. Applying while wet allows the polish to “sink” into the topcoat. It might even spread a bit; it’s a pretty fun effect.

You can alternate using coats of Chiffon and add more art depending on your preference. Once you’re happy with the look, finish off with topcoat! This look is pretty customizable, allowing you to change the color palette as you please.

For the bit of lettering and greenery on the thumb, I turned to my trusty acrylic paint. I find paint more forgiving than nail polish and it doesn’t dry as quickly. Also, you get more of it!

I’m glad to finally be able to check-in and also greet you with a pretty mani. Till next time!