Collection: New Nail Things!

I just got back from Chicago! I went with my school's orchestra for five days to tour, explore, and play music! It was super fun. While there we got to stop at a mall and I couldn't resist going into the Sephora. I have never purchased anything there because I think it is really expensive but this time I found some great deals in the clearance basket.

First up is this crackle polish called "Blasted Opalescent". It looks very nice on dark colors. I tried it out while I was there (yup, I brought some nail polish). That manicure is in my next post for today.

I also got these cool nail art stickers. They are cute little holographic butterflies! I feel spring nail art coming up... 

In my city a Ross Dress for Less store just opened and I went today to check out their clothes and also because I heard they have nail polish. They sure did! I got one set of a brand called Princessa. I also found a nice dress and a hanging jewelry holder. I love Ross now!! It is like Tj Maxx but I like Ross just a little bit more. I will add swatches of this nail polish to another post because this one is so long. 

Today I also stopped in at Sally's Beauty Supply, it is right next to the Ross store and I needed to get some more nail art wheels but I also found more treasures. 

In the clearance I found Christmas nail art decals, and Trendy Nail Wraps in Christmas snowflakes.

I also needed some new nail hardener. I found this Nail Life Nail Revitalizer. The lady gave me some tips on using it so hopefully it will help  stop my nails from peeling. I had to cut them down recently from  breaks caused by the peeling. 

Nail Care + How to Make Cuticle Oil

I stumbled across a video today that was all about how to make your own cuticle oil. When it got to the ingredients I was very happy that I had everything. The only thing I did not have was a bottle. I looked every where to find something that may work, then it hit me... I have a nearly empty bottle of base coat that I can clean and use!!
I emptied out what was left into the new bottle my new bottle of Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails base coat and started the cleaning. I put 100% pure acetone into it, shook it up, dumped it out, and rinsed it. I then took cotton balls and q-tips to clean the cap and the rim. I dipped the brush in acetone and rubbed it till there was no polish left. I rinsed it with soapy water, went back and got anything that still smelled like nail polish again, rinsed and soaked again, till I knew it was clean.
Now onto the oil inspired by YummyNails!

Ingredients:
EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
Essential Scented Oil of your choice (I have lavender oil)
Lemon Juice

Step 1. Fill most of your container with the EVOO. (I didn't have olive oil much left, that's why my finished product isn't all the way full)
Step 2. Add your essential oil, about 10 drops, till you reach your desired scent.
Step 3. Add about 10 drops of lemon juice. This helps stimulate nail growth!
Step 4. Shake it all up.

That's all! Simple, quick, and it works great!
I added butterflies to the bottle as decoration. I have this book of sample wallpaper so I cut out some tiny butterflies. I have also made a little vase using this idea. This technique is inspired by KlairedeLysdotcom.
If you would like other recipes that target different things, I found this great website called Natural Nail Care Recipes.

Next up, what I use for nail and hand care.

Cuticle oils. From the left: Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil, my homemade oil, and Sally Hansen Dry Kwik. The Dry Kwik is put on after you paint your nails, it helps the dry time and is made with mineral oil that you can rub into your cuticles after the polish dries.

My go to base coat, Sally Hansen Hard as Nails. I also use the Palladio Green Tea Nail Fortifier to fill in ridges and strengthen my nails. I put it on under my base coat.

I haven't used this in a while, it smells kinda weird. When I do use it for a week, it works!

These are my two favorite hand/body lotions right now. They absorb quickly and smell so good! The tall one is In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon. I have the body wash and perfume that go with it. I got them in a silent auction basket! The second one is Bath and Body Works White Tea and Ginger. I also have the matching body wash and fragrance.