Layla Ceramic Effect 52 a.k.a. The Butterfly Effect

Here's a swatch on Layla Ceramic Effect 52. For those of you who don't know, the Layla Ceramic Effect line states that no base or top coat is needed for this polish to look shiny like...you got it...ceramic.

I loved the deep purple and the suspended orange-to-green flakies of this polish so I had to try it out.

Below you will see two coats of this polish without top coat, three coats without top coat, and three coats with top coat all under artificial and natural light. Enjoy!

Two coats, no top coat - Natural Light

Two coats, no top coat - Artificial Light

Three coats, no top coat - Natural Light

Three coats, no top coat - Artificial Light

Three coats with top coat - Natural Light

Three coats with top coat - Artificial Light

Three Coats with top coat color shift - Artificial Light

And for the grand finale...

Three coats with top coat in direct sunlight

Three coats with top coat in direct sunlight

A Full-On Dotticure

I was inspired by Lucy at Lucy's Stash for this dotticure. I couldn't get the vibrant purples to correctly show up although I tried several poses and lighting arrangements. The base is Barielle Grape Escape and the polka dots are SinfulColors Mint Apple and Pink Forever, OPI Pink-ing of You, and Essie Licorice. 

I did the same design on both of my hands. You can see my dominant right hand at the bottom of the page. I thought it turned out pretty well...especially since it got so repetitive.

Left Hand - Indoor Lighting

Left Hand - Indoor Lighting

Left Hand - Natural Light

Right Hand - Natural Light

Sponge and Microbead It Up!

I was inspired by Tamara on ohtammm's Instagram page for the gradient/sponging technique and color combo, Sammy from The Nailasaurus Blog for the microbead use, and "Higasaurus" here on Instagram for combing both elements. Check those gorgeous gals out! 

I used Essie Marshmallow as the base for the middle and ring fingers with SinfulColors Pink Forever, Hazard, Why Not, Ulta Sun-Sational and Duty Free Shopping Spree sponged over that white base. Then my index and pinky finger is SinfulColors Why Not with silver Recollections Microbeads. It's all topped off with Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.

Connect-the-Mustache

Can you see the mustache? I used Ciaté Mojito and Barielle Grape Escape for the sponging, Essie Shine of the Times over that, and Orly Instant Artist Jet Black for the mustache. Note: I used Essie Marshmallow as a base so that the colors would be opaque but also light.

Abstract and Warhol Inspired

Polka dots and flowers that ended up looking like anemones. It feels very vintage and cutesy to me. Someone commented on Instagram that they were reminded of Andy Warhol's art when they saw this photo. I used Ulta Blue Streak, Julep Kate, SinfulColors Pink Forever and Hazard, and Orly Instant Artist Jet Black.

Cotton Candy Reminiscent

I finally got some real inspiration for a manicure. I dreamt I was wearing this combo so I had to recreate it, and I'm happy to say it turned out as planned. With a gradient that contains all of the colors of cotton candy I have ever consumed and delicate sparkles and glitter I couldn't stop staring. I used OPI Pink-ing of You, Ciaté Headliner, Ulta Duty Free Shopping Spree, and OPI Pirouette My Whistle.