Free-Hand Dog and Paw Print Nail Art

Hi everyone!

Sorry I'm late!

I thought I could keep posting at my normal rate while I tend to Odie, but after staying up with him all night I've confused my body into changing my sleep schedule to daylight hours. 

Some extra melatonin should get me back on track, but I still slept through a day or two without a post!

With my world revolving around the repercussions of the dog fight, I found it only fitting to create a look inspired by my furbaby. 

So today I have a free-handed nail art design to share with you full of glitter, paw prints, and a puppy portrait. 

I shortened my nails for extra precaution while caring for Odie's injuries, but don't worry. My extensive vitamin routine causes my nails to grow very fast.

 

My thumb (not pictured), index and pinky are sporting Hard Candy "Cocoa Smore" from the Candy Sprinkles collection. Swatches of the entire collection can be viewed here. I then chose to matify them using the Julep Matte Top Coat.

The paw print pattern on my middle finger was created with OPI's "Nein! Nein! OK Fine!" I began with a single coat for the base and followed with Julep's Matte Top Coat once again. I then took a medium sized dotting tool to create the paw prints. 

My ring finger was free-handed utilizing a couple of small nail art brushes and a dotting tool for his eyes and nose. 

I began with two coats of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in  "Bocha Mocha." 

Taking a small nail art brush, I began working in the different tones of Odie's fur using OPI "Don't Pretzal My Buttons" (a light nude) for highlights and Julep "Olivia" (a dark brown) for shading. 

The area around the nose and eyes were created using OPI "Nein! Nein! OK Fine!" Any highlighted areas were used by mixing in a bit Julep Eileen (a stark white), which was also used for the eyes.

The darkest parts of the nose and the pupils of his eyes were dotted in with Sally Hansen Hard As Nails in "Black Heart." 

I'll admit, I exaggerated the eyes a bit. He's usually squinting, but it wouldn't translate properly on the nail.

I finished the design with a generous coat of Out The Door Top Coat.

I want to thank everyone again for the well wishes for Odie. 

After a long, exhausting week of worry and tending to his wounds I finally can rest assured that he is going to make a full recovery. 

The major puncture wound in his leg has finally drained (gross, I know) and is beginning to close, meaning the antibiotics have flushed out the infection before it spread. The swelling has almost completely diminished and Odie is able to walk again! He also ate some food for the first time today. :)

He's back to his happy, sappy self...well, minus the shame he feels wearing his ecollar.
...and from the cats trying to steal his food!

Now that things are getting back to normal, I have lots of things planned for upcoming posts here at the Manicured Amateur. 

My no-buy has been lifted and I'm going to have lots of new goodies on the way to share with you, plus requested tutorials and a look into my nail care routine!

So keep up with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Bloglovin' 

and give this look some love on Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest!

Thanks for reading!

-Melody

Maven Madness: Julep Sea Salt Mystery Box Version 1 (Swatches and Review)

Hi everyone!

I know I've gone missing for a day or two. 

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter then you already know that I am preparing for a third roommate. A good bit of my time this week has been dedicated to clearing out the guestroom, combining my boyfriend and I's closet (which was a daunting task) and moving furniture in just about every room.

So I'm back outside for pictures until I get a new lightbox. My current one didn't survive the room shifting. :(

Anyways...

With the warm weather rolling in, you're probably ready to dip your feet in the ocean. 

Once again, Julep's got you covered with the most recent mystery box debuting the brand's first textured polishes, the "Sea Salt Finish," a matte sandy finish that's beachside beautiful.

The Box

Every month Julep offers a Mystery Box for $24.99 which includes $70-$200 worth of Julep polishes and beauty products. There are multiple versions of the mystery box, and from time to time Julep will include a special price for a few lucky Mavens including gift cards, jewelry and more.

You do not have to be a Julep Maven to purchase a mystery box, but Mavens will receive the benefit of free shipping.

To learn more about the Julep Maven Program, you can read my in-depth review of the entire program here.

The Polishes

Version One of the mystery box contained four colors: Barbara, Joy, Madeline, and Otte.

Barbara is a full coverage mix of purple glitter that shifts magenta.

(Retail Price: $14.00, Maven Price: $11.20)

Julep "Barbara"

This full dimension of this glitter was camera shy in the overcast weather. Unfortunately with my house currently torn apart, there is currently no way to take pictures inside.

The formula was actually kinda chunky. Not thick, but after the first layer I noticed little globs coming out of the bottle that had to be worked through. In the end it doesn't affect the finished look, but it's something to mention. You only need two coats to completely cover the nail.

It's not my favorite Julep glitter just because I have a few others like it, but it's still pretty!

Julep "Barbara"

Joy is a dusty mauve creme.

(Retail Price: $14.00, Maven Price: $11.20)

Julep "Joy"

 Joy is actually a dupe for me. It came in the March It-Girl Maven Box which I reviewed here. 

If you read my original review of this shade you know that I loved it and the formula was flawless. I applied it in thicker layers this time and reached full opacity in two coats as opposed to three.

Julep "Joy"

Otte is a light, milk chocolate brown creme from the Fall 2012 Trina Turk Collection.

(Retail Price: $14.00, Maven Price: $11.20)

Julep "Otte"

The formula is identical to Joy, gliding on perfectly even. It will require three coats to eliminate the nail line completely.

Despite the warm undertones, this shade  is extremely flattering even on pale skin tones like myself.

Julep "Otte"

Madeline is the star of the show in this box: the pale, baby pink with a "sea salt" finish.
(Retail Price: I assume they will be $14.00, Maven Price: $11.20)

Julep "Madeline"

I fell in love with Madeline on the first coat. It went on like a creme and you actually see little speckles as it applies. It was almost opaque on the first layer, but if your nails are really white you'll notice the tips shining through. Some may prefer that look and leave it at one coat, but I added a second coat to full cover the nail and bring out the color.

If you are nervous about diving into the textured trend, start with this one and you won't regret it. The delicate color is sophisticated enough for any woman, but the sandy texture gives it a subtle edge. 

Wedding season is already here, and I immediately saw this as the prefect beach wedding mani or for any bride who wants something different than the normal french tips.

Julep "Madeline"

Beauty Item

Version one of the mystery box included the Glow On Age Defying Hand Brightener.
(Retail Price: $32.00, Maven Price: $25.60)

I immediately noticed that this smelled like the cream version of the Hand and Cuticle Stick from the January Maven Box, which is also available on Julep's website for $22.00 ($17.60 for Mavens).

The scent is very fresh but not overpowering. I can't say much about the "brightening" aspect as I have only owned it for a day, but it is very moisturizing.

It's not an extremely thick lotion making it ideal for the hands, but I wouldn't use it as all over body lotion, which it's not made for anyway. It's a bit sticky for just a second after application, then fully absorbs leaving the hands soft and smooth.

The Extras

Julep will always include a couple of extra goodies in version of the box, and version one included a basic standard Emory board and a pair of tow separators. I have quite a few of these at this point, but they are always good to have around...

...especially when the cats get a hold of the toe separators and absolutely destroy them. Gotta love 'em.

Overall

Approximate Final Retail Value: $88.00 (not including file and separators)
Approximate Final Maven Value: $70.40 (not including file and separators)

I'm extremely pleased with this mystery box. The Seal Salt polish is divine and I will most certainly be picking up the other shades when they become available.  Version one knocked off a couple of shades from my wishlist I had overlooked when they were first released, and for a better price. 

Even though I already owned Joy, it is a shade I absolutely love. As much as I would love to keep it as a backup, my mother has yet to own a Julep polish and I know she would love this shade for Mother's Day.
Hope she doesn't read this!

The best part about this Mystery Box is that it is still available! It will gone soon, so grab it now by clicking here!

**Also, Maven selection will be open in just two days so if you're not already a Maven, you can sign up at Julep's website here and get your first box for free! Just enter "FREEBOX" at checkout.

Which polish/product was your favorite from the Julep Mystery Box?
Are you thinking of becoming a Julep Maven?

Let me know in the comments below and share your thoughts about the Julep brand.

And don't forget to stay updated with the Manicured Amateur on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks by clicking the icons in the top right hand corner.

Wish me luck as a tackle life with not one, not two, but three 20-something year old men and all the mess that comes with them. Ha!

Thanks for reading!

-Melody