Style Play Polish: St. Patrick's Day Nail Art Tutorial

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Even though I'm not Irish, nor do I plan on drinking myself into oblivion today, I figured I'd celebrate by decorating my nails for the festivities. I'm actually quite astonished at myself, given this was my first attempt at freehand nail art. Here's how I did it!

What you will need:

• Base Coat (Butter London Nail Foundation)
• Green Nail Polish (Ginger & Liz in Ivy League)
• Nail Art Pens (I used a local beauty supply brand. Try Sally Hansen Pens)
• Quick Dry Topcoat (Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Topcoat)
• Optional: Glitter Polish 

Step 1: Apply a base coat to protect your nails.

I used Butter London Nail Foundation as my base coat of choice.

Step 2: Apply two coats of green nail polish.

I used Ginger & Liz nail polish in Ivy League. 

It's a pastel green that's perfect for spring.

Step 3: Use your nail art pens to apply the art designs. Start off with simple designs first, then get more creative as you get used to it.

I started simple with a 3-leaf clover using my white nail art pen, and polka dots. For the clover, I just drew 3 rounded triangles that intersected in the middle, and extended a line from the middle as the stem. This took all of 2 minutes to apply.

Next I used my black nail art pen to draw a pot, and used my glitter nail polish for the flecks of gold. Voila! A pot of gold. I decided to do another nail of polka dots to keep it simple.

Step 4: Apply one coat of Quick Dry Topcoat.

Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri Anti-Chip Topcoat was my topcoat of choice for this. It takes less than 30 seconds to dry, and it helps prevent chipping for up to 10 days.

That's all folks! This was my very first attempt at freehand nail art, and it's not half bad. I am NOT the super talented hand design/sketch type at all, so if I can do this I'm sure you can to! Just pick designs that are simple to execute and pick nail supplies that are good quality.

Shop The Products:

How did are you guys celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Hope you enjoy!

Check out some of our other Style Play Polish Tutorials:

Glitter-Dipped Nails

Valentine's Day Guest Post by Get Nailed

OPI Black-Spotted Mani DIY

Flavor of Friday: Books, Biker Jackets & Beauty

Happy Friday y'all! As the month of "Thanks" is officially closing, I must say I'm thankful and proud to be part of a community of bloggers who go beyond the "blogger" title and truly inspire with their power moves. They're multi-talented, entrepreneurial, smart, and beautiful. An amazing representation of what women of color can do and who we can be. So, this "Flavor of Friday" is dedicated to them.

You Go, Girl

HUGE Congratulations to my girl Curly Nikki on the launch of her newest endeavor. Ms. Nikki Walton is now officially an author! Her new book "Better Than Good Hair" is now available for Presale HERE. She's also running an amazing giveaway for those who show their support - a Nook Color each week for 8 weeks and 2 iPad Minis. Find out more deets about that HERE. I put in my entry. (Who doesn't want an iPad Mini in life??). Congrats to Nikki - can't wait to check out her book!

Showing my support for Nikki's new book

She Can Transform Ya

You know those friends you constantly look to for inspiration? Everything they wear just seems to flow so eloquently and they're talented beyond words? Yep, that's my blogger boo Jessie Adore. Get into her. Aside from the fact that we're West Harlem neighbors, Jessie has the flyest style and the most amazing pieces in her closet. But wait...there's more! She actually designs - jewelry and now clothes. The latest of Jessie's creations is this 6-in-1 Transformer Jacket ($385) that is a convertible biker jacket that just...rocks.

There are no words. I'm putting in my pre-order asap. She's making these babies by hand and only in limited quantities so run, don't walk, to her inbox to place your order.

Place your order HERE!

Beauty & Brains

If you're in the NYC area on December 5th, you MUST check out an amazing event being hosted by my girl Renae Bluitt of In Her Shoes Blog called "The Beauties & Brains Behind The Brands". Some of my favorite female entrepreneurs will be in attendance - Lisa Price of Carol's Daughter, Ginger & Liz of the eponymous nail lacquer line, Tia Williams of TheFlyCut, Tricia-Lee of Polish Bar Brooklyn and more. Alot of power in one fab place.

To purchase tickets, click here!

Go Glamazon, Go

Huge kudos to one of my fave bloggers Jessica Andrews of Glamazons Blog. We'll be seeing her pretty face on the blog more often now that she's opening up the site to include more outfit posts. I remember back when LoveBrownSugar first started and I was petrified of posting outfits and beauty tutorials for the world to see, but I really think it has enhanced my site overall despite my anxiety and fear of judgment. So happy to see more of us bloggers with different body types and styles embracing our style and showcasing it for the world to see.

Click over and leave a comment on her "Maxi Skirt in the Winter" look. (Tell her I sent you!)

Shop "LoveBrownSugar" Nail Lacquer

My LoveBrownSugar for LiSi Cosmetics Lacquer is still available on PRESALE guys! I started shipments this week and I'm quickly blowing through inventory (as in, I'll be sold out by next week and awaiting a new shipment!).

Get your BOTTLE HERE before they sell out! I appreciate your support!

I hope you guys had a faboosh November! I know posts on the site have slowed down a tad, but I promise it's for good reason. Next month and the impending year of 2013 are going to be amazing for LBS. Can't wait to show you guys all that's in store. 

In the meantime, what bloggers/blogs are you guys thankful for? Need to add a few more to my reader so put me on in the comments section below... 

Kickin' It: Indique + Ginger & Liz Launch Glam Survival Kit

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Indique + Ginger & Liz launch of the Glam Survival Kit at the Townhouse Spa in NYC. Hosted by the lovely Lianne Farbes (one of THE first beauty bloggers to hit the scene and recently tapped for MAC’s Blogger Obsession collection), the event was jam packed with beauty goodies & smiling faces. 

Fashion Week Flashback: Robert Verdi's Luxe Lounge

Photos courtesy Luxe Laboratory

Although it was only a month ago, NYFW Fall 2011 seems like it was so long ago. While prepping a story for UPTOWN, I came across these images of my day at the Robert Verdi Luxe Lounge during fashion week. Robert's Luxe Lounge is an oasis where editors, stylists and bloggers indulge in beauty treatments, enjoy cocktails and get a chance to test out and sample specialty Verdi-approved products and services.

Above I'm pictured with celebrity manicurist Dawn Sterling giving me a Ginger & Liz manicure.

Photos courtesy Luxe Laboratory

Here I am getting a tutorial about the NOOK Color. Just when you thought the NOOK couldn't get any better! I haven't snagged myself a tablet yet, but if I had to get one this would be it. It's the first full-color touch reader's tablet. I kept hearing rave reviews about it, and after getting to test drive it myself, I see what all the hype is about.

Photos courtesy Luxe Laboratory

I uncovered the coolest products via Robert Verdi. Here I am with another editor, sampling beauty products from Lifetherapy. They smelled amazing! I'm a sucker for good-smelling lotions. I think I'm obsessed actually.

Photos courtesy Luxe Laboratory

Here's Liz from Ginger & Liz getting her makeup done in the VISINE corner. Love that eyeshadow color.

Photos courtesy Luxe Laboratory

I also bumped into June Ambrose and her mini-me (daughter) getting their nails done. Isn't the little one adorable? This was right after the Vivienne Tam show. I sat right behind June and Deborah Cox and she told me all about her adventures with her daughter Sam. I really admire working moms that find time for the kids. That's no small feat!

Well, that's my little trip down memory lane for the day. Now back to work! Can't wait to go through those Luxe Lab doors again. It's a magical place.

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 17

 Happy Friday everyone! Wow, time is really winding down. Only 8 days left in 25 Days of LoveBrownSugar. So I decided, since the Ginger & Liz giveaway earlier this week was so wildly successful, that I would dig into my own stash of goodies and give some more of their lovely product away...

Today's winner will get a nice little package of goodies including a sample size of "Who's The Boss?" - a Ginger & Liz limited edition winter colour - and a small bottle of Carol's Daughter Lemon & Jojoba Cuticle Oil. Just be sure to sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win!

I wasn't able to gift anything on Day 16, so as an added bonus I'm doing a special Twitter-only Giveaway. I'm gifting a Covergirl beauty pack including a Covergirl Queen Collection Natural Hue Concealer + Bronzer Compact to one lucky LoveBrownSugar Twitter follower. Just tweet the hashtag #25DaysofLBS between now and Monday at 12AM EST to @LoveBrownSugar to be entered to win.

Both winners will be announced on Monday, December 20th.  Good luck!

Congratulations to Jen who won the Ambi Products giveaway yesterday. Email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prize!

25 Days of LoveBrownSugar: Day 14

Today's giveaway comes straight from two of my favorite ladies: Ginger & Liz! They have been generous enough to give away a deluxe set featuring the following:

Mini Ginger + Liz Manicure Set & Four Piece Mini Set of the Ginger & Liz Limited Edition Holiday/Winter Colours

You guys know I go giddy over their Blowin' Money Fast. It has been my absolute favorite nail color this season!

And today everyone's a winner! Ginger & Liz are having a one-time-only EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT for friends & family. From 11am-11pm EST get 40% OFF purchases on www.gingerandliz.com with special code "POLISHED" at checkout...

 

Be sure to sign up for LoveBrownSugar’s Newsletter and Comment Below for your chance to win!

 Congratulations to Sharae for winning the Specific Beauty giveaway, and Whitney for winning the Peter Thomas Roth giveaway from yesterday. Please email luvbrownsugar@gmail.com to claim your prizes.

LoveBrownSugar's Top 10 Winter Beauty Essentials

Though I’m not a complete beauty guru, working for a women’s magazine has definitely turned me into somewhat of a PJ (product junkie). Considering all the samples and products I’ve come across in my time as an editor, you would think I knew all the answers to my own beauty questions. Well I don’t. What I do know are the products that have come to be my faves this season. When I find something amazing I stick with it, and I rave about it to everyone who cares to listen. I’m also a huge proponent of staying on budget, so products that promote my inner beauty without demoting my bank account are always a win! The following are my Top 10 Winter Beauty Essentials this season…

1. Hair Crème: Tea & Honey Blends Curl Definer, $14.99

As I'm transitioning back to my curls and growing out my relaxer, I'm using extensions to help protect and maintain my hair until it gets to a length I can deal with. In the mean time, I was sent this amazing product from new hair care line Tea & Honey Blends. They boast a great line of Tea & Honey shampoo, leave-in conditioners and styling products. I've fallen in love with their Curl Definer! I apply it after I deep condition and it really helps soften my natural hair before and after styling. And in the harsh winter weather, my tresses need all the moisture they can get.

Runner-up: Mixed Chicks Leave-In. Great moisturizer for thirsty curls.

2. Lip Color: L’Oreal Infallible Stars Collection in Beyonce, $9.99

You guys have heard me rave about this one before. I wore it for THIS post and it is absolutely amazing. Aside from my borderline obsession with Beyonce, this particular color from the collection is really the perfect red for a number of complexions. I’m not as light as Bey, but somehow the shade works for me. And the real kicker: it actually lasts! It will NOT come off. Honestly guys, I tried…

3. Fragrance: Carol’s Daughter Almond Cookie Natural Spray, $27.00

In the winter, I opt for fragrances with deeper, natural notes like vanilla and cinnamon as opposed to fruity florals for spring. I love the way Carol’s Daughter’s Almond Cookie products smell. They leave me sweet-smelling without being too overpowering. The natural spray adds the perfect touch after the shower. And of course the ingredients are all natural.

4. Mascara: Maybelline Falsies Volum Express, $7.50

This might be my all time favorite product this season. Although I have naturally long lashes, I like to take them to the next level with great mascara. Maybelline is hands down my favorite brand for affordable, trusted mascara. They recently released their Falsies Volum Express product which actually coats your lashes with kerafiber maximizing them in width and length. It’s unbelievable. Seriously.

Runner Up: Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto Voluptuous. Maximizes lash length and adds a little oomph to your wink.

5. Cuticle Crème: Carol’s Daughter Lemon & Jojoba Cuticle Oil

One thing I dread about the onset of cold weather – dry hands and cuticles. It drives me nuts when my winter manicures don’t live up to their fullest potential due to Mother Nature. A dab of this on each cuticle in the morning before you head out makes a huge difference in defending your manicure against harsh conditions.

6. Nail Color: Ginger & Liz "Swagger", $12.00

My gals Ginger & Liz created a gem when they crafted this color. I love it because it’s neutral enough to wear in more professional environments but still has a touch of…well…swag! This light metallic rose gold goes great with everything and never goes out of style. Also their “Blowin' Money Fast” pictured HERE is a great one for fall.

Runner Up: Essie Nail Color in “Chinchilly” pictured HERE. Gray nails are in!

7. Hair Oil: Dr. Miracles Follicle Healer Hydrating Oil, $4.99

Part of their new Follicle Healer line, this Dr.Miracles Hydrating Oil is my go-to for moisturizing my scalp and my edges. It has that same Dr. Miracles "tingly" feeling and comes in an easy to apply bottle with applicator. I also use it as a pre-poo treatment before washing my natural hair. Definitely a mainstay product for winter!

8. Facial Moisturizer: Specific Beauty Daily Hydrating Lotion, $17.99

This new skin care line created by an acclaimed female African-American dermatologist out of Miami, was specifically developed to address hyperpigmentation; discoloration of the skin that can affect many of us sisters, especially in the winter time. Specific Beauty provides an array of great skin products and the Daily Hydrating Lotion happens to be one of my favorites.

Runner Up: OLAY Complete All-Day UV Moisturizer. A great year-round moisturizer.

9. Body Scrub: Shea Moisture Organic Red Bush & Sage

 

In the winter, I make it a point to do a weekly body scrub and pamper my parched skin with moisture. Part of my weekly ritual has been Shea Moisture's Red Bush & Sage scrub. It's luxe, smells amazing and is completely organic. Your skin will literally feel like you've taken a milk bath! Shea Moisture hasn't started sale of this product online so price and availability are TBA. Will update you soon on price and purchase details!

Runner Up: Carol's Daughter Jamaican Punch Sea Salt Scrub. Smells like Jamaica in a bottle.

10. Body Moisturizer: Ambi Soft & Even Creamy Oil Lotion, $8.49

Most people know the AMBI brand for their scar removal products, but recently they've launched a brand of products that cater to the face & body with gentle moisturizing properties. I must confess - I've been using the Creamy Oil Lotion faithfully since the beginning of summer and it hasn't failed me yet! Lightweight so it absorbs quickly, but the perfect amount of oil so I stay moisturized all day.

So, what are your winter beauty essentials? List them below! 

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Ginger & Liz + Carol's Daughter: Fall Colour Collection Preview

 I had the honor of attending the Ginger & Liz Fall Colour Collection preview last Thursday hosted by the Carol's Daughter BackRoom Hand & Foot Spa in Harlem...

Carol's Daughter Flagship - Harlem, NY

 Ginger & Liz are founders of an amazing line of nail colors that are fun, sassy and rich in color. I featured them in my Top 10 Spring Essentials list in April.

 Fashion and beauty industry insiders enjoyed cocktails sponsored by Ciroc and free Ginger & Liz manicures at the spa. Not to mention amazing company...

Ginger & Liz Nail Bar

 All of their new colors were on display with mini nail bars stationed around the store for guests to try on different colors.

I had a hard time choosing which color I wanted! In the end, I went with the deep green color on the right, appropriately named "Blowing Money Fast" (shoutout to Rick Ross).

Left: Annika of TheFrisky.com, Right: Misha of TheFabChick.com

"Blowing Money Fast" seemed to be the guest favorite of the evening, as I spotted these two lovelies with that same color.

I did my BMF mani with a twist, adding a goldish color to my ring finger. Had to switch it up!

Crystal Streets, celebrity stylist

I spotted Crystal Streets, celebrity stylist of the B.Lynn Group. She'll be making her on-screen debut in this season's new Oxygen reality show "House of Glam". I met her briefly at Honey Mag's photoshoot with The Dream, which she did an awesome job styling.

With Janelle Grimmond - Market Editor, Essence

It's nice seeing old friends and making new ones. Ran into my love Janelle Grimmond aka JMadison. This girl's such an inspiration - market editor at Essence and newfound female emcee.

With Maya A. Lake - Designer, Boxing Kitten

 I ran into another lovely lady I admire. This is Maya, creator of clothing line Boxing Kitten. I've been posting about her pieces for a while now. Solange Knowles is one of their avid fans.

From left: Liz Pickett of Ginger & Liz, Me, Ginger Johnson of Ginger & Liz, Lisa Logan - celebrity manicurist

Towards the end of the event I finally snapped a pic with Ginger & Liz, the lovely ladies behind the brand. On the right is famed celebrity manicurist Lisa Logan, who has minxed nails for big names like Beyonce.

- Photos by Tia Hendricks

Stay tuned for more event coverage as NYFW kicks into full swing this week.