Simple yet flashy! French tips+irridescent flakies

I did a review for the French Tip Dip Kit last year, but I feel the need to mention it again. I LOVE this kit. Whenever I need a quick and amazing looking manicure I pull it out. I can use any color I currently own to tip with or use the included GIGANTIC bottle of white.

The steps are:

1. Pour color into the included pot.
2. Dip selected tool tip in size to match your nail.
3. Lay tool even to nail surface then lightly touch (don't push down) and pull away from nail to leave behind your tip.
4. Once polish has dried paint the included sheer polish over to even out the tip to the nail. 
5. Top off with the included topcoat for nice, shiny french style tips.

At step 4 I went a little different. Special effects top coats and glitter can be substituted in to create a jazzed up french tip look!

 I went with Zoya Chloe to even it all out but any effects would work. Essie Bisses and Kisses, CND pearl, shimmer, or sparkle, Essie Shine of Times, Pure Pearlfection, or As Gold as it Gets, Essence Night in Vegas....I could go on and on. Skies the limit really. I could see cool effects with nice, sheer jellies too actually.

The best part is this white on the tip holds up! This is three days of wear and no chips in sight yet. As a mommy I love having this kit in my arsenal. It ensures I can have a quick, easy manicure just about anywhere.

Candy Cane Tips and all the shimmer

I just love this manicure! The first version was stripes over the whole nail which was an epic fail. I am not experienced enough to stripe with my non-writing hand. I could hear my striping brush laughing at me it was so bad. But this version is fun (could it be more perfect? why yes, but I don't care)

Step 1: Tips. You can use tape or stickers or a french tip dip kit (which is what I used). I had my tips on in about a minute and half for both hands with it. SUPER handy and no wasted tape. Happy, happy.
Step 2: Stripes. I used two different sizes of stripe brushes from my kit I bought here. It's an ebay store - shipping is slow but it's dirt cheap and has free shipping. You could also just use the tip of a toothpick and a safety pin for two different sizes.
Step 3: Paint on set of colors first diagonally. I started in the center of the nail to try to get my designs about even on all nails. Colors I used were Julep Emilie and Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Red Carpet.
Step 4: Apply Essie Pure Pearlfection. I LOVE THIS EFFECT TOP COAT! It's amazing and gives a gorgeous pearl effect (perfect for a candy cane like luster).

 Step 5: Stamp on desired designs. For the holly I used a dotting tool to go back over the berries. On the tree I put a tiny bit of Julep Olivia in the stump and Julep Emilie for the tree part. I brush a layer of Essie Luxeffects for the lights on the tree and topped with a holographic large hex glitter I extracted from LA Colors Goddess. Instant bling!
Step 6: Top with favorite top coat. I'm rockin' the 3 minute topcoat from French Tip Dip and it's got gorgeous shine to it! Super glossy.
Total time: 20 minutes. Fast, easy, and great results!

Have a wonderful day - I am. Kids are all being so good, most of the Christmas shopping is done, and there is coffee and macaroons waiting for me in the kitchen. Life is so good ;)