Caviar nails using microbeads

This week I used microbeads to recreate Ciate's caviar nail polishes in black pearl and rainbow. Ciate's caviar varnishes should really come with this pre-warning for nail biters: "Beware: This fairy bread-esque manicure is highly likely to reinduce your bad habit....oh and its probably not a good idea to ingest the beads either." It just looks so darn delicious!



Ciate's polishes retail for £18.00/bottle which is about $28 AUD exclusive of postage & handling costs (approx another £30). So...I'm asian and I'm here to show you the inexpensive way to get the same look hahaha

1. Buy some microbeads from eBay. You can find individual colours starting from $4.50 but I bought a kit of 12 colours which came with a small spoon and spare container for $46.28 incl. p&h from this eBay seller

2. Find a small bowl which is going to capture the excess beads when you sprinkle them on your nails.


3. Scoop your chosen colour combination into the spare container using a small spoon. Close the container and shake it all up.



4. Paint the first layer on nail polish on all of your nails. For my black polish I used China Glaze's Liquid Leather, for the pink polish I used OPI's Mod About You.

5. Choose one nail to paint your second coat and while your nail is still wet, place your finger over your bowl and you can either scoop up the beads with your spoon and sprinkle it on the nail or just simply pick up the small container and pour it on top.

Only do one nail at a time so that your varnish is still wet enough to capture the beads.

Use another finger to just pat it all down and once you wait until your nails are dry you can paint a top coat. I didn't paint a top coat in this case only because I've run out of my base and top coat varnishes :(


Pros: 

• You don't need a lot of beads to cover one nail (half a teaspoon can easily cover an entire nail..or two) so your small container of microbeads will last you a very long time! 
• This is the easiest manicure to do, even for those who aren't ambidextrous like myself
• Unlike most glitter polishes, the microbeads are very easy to remove
• Your finger nails look delectable and are weirdly fun to touch 

Cons: 

• Making rice paper rolls with these nails were a nightmare because I kept on finding microbeads in my food. I had the same experience when I tried to wash the dishes.
• Regardless of whether you use the top coat, the beads will fall off quite quickly. Without a top coat my nails only lasted 2 days

And on a completely unrelated topic I've become absolutely obsessed with a list of things recently. I'll probably save my undying love for fairy lights, hanging cliff cabanas, beachside canopies, infinity pools, fire places, circle beds, hot air balloons and the northern lights in Norway for another post. I'll also soon let you in on the changes that have been happening in terms of work and my new role. Things have been very exciting!

As of late I've been able to see life from a whole new perspective and its given me a wonderful warm tingly feeling of gratitude. So, hi life - I can't tell you how grateful I am to have you (:

Cowl dress

ANNIEPOPSHOP cuffs (coming soon), ASOS cowl back dress

Although friends turn to each other during trying times, I often thought that it was easier to just smile than to explain why I'm unhappy.

Everybody is changing, finding their own place in the world and fighting their own battles so it's not that I don't like to open up to other people, I just don't want to spread any burden. I don't like asking for sympathy or support and when I unexpectedly receive it it turns me into a blubbering mess. Nobody wants to deal with a mess like that.

A few weeks ago when I was about to prepare myself for a night of relentless falling into a worry of thoughts, two friends came over and gave me this printed canvas that I now hang above my bed. I've slowly started to believe that

"Perhaps our eyes need to be washed with our tears once in a while so we can see life with a clear view again"

And whenever I look at this sign I'll think of the wonderful people I have in my life that can make me smile even when all I want to do is cry. That think I'm beautiful even when I'm a mess. Thank you.

...and in continuation of my recent lacquer adventures here is my attempt of a galaxy and some sort of rainbow.

Products that were used:

Galaxy nails: China Glaze Liquid Leather, China Glaze Rodeo Fanatic, China Glaze Golden Opportunity, China Glaze White on White, Ugg Baby Pink

Glitter rainbow: OPI Extra-Va-Vaganza, OPI Glow it Up Already, OPI Absolutely Alice, OPI Show it and Glow it

I know this wasn't the most pleasant blog post but I do wish you all a prosperous and happy Chinese New Year (:

Gradient Test and YSL Arty Ovals

Dress by Sheike, YSL Arty Oval ring in Turquoise, Azure and Lapis

I purchased the YSL Arty Oval ring in Lapis as a self Christmas present but not long after I patted myself for zero buyers remorse, I found out through my cousin that Cult Status stocked the Arty Oval ring in Azure and in my size too! I've wanted the Azure for the longest time and I could never find it anywhere....so out came the debit card, once again.

When I finally had both the Azure and Lapis in my hand, I reluctantly had to make the decision of keeping only one of the two. Before I recieved them I thought the choice was obvious because I wanted the Azure for that lovely gold streak, but in person the Lapis stone and its gold specs were a lot more vibrant. I would keep both if I could! But I think that might be bordering an irrational obsession - I was never going to wear them all at once and because I've lost my green Arty Oval, all the ones I had at that moment were different shades of blue... so a few days ago I posted up the Lapis ring for sale and I'm confident she has found herself a better home :)

And to you dear Miss Azure, welcome to the family.




I've also been experimenting with gradient nails this week. I still need to work on my blending but they turned out a lot better than I thought! Oh, and in the last picture my nails are supposed to be cupcakes...although I've been told otherwise.. haha

Here are the products that were used:
Nude to Navy: OPI Samoan Sand (base coat), Milani 3D Holographic in Cyberspace (gradient 1), China Glaze Rodeo Fanatic (gradient 2)

Dark pink to Purple: OPI Miami Beet (base coat), OPI Plugged-in Plum (gradient 1), China Glaze Evening Seduction (gradient 3)

Rainbow nails: OPI Mod About You (base coat), L.A Girl Sunny (gradient 1), China Glaze For Audrey (gradient 2), China Glaze Spontaneous (gradient 3)

Cupcake nails: China Glaze White on White, China Glaze Italian Red, China Glaze For Audrey, China Glaze Agent Lavender, L.A Girl Can U Dig It?, L.A Girl Lilac, L.A Girl Sunny

Hiatus

I've been overwhelmed with stress, work.. and did I mention stress? My skin has been terrible so I'm going to save everybody the agony for today and hope that more YSL and my odd nails for Halloween will suffice. I'll have swatches and reviews for it all soon enough!

But I won't be back to regular postings until after the 11th of November. I can't wait to explore the new Westfields, can't wait for Zara, can't wait for OPI's Katy Perry collection.... can't wait for freedom!

I will try to get around to all formspring questions in the mean time, just to keep in touch (:

Team Peeptoe

Kenji Jacket, Peeptoe Shoes

I know I've been a bit low on the blogging front but after an arduous four days of back-to-back work at the Peeptoe Warehouse I'm back and I've managed to reward myself with two pairs from the sale and the new Bardot Drape Front Blazer which we just got in last week at Bardot. I know I've been bad... very, very bad :(

And if you missed out on the sale you can still shop in the comfort of your own home (and your jammies!) at the Peeptoe Online Sale which just started today!

Although it's been a long week of work I did enjoy my time at Peeptoe, both my feet and I managed to meet some wonderful new friends amongst all the frenzy.. but being surrounded by shoes day in and day out definitely would take a toll on my wallet hahaha

I haven't had much time for a proper post and I know I've promised a few DIYs. I'm in the process of figuring out how to go about a step-by-step entry and even though the warehouse sale is out of the way I'm back to work at Bardot and tutoring this week and I can already feel myself falling behind at uni so please forgive me until then!

And I hope these swatches will suffice for now:

Milani 3D swatches & OPI Suede swatches

Drip Drape

Ksubi Top, DIY body chain, Bardot skirt

I've been meaning to get some things off my chest....and onto my feet! hahaha

Mirror mirror on these shoes...please tell me how to overcome the credit card woes that come with you. I woulld really appreciate it if somebody could forward a message to Mr Jeffrey Campbell to let him know that he will be held responsible for my early demise. These Xmas, Clinic, Exam and Xanadu wedges have me wrapped!

With all shoe business aside I'm finally free of exams, home from a wonderful getaway in QLD and ready to get back into the swing of things! I've had a couple of things on my blogging agenda but I'm in the process of collating things for ANNIEPOPSHOP (which I plan to have up before the end of tonight!) so I'll get to all request posts soon after.

As for the formspringer that asked about the things I managed to grab from the Minkpink sale, I've been able to snap up a few pics for you during the process :D

I'll be sure to come back and answer all formspring questions + edit this post with an announcement once new things in the popshop are up so I will ttys! (:

What's' on my nails: OPI My Private Jet + L.A Girl Double Platinum

the greatest irony of love

"The greatest irony of love is loving the right person at the wrong time, having the wrong person when the time is right and finding out you love someone right after they walk out of your life. For some, they think that letting go is one way of expressing how much they love that person. In my opinion, some are afraid to see the one they love being held by someone else. Most relationships tend to fail not because of the absence of love. Love is always present. It's just that one was being loved too much, and the other was being loved too little.

As we all know that the heart is the center of the body but it beats on the left. Maybe that's the reason why the heart is not always right. Most often, we fall in love with the person we think we love, but to only discover that for them we are just past times. While the one who truly loves us remains either your friend or a stranger.

So here's a piece of advice: Let go when you're hurting too much. Give up when love isn't enough, and move on when things are not like before... For sure, there is someone out there who will love you even more."

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Anonymous: any new buyss???
In terms of clothes, not really but in terms of nailpolish and other nit bits - yes! Haha. I've been trying to ration a portion of my pay into my untouchable account per fornight so to date I haven't had much time or money to shop around (or even shop online!) but recent things I've delved in include:

1. OPI's Matte Collection
The matte collection is amazing, unlike any nail varnish I've ever seen! It's almost as if I've coloured in my nails with texta and I love how ridiculously matte the finish is. I can not wait to get my hands all over OPI's new Suede Collection either, I'll be beaming when I do! (Note: I got tired after repainting my nails so I stopped after the third matte colour :P)

L-R: You Don't Know Jacquez!, La-Pazitively Hot, Russian Navy, Gargantuan Green Grape, Lincoln Park after Dark

I've also got a few other OPI's and two China glazes I've yet to post!

Jade is the new black from OPI's Hong Kong Collection. A good dupe for Chanel's Jade!

My Private Jet, Midnight blue glitter

Absolutely Alice from OPI's Alice in Wonderland Collection (which I forgot to do a swatch for, pity because it's amazing!) and Ruby Pumps from China Glaze's Wizard of Oz Collection

Lubu Heels by China Glaze

Besides my recent craves for polish (I blame Wendy for much of that), other buys have included:
The Complete Kit from Sigma!

And finally some clothes!

Minkpink, Bardot

Supre, Bardot (I obviously need to learn to iron my clothes hahaha)

Bardot, Valleygirl

Bardot, Bardot


And some other nitbits. Rings from Diva, Equip and Dangerfield, Necklace from Sportsgirl, Bib Necklaces from Bardot and Dotti, Plastic Cuffs from Cotton on.

Anonymous:i also wanted to ask you how your neck piercing is going? do you still have it and have there been any complications? ive been thinking about getting one for a while now but i dont know if i have the guts to LMAO
Yes I still have the piercings, I haven't experienced any complications but the piercings do get troublesome at times especially with all my hair! This is why I usually try and have my hair up to the side or part my hair away from the piercings. I would always forget at first but it's sort of become second nature now, on the days I don't feel like having them there I cover them with spot bandaids. If you are planning to get them, I don't think it's the pain you should worry about, it's whether or not you'd have the time and patience to look after it and if you do, then go for it!

Anonymous: annie, where did u get your black bracelet cuff and jewellery you're wearing in the photos at the top of the post!?
The cuff and jewellery from my last post are all from Diva, the cuff was from a while back though!

J: i like how your hair fades into light brown at the tips its really pretty did you dye it like that or is it just natural?
It's sweet that you do J but I don't think it suits me :( The only reason it's brown at the tips is because a while ago I wanted my hair to be a light colour and in order for it to get that way I had to strip my current colour out, I've dyed it back to black plenty of times after this but what remains of my once stripped hair always turns to brown.


Anonymous: Hi annie i want to get into your course at uni but the cut off is so high i dont think i could get a good enough ATAR and im worrrriedddd. what subjects did you do in highschool?
From what I remember, in highschool I did: Economics, Biology, English adv, Maths adv, Maths ext 1, Religion and Senior Science.

Anonymous: annieo have you learnt how to access formspring on tumblr yet? bcos theres been drama on certain people's tumblrs concerning you and people copying your side hairstyle thing and im sure you'd like to have a say in all of this...
No I haven't, I was capped after my last post and have been motionless since!..well till now of course. Which is a good thing I suppose, I only just finished my last round of exams this passing Thursday so I've been up to my neck in things. I think I'm already struggling to keep this blog alive I'm getting chills at the thought of teaching myself the ways of tumblr and formspring! Hahaha and in relation to this drama about hair.. really guys, really? I thought we were past all of this! I've made posts regarding it before and its kind of sad that I'd have to mention it again - I appreciate that these comments may be some obscure form of support but they should be saved for something more sufficient, not for a measly hair-do! It's just hair, you can't plaigarize hair. It will turn grey, it will fall out one day, make most of it while it's still here ;)

Anonymous: hi where did u get ur jewellery cabinet from? it's really pretty - the mirrored one
You can buy it at the store right next to Storage Warehouse in Rhodes shopping centre!

Anonymous: do you know any eye liner thats really good. esp for the top eye lids. Loreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner! Cheap, long lasting, easy applicator, doesn't flake and small enough for the purse (:


Anonymous: your comment on viviennes page was very sweet of you annie =]
Please enlighten me on this comment!!! I haven't even had the time to blog hop let alone leave comments along the way, by the sounds of things it seems like "I" left a pleasant gesture on vivienne's page though. Which is an odd thing for someone to do, leave a nice comment under another person's name... I'll take the blame for it if it was really that sweet Hahaha! Vivienne if you're reading this, it wasn't me but it can be me if you want it to be. LOL.

Annie: Hi Annie! You're so gorgeous! :) It looks like you had a fantastic time in Fiji! I'm just wondering whether you'd know where I'd be able to buy some grey/black coloured booties for (hopefully) under $80-$100?
Hey there Annie! Besides the cheap local chain stores like Freelance shoes or Marco Gianni, your best bet would be cheap online stores! Forever21 has super cheap alternatives and you'd probably find a decent pair or two on Ebay. I only just got uncapped today so I haven't had much of a chance to search around myself :( Peeptoe shoes did have there first ever online warehouse sale too!

Anonymous: hey annie whats your facebook profile picture? 'Annie Nguyen' added me and her main picture is a picture of you but nobody has written on her wall and she only 17 friends... looks suss LOL and also im in need of a new wallet (i have an ugly old urban originals wallet) what wallet do you have atm? if its affordable.. lol thanks a bunch annie
This is my current facebook profile picture but last time I checked I'm sure I had more than 17 friends, that or the world has chosen to disown me this week! Right now I'm using my Mimco Half Moon Pocket wallet in black which I like but the hardware is getting scratched from the friction of clutter in my bag :(

Anonymous: hi annie where did u get those clear stands that u put ur lipsticks and things in? thanks :)))))))
Hey there! You'll find it at Storage warehouse in Rhodes, my pantry organizer will also be there! Hahaha

Anonymous: Hi annieeee!!! i just wanted to ask if you knew any good places that sell cheap dresses especially like party/clubbing dresses? if you could please post up pictures of your faves it would be the BEST
And just for you, this entry I picked out some of my cheapest dresses! Most of them are from market city or stores like Candy&Lace, Dollygirl and IT - the cheaper alternatives for a weekend quick fix. My mum has also been getting in some Bracewell clothes to sell recently though which has been a delight to look at in between Amelia and I's study breaks hahahaha!

Anonymous: love the post. ur blog is always a great read :) but you haven't posted any of your bardot work outfits recently?
I have quite a bit of news for everybody! We're no longer going to be wearing Bardot clothes to work, we now have assigned uniforms! I haven't had a look at them myself but we were all required to report our sizes in tops, jackets and jeans to order it in. I'm anxious.

Anonymous: where are youuuu? you used to update heaps :(
I've been capped but I will try and get back into rythm as of now!

Anonymous: Hello Annie. I was looking back through your old posts and I was wondering what was the specific camera used for the Stereosonic pictures? The camera that you claimed to be your friend's 'Winnie'? The image quality is tops! Please get back to me asap when you can because I'm in need of a new camera. :)
I loved the image quality from the photos too so I went out and got one myself so luckily I can be of quite assistance for this question! Hahaha. The camera is a Samsung ST500 and most places will now stock the newer version which is the ST550 but there's a fair price difference between the two and not that much difference in functions. Winnie got hers at JB Hi Fi but when I went there I was told they didn't stock it anymore. I found it for pre-order at The Good Guys but I started doing research, liked a different camera, bought it from JB Hi Fi, didn't like it, returned it and refused store credit from JB then all of a sudden JB was able to order the ST500 in for me from a different store! I haggled the price down to $340 I think it was, including 4GB memory card and warranty!