My Top 5 Nude Nail Polishes

Hello Friends, 

            So, here I am, just sitting here in my Roots pants (if you are a PR manager for Roots and want to send me some pants, hit the "contact me' tab, Thanks in advance :P) and listening to Ronda by The Beach Boys. It's actually quite challenging to write with music blaring in the background. I am here to let you know that I am officially back on the tube, as in Youtube. That's right, my face will be gracing your phone screens again. I have decided to start a whole new channel so, if you were subbed to my last channel, that one is no longer relevant. 

           One thing you are going to notice with my new description box is that I address my audience as "friends or foes". I am sorry if you think this is rude, but lets be real here, alot of people who click on my video are going to have a problem with me or my content. They will make a nasty, tasteless comment and I will get emotional. I think that definitely classifies someone as a foe, doesn't it? Anyways, for my first video, I shared my top 5 nude nail polishes, since I have been obsessed these days. And yes,I photographed these on top of some old ratty books, but that's how we do it here at Not Your Average Sardines HQ. 

There you have it! I also linked the video below! 

Thanks for watching and subscribing!!!!!

Until next time...

 

Spring 2015 Nail Polish Haul

Hello Loves,

     First off, if you follow me on Instagram, I did post saying that I was going to be posting a spring makeup look. Unfortunately, this week has been horrible, lots of family things that have prevented me from posting. I am still unsure if I will be posting that blog yet but in the meantime, here is a spring nail polish haul for you.

I just cleaned out my nail polish collection and I needed some fresh colors to paint on the digits. So here we go ;) oh, yeah, before we begin, I just want to say that all these shots were taken in my new DIY lightbox. Hope you enjoy!!

China Glaze Gelaze (Needs a LED light to cure) Left: Too Yacht to Handle, Right: That's Shore Bright

China Glaze- Bottoms Up

China Glaze- Son of a Peach

China Glaze- Lotus Begin

China Glaze- Highlight Of my Summer

Orly- Key Lime Twist LE

Until next time...

Nail Polish Selections for Spring 2015

Hello,

      Happy Thursday everyone! Almost Friday! Yaaaaay! So, today Im going to sharing some of my favorite nail polishes for the time being.

As spring approaches, I feel like I need to get more into a softer and more femine color scheme but also keeping some of the edgyiness that goes with the winter months. Here in the Great White North, we dont really get a real deal spring. Its more of a jubble of days that range from 10C to about -3C. So it can really go all over the place. I feel like that is why I like to still have that edgy yet soft nail that can work on both sides of the thermostat. I have been into nuetrals as of late and here are some of my picks. I have not swatched them but they will be pinned to my pinterest board soon for swatches.

· Essie - Chinchilly (a light mauvey gray) Seen in picture.

· O.P.I - Tickle my France-y (A nude toned pink)

· O.P.I - Funny Bunny (a milky sheer white that can be build for a more opaque finish)

· China Glaze - Below Deck (Mid-toned mauvey gray)

Thanks for reading loves. Let me know below what some of your spring favorites are!!!

Tips Thursday: Happy, Healthy Nails

Happy Thursday Everyone,

                 I hope everyone if ready for the weekend because we only have two more days to go. On the agenda for Tip Thursday is happy, healthy nails. How can nails be happy? - You may ask. Well, they can be crack-less, smooth and jagged-edge free and to me, that spells 'happiness'. I have had my struggles with weak, short and brittle nails and now I am going to show you how I take care of my digits. Here are some tips to help you have strong, health AND yes, happy nails.

Tip #1- File Free Edge

I do have a few nails that seem to get jagged faster so I like to file whenever the edges aren't even. This helps me not to bite (I am reformed biter) them and cause more damage. Make sure when you are filing your natural nails, that you aren't using a nail file with a grit too coarse for your natural nail. Some people like to use a 180 grit on natural nails but this is typically used on a thicker nail such as an acrylic or toe nail. This can damage the free edge of the nail and cause it to split the layers. Ideally, use a extra fine grit such as a 280 or 320 grit. This will give a fine file that will simply smooth the edge. When filing, always file in one direction, do not use a back and forth motion. This can also cause the nail to

split. I know this can be a hard habit to break, it looks cool in the movies when the chick is being all sassy, filing her nails. I still do it by accident once in a while.

Tip#2- Buff the Nail

There are a number of reason why we develop nail ridges but it is something we have to come to terms with, because as we age, they will deepen. But you can decrease there visibility and give yourself a smooth surface, whether it be for a clean look or a smooth canvas for a polish or nail design. Whatever the case, you will want a fine buffing block, which you can pick up at your local beauty supply store. The buffing blocks will be used in the same way as a the file, sweep in one direction, no back and forth motion.

Tip #3- Moisturize Your Cuticles

Health nails start from the cuticle. Therefore, if you want health nails, you need healthy cuticles. Do you follow? Day to do routines, such as washing hands, doing dishes and every bathing/showering can dry and damage your cuticles. Use a cuticle cream or oil daily (if possible) to soften and moisturize your cuticles. My favorite cuticle cream is European Secrets Hoofers choice cuticle and nail cream. This is available at Sally Beauty. The product is a thick cream consistency and moisturizes like you wouldn't believe. After filing and buffing, I always massage this product into my cuticles. It makes a big difference.

Tip#4- Minimize (Don't remove) Cuticles

These next few tips are more so for when you get down to an actual manicure. They do sell cuticle nippers, yes, but when possible I suggest to minimize more than cut cuticles. Cutting your cuticles can cause pain, bleeding and infection. The only time you should cut cuticles is when you have a hanging piece. Never cut an intact cuticle. (Trust me, I have done it before and it kills!) Instead, invest in a cuticle minimizer and cuticle pusher. They are usually affordable and easily obtained at a beauty supply store. Apply the minimizer and wait a few moments. Gentle push back cuticles with a cuticle pusher and Voila! Small, hardly noticeable cuticles without the pain and bleeding. Score! My favorite cuticle minimizer is the Barielle Advanced Cuticle care. It also has Argan Oil for more moisture.

Tip#5- Use a Nail Strengthener

A word of caution when using nail hardeners/strengtheners, sometimes with the product, it can be too much of a good thing. Too much protein can actually damage and cause the nail to split more, so use with caution. A nail hardener will tighten the curve of the nail, making it harder to break and/or split. My favorite is O.P.I Nail Envy.

Tip#6- Use a Good Base coat

The final step before applying polish is to apply a good base coat. A good base coat should prevent nail polish from chipping and also create a strong, hard reinforcement for the nail. My favorite is Orly Bonder.This product has a rubberized texture helping the polish to stick better.

Some final words with regards to healthy nails. Make sure to clip them regularly. Like a good trim of the hair helps it to grow longer and stronger, a good nail trim will help keep the nails strong. Avoid hand creams with heavy perfume scents as they contain alcohol with can have a drying effect on your nails and cuticles. When a snag occurs, simple file the edge and re-shape. If a nail breaks, do not be quick to cut it off. Visit a local beauty supply store and purchase a nail re-enforcement. These are relatively cheap and will keep your nails looks good!

I want to know...What are some of your healthy nail tips? What kind of files do you use? Do you use a buffer? A Cuticle Minimizer? Let me know below!

That's it for Tip Thursday! Stay tuned for more tips and tricks EVERY Thursday and keep your eyes peeled for my Saturday Fashion Blog with a special guest! Thanks for all the love and support and do forget to share this one Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. All my links are just one the left- hand side! 

Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored by any of the products or companies listed above. The opinions expressed are that of my own.

Sidenote: Aztec Nails

Hey Beauties.

We are snowed in here in Toronto and the car is barricaded in snow. This means I have no where to go and I have to stay home and entertain myself. I decided to take advantage of the free time and gave myself a pedicure since I was in great need of one. Think what you will of the condition of my feet. Not pleasant, let me tell you. Anyways, since i was removing my toenail polish without gloves on, the acetone ruined my manicure. So, I decided to get artsy and give Aztec nails a run. If you don't know what Aztec nails are, you will in a minute. Another name for Aztec nails are tribal nails. Basically, it's a nail with a white base and different color strips and then fun abstract designs between the lines. Sounds a little complicated, I know. But here is a pic of my nails to give you an idea.

They are far from perfect but I have been wanting to give it a try for a while. Don't judge ha ha! Anyways, that it for me on this snowy Friday. Don't forget to check out my Youtube channel to see what's new and exciting. I post reviews, hauls and more. Check it out! Here is a link to my latest video.

 

Anyways, Thanks for reading/watching lovelies!

 



 



Nail Envy Review

Hey Beauties!

I am sorry that I have been MIA for a bit and if you watch my newest Youtube video you will get a little insight as to why. I will post a link at the end so you guys can watch it. But on to bigger and better things. I have for you all a review of OPI Nail Envy. Now, I know that this isn't a new product on the market but it is certainly new to me. What made me decide to give it a whirl is a post I saw on Pinterest showing a picture of the nail with and without Nail Envy. The first picture is the nail that is flat and easily broken, the second is a picture of the nail with a strong curve which makes it harder to break. This stamped an impression in my head.

So, this product is alittle on the pricier side for a nail strengthener. It retails for about $15 at local beauty supply stores. It has a milky color and is sported in a signature OPI bottle. After application, I noticed right away that it had strengthened my nail. My nail appeared thicker and harder to bend. After a few days my nails still stayed strong and my manicure lasted alot longer. So, my nails defiantly stayed strong and my mani lasted. I give this product an A+. I will be buying it again!

Hope this helped you guys out and thanks for reading.

Stay tuned for more blogs soon.

Gradient Nails

Hi Everybody,

        Well, the weekend is over and it's back to the old grind of things. One thing I'm super stoked about is all the new episodes of my fave shows coming up this week. That, my friends, is called 'looking on the bright side'. Well, after a weekend of friends, laughs and Martini's, it's time to get back to reality, which means...work, which means no time to paint my nails. So, with that in mind, I painted my nails tonight which will hopefully get me through the week. I tried a new technique called 'Gradient'. If you haven't heard of it before, it's basically a faded manicure. I used the ultra sparkly China Glaze colour called 'Optical Illusion' to achieve this look. So, what you do it this:

1. Apply a base coat to your natural nail.
2. Take your polish brush and wipe as much access off of it as possible.
3. Paint nails 2/3 of the way down your nail, leaving a faint amount of polish on nail.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 but this time only paint 1/3 of the way down your nail.
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 again but this time only painting the tip.
6. Finally, apply a top coat.


The finished product should resemble this:

Sweet and simple right? You can do this with a variety of colours. Another alternative is to paint the nail a contrasting colour and then doing the gradient technique over top. Hope you enjoyed this nails technique.

What do you think would be a good mix of colors to do this technique with? Do you like the sparkly look? Let me know...

Sarah

P.S- I haven't forgotten about the 'sock bun' and I'll get it up soon. :)

New Hair

Hey Everyone,

          Hope every ones week went well. That being said, I hope we all have a stellar weekend. :) So, I am trying to put the finishing touches on my vlog all about the sock bun. Hopefully it gets done this week. I gave my two weeks notice in for my one retail job (So excited!), so hopefully I can focus more on the blog in my spare time. Anyways, my point is, I want to post my vlog post asap. I'm using my sister as a model and she is being a little difficult. Ha Ha! No, she's actually being a very good sport, but we have both been crazy busy. But I promise to have the vlog up by next week. So, the other day while blasting Sargent Peppers Lonely Hearts Club band  by the Beatles and cleaning up my room, I looked in the mirror and realized that I needed a dye job and trim. So, I contacted my fab hairdresser at cutz to go and finally got it done today. Here are some pics:

Nice huh? Yeah, I love it too. :D This is the ombre look that seems so popular these days. I was going to darken it up but I happened to style it a certain way the other day and wanted to keep the ombre thing going on and I'm glad I did. Don't you love when you get your hair freshly done? Nothing boosts confidence levels more than a new 'do'.

In other news, I painted my nails (again!) I did the whole statement nail this time.

 What do you think? The colors used where both china glaze. The solid blue is For Audrey and the sparkly one is a color from the Prismatic Collection called Optical Illusion. FYI The Prismatic Collection is available at Sally Stores now! They have some really gorgeous colors to choose from. For Audrey was a huge color last year. Every time I went to purchase it, they had sold out. It's a very fun color for summer.

So, I have a few questions for you. What do you think of my hair? My nails? And the colors used? Oh, And will you be giving the Prismatic Collection a go? Hit up the comments Beauts :)

Hugs & kisses

Sarah