make-up monday: st. patrick's day + spring nail polish

happy st. patrick's day everyone!

did you know st. patrick's day is actually a cultural and religious holiday celebrating saint patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland? also, the Lent restrictions on eating and drinking alcohol are lifted to celebrate this day. [possibly leading to why this holiday is know for drinking and partying?] i love that after 24 years i now know there is a purpose for this day other than wearing green and hunting for leprechauns.


feeling festive as usual, i decided to deck out in green and of course paint my nails accordingly. i only had, like, 8 greens to choose from... i have a problem. so i used 4 of those greens to create my st. patrick's day manicure.

i used...
pinky & ring finger: OPI 'jade is the new black'
middle & index finger: essie 'mojito madness'
thumb: OPI 'mermaid's tears' with sinful colors 'irish green' on top

realizing i had 8 just green nail polishes to choose from lead to me to rediscover i have a nail polish hoarding problem. [which goes alongside lipstick... shoes...] so i thought it would be a good idea to share some of my favorite colors for spring and summer! 

for spring i love bright/neon oranges & pinks...

from left to right:
china glaze 'orange knockout'
essie 'orange it's obvious'
essie 'tart deco'
l'oreal 'macaroon me madly'
essie 'cute as a button'
essie 'mod square'
milani 'pink pop'
china glaze 'yellow polka dot bikini'

...also soft pinks & nudes:
from left to right:
essie 'shine of the times' [glitter]
l'oreal 'broadway boogie'
essie 'sand tropez'
essie 'topless + barefoot'
essie 'ladylike'

for anyone curious, i will share my favorite base + top coats, because they are the most important part!

CND vinylux weekly top coat // 
this was purchased at a beauty supply store where you have to be licensed to buy anything, so i am not sure where else it may be available.
it is my FAVE and is supposed to make your polish last for 7 days with no chips-- i think it works!

sally hansen insta-dri anti chip topcoat //
this is my second favorite, it makes your nails dry super fast!

CND stickey anchoring base coat //
seriously will make your polish last SO much longer, plus it protects your nails from discoloration from dark polishes!
again, i purchased this at the beauty supply store but you may be able to find it elsewhere-- or online?!


happy st. patty's day, don't forget your green!

x's + o's
kaitlin elaine