Rockabilly Glitter!: Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips

This weekend, Fighting Owl filmed some stuff (details to follow, as soon as I know what's going on, myself), but I got to don the old Claire Renfield duds for the occasion! I've played a lot of characters in my day, but I have to say that she's one of very few that's earned a special place in my heart. Plus, her costumes are always ridiculously cute, and this one may have been the best, yet.

Anyway, since Claire is a little (okay, a lot) on the rockabilly side, I normally paint her nails bright red. This time, though, Thomas saw these, and nothing would do but I had to wear them.

Aren't they fabulous!?!

So, here's the deal with these little suckers: supposedly, because they go on dry, they're time-savers and fantastic for gals in a hurry. I call shenanigans. If you want to do these right, they take as long to apply, if not longer, as regular nail polish. You also really need to add a topcoat to secure the seal, which completely voids their whole "no drying time" claim. However, if you're into really intricate nail art, these might be right up your alley.



These are called Headbanger, and have, sadly, been discontinued, hence the clearance price. Would I pay $8.54 for these? Heck, no! You get one application! These are really only worth it if you can get them under five bucks.

  

I do like that they come with all of the tools you need. To apply, remove all existing polish. Then, push down cuticles with the included orange stick. Shape nails with hot pink side of file, then buff with the white side (not shown). Wipe nails down with polish remover, once more, to ensure the cleanest nails possible.



Choose the strip that best fits each nail, starting with pinky and working to thumb. Remove the plastic cover sheet and white backing, and break off silver tab. Apply to nail, holding strip in the middle for best control. Stretch stip to fit nail, then fold excess over the nail tip. Create a crease with the orange side of the nail file, and break off excess. Use the blunt side of the orange stick to seal all edges.

PROS: Really cute designs, relatively easy application, decent wear.

CONS: Pricey, chips easily during application and shortly after, requires a topcoat to seal, not a time-saver.

Final Verdict: 7 out of 10. I recommend these if you are into nail art and can catch them on sale.

Curious about that rockabilly look? This was taken after filming, and after I'd taken off my costume and put on my street clothes, so please pardon if I'm a little disheveled. 

Why, yes! That is a skull in my hair flower! If you like this look and want to know what products went into it, let me know in the comments.

So...You Like Guys With Large Mandibles?

Photo Credit: Fighting Owl Films

Why are people so afraid of skulls? I mean, yeah, sure, they are the universally recognized symbol for poison...which is bad. And, okay, pirates flew the Jolly Roger as a warning and a threat...which is also bad. And, fine, I'll admit that if I found myself chasing around an archaeologist with a penchant for trouble and a love of fedoras, and I found myself face to face with a skull (crystal, impaled, or otherwise), I would probably rethink the choices that brought me to that moment...again, bad, I know.

 

Photo Credit: Fighting Owl Films

The thing is, I kind of like them. I got used to skulls working on The Night Shift, and there was absolutely nothing scary about Herbie or his stunt double, Bernie.

 

 Heck, when they were mounted on their torsos, I carried them around on my hip like a couple of two year-olds, and frankly, I find two year-olds more frightening. I don't know how many of you have seen or plan to see the movie (*cough* coming to video October 25th, and available at Walmart and Amazon *cough*), but the skull I know is sweet natured, witty, a little cocky--but endearingly so--and completely dapper. I can totally believe that he was a great lover, in his day, and look forward to the world getting to know our man Herb.

 

Photo Credit: Open Sky

So, to celebrate the softer side of skulls, I have a couple of downright elegant offerings. The first is from Soixante Neuf, and right now, I can only find it at Open Sky. If you decide you want to buy this, you will need to register and join the site. It only takes a minute or two, and I even got a $10 credit just for signing up. Their price is $79 ($69, if you get and use your credit), and I think this piece is worth every penny. It's an 18-inch 14KT gold-filled chain with tiny, dangling gunmetal skulls. It's delicately feminine, with just the right amount of edge.

 

 

Next up is this ridiculously cool bracelet from Lei VanKash. Here, it's shown in both yellow and rose gold. Each bracelet is one colored string (your choice of color) and one skull. Skulls are also available in black oxidized and silver. $140, Bottica. See! Who knews skulls could be so stylish?

Photo Credit: Bottica

 

Look At the Cute Brains! I Wanna Eat 'Em Up!

I saw this on Twitter today (courtesy of Jen Yates @cakewrecks. FOLLOW HER!), and had to share; partly because it's really cool, and partly because the author, Marc Brownlow, is just insanely talented.

 

Photo Credit: MakeProjects

 

These are Halloween Skull Truffles, and they are too cute for words. Basically, it's a white chocolate skull with a bittersweet chocolate ganache center, and a candy coated walnut "brain". Folks, you have no idea how badly I want these. The thing is, cute as these little guys are, they're also completely handmade, right down to the mold that popped them out. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create the silicone mold, whip up a ganache, temper the white chocolate, cover the walnuts, and even pipe on extra brains. There's a tremendous amount of love and artistry in these sweets. Way to go, Marc!

 

Much as I'd like to, I have neither the time nor the skill to make my own silicone mold. I did find a pre-made one, though ($9.99, Scorpio Innovations). You'll need to fill the skulls differently (fill halfway with chocolate, set slightly, then add the ganache center and fill the rest of the way), and you'll have to cut off the tops of the skulls (carefully!), but it is a workable solution. Still, if you have the resources and a few empty hours, give making your own mold a try. Once you've mastered it, imagine the possibilities!

 

Photo Credit: ebay