Logistics Coordinator, Loren, has a thing for nails—and we can’t blame her. We love reading about new finishes and fun techniques, so we thought we’d give her a slot on our blog to wax poetic about all things manicure (and pedicure!) related.
Hello, spring! The mood-lifting effects of longer days and warmer weather have put a bounce in everyone’s step here at Birchbox HQ. The skirts are flowing, the shoulders are bare, and the polishes are vibrant—which of course means that our Operations Team (@BirchboxOps), a.k.a. Special Ops, has started rocking the bright mani trend. Here are a few of the springtime lacquer looks that have made a star appearance in the office:
The Craziest Thing We’ve Ever Seen Someone Use to Make Nail Art: Video Of The Week
There are so many amazing videos on YouTube, we have a hard time keeping up with all of them. You name it, there’s a video about it. Wondering how to turn flat, limp strands into sexy supermodel hair? There’s a video for that. Always wanted to see what a moonwalking pony would look like? There’s a video for that. That’s why we’ve decided to choose one video a week to share with you. Keep reading for this week’s pick.
We’re big fans of using household items like tape to add some extra flair to our manicures, but we’ve never thought of using dental floss as a nail art tool before. This week we’re trying out this tutorial by CutePolish for getting an abstract stripe design using a dental floss pick. Watch below to see how to get the look yourself.
What do you think of this design? Let us know in the comments!
Water Resistant Blush Put to the Test, Spring Lipstick Guide, Birchbox Customer Favorites (!), and more: Reading List
We know you don’t have oodles of time to browse through everything on the Birchbox blog and in the magazine each week. Here’s a short list of the top blog posts, articles, videos, and news you need to read this weekend.
Spring Lipstick Guide: While clear gloss always has a place in our hearts, we can’t get enough of extra-pigmented lipsticks. From classic matte reds to hot pinks and deep purples, here are our top 10 stars of the season.
Happy Hearting: Introducing Birchbox Customer Favorites: We’re constantly looking for ways to improve your experience on Birchbox.com and we’re extreeemely excited to introduce you to our brand-new feature: Customer Favorites. It’s a one-click way to add products to your own personalized wish list.
How To: Make the Perfect Party Playlist: Just in time for Friday, get the lowdown from the Birchbox Men’s Guide on how to put together the perfect playlist to turn any regular hangout into a night for the ages.
20 Spring Nail Ideas for Easter Weekend: The ladies over at Glamour round up the most colorful and spring-y nail ideas to take you through Easter and beyond.
—Bre
If you’re a little bit behind in all things Birchbox, sit back and check out our previous weekend reading lists.
Nail Art For Beginners: Birchbox Video of the Week
There are so many amazing videos on YouTube, we have a hard time keeping up with all of them. You name it, there’s a video about it. Wondering how to turn flat, limp strands into sexy supermodel hair? There’s a video for that. Always wanted to see what a moonwalking pony would look like? There’s a video for that. That’s why we’ve decided to choose one video a week to share with you. Keep reading for this week’s pick.
I’m normally pretty good at painting my own nails but when it comes to nail art, I usually need a little instruction. So when I stumbled upon this Nail Art for Beginners video tutorial I had to share! YouTube beauty guru MissJenFABULOUS, shows you how to get three awesome manicures in just a few easy steps.
I’m a fan of all three styles, but I’m most excited to try the first design. Even though MissJenFABULOUS uses a rainbow collection of colors on that first look, she also suggests using metallics for a more subdued style by layering silver or gold with a black base coat. I’m thinking it would make for an edgy manicure that’s perfect for a night out. (Guess which manicure I’ll be trying this weekend?)
What’s your favorite nail design? Share your nail tutorials in the comments below!
Over the last few fashion weeks, nails have become just as important as the hair and makeup. This past season was no exception and we were delighted by all the bold colors and creative designs that we spied. After taking it all in, we’ve narrowed down all the incredible looks to our top three favorites. Will you be trying any of these trends?
1) Studs: Deborah Lippmann for Kate Spade NY
The bright pink talons at Kate Spade NY perfectly matched the Pop Art-and NYC-inspired fall collection. We’re definitely picking up some metallic pyramids to affix to our nails ASAP. Plus, we can almost guarantee we’ll be seeing more almond-shaped nails on celebrities and trendsetters this fall. In fact, Deborah Lippmann called it the “nail shape of the season.”
2) Oil Slick Motif: Essie for Rebecca Minkoff
These multi-tonal oil slick nails were not only pretty—according to the lead manicurist Michelle Saunders they were so easy to do that one of the models did her own nails. Click through to see how to get the look yourself.
3) Picture Framing: Color Club for Charlotte Ronson
Between busy work schedules and jam-packed social calendars, it’s tough to fit in a little mani time. With the work week winding down (whoo hoo!), we’ve rounded up eight topnotch manicures to try this weekend:
Help Us Decide the Ruffian Polish Colors You’ll Get in Your Birchbox!
For a quick pick-me-up, it’s hard to beat a festive new polish (we know you agree—we see all your mani Instagrams!). This fall, we’re taking things one step further by teaming up with NY-based fashion brand Ruffian on their very first collection of nail laquers.
The Ruffian team has created five stellar hues that they’re stoked about—Delirium, Fox Hunt, Lady Alabaster, Hedge Fund, and Venus in Fur—but we need your help deciding which three will actually be bottled. Come fall, we’ll be sampling the winning shades to all our customers and also selling the trio as a limited-edition set.
Since they’re all pretty gorgeous, we thought you might need a little help narrowing the field. We asked Ruffian’s founders, Brian Wolk and Claude Morais, to tell us the inspiration behind each shade. Once you pick a favorite, head to our Facebook page and cast your vote. By voting, you’ll also be entered to win a trio of the final laquers!
DELIRIUM: The voluptuous blue and purple velvety petals of the African Violet inspired the Delirium of this color.
FOX HUNT: Inspired by the thoroughbred beauty of the red fox; Fox Hunt’s savage richness will make everyday upper crust.
LADY ALABASTER: Soft, tender and strong; Lady Alabaster emerges from the quarry solid as stone.
HEDGE FUND: Nothing is more inspiring than the color of money, and Hedge Fund is impossible to counterfeit.
VENUS IN FUR: Her beauty is rock solid, yet as soft as mink. Venus in Fur will channel every girl’s inner Greek goddess.
Operations associate, Loren, has a thing for nails—and we can’t blame her. We love reading about new finishes and fun techniques, so we thought we’d give her a weekly slot on our blog to wax poetic about all things manicure (and pedicure!) related. Check back every Thursday for Nailing It, Birchbox’s dedicated polish series.
Happy Valentine’s Day Birchboxers! Whether you love celebrating the holiday in all its pink glory or prefer to let the bouquets and conversation hearts pass quietly into the night, there’s no better way to make your day brighter than by giving yourself a little love—especially on your digits!
The Operations Team has been sporting some great nail art and polish shades that perfect for V-day lately. Heading to a fancy dinner or just making dinner at home with your beau? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few lacquers and ideas for some inspiration:
As much as we love nail art, we’re better at admiring designs than coming up with them ourselves. That’s why we’ve enlisted Anna Norman, the smarty pants behind Glitter, She Wrote, to be a regular contributor. Every Monday, she’ll be sharing her latest lacquer inspiration—you won’t be satisfied with plain ol’ polish again.
Whether you celebrate or shun Valentine’s Day, you have to admit it’s a great holiday for nail art. No matter how small your lacquer collection may be, you’re bound to have at least one pink or red polish on hand. Here are five fun looks to jazz up your nails for the special day.
Pretty in Polka Dots: Begin by painting your nails with the pink polish of your choice. I’m using Flip Flop Fantasy from China Glaze. Once the polish has dried, use a Q-tip, paperclip, or other pointy tool to create polka dots across the surface of your nail. I used the white dotting pen in the Birchbox + Color Club Nail Art Kit for fool-proof spots. Make sure to let the dots dry completely before adding a top coat so you don’t smear your work!
Subtle Stripes: Start with the pink polish of your choice and wait for it to dry. Next, use a striping tool or a thin paintbrush to apply diagonal lines across the nail. Don’t worry if your lines are a little wiggly—perfection is not vital here. This design is fun and modern, but from far away your nails will simply look solid pink or red (perfect for the office).
Nail Stickers: I love using seasonal nail stickers with iconic shapes and designs for holidays. I’m wearing Valentine’s Nail Wraps from Nail Rock in a too-cute candy hearts design.
Simple Hearts: If you think tiny hearts are too tricky to pull off, think again! After you’ve applied a base color (I chose white for high contrast), apply two small dots of red polish next to each other on your nail. Immediately use a pin or the tip of a pen to pull the wet dots together to a point, forming the bottom of the heart. It’s as simple as that!
Foil Flakes: I’m crazy about Ciaté’s ColorFoil kit that I tried out last week. For an edgy Valentine’s look, I applied pieces of the metallic pink foil on top of a shiny black lacquer. If you can’t get your hands on the kit, pick up some foil flakes in the nail polish section of your drugstore or beauty supply store. You can also play around with chunky pink or red glitter on top of black polish for a vampy V-Day look.
What will you be wearing on your nails for Valentine’s Day?
![Top 15 Nail Art Blogs, Scalp Painting, and More
Thank you Beauty High for rounding up the absolute best nail art blogs out there. [Beauty High]
Keep your dance party going with these music playlist tips from DJ Alan Wilkis. [Birchbox Man]
We’re not sure we can get on board with the new celeb scalp painting trend, but it is rather perfect for festival season. [Glamour]
Social media does more than keep you connected—it helps keep you fit! [Q]
10 amazing hairsprays under $10. [BellaSugar]
Blogger extraordinaire Jessica French dishes on her beauty role model. [Birchbox UK]
—Charisse
Do you have early morning commitments? If so, check out these beauty tips.
(Photo: Beauty High)](http://25.media.tumblr.com/f50248677fb8c023f2ce4d0e5c0f7a58/tumblr_mkdlbs5MJk1qbz3xno1_1280.jpg)
