Category Archives: Tutorials & Tips

Nail Art Tutorial: Archie Comic Nails

Archie Comic Nail Art Swatches When I was in elementary school, I enjoyed reading Archie comic books. Veronica Lodge was my favorite because she was a snotty, wealthy woman with an extensive wardrobe. And she was the drama queen! Of course, she often had to be taught the lesson of humility and generosity.

My least favorite character was probably Moose because dumb jocks never appealed to me. And I really didn’t like Betty Cooper because she was such a goody-goody who often got upstaged.

Who’s your favorite and least favorite Archie character?

So when I came across a comic nail tutorial on YouTube by cutepolish, I was excited to try my hand at it. Unfortunately, my Archie Comic Nails didn’t turn out well. But I’m still sharing my failure with you because it could help you achieve better results after learning about my mistakes.

I’ve also included my comic nail tutorial and cutepolish’s YouTube video at the end of this post in case you’d like to try it yourself! Continue reading →

15 Tips for Soft & Healthy Skin: Daily Skincare Routine

4 Replies

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

It’s a quest that I think everyone is always on: achieving glowing skin. I mean, who wants lifeless skin that makes you look like you’re an undead in need of some blood? No offense to all the True Blood/Twilight/Vampire Diaries/Count von Count lovers out there.

I’ve put together a list of tips for soft & healthy skin that I use in my daily skincare routine. I am by no means a beautician, but these tricks have worked for me… I thought I should share! If you have any tips of your own, please do tell. Let’s help keep everyone’s skin looking GORGEOUS, my darlings! Continue reading →

Nail Art Tutorial: Cupcake Nails

18 Replies

Cupcake Nail Polish Nail Art Tutorial Hope you all enjoyed your Easter and your yummy chocolate bunnies!

Here’s the Cupcake Nail Art I wore over the holiday. Warning: it’ll probably give you cavities. Hands down the girliest manicure I’ve ever done.

When I saw missglamorazzi’s nail tutorial on YouTube last month, I wanted to try it. But it was only when a Swatch And Learn reader, Alaeis, posted pretty swatches on her blog that really made me want to try my hand at it.

I decided to put my own spin on cupcake nails by using hearts instead of the ‘cherry’. Also, I wanted my frosting to look like it was drippy and gooey.

This was my first time creating this look and my first time using a dotting tool or nail sequins. I had so much fun!

Keep reading – I’ll show you how to recreate the look – it’s easier than you think. I’ve included step-by-step written instructions and photo aids to help you follow along. (I’ve also included a link to missglamorazzi’s video and Alaeis’ swatches at the bottom of the post.) Continue reading →

Nail Art Tutorial: Holographic Rainbow Leopard Konadicure

28 Replies

Rainbow Leopard Konadicure Swatch Rainbow Brite, eat your heart out! This Holographic Rainbow Leopard Konadicure is meant to steal the show. All Eyez on Me, 2Pac! (Yeah, that’s right. I just put Rainbow Brite and 2Pac in the same paragraph.)

I’ve always loved rainbows, but lately I’m obsessed with them. (It’s Clarins 230’s fault!)

From the second I saw SayAnythingBr00ke’s Lisa Frank inspired nail tutorial on YouTube, I knew I had to try it.

Check out more swatches, and see what I came up with following her directions.

While I’ll link to her video in my post, I’m also including my own tutorial with photos and step-by-step instructions in case it helps someone.

If you haven’t already tried this, now’s as good a time as any! Continue reading →

Tips & Tricks: How to Brighten Your Eyes in 2 Steps

2 Replies

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

Let me tell you the best and easiest secret to brightening your eyes: beauty sleep! There. Now you know. Post done. Have a good day, all.

If only it were that easy. 😛 (April Fools!) I know it’s hard to get in the much needed hours of sleep at night, what with life getting in the way and all. Who has time to sleep?! I don’t. And sometimes I just don’t want to sleep. So I’m here to share with you a couple of tips to brightening your eyes – in literally less than a minute.

Ta da da da (pretend it’s a trumpet in a royal court) – white eyeliner! Or if you think white is too stark, go for a cream-colored shimmery liner that blends easier with your skin tone. The key here is to play with highlights. Continue reading →

Konad Tutorial: How to Use the Konad Stamping Kit to Create Easy Nail Art Plus Konad Stamping Kit Review

55 Replies

Konad Tutorial Never had my nails professionally done because I’m all about DIY projects. There’s something really rewarding and relaxing about giving yourself a manicure.

Konad revolutionized the nail industry with their stamping kits.

If you’re new to the wonderful world of Konad like I am (or even if you just want to pick up some tips and tricks), keep reading for my step-by-step Konad tutorial that includes written instructions as well as visual aids to make it simple to follow along.

I’ll also provide you with an in-depth Konad Nail Stamping Kit review on all the products I’ve mentioned including the Konad Image Plate, Special Polish, Stamper, Scraper, and Image Plate Holder.

Continue reading →

IMATS Toronto 2010 Recap #2 – Lots of Makeup, Fun & Money Spent

4 Replies

** This post was written by Fiona. She no longer blogs for Swatch And Learn. However, Mary still continues to blog and will be happy to reply to your comment. **

For those who may not know, IMATS is one big gathering of professionals, brands and beauty addicts – all in the name of makeup! Could you imagine that?!

Six lucky cities around the world get the chance to host the International Make-Up Artist Trade Show every year. And, of course, there wasn’t a chance in the makeup world that Mary and I would miss it. (I think we started planning in July.)

IMATS is the first trade show specifically designed for make-up artists, but you don’t have to be a professional to attend. You just need to love makeup! Continue reading →