We polled our family of brands for their very favorite theme, and here are their responses!
I love anything haunted or history related. More than once my ppu idea had spawned an entire collection. My September 23 polish (Never Gives Up Her Dead) is inspiring my January collection.
I had the most fun with weird Science, I think, trying to figure how to turn a project into a polish, and weirdly enough just the one idea and one prototype which was Carbonation.
Candy!! Cosmic Confection under Fair Maiden..it was years ago when we were still using the square bottles. I am sure I had multiple options because I do [for] most months. Overthinking is a specialty of mine.
I think my favorite theme was April's Flower theme as I was able to represent my Ojibwe culture in a huge way! Florals are everything that my beadwork designs are about and I even have an artist fellowship with the Bell Museums of Minnesota studying native flora from MN! Waabigwan is what the polishes name was and it was this gorgeous blue crelly with different color glitters, inspired by ojibwe floral designs. Waabigwan means flower in Ojibwe! Anytime I can share a little more about myself and my culture is a win for me!
Makers choice, It lets the creativity flow!!! I did make about 9 different colors before I chose the ONE!!
Northern Star
The April 2021 ‘90s theme. I had a fun time narrowing down my inspiration because there’s so many fun & nostalgic things from that time. I ended up choosing the tv show Twin Peaks, which I was hugely into, and created a fun polish and cuticle oil sampler based on characters and vibe.
My favorites are anything spooky, so basically every September is my favorite. I am a big Halloweeny, and this time of year really inspires me. And I do definitely have a ton of ideas! I am always last-minute deciding!
Isn't it interesting to see all the reasoning behind why they love a certain theme? We really do love giving you a peek behind the curtain into their magical minds. Stay tuned for next time, and if you have a burning question you'd love to ask you can fill out this form!
]]>This question was supplied by a member of the PPUBST group.
Links & Sources (visit at your own risk)
Big congrats to Bevin, our big winner for June!
Danielle H
My misheard lyric is Madonna: Last night I dreamt of some Pedro. PPU products used are All Mixed Up Lacquer Fur-ociously Cringy and Anchor and Hearts Sea Glass matte top coat.
Faith S
"We found dove in a soapless place" -Rihanna
Blueberry lemonade 2.0 (Noodles) from rewind last year reminded me of one of our Buff City soap bars
Misheard Lyric- Really love your beaches want to shake your tree. Steve Miller Band - The Joker.PPU - Pahlish Catbus
Based on the misheard lyric "Starbucks Lovers" in Taylor Swift's song Blank Space, here is my green and white coffee mani using two past PPU purchases, Apipla Smudge Free Top Coat and Glisten and Glow Quick Dry Top Coat.
In Mr Jones by Counting Crows I thought he said flamingo dancer but alas it is "flamenco" . I used Cuticula Mic Drop base and Limitless top coat from PPU. The polish is WFL Mind Your Own Biscuits and Life will be Gravy
Polishes used- Atomic polish sour apple rings and cuticula gummy bears mic drop. Theme- mine isn't so much as "misheard" as "my husband is a weirdo" lyrics lol. When I first met him, he used to sing "scoop the cat box, scoop the cat box, the kitties really like it" instead of the chorus to Rock the casbah by the clash lol. I didn't really know the song, and I thought that was how it went and thought it was really weird for a song to be written about scooping a cat box. So my nails are happy kitties lol
Misheard Lyric - "It doesn't make a difference if we're naked or not". Which the correct lyric from Bon Jovi’s ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ is “It doesn’t make a difference if we make it or not”.
Polish- Pink, Pink Sugar by Lumen Nails
Based off of the GREAT Janis Joplin’s “Me & Bobby McGee.”
Used Lumen Pink Pink Sugar until I realized that I needed to jazz it up just a little to represent Janis’ fun, eclectic beauty. So, I added Phoenix Cotton Ice. Both from PPU May ‘23. Also, big shout out to Lumen for switching to a wide paddle brush—game changer for me!
Inspired by the actual lyric "excuse me while I kiss the sky" Great Lakes Lacquer Come Again (March 2023)
Song: Do Not DisturbMisheard Lyrics: Do like the starsOriginally Lyrics: Do Not Disturb
Jan 23 PPU Blacksmith to the gods (middle and pinky)
In my head I decided to combine both the lyric and misheard lyric. Which in my mind made it dark and moody with ever changing skys with sparks of stars. (redo forgot pic last time)
"Sherry don't like it. Rock the cat box." (The Clash - Rock the Casbah)
Fancy Gloss - Just Be Happy
Using Stella Chroma Oh Crikey
My husband sings total eclipse of my fart instead of my heart. Our daughter thought those were song lyrics and sung it out loud when the solar eclipse was a big thing a couple years back
I was inspired by Jason Waterfalls (chasing waterfalls). I've never done waterfall nails before, and I'm kind of obsessed now.
PPU polishes used: Cadillacquer- lord of the sea, and Whatcha- frozen orchid
Black widow by Iggy Azalea but I hear (as if using a baby talk voice) "like a black widdle, baby"
Used Fair Maiden 'Dilly dahlia'
Fair Maiden - Limey BeanInspired by “I Like Big Butts and a can of lime” (I like big butts and a cannot lie) - Baby Got Back by Sir Mix A Lot
I just found out the original lyrics to Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” were “Tutti frutti, good booty” but they changed it to “Tutti frutti, oh rootie” to be more family friendly. But now when I hear the song I can’t unhear “good booty.”
I went with Closer by the Chainsmokers… my lyrics:
So, baby, pull me closerThat I know you can't affordBy that tattoo on your shoulderPull the sheets right off the cornerOf that mattress that you stoleFrom your roommate back in BoulderWe ain't ever getting overBut instead of by that tattoo is bite, and instead of getting over is getting older. Not a big change but yeah haha
I used Anchors and Heart Lacquer - Mermaid tears base coatEthereal - SakuraDRK - PrinceCutícula - QDTP
Inspo: Blood, Sweat, and Tears by BTSMisheard lyrics: MONEY MONEY MONEYActual lyrics: Want it more and more and more (but in Korean lol)
Thumb/ring: made a decal using Baroness X fluid art polish in Vermeil and Specter, and Holo Taco - Glamethyst and Indigo AwayIndex: Holo Taco - GlamethystMiddle: Wildflower - Pretty PuddlePinky: Baroness X - Vermeil
Cupcake bathhouse.Song prince "raspberry beret/raspberry mermaid"
Treo - Exhilaration. Musical nails because English is my second language and I pretty much mishear all songs.
When I was little a favorite giggle was to change the words of “achy breaky heart” to “achy breaky fart” soo here are some hearts, not farts! To celebrate lolI’m using the last PPU, GLL- “documentaries till 4am” here
Statler Brothers' Original lyrics "Counting flowers off the wall. That don't bother me at all"Misheard lyrics "Eating flowers off the wall. That don't bother me at all"
Vibrant Vinyls base & top coat in Chocolate
Fair maiden sweet tooth
Polish is Pahlish’s Delivery by Broomstick from September 2021’s PPU.
►you can use the keyboard shortcut Command+F on a Mac, or Control+F on Windows for finding the brands you're looking for.
• updated 20 June 2023 •
Alyson B
Chocolate chip macarons using Vibrant Vinyls Dole Whip at Disney base & top coats
Amina R
Lost in 5 by Sweet and Sour Lacquer!
Andrea S
He Slimed Me! and Fruit Slices, Yummy Yummy for my tribute to Hi-C Ecto Cooler and citrus candy.
Candy is my favorite! Used BKL's Better Than No Heart At All from February 2023 as my base.
Beatrice L
Based loosely on candy, this one uses Peace from DRK Nails.
Carolyn S
Cool Ranch Doritos mani brought to you by Night Owl Lacquer-Kind of a Big Wheel and Polished For Days-In Bloom
Connie C
My very sad attempt at representing sour cream and onion chips, which is one of my fave junk foods. My smallest nail brush couldn’t do thinner lines. Oh well I used Garden Path Lacquer’s The Sound of her Wings for the base and a green Essie creme for the green herb accent.
Danielle B
Live Fast Eat Trash Featuring Sweet and Sour Lacquer I Like It When the Red Water Comes Out
Faith S
I used kbshimmer's say it ain't cilantro. The idea was a candy bar with the different shades and textures
Hanna O
My favorite junk food is ice cream so I used Ophidia from Ethereal lacquer, Free to flutterby from Hit the bottle and the Candy Land plate from Apipila
Whatcha Espresso Coffee 5/21 & Wildflower Lacquer Angel 10/22. Coffee flavored ice cream or candy!
Jessica S
Novice here, but it was fun all the same!
To represent sharing some choc chip ice cream with a TON of whipped cream with my 2 kiddos…a “spoon” for each of us and only two bites of ice cream on middle and ring fingers…
Zombie Claw | Hasta La Vista, Baby!; &Twisting Nether Lacquer | Ladies Don’t Start Fights, They Finish Them—all from PPU Feb ‘23!
Joanna L
This is kind of a loose interpretation but one of my favorite “junk foods” would be what you can buy at a food truck at the fair! Here’s my mani of a carnival/fair using Kathleen & Co Sunset After Storm from last month!
Julie B
I knew exactly what I wanted to do for this month’s themed mani! Used Dam’s It’s So Fluffy!
Kaylee Y
Inspired by strawberry shortcake ice cream bars! I used phoenix’s nebula chain from January 2023 :))
Kitty L
Anchor & heart 5 second rule. The ice cream cone stamp is not standing up to the dark base.
Laurel S
Chocolate covered strawberries are always such a treat! BKL Perchta (11/22), Sunrise Sunset; Wildflower Perhaps a Christmas Gourd (11/22); Hit the Bottle Chromeo, Feeling Fruity Stamping Plate (6/22)
I used Emily de Molly- Haunting Your Own House. I have a huge sweet tooth so I love cakes, ice cream, anything sweet!
Liz R
Fair Maiden in Tajin Queen
Lora A
...I used Nail Hoot “Cookies N Cream” Feb 2019 Duos and Pairs
Maria Jose Q
I had to go for one of my favorite Mexican candy! PulparindoI had so much fun with this maniPPU items: Dew nail polish - Mushu and Apipila - Tasty plate
Nicole A
I wanted to do just sweet stuff because that's my absolute favorite snack haha but my husband really reeeaaally loves pizza so I did both because why not.I used:- Sweet and Sour Lacquer- I'm only happy when it rains (Mar, 23)- Cuticula - LQDTC in Gummy Bears (Mar, 23)
Rachel D
Inspired by salt water taffy being pulled, here's my mani using Moon Shine Mani's Star Baker from January 22's Spices and Condiments theme
Sarah L
It’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Time…. in a cupcake! Got this Lemming Lacquer from the Candy Land theme back in 2020. Still one of my favorite browns
Si Y
]]>Sliding in with a mani inspired by Trader Joe’s Ube Joe-Joe’s. I used Kathleen&co Sunset After Storm.
If you don't see your favorite here, have no fear: not everyone has announced whether or not they will be participating. Most brands are voting in their groups at this time. Watch the PPU blog for an updated Fangroup list, coming soon!
]]>Congrats to our winner, Vicky M!
Abby M
Featuring Lumen Diamond Tide
Alyson B
Nailed It No Way Rose & Kathleen & Co Winter's Dusk
Amina R
Wildflower Lacquer - Carnival Sass
Annie M
Did some flower stamping over Polished For Days' Princess Of Genovia.
Bevin B
I used Cuticula Limitless top coat in the Pink Gumdrops scent.
Cici N
Moon Shine Mani Take Nothing for Granite
Connie C
BKL “Better Than No Heart At All” + a nail sticker
Connie K
DRK PuriFire and some floral stamping.
Danielle H
I used Fair Maiden Camp Crystal Lake for this flower power Mani and I love it I also used vibrant Vinyls double bond base coat and Top Coat.
Jess B
used 1442 christmas break road trip and nailed it we're only human
Julia Rose B
Sweet & Sour Lacquer- What are You Doing in My Swamp and Phoenix-The Mark You Have Left on Me is Indelible.
Kit T
I have used base and top coat by Vibrant Vinyls (now Vibrant Scents) both in the scent hot cocoa & cream from 12/22 PPU
Laura S
Vibrant Vinyls Double Bond in To Be Merry (11/22), Kathleen & Co Sincerely Yours, the Breakfast Club (2/23), EDK Mosaic 3 (1/23)
Liz D
I used two PPU polishes: Dany Vianna’s Prugly Metallic, and Pi color’s Light/forest. Two stunners that happen to complement each other.
Lora A
Zombie Claw “Riding The Morning Glory” I believe from April 2019
Nicole A
I used: Hold my poodle, Watcha Indie Polish PPU Feb23Hasta la vista, baby! Zombie Claw PPU Feb23
Sahra W
So I realized the base color was actually from HHC (Nailed It Shell Smash) but the colors I used to stamp are Hit the Bottle Bendless Love (Oct 22) and Baubles Deep (Nov 22) also used was the Cuticula Champagne Toast Base Coat (I love that scent so much and I wish I had it in a top coat as well).
Sarah L
Some simple flower stickers and Cuticula, That’s a Wrap
Si Y
I used Wildflower Lacquer Squishy on my index, pinky and the flower petals.
Tana B
I've always loved this quote from Mulan: "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all."
Base is Girly Bits (paid PR) "Snowdrop", coming to April's Flower Power themed PPU.
Vicky M
]]>Glisten and Glow: On Thin IceTo me spring flowers bring the bees out
Have you thrown your nails in the ring yet?
alphabetical order because that is the correct method.
Allyson B
I used PPU Vibrant Vinyls "Dole Whip At Disney" base coat, with black shreds as raindrops, over a Spring pastel palette
Annie M
A snowflake mani, using Pahlish Single And Ready To Jingle from November 2022.
Carolyn S
Polished For Days Princess of Genovia on a cloudy day
Christiana H
This is a new thermal called Diva from Fancy Gloss.
Connie C
Rainy days are the best days to cry without anyone knowing you’re crying
2 coats of Nail Artisan Cosmetics’ “Orion” on thumb, pointer, pinky. 1 coat over the ones with nail stickers.
Connie K
My favorite thing to do on a rainy day is read. Wildflower Arctic Passage and Vibrant Vinyls Hot Cocoa & Cream QDTC.
Courtney M
I went with the flowers after the rain!! Using Ethereal Iris (Jan '23) as a base and the green stems are using Hit the Bottle's Gaze of the Gorgon (Jan '23) stamping polish
Danielle H-B
Ok I'll go first Used White Opal Betta for the Clouds and also Vibrant Vinyls base coat and Top Coat and Cuticula Quenched
Elise B
Oceany take on rainy days. Wildflower Lacquer Illumination, Fair Maiden 10,000 Years Will Give You Such a Crick in the Neck, Nailed It! Divine Light, Vibrant Vinyls Hard & Fast topcoat in Hot Cocoa and Cream
Gina C
On rainy days, I like to binge watch my favorite older tv shows like Gilmore girls!Sets used: NOL delicate arch and NOL among the starsLantern & wren plate.
Hanna O
The inspiration for today’s nailart is the Raining scene in Heartstopper For the base I used Makin’ Waves by Painted Polish from the August-21 PPU and I stamped using plates from Moyou London and Born Pretty Store
Kate F
My inspiration was “Set Fire to the Rain” - equal parts Adele and what I would like to do to the sleet/freezing rain currently falling from the sky in WI!
I used Painted Polish - Hellfire Club 4 Ever (Sept. ‘22 PPU) and Deco Miami’s “Art Deco” stickers.
Kit T
I'm wearing Zeus's Lightning by Cuticula (PPU 1/23) which I immediately knew would be perfect for this theme. I had planned a look in my head but it didn't turn out how I imagined so I had to redo one nail and I am left with this . Luckily this colour is stunning so I still like wearing this manicure
Laura S
Rogue Lacquer A little dark, a little gloomy (PPU Jan '23) for the base, Dimension Nails Vitamin D and Coconut Milk for the umbrella
Liz R (our winner!)
Fair Maiden in Even Miracles Take a Little Time . Color reminds me of a rainy sky.
Lora A
Oldie but a goodie The Lady Varnishes “Moon Blinked” from March 2018 “Books”
Maria Jose Q
I stay cozy with a nice cup of tea when it’s raining! (Or I wish I was )
Products used:Orly color lab - Aurora (personalized polish)Uber chic beauty- Uber mini: Cozy at homeManiology- MXM077, Straight up black, Folklore, Winnie, Candy cane
Polished Opinions
I used Fair Maiden- Lucky Charm & All Mixed Up Lacquers- My Fly Sticker Collection.
Rebecca S G
Almost forgot to post!! I used Painted Polish "Right as Rainbows" and Pahlish "Heros in a Half Shell"
Rocelle I
Rain makes me think of nature and being cozy at home PPU: Nail Artisan’s Orion and Vibrant Vinyls QDTC in the scent hot cocoa and cream. Non PPU is the dark blue (My Sweet Cheese) from Bee’s Knees
Sarah L
This cute little cloud is stamped with HTB Bendless Love over Moonstone from Twisting Nether Lacquer
Siying X
Wildflower Lacquer's Hiraeth reminds me of overcast skies before a storm.
Tiffany G C
]]>This Garden Path Lacquers, All Your Grievances, made me think of the ‘rainy days’ in March, so I had to do a mani with it.
"The cold never bother me anyway" - Frozen- Feelin' Frosty by Painted Polish- Freeze A Jolly Good Fellow by Bluebird Lacquer
"I go for a look which I call dead but delicious" from What We Do In The Shadows. So I did a mani with Painted Polish's Dead But Delicious from October 2021.
"Tommy Want Wingy!" I always crack up at the scene in Tommy Boy.
I went with “Dinosaurs Eat Man. Women Inherit The Earth” by Danglefoot PPU Feb 2020 and stamped images using plate Jurassic from EDK PPU May 2022
“Every new discovery…is just a reminder we’re all small and stupid.” - Joy & Evelyn in Everything Everywhere All At Once
BKL “In the Name of Hades” + googly eye from the A24 store.
"Simbaaaaaaaa!"(The Lion King was the first movie I ever saw in theaters!)-Stamped with EDK's Mosaic 3 plate from January '23-Phoenix Poppies? Blue Poppies! (July '22) for the sky
Nancy! Products: Memories of an Angel: Psyche Minerals, Cat Tail : Silver Bells, and Hit the Bottle Embrace the Darkside 3. (Non ppu is Penelope Luz Powerful Lily topper)
Ok I knew exactly what I needed to do for this, "as you wish" one of the best quotes from one of my favorite movies of all time, The Princess Bride. PPU product is the beautiful base I used, Glisten & Glow, Living Free in 23’
Quote: “The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return” —Moulin Rouge
Used: Fair Maiden Polish That’s So Fetch and a Moyou lace plate
It’s so fluffy from Despicable Me makes me smile every single time. The base is Mirror Mirror In The Stall by KB Shimmer and comes from PPU August 2019 and I stamped with Stick with me from Hit the Bottle from PPU June 2022
Clever Girl stamped & inspired by LynBDesigns "Life, Uh, Finds A Way".
“I'll make you a deal: you don't tell me how to pirate, and I don't tell you how to captain.” Movie Aquaman…Blue polish reminds me of waters & the Gold polish Heart & Anchor Spread your Wings and Fly (PPU2021)Reminds me of sunken treasures
One of my favorite movies doesn’t have a whole lot of quotes, but this mani was inspired by WALL-E humming along to. Put on your Sunday clothes, there’s lots of world out there!”
"I'm pickle Riiick!"...When I got "The Pickle" by Ethereal lacquer, my mind immidiately went to this quote and scene from Rick and Morty. While it isn't a movie (but a show) I just couldn't not do this with this polish . My thumb should represent Rick while my accent ring finger nail represents the reaction of his family learning about him turning into a pickle.
These aren't the droids you're looking for" Colores de Carol Artoo for R2-D2 (Oct 2022 PPU), Formula X Torque for C-3PO, Formula X Extraterrestrial
Here’s my contribution
“Clever girl” for the first Jurassic park movieI used All mixed up lacquers- Fur-Ociously Cringey (PPU) and MTK Design- Gray Lady Down (PPU)
Pride and Prejudice, "It is settle between us already, that we are to be the happiest couple in the world" . Base is BKL In the Name of Hades
“There’s no place like home.” -Dorothy (Judy Garland)
For one of the index and pinky base I used Twisting Nether Lacquer, Moonstone and for the ring base I used Leesha’s Lacquer, Chihuahua Party.
I love Finding Nemo where Dory says "maybe he only speaks whale..." I used Lucky 13's Spies with Little Button Eyes for this one. It was one of my first PPU purchases! (Pic posted separately couldn't get it to let me add it to my comment)
"After all this time?" "Always" my favorite Harry Potter quote. I used Serum No. 5 "Hollow Inside" and Fair Maiden "Bubbles Bubbles Everywhere, But not a Drop to Drink"
“Space, the final frontier…” featuring Jen & Berries, A Dazzling Display of Logic from October ‘22 PPU
Inspired by Elle in Legally Blonde when she replies, “What, like it’s hard?” when Warner asked, “You got into Harvard Law?” Polish used Trying to Catch a Falling Starfish by Zombie Claw PPU August 2022.
"The perfect blossom is a rare thing. You could spend your life looking for one, and it would not be a wasted life." - The Last Samurai
I used Ethereal Lacquer's Luna Moth and a nail sticker for the blossom.
Let's go in alphabetical order because it really is the best order.
Andrea W.
I had my first successful stamping effort this week and I love it!
Annie M
"Not necessarily mythology related, but definitely Greek culture related! Used BKL Until It Is Done (Rewind July 2022) and Whatcha Phenomena In The Air (August 2021) as the accent."
Beth W
I used Lacquer is in the Air “Fish Ponies” from August 2022 and used stamping plate from Lantern & Wren “Where You Lead I Will Follow” from March 2022 polish pickup
Courtney M
"Name is Hades, Lord of the Dead. Hi, how ya doin' ?"
Had to go with one of my favorite (Greek) Disney villains for this inspiration! Blue flames created with Phoenix's Poppies? BLUE POPPIES over Cirque Memento Mori
Danielle H-B
This is so fun!! My submission is Narcissus gazing into a pond and falling in love with his reflection. Ppu products are Vibrant Vinyls Double Bond base coat and base color Dreamland Lacquer Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator (both from Oct22). I'm in love with this polish. I'll be stalking around for a backup bottle
Erin BW
I haven't managed to do my own nails yet, but my nugget wanted a manicure. We've been reading the D'aulaires book of Greek myths and just read Medusa, where she was described as having bronze scales growing down her neck.
Irma R
I used Patty Lopes - My Little Place (Nov 22 PPU) for my mani. It’s inspired by Artemis, goddess of the hunt. I also used HTB’s Mystic Charm stamping plate and Lantern and Wren’s Layers of Nature stamping plate (I think I got it from PPU?). I also used GLL’s Lake Superior Shenanigans for the moon.
Katja MPJ
Here’s mine:Hades, the King of the Underworld and God of the dead.
Laurel S
Base polish- BKL Perchta PPU Nov '22; Index- Lightning for Zeus (HtB Spun Gold); Middle- Grapes for Dionysus (BKL As Above So Below & HtB Slitherin Serpentine PPU Jan '21); Ring- Laurel Wreath (HtB Slitherin Serpentine PPU Jan '21); Pinky- Red thread that Ariadne gave to Theseus so he could find his way out of the Minotaur's labyrinth (WFL Perhaps a Christmas Gourd PPU Nov '22)
Liz R
Nov PPU
Polished Opinions
Inspired by the Goddess Athena. I used Saki Cosmetics Beige Aesthetics from December 2022’s, PPU.
Sarah Lassey
Inspired by Icarus and his melting wings. Stamping polish is Hit the Bottle ‘Colliding of the Realms’ from Sept 2020 PPU
Shauna S
A very refreshing manicure after a month of dark holiday colors. It makes me think of bright pink bougainvillea that grow all over Greece. I'm in love ! Featuring Dec. 22 PPU, Penelope Luz - A Rose for You and Nov. 22 PPU, R&P Jewelry - Gold Fill Hammered Ring.
Siying X
I was inspired by the Exekias Achilles and Ajax amphora and tried to imitate the colors and motif at the top. I used Poetry Cowgirl I Left My Heart in Arizona and Black Dahlia Lacquer Peel off base coat.
And our lucky winner Kit T!
Here is my manicure. It's inspired by Medusa and the PPU polish I used for this is Towards The Light by Polished for Days (from PPU 9/2022)
All of us at PPU were blown away by the skill our community displayed this month. I can only imagine that things will get better from here...and I can't wait!
Stay tuned to the PPU Blog for next month's contest!
]]>
To really encourage the artist in you to spread your proverbial wings, PPU will be holding a monthly manicure giveaway inspired by that month's theme! One lucky person each month will receive a $25 gift card to use in the PPU shop, plus a featurette here on the PPU Blog.
How It Works:
• Every month on Spoiler Day, there will be a thread in BST for you to share your themed manicure.
• You will have the whole month to create something amazing.The giveaway closes the night before PPU opens.
• Create some nail art/mani using at least one Polish Pickup product (and please name the shade/product used when posting) with the theme in mind - this can be any type of nail art - dotticure, nail vinyls, nail decals, stamping, freehand, etc.
• Like PPU Themes - the inspo you use can be a loose interpretation of the theme.
• Winner will be chosen at random. We know there are different levels and this is meant to be fun. This is a great chance to try something new! You will be notified by a "tag" on the giveaway thread and via private message. Be sure to check your message request folder!
• The winner will have 24hrs to claim their code.
• The prize is a $25 gift code to Polish Pickup.
We cannot wait to see what you come up with each month! Push your creative boundaries! Try a new technique or a tried-and-true, it's all up to you!
]]>
This doesn't mean that our UK friends are going to be cut off from PPU and all the fun. We will still be offering affordable international shipping options for our friends across the pond! PPU recommends the FedEx option as it seems to be generally the safest, quickest and most affordable option.
All October sales orders will be processed as normal. Starting with the November sale, we invite our UK customers to shop with us on polishpickup.com.
We know you have a ton of questions and concerns. We will do our best to answer and address them all as we transition to a single shop once again.
Lastly, we want to express our sincere admiration, respect, and gratitude to Annette and her team. We couldn't have done this without them.
]]>Starting this year, PPU domestic flat rate options will be increasing $0.50 for the months of October, November, and December. Box option will increase to $10. It's not awesome, we know. But it must be done. Thankfully it is only for the US Holiday season, and come January we should be returning to normal shipping rates again.
We always strive to be as transparent as possible when it comes to rate changes like this, but it you have any questions please drop an email to polishpickup@gmail.com.
]]>]]>
Rewind is the glorious time of the year that we see the best polishes from previous themes come back for a limited time. Because of the exclusivity of PPU shades, this is often the only other time you can buy a previous PPU shade direct from the source.
The first part of Rewind will function just like a normal PPU event: you'll shop at Polishpickup.com during the pre-order event. Approximately 3 weeks later, your bag of goodies will leave PPUHQ in Minnesota and make it's journey to you. But there is also the Afterparty to tide you over in the meantime, where you will be able to buy previous PPU products directly from the brands shop.
in the PPU shop, Rewind lasts just like a normal PPU event: The first weekend of the month. But there is also the Afterparty in our brands home stores! Their party often lasts all month long and comes with some great bonuses.
At either PolishPickup.com during the first event, or in the brand shops afterwards.
The Afterparty is what we call the event that happens after the PPU Rewind closes. Each brand, if they so desire, will bring back a second PPU item from the past and host it in their own shops. Often they will have special codes, coupons, and specials to celebrate the event. Each PPU listing will have a link to the brand shop for your convenience, as usual.
A thermal nail polish is a nail polish that is filled with temperature sensitive pigments. They generally have two distinct colors; one for "hot" and one for "cold".
There are such things as trithermals and even quadthermals. They work basically the same, but have much more complex transitioning patterns.
To see the magic of a thermal nail polish, just expose it to heat or cold. They transition between shades depending on your body temperature and the temperature of the environment around you.
Heat reactive thermals will lighten with warmer temperatures (it makes dishwashing more interesting) and Cold Reactive thermals will darken with colder temperatures. You'll notice this effect mostly as your nail bed displaying the "warm" state and your free edge displaying the "cool" state.
That all depends on the thermal polish you are using and the effect you are looking to capture. We find that the body temperature + cool air gives the most interesting effect. But you should experiment with warm and cold environments to see what you prefer the most!
When it comes to application it all comes down to your polishing style, formula viscosity, and brush size. Thicker thermals are generally easier to apply with thinner layers. They can be thinned using Nail Polish Thinner if you find the formula too thick for your liking. But average viscosity formulas are applied just like any nail polish. And don't forget your base & top coats!
Thermal Polishes are temperamental beasts. They will do best if you store them in a cool, dark place away from heat sources and direct light. They hate extremes and exposing them to very hot or very cold temperatures will "kill" them, e.g. they will no longer transition and cease to be a "thermal" polish.
Some of our brands recommend keeping thermals in a refrigerator if you live in a very warm climate.
Most brands caution us to expect 12-24 months of easy transition with a properly stored thermal polish. Some unicorn shades have been shown to still transition after many years, but that lifespan isn't the norm.
If you notice your thermal starting to slow down with age, you can try adding matching pigment to your bottle to freshen the transition.
Thermal polish can be pretty unpredictable when it dies, but the general rule is this: if you overexpose it to extreme heat, it will "die" in the warm state. If you overexpose it to extreme cold, it will "die" in the cold state.
But being the fickle beasts that they are, sometimes they'll die in between states resulting in a weird muddy shade.
They can be intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of them they might just become your favorite special effect polish! Be sure to tag us at @polishpickup on instagram and tiktok so we can see your awesome PPU thermals!
]]>Be sure to check back for updates to this list!
• updated 14 June, 2022 •
Initially, there were 18 brands involved in PPU. Over the years, some brands have closed down or become unavailable for a myriad of reasons. Five years is a long time on the internet, after all. But we still have quite the collection of brands that are still producing beautiful and innovative shades, and we have invited them to recreate their initial offerings to celebrate our fifth birthday.
The very first theme, chosen by our caffeinated Captains, was Famous Works of Art. It was such a beautiful way to start something this magical, and some of the initial polishes are still among my very favorites to this day.
A few brands have decided to participate in a revamp, and you can check those out here. Like regular PPU, they are a pre-order. This might be the last chance to ever grab these shades!
And now, for some nostalgia!
Northern Star Scream of Nature (2017)
Fair Maiden Metamorphosis (2017)
Lollipop Posse (now Garden Path Lacquers) Good Morning, Lollipop (2017)
There are a lot more swatches out there, but I have only included the ones I have explicit permission to use. However, I did find some old blog posts.
I scoured the internet (well, 10+ pages of Google search) to find some blog posts featuring the original polishes from April 2017 and have collected there here for your nostalgic enjoyment.
When we were smaller, we even had a designated "Blogger of the Month". It was a handy way to see all the polishes with the same lighting/camera/application/etc. Our very own Manna Berg was the first BotM, and if you want to enjoy some sweet sweet nostalgia you should check out THIS POST
]]>
All Mixed Up Lacquers | Treasures of the Sea
By Dany Vianna | Emer'lds R a Girls BF
Envy Lacquer | Grandpa's Garden
LynBDesigns | Prismatic Spring
Pampered Polishes | Get Off My Swamp
Red Eyed Lacquer | Well, She Can't Be All Bad
Restored by Polish | Pond-er-ing Spring
Sassy Cats Lacquer | Radiate Boundless Love
Scofflaw Varnish | The Chia Pet Conspiracy
Serum No. 5 | You Had Me at Aloe
]]>
Maybe we can't choose a favorite? Can you?
]]>
Starting in March, Polish Pickup will no longer be offering the subsidized shipping to Canada. We have been fighting skyrocketing shipping costs for the last two years (like everyone else) and it has just become unsustainable for us. We are so deeply sorry for any inconvenience this will cause our besties to the north.
However, there is a silver lining to this dark cloud! We are not cutting off shipping to Canada. We will be offering both USPS and FedEx shipping to Canada at cost.
]]>Pro tip: Reflective glitters tend to have more texture than regular glitters. Be sure to layer on plush topcoats for that glass-like finish. We have an array of top & base coats this month!
Inspired by The Street Sharks animated series, this is a blue to purple pastel multichrome base with gold reflective glitter.
Colores de Carol | You See What I Want You to See
Inspired by the X Files, a black, silver and red reflective glitter and holo micro flakes.
DRK Nails | DIY Artisan Nail Lab
Inspired by In Living Color, this DIY will give you all the best ingredients to create gorgeous polishes and toppers.
Heather's Hues | Happy Happy, Joy Joy
Inspired by The Ren & Stimpy Show, this a thermal polish that's purple when cold and blue when warm. It's filled with a bright pink shimmer that shifts to orange-gold, as well as silver reflective glitters.
Indie by Patty Lopes | The Blazer
Inspired by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air , this shade has red and teal micro metallic flakies, aurora shimmer and silver reflective glitter.
Inspired by Buffy, this shade has a deep base boasts a color shift from a bold blue to a nearly blackened purple hue with silver reflective glitters.
Leesha's Lacquer | Bill! Bill! Bill!
Inspired by Bill Nye the Science Guy, this is a A blue reflective glitter polish with black/red/gold/green flakies
NeVerMind Apothecary | Explaining it All
Inspired by Clarissa Explains it All, this is a deep royal blue with a color shift of red, orange, yellow, and green with reflective glitter.
Inspired by Stargate SG1 Tv series, this has a blue base with micro flakes, iridescent pink/Gold and silver reflective glitter
Poetry Cowgirl Nail Polish | Midnight Society
Inspired by Are You Afraid of the Dark? This is a black to red multichrome loaded with red-orange-gold-green iridescent color shifting flakies, and a hint of silver reflective glitter.
Polish Molish | All's Well that's Capwell
Inspired by Santa Barbara soap opera, this has a bright blue shimmer with purple shift and silver reflective glitter.
Inspired by Law & Order: SVU, this a black to ghostly gray thermal packed with reflective silver glitters.
]]>
Adrienne of Fair Maiden/PPU: Just one??? Nutmeg, it brings an instant comfort to food. I especially enjoy it in savory dishes.
Alicia of Leesha's Lacquer: My favorite spice is paprika! Not only do I LOVE spicy things, I had a bunny named Paprika (she was grey so like..what?). Paprika (the rabbit AND the spice) is the best!
Angie of Dam Nail Polish: Garlic salt because you can put it on anything to make it taste amazing.
Bianca of Red Eyed Lacquer: Trader Joe’s/Aldi everything but the elote seasoning! So good on roasted broccoli, mashed potatoes, corn, shrimp, etc. loveeeee it!
Bonny of Bonparsco: My favorite condiment is Honey Mustard sauce! I love it because it's so versatile! It's great on burgers, hot dogs, chicken and french fries. I even love honey/mustard dressing for my salads! Yummy!
Brittany of R&P Jewelry: Ketchup! I don’t know why it’s my favorite, but I absolutely believe it should be it’s own food group! I always have to have a full bottle of ketchup in my house. It might come from my love of French fries, but I don’t like fries unless I have ketchup to dip them in!
Carrie of Sassy Sauce Polish: Mayo- I love mayo!!! You can use it for cakes, sauces, chicken.... It's so versatile and tastes great!!!!! I am a Helmen's girl!!!!
Candace of Crystal Knockout : Ketchup. When I was growing up, I would dip my potato chips in it and it drove my mom crazy!
Cassie of Bygone Apothecary: Cholula - it’s so versatile, and flavorful instead of just SPICY like some hot sauces. I went to college in Arizona and got accustomed to seeing it on every table at every restaurant.
Christy of KBShimmer: Black Pepper! That is about the level of spice I can handle, lol.
Daniela of By Dany Vianna: For savory [definitely] garlic and onion. The aroma is always yummy
Jacqueline of Restored by Polish/Restored Naturally: Pepper, the spicier the better! Life it too short to eat bland food!
Janet of MJ Lacquer: Red Onions, because they spice up everything from greens to sandwiches
Jenalyn of LynBDesigns: It’s tough to narrow it down, but I think my top three are cinnamon, garlic (in any form), and black pepper. Like the Grinch I have garlic in my soul, but in a good way. If a dish calls for garlic I add at least twice as much. As for cinnamon it’s just the best. I add cinnamon to so many things. Black pepper is my favorite ‘spicy’ thing. I don’t love spicy hot foods, but black pepper adds the perfect spices factor for me.
Jessica of Off the Hook Creations by Jessica: Penzey’s roasted garlic powder, it adds such a nice mild sweeter garlic flavor
Katia of DRK Nails: Cilantro. Because it makes my Mexican and Thai food just perfect.
Lisa of Cosmetic Sanctuary: Its a spicemix from Spiceology that Nick bought called Black & Bleu.
Mabel of Dew Nail Polish: Moringa. It is a superfood. I love the earthy and subtle taste. You can put it in smoothies, teas, grits or ice cream. I sometimes add it to milk and honey and drink it warm
Madeleine of Cadillacquer: Aromat is my favorite. It’s a condiment mix from Switzerland which you can put on everything. It’s SO good, I also take it with me when I travel.
Manna Berg of PPU: Ranch it up!
Nichole of The Crafty Taco: Garam Masala is my favorite spice. It smells like home and holidays. It reminds me of family.
Pam H. of Girly Bits: A single seasoning? Yikes. Umm maybe Curry, or Cilantro? Because their flavour is so distinct, and it enhances everything.
Pam R. of STELLA CHROMA: Garlic! It’s so delicious. There can never be too much of it.
Patricia of Indie by Patty Lopes: [Turmeric], because I love the taste, color and in addition to bringing many health benefits.
Rebecca of Alchemy Lacquers: Marie Sharp’s Habanero Pepper Sauce. My husband is Mexican so we eat a lot of Mexican food and we’ve gone through so many hot sauces over our 13 years of marriage, but this one is by far the best. It’s carrot based and very hot, but adds a good level of heat to whatever it is added to without compromising the flavor of the original dish.
Samantha of Cuter Cuticles: Corn Relish! It's sweet and tangy and just the right amount of surprise for your burger.
Tanya of My Indie Polish: Kimchi. I just love it. I put it on baked potatoes I put it in my salad I have even been known to put it on spaghetti
Trisha of The Polished Mage: Condiment: Mayo. I use it for EVERYTHING. Spice: cracked pepper. It's classic, simple and an easy pleaser.
Vanessa of By Vanessa Molina: garlic , garlic and garlic I love
What is your favorite food enhancer? Looks like glorious garlic, in all it's many forms, is the clear winner of PPU Popularity contest!
]]>
]]>
]]>