Close, But No Cigar.


They smell wretched, they've been involved in political scandals, they've been used as props, and certain kinds are illegal here in the United States... you guessed it, I'm talking about cigars. Having bartended in my younger days, I've inhaled my share of secondhand, putrid-smelling cigar smoke, and though I find them rather vile, I DO have to admit that the cigar bands/labels are super cool looking, which is why I decided to do a cigar inspired manicure! All the cigar band designs in this manicure are based off of actual cigar band designs. :)




I used American Apparel Raccoon as a base, then mixed with American Apparel Trenchcoat to give it a bit of texture. For the thumb, I used American Apparel California Trooper as a base for the band, China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection for the gold, American Apparel Hassid for the black, and American Apparel Port for the wine color. For the index finger, I used American Apparel Manila as a base for the band, American Apparel Port for the red, American Apparel Hassid for the black, and China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection for the gold. For the middle finger, I used China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection for the gold, and American Apparel Hassid for the black. For the ring finger, I used Essie Alligator Purse as a base, with American Apparel Manila for the yellow, China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection for the gold, MAC Vestral White for the white, and American Apparel Hassid for the black. For the pinky, I used Essie Alligator Purse for the borders, American Apparel California Trooper for the cream border, and flower base, for the tips of the flower petals, I used a mix of American Apparel California Trooper, China Glaze Flyin' High and American Apparel Port. For the leaves, I used BB Couture Poison Ivy, for the red, I used ORLY Candy Cane Lane, and for the gold, I used China Glaze 2030 from Khrome Collection. Topped everything off with 2 coats of Seche Vite top coat.

*cough cough*

12 comments

  1. Wow just wow! I agree though can't stand the smell but the bands are cool. Incredible artwork for such a small area.

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  2. OMG THAT'S FAB!!!!!!!! Quite creative!

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  3. Very cool. You always have the most interesting designs :)

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  4. So creative! It looks awesome.

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  5. That's really cool- did you have to go out and buy cigars in order to see the bands? Geeze, I hope not. Too bad they don't smell like pipe tobacco, 'cause that smells yummy...
    All these guys who smoke cigars- I wonder if they know that lots of gals would rather eat something off of the sidewalk than kiss a cigar smoker?
    ;-)

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  6. I thought I lost your blog... Don't know what I was looking for... :?

    Anyway I FOUND you!

    Yes Hema is Dutch. It's like a classy WalMart/JCPenney type store imo. I have some knives I bought there in 98 that still work GREAT and have never been sharpened. I miss it...

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  7. I have no idea how you do this, but I am TOTALLY jealous. They look effing awesome.

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  8. This design is by far the BEST I've ever seen!!! I am more of a lurker than a commenter but I must give props when due. Fantastic Job!! and Excellent Blog! :)

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  9. Besides your inventiveness and creativity as an artist, your ability to achieve such fine detail with a medium that dries so quickly is itself something to admire.

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Go on, comment... you know you want to. ;-P