“What’s On Your Nails?” with Amanda from Dr. Frankenpolish

What’s On Your Nails? is a series focusing on my fellow beauty bloggers and industry insiders, their favorite nail polish and other hot nail topics. This week I’d like to introduce you to a relatively new blogger on the scene, Amanda from Dr. Frankenpolish. I stumbled across Amanda’s blog via a Google search and I was thrilled to find a site dedicated to the art of frankenpolish. What really sets her apart is that she uses accessible products and provides detailed recipes, not just a list of the colors but down the the number of drops type recipes. We’ve talked about frankening (mixing) your own colors in the past so those of you mixologists that are looking for new recipes, Amanda is your girl. She’s mastered the art of jellies, mattes and glitters so feel free to challenge her creativity. She even has an amazingly detailed tutorial for you newbie mixers out there. It’s a must read! Read on to see the amazing creation that brought me to her site (will you be shocked to know it’s a green?) and discover her genius tip for mending a broken nail.

Introduce yourself to the ALU readers. Tell us a little about you and your blog.
Well, my name is Amanda, or as I am better known in the virtual world, Dr. Frankenpolish. I began mixing my own polish (“frankening”) for fun, and realized I really enjoyed it. As a member of Makeup Alley, I noticed a lot of girls asking questions on how to franken polishes. I decided to start my blog as a “How To” for frankening advice and help. I feature my own creations, along with the recipes to make them. A lot of readers email me requests for certain colors they would like to see, and I try my best to help them out. I tend to use a lot of easily accessible drugstore colors in my frankens, so that it’s easy for others to recreate a color!

Why are Jackie Green Jelly and Flat Grape Matte your favorites?
Jackie Green Jelly (click for recipe) is probably my favorite franken I have made so far. Like many others, I missed the boat on the much coveted NARS Zulu. So when my friend Jackie (for whom this is named after) suggested a make my own dark green jelly, I jumped at the challenge. Another franken that is a close runner up as my favorite is my Flat Grape Matte (below) franken.. I love the cheery purple color, and the matte finish gives it a really neat, unique look!

What is on your tips and toes right now?
Tips: Iron Butterfly franken Toes: China Glaze Custom Kicks

Do you consider nail polish a beauty necessity or accessory? Why?
To me, it is most definitely a necessity! I bit my nails for years, so after kicking the habit for good, I appreciate my long, natural nails. The only thing that helped me stop biting was to constantly keep polish on them. And, well…let’s face it. Polished nails are pretty nails, and who doesn’t want to feel pretty?

How many bottles of nail polish do you own?
Around 1,000. And that number is not counting my frankens! I actually went through recently and counted, which sent me into a slight panic. I knew I had a lot, but it was surprising to know the number. Nail polish is something I truly love and enjoy, so I don’t really feel too bad about having a huge stash!

How often do you change your nail polish?
I usually leave my pedi color on for about a week. My tips, I change every day since I am constantly swatching my frankens. Plus, since I have so many colors in my stash, I like to experience them all!

Do you have a favorite nail treatment you think my readers should know about? Why is it so fab?
Swiss silk wraps and IBD Resin glue! These two items are lifesavers if you break a nail. I tend to keep my nails on the longer side, so they are more prone to tears and breaks. I’ve had nail tips break completely off, and have managed to reattach them using the silk wraps & glue. Even with daily polish changes, the patched nail lasts for about two weeks on me before I need to redo it.

What do you think will be the big nail trend for summer?
Yellows seem to be making an appearance everywhere lately! I’ll admit, I never cared much for yellow until recently. I think it is one of those colors that people are afraid to try. With a huge range of shades from soft pastels to blindingly bright neons, I think every polish lover should give it a try!

What nail trend do you wish would go away?
Poorly done acrylics. I have nothing against fake nails, but when they aren’t done properly, they can really be damaging (and not to mention painful). I’ve worn acrylics in the past, so I can testify firsthand about the horrible mess they made of my real nails.

What is the biggest nail faux pas that women make?
Neglecting you
r cuticles! If your cuticles are in bad shape, it makes your whole mani, no matter how perfect, look bad. As a former nail and cuticle biter, I’ve seen first hand the difference it makes. Using an oil such a Haken from Sally’s or Creative Solar Oil, or cream like LUSH’s Lemony Flutter will really keep your cuticles looking soft and healthy. When your cuticles are well moisturized, you’re also less likely to pick or bite them.

Thanks a million for sharing your franken-genius with us. And Fanatics, be sure to visit Dr. Frankenpolish to see what new mixes Amanda has come up with.