<![CDATA[Lantern & Wren: Latest News]]> https://www.lanternandwren.com Thu, 21 May 2026 00:05:11 +0000 <![CDATA[Stamping Polish v. Foil Polish - What's the Difference?]]> https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/stamping-polish-v-foil-polish-whats-the-difference/ Sun, 26 Jun 2022 12:53:56 +0000 https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/stamping-polish-v-foil-polish-whats-the-difference/ Foil polish, stamping polish, gel polish, regular polish...what's the difference and why do we need to use a particular one instead of another?

Today, we'll learn about the difference between stamping polish and foil stamping polish (also known simply as foil polish).

Stamping polish is an opaque, thicker, one-coat nail polish. It is used to stamp a design over a dried base coat of regular nail polish. You can layer different colors of stamping polish, and color in designs using stamping polish, to create more intricate, complicated looks.

Foil polish works in the same way as stamping polish, but it has a slower dry time than stamping polish. This allows you to take more time to apply nail foil over the tacky foil nail polish, without worrying about rushing to apply it so you don't "miss your window."  

Foil polish also creates a more delicate, thinner, softer stamp. It is especially good for delicate images with intricate designs and many lines, such as words, fairies, butterflies, etc.

Hit the Bottle stamping polish on the left, foil stamping polish on the right.

When using foil polish, it is VERY important to use a water based top coat to complete your manicure!!! Due to the longer drying time of the foil polish, a regular top coat will SMEAR the foil polish like crazy! You do not want to ruin your hard work with a regular top coat. 

We only carry brands we believe in, and our customers have shown great success with the SOPHi water based top coat (for use with foil polish as a stamping polish but no foil on top) and the Hit the Bottle Water Tight water based top coat (for use with nail foil). 

One of our pro users says: "Foil polish takes forever and a day to dry - if you are going to actually use foil on it, use HTB's Watertight. If you are going to just stamp with it, use Sophi's water based top coat. I keep both on hand! HTB's is perfect for chromes, powders, foils, etc. and I use the Sophi for everything else." 

PRO TIP: With any water based top coat - make sure that you really brush the excess polish off your brush. It should almost look like it's dry!

Now that you know the difference between foil polish and stamping polish, take a look at it in action here, using Moyra's FP01 black foil stamping polish and holographic nail foil!

Products used:

Simply Silver Nail Stamper

Lantern & Wren Decal Cutter (with detail brush on the other end)

Foil Stamping Polish

Nail Foil

]]> Foil polish, stamping polish, gel polish, regular polish...what's the difference and why do we need to use a particular one instead of another?

Today, we'll learn about the difference between stamping polish and foil stamping polish (also known simply as foil polish).

Stamping polish is an opaque, thicker, one-coat nail polish. It is used to stamp a design over a dried base coat of regular nail polish. You can layer different colors of stamping polish, and color in designs using stamping polish, to create more intricate, complicated looks.

Foil polish works in the same way as stamping polish, but it has a slower dry time than stamping polish. This allows you to take more time to apply nail foil over the tacky foil nail polish, without worrying about rushing to apply it so you don't "miss your window."  

Foil polish also creates a more delicate, thinner, softer stamp. It is especially good for delicate images with intricate designs and many lines, such as words, fairies, butterflies, etc.

Hit the Bottle stamping polish on the left, foil stamping polish on the right.

When using foil polish, it is VERY important to use a water based top coat to complete your manicure!!! Due to the longer drying time of the foil polish, a regular top coat will SMEAR the foil polish like crazy! You do not want to ruin your hard work with a regular top coat. 

We only carry brands we believe in, and our customers have shown great success with the SOPHi water based top coat (for use with foil polish as a stamping polish but no foil on top) and the Hit the Bottle Water Tight water based top coat (for use with nail foil). 

One of our pro users says: "Foil polish takes forever and a day to dry - if you are going to actually use foil on it, use HTB's Watertight. If you are going to just stamp with it, use Sophi's water based top coat. I keep both on hand! HTB's is perfect for chromes, powders, foils, etc. and I use the Sophi for everything else." 

PRO TIP: With any water based top coat - make sure that you really brush the excess polish off your brush. It should almost look like it's dry!

Now that you know the difference between foil polish and stamping polish, take a look at it in action here, using Moyra's FP01 black foil stamping polish and holographic nail foil!

Products used:

Simply Silver Nail Stamper

Lantern & Wren Decal Cutter (with detail brush on the other end)

Foil Stamping Polish

Nail Foil

]]> <![CDATA[How To : Gradient Stamping]]> https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/how-to-gradient-stamping/ Tue, 12 Mar 2019 14:37:24 +0000 https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/how-to-gradient-stamping/ Have you tried Gradient Stamping? In this tutorial Lo shows you how! It's fun and easy but if you don't get it the first time, just keep trying and you'll have fun stamped gradient nails in no time!  All products used can be found right here at Lantern & Wren.

Get the look!

Products used in this video:

Lantern & Wren Backgrounds stamping plate https://www.lanternandwren.com/backgr...

Mani Defender Liquid Latex https://www.lanternandwren.com/mani-d...

Simply Silver Clear Jelly Stamper & Scraper https://www.lanternandwren.com/simply...

Fab Ur Nails Wide Angled Clean Up Brush https://www.lanternandwren.com/fab-ur...

Hit The Bottle stamping polishes https://www.lanternandwren.com/hit-th...

]]> Have you tried Gradient Stamping? In this tutorial Lo shows you how! It's fun and easy but if you don't get it the first time, just keep trying and you'll have fun stamped gradient nails in no time!  All products used can be found right here at Lantern & Wren.

Get the look!

Products used in this video:

Lantern & Wren Backgrounds stamping plate https://www.lanternandwren.com/backgr...

Mani Defender Liquid Latex https://www.lanternandwren.com/mani-d...

Simply Silver Clear Jelly Stamper & Scraper https://www.lanternandwren.com/simply...

Fab Ur Nails Wide Angled Clean Up Brush https://www.lanternandwren.com/fab-ur...

Hit The Bottle stamping polishes https://www.lanternandwren.com/hit-th...

]]> <![CDATA[Leadlighting vs. Reverse Stamping ]]> https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/leadlighting-vs-reverse-stamping-/ Sun, 02 Sep 2018 14:49:55 +0000 https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/leadlighting-vs-reverse-stamping-/ "Reverse stamping" refers to the technique where the stamped design is colored in while still on the stamper, and a decal is created to apply to the nail. You can also create this decal on a nail art mat. This means coloring in an image from what will be the back side. It doesn't matter what you use to color in with ( polish, acrylic paint, watercolors, powders or anything else you can think of) there are several ways to do this including but not limited to, directly on the nail or making a decal. 


In this image by @stunnin.nails, the white flower image was picked up onto the stamper and the shimmery blue was "colored in".  A sticky base coat, like our I'll Stick Wichu, was then applied to the nail. The colored in image was stamped right on top of the sticky base to transfer it to the nail, and then top coat was applied. 



"Leadlighting" is the technique whereby you color in an image already on your nail (you will put your top coat directly over your coloring). Generally this is done by stamping onto your nail and coloring in the design. You can also freehand an image onto your nail and then color it in, rather than stamping. 

In this image by @jodies.nailz, the image from Lina Nail Art Supplies Mad for Mandalas was stamped directly onto the nail using Hit the Bottle As Black as Night (see the black outline), and then the image was colored in right on the nail. We highly recommend our Detail Brush for coloring in your mani, as we created it just for this purpose!



We hope you enjoy trying out these exciting nail art techniques! These are intermediate to advanced techniques, so please don't worry if it seems difficult at first. You can practice on your nails, on practice nails, and even right on your Ultimate Nail Mat! 

These are two fun, incredibly versatile nail art techniques that allow for endless creativity, so give it a go and have some fun! When you have created some new nail art, please share it with us on Instagram at @lanternandwren, and with the wonderfully supportive community in the Leadlighting & Reverse Stamping Nail Art Group!

]]> "Reverse stamping" refers to the technique where the stamped design is colored in while still on the stamper, and a decal is created to apply to the nail. You can also create this decal on a nail art mat. This means coloring in an image from what will be the back side. It doesn't matter what you use to color in with ( polish, acrylic paint, watercolors, powders or anything else you can think of) there are several ways to do this including but not limited to, directly on the nail or making a decal. 


In this image by @stunnin.nails, the white flower image was picked up onto the stamper and the shimmery blue was "colored in".  A sticky base coat, like our I'll Stick Wichu, was then applied to the nail. The colored in image was stamped right on top of the sticky base to transfer it to the nail, and then top coat was applied. 



"Leadlighting" is the technique whereby you color in an image already on your nail (you will put your top coat directly over your coloring). Generally this is done by stamping onto your nail and coloring in the design. You can also freehand an image onto your nail and then color it in, rather than stamping. 

In this image by @jodies.nailz, the image from Lina Nail Art Supplies Mad for Mandalas was stamped directly onto the nail using Hit the Bottle As Black as Night (see the black outline), and then the image was colored in right on the nail. We highly recommend our Detail Brush for coloring in your mani, as we created it just for this purpose!



We hope you enjoy trying out these exciting nail art techniques! These are intermediate to advanced techniques, so please don't worry if it seems difficult at first. You can practice on your nails, on practice nails, and even right on your Ultimate Nail Mat! 

These are two fun, incredibly versatile nail art techniques that allow for endless creativity, so give it a go and have some fun! When you have created some new nail art, please share it with us on Instagram at @lanternandwren, and with the wonderfully supportive community in the Leadlighting & Reverse Stamping Nail Art Group!

]]> <![CDATA[Nail Polish Storage System Idea]]> https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/nail-polish-storage-system-idea/ Mon, 14 Aug 2017 16:34:33 +0000 https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/nail-polish-storage-system-idea/ One of our stamping sisters at All About That Stamp recently shared her excellent nail polish storage system.  I'd like to share her tips here, as the group found them very helpful.  This nail polish storage would also be an excellent way to pack and move nail polish if you are moving or travelling.

These thread organizer cases will not fit any polishes that are over 3" long, but fit smaller polish bottles, such as MoYou London, Zoya, CC, BMC, Essie, etc.  These cases will hold up to 46 bottles. The price can vary from $8-$10 per case.

Nail polish storage case for small nail polish bottles

For larger bottles of polish, such as Hit the Bottle, ILNP, Color Club, Moonflower Polish, Ellison's Organics, OPI, etc., this Makartt box with larger compartments is a great option.  There is both a 48 bottle and 60 bottle option.

In use:

Nail Polish Storage Idea   Hit the Bottle Nail PolishStorage

]]> One of our stamping sisters at All About That Stamp recently shared her excellent nail polish storage system.  I'd like to share her tips here, as the group found them very helpful.  This nail polish storage would also be an excellent way to pack and move nail polish if you are moving or travelling.

These thread organizer cases will not fit any polishes that are over 3" long, but fit smaller polish bottles, such as MoYou London, Zoya, CC, BMC, Essie, etc.  These cases will hold up to 46 bottles. The price can vary from $8-$10 per case.

Nail polish storage case for small nail polish bottles

For larger bottles of polish, such as Hit the Bottle, ILNP, Color Club, Moonflower Polish, Ellison's Organics, OPI, etc., this Makartt box with larger compartments is a great option.  There is both a 48 bottle and 60 bottle option.

In use:

Nail Polish Storage Idea   Hit the Bottle Nail PolishStorage

]]> <![CDATA[How To: Kleenex Box Inspired Water Marble]]> https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/how-to-kleenex-box-inspired-water-marble/ Tue, 27 Jun 2017 13:32:41 +0000 https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/how-to-kleenex-box-inspired-water-marble/ Have you seen the incredible nail art by Kyong Lee? She is incredibly talented in all things nail art. Here is an example of some of her creations:

   

In the video below, Kyong shows us how she does a new water marble inspired by a Kleenex box! She includes some great tips on getting the best water marble nail art you can, including how to know if your water is clean enough when you begin and how to handle air bubbles.  



Give it a try! To create your own water marble similar to what Kyong did here, you'll need:

]]> Have you seen the incredible nail art by Kyong Lee? She is incredibly talented in all things nail art. Here is an example of some of her creations:

   

In the video below, Kyong shows us how she does a new water marble inspired by a Kleenex box! She includes some great tips on getting the best water marble nail art you can, including how to know if your water is clean enough when you begin and how to handle air bubbles.  



Give it a try! To create your own water marble similar to what Kyong did here, you'll need:

]]> <![CDATA[How to: Beginning Nail Stamping]]> https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/how-to-beginning-nail-stamping/ Sat, 17 Jun 2017 13:35:47 +0000 https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/how-to-beginning-nail-stamping/ Today on Lounge and Learn Kristi at @beginnails shows us how to stamp a floral image from Marianne Nails 77 stamping plate.  She stamps over the vertical gradient from last week's video, so check out that video if you would like tips on how to create your own vertical gradient manicure.

Kristi includes tips on why to use a lint roller when you stamp (what?!) and how to make sure you get an easy clean up when you're done.  This video is a great place to start learning how to nail stamp!


Create the look yourself:

Mani Defender - Liquid latex cuticle barrier

Marianne Nails 77 - Mini nail stamping plate

Dixie Diamond Duo - Squishy nail stamper

MoYou London Black Knight - Black stamping polish

I'll Stick Wichu - Base coat

Find more from Beginnails on Instagram at @beginnails and on her blog at www.beginnails.blogspot.com. Thank you, Kristi! 

]]> Today on Lounge and Learn Kristi at @beginnails shows us how to stamp a floral image from Marianne Nails 77 stamping plate.  She stamps over the vertical gradient from last week's video, so check out that video if you would like tips on how to create your own vertical gradient manicure.

Kristi includes tips on why to use a lint roller when you stamp (what?!) and how to make sure you get an easy clean up when you're done.  This video is a great place to start learning how to nail stamp!


Create the look yourself:

Mani Defender - Liquid latex cuticle barrier

Marianne Nails 77 - Mini nail stamping plate

Dixie Diamond Duo - Squishy nail stamper

MoYou London Black Knight - Black stamping polish

I'll Stick Wichu - Base coat

Find more from Beginnails on Instagram at @beginnails and on her blog at www.beginnails.blogspot.com. Thank you, Kristi! 

]]> <![CDATA[How To: Vertical gradient manicure]]> https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/how-to-vertical-gradient-manicure/ Sun, 11 Jun 2017 13:38:24 +0000 https://www.lanternandwren.com/lounge-and-learn/how-to-vertical-gradient-manicure/ Today in Lounge and Learn, Kristi from Beginnails shares how to create a beautiful vertical gradient manicure.  She includes some must-have tips and makes it easy to follow along!  Watch this tutorial and you will be painting your own nail art designs with gradients in no time.  Wear your gradient manicure all on its own, or use it as a base for nail art designs.  

This tutorial is ideal for beginners, but there are some neat tips in here that even veterans will enjoy.


Products used can be found here:

Mani Defender - Liquid latex cuticle barrier

Irresistible - Matte nail lacquer

Unforgettable - Matte nail lacquer

I'll Stick Wichu - Base coat

Find more from Beginnails on Instagram at @beginnails and on her blog at www.beginnails.blogspot.com.  Thank you, Kristi! 

]]> Today in Lounge and Learn, Kristi from Beginnails shares how to create a beautiful vertical gradient manicure.  She includes some must-have tips and makes it easy to follow along!  Watch this tutorial and you will be painting your own nail art designs with gradients in no time.  Wear your gradient manicure all on its own, or use it as a base for nail art designs.  

This tutorial is ideal for beginners, but there are some neat tips in here that even veterans will enjoy.


Products used can be found here:

Mani Defender - Liquid latex cuticle barrier

Irresistible - Matte nail lacquer

Unforgettable - Matte nail lacquer

I'll Stick Wichu - Base coat

Find more from Beginnails on Instagram at @beginnails and on her blog at www.beginnails.blogspot.com.  Thank you, Kristi! 

]]>