| toh-bi-ko |
"Tobiko is the roe (eggs) of the flying fish. It is popular as a sushi making ingredient and provides a firm crunchy texture. Tobiko is normally bright orange but sometimes the roe is colored with wasabi to produce a green roe or flavored with soy sauce for a dark brown/black roe." - Gourmet Sleuth
In the words of Robyn, "Konichiwa B**ches*!
I have a 'treat' for you lovelies today. If you've been following the recent controversy about a certain nail polish brand policing the blogosphere on the use of their soon-to-be trademarked term for a certain manicure trend, you may be aware that the company has received a lot of backlash online. The idea was first conceived by Dashing Diva. Read it here. So, why does a certain brand get to lay claim with a trademark?
Today, at 5pm EST, Friday 13th, April 2012, Sammy from Nailasaurus has organised this mass blog posting to highlight to readers that there are much affordable alternatives to this manicure and should not relent to a profiteering establishment. A list of bloggers participating is located at the bottom of this post.
Since the concept of this manicure revolves around 3D textured top coat (micro beads) resembling fish roe, I couldn't think of a better inspiration than sushi. More specifically, Tobiko (flying fish egg) sushi! Born and raised in a cosmopolitan city that is Singapore, we are exposed to an array of food and cultures. Japanese sushi has become a fast favourite for me.
The Inspiration
Image Source. Tobiko sushi, commonly served in pairs.
The Materials
Polishes (left to right): OPI Designer... De Better!, Essie Sequin Sash, Essie Tart Deco, OPI Alpine Snow, China Glaze Smoke & Ashes, INM Northern Lights Hologram Topcoat Gold
Tools: Nail art brush, dotting tool, Konad set
Main highlight: Micro beads in red
On a last minute hunt, Susan from The Subtle Shimmer scoured a few stores that possibly stock micro beads, but struck out at every one. That is, until she came across these at Art Friend in Takashimaya, Ngee Ann City in Orchard Road. And got some for me! Art Friend is the most well-known art supply store in Singapore with 2 huge outlets. These are much smaller than micro beads, but they will have to do. Susan quipped that they are prawn eggs! At SGD 4.50 (4.05 if you're a member) for a bag of 30 grams, they are good value for money. I estimate you can probably get 5 full manis out of this bag. They come in a few colours. Check out The Subtle Shimmer for details.
Step-by-Step
Base: Thumg, index and pinky - Essie Tart Deco. Middle and ring - OPI Alpine Snow
Adding accents: Essie Sequin Sash over Tart Deco, and China Glaze Smoke and Mirrors over Apline Snow
Adding Sequin Sash was to tone down Tart Deco, and also give it a sheen, a la fish scales.
Smoke And Ashes had the just the right flash of dark green shimmer in its black base to mimic seaweed, and this was painted on the edges of the nails. 
The Final Look
Thumb, index & pinky with Konad stamping using plate m63 with OPI Designer... De Better! Can you tell I'm trying to get them to look like salmon sashimi?
Middle & ring glued with micro beads using INM Northern Lights Hologram Top Coat.
Parting shot
Note: all shots taken under indoor lighting (at night :/ )
Check out the other bloggers participating in Fish Egg Friday:
♥ Sammy http://nailasaurus.
♥ Salla, http://www.polish-em.net/
♥ Esther http://fabfingertips.blogspot.
♥ Jeanette http://the-swatchaholic.com/
♥ Emily http://lacquerologist.
♥ Danielle http://rocknpolish.blogspot.
♥ Anna http://prettydigits.blogspot.
♥ Susan http://www.thesubtleshimmer.
♥ Melissa http://melissawhitenails.
♥ Ivana http://zabranjeni-grad.
♥ Cristina http://www.letthemhavepolish.
♥ Jen http://www.thepolishaholic.com
♥ Stephanie http://sincerelystephaniee.
♥ Tiffany http://2thelastdrop.com/
♥ Vanidad http://www.toxicvanity.com
And here's an overview of everyone who participated:
Support the cause and do your own fish egg manicure. I'd like to see them posted, and give me a shout out when you do!
Cheerio, and stay lacquered!
PS: I'm recently hooked on Pinterest. Follow me at pinterest.com/lacqueredaffair =D
Disclaimer: I am not sponsored/ endorsed by any of the above-mentioned companies. All opinions expressed are my own, and will always be. All products were purchased by me.
)))
Good Old Susan getting the beads in!! CAn;t believe how many are doing this! Definitely looks like the sushi!!