First Look Fridays: Blogger Chelsea Franklin of The Nail Network

I recently discovered the fabulousness that is The Nail Network. Blogger Chelsea Franklin posts such fantastic nail polish swatches -- every time I look at her site, I want every polish she's talking about! Read on to find out which brands she can't live without, the cuticle oil that saves her hands and so much more.

Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I grew up and currently live in the woods of northeastern Pennsylvania. Right now I’m studying photography at Marywood University in Scranton. I’ll be graduating this May. I love living out here, but it does suck sometimes having to drive half an hour to go shopping or out to dinner. I just got engaged this past Christmas Eve to my wonderful boyfriend (now fiance) of seven years. We have an adorable little dog together named Luna.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to create your own blog?
I’ve loved having my nails painted ever since I can remember, but my interest in makeup has just started flourishing recently. I remember going to get manicures with my mom when I was younger and I would be so excited when I had a special occasion coming up that meant I could get a mani/pedi. I don’t remember exactly how, but in early spring of 2011, I discovered nail polish blogs and was absolutely amazed. I followed them obsessively and started painting my nails myself soon after. In June, I got up the courage to start my own blog and have been blogging ever since!

I love the name of your blog! How did you come up with it?
It came to me pretty quickly actually. I was thinking about the Food Network television channel and thought that The Nail Network sounded pretty catchy! All nails, all day!

Your nail polish swatches are so great. What are your favorite nail brands or polish colors? What makes them stand out for you?
Well thank you! This is always the hardest type of question to answer.

Zoya has been my very favorite brand ever since I started using them. They were also the first “big” brand to accept me into their blogger program, so I have a special place in my heart for them.

China Glaze is another favorite because they have such amazing variety of colors. I have an entire rack devoted just to them!

KBShimmer is an awesome indie brand. They have the most unique and greatly formulated glitter concoctions I’ve ever tried!

Rounding out my top five brands are Rescue Beauty Lounge and Illamasqua for their amazing colors and formulas.

As far as colors, my top five right now are Rescue Beauty Lounge Aqua Lily, Rescue Beauty Lounge Coral, China Glaze Fancy Pants, Zoya Neely and Zoya Charla.

What are your nail-specific product essentials?

OPI Maintenance Nail Envy Nail Strengthener for sure is one of my most used products. I go through good and bad phases with my nails since I paint them so often, but Nail Envy always gets them back on track.


I’m a huge sucker for any kind of cuticle oil or cream too. Right now I’m using OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil and Dermelect Rejuvenail cuticle cream.

As far as nail polish remover, Zoya Remove+ is my soul mate!

Let's talk beauty in general. What are your 5 favorite products?

1) bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15


2) Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Virgin and Secret Service


3) Maybelline EyeStudio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner in Black

4) blinc Amplified Mascara


5) NARS Blush in Orgasm

Blogging must be fun, but what do you do in your spare time?
Right now, my fiance and I have been watching Supernatural. And when I say “watching Supernatural” I mean “it’s taken over our lives for the past three weeks and we still have two seasons left to catch up with.” I’ve been doing a lot of wedding planning/research in my spare time lately too. But in general, I love taking Luna for walks and having campfires with my family. Blogging really does take up most of my spare time though!

Keep up with Chelsea by following her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!