31DNAC Day 30: Inspired by A Tutorial

I can't believe this is the second-last prompt for the challenge. Today's manicure is inspired by the Nailasaurus's famous waterfall manicure tutorial, and boy, it was way harder than I thought!

Alright, so my lines totally suck. I admit it! I have never really used a striper brush for nail art, and I had basically no control over it while I painted this manicure. But I think it's a good first attempt, and now I can look back and laugh at this post once I finally master the waterfall nail art! I used a base of Essie Sand Tropez and striped with the following colors, from darkest to lightest: ORLY Bus Stop Crimson, China Glaze Long Kiss, OPI All I Want For Christmas Is OPI, OPI Schnapps Out Of It!, and Nubar Gold Frost nail art pen.

So, even though this manicure is a total fail, I'm glad to say that as a whole, I have been improving as a nail artist during the challenge. I even look back at the first few days of the challenge and want to laugh at my nails!

What do you think of this fiery waterfall manicure? Should I try again?

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 29: Inspired by the Supernatural

Only a few more days of the 31 Day Nail Art Challenge are left! Today's prompt is "inspired by the supernatural," and before I started the challenge, I was a bit nervous about this nail art. But lately, I have been obsessively watching an awesome supernatural show called Being Human, and it inspired me to create this vampire french manicure!

Instead of going with a classic "fang" style manicure, I decided to let my imagination wander - I asked myself, what kind of nails would I love if I was a vampire? So, I came up with this bloody french manicure using the same technique from my New Year's nail art! I used (the appropriately named) OPI My Vampire is Buff as a base, and OPI All I Want For Christmas Is OPI for the bloody tips.

I am totally loving this grungy french manicure look, and I will definitely be making a tutorial video soon (as per your requests!) I think this nail art is perfect for vampires to wear ;)

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 28: Inspired By A Flag

I have been posting the challenge manicures more sporadically lately because it's a busy time of year, but I promise I plan to finish! Only a few more days left - I am feeling bittersweet about it. As much as I am looking forward to finishing, I am sad for the challenge to end! I think I have really pushed myself to work harder and be more creative when it comes to nail art, and as a result, I have found myself with some new followers! (Thanks for being interested in my little blog, guys!)

Anyway, today's prompt is "inspired by a flag." I am from the United States, but I have been seeing the United Kingdom's Union Jack flag everywhere lately, so I decided to incorporate it into a skittle manicure using some OPI colors.

I decided to go with a funkier color scheme, instead of primary red, white and blue colors. The base color of the flag is OPI My Vampire is Buff, and I painted over it with OPI Casino Royale (which is also on my index finger) and OPI I Saw... U Saw... We Saw... Warsaw! The textured polish on my alternating fingers is OPI Get Your Number.

In order to create the straight lines of the flag, I used striping tape, but they smudged a bit when I added top coat - I need to learn to be more patient, I know! But I am still proud of this manicure, and I hope I did justice to the flag it was inspired by :)

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 27: Inspired by Artwork

Today's post is going to be a bit different than usual, guys! Since I started this challenge, I was nervous about doing a manicure inspired by artwork. I feel like everyone does manicures inspired by Pollock or Mondrian, and I didn't want to do something that's been done before. I needed to do something original!

Backstory: I live in an apartment which used to belong to my brother, and a lot of his stuff is still around. I found a little painting in his (now my) room last night and I was intrigued - I gave him a call to ask about it, and he told me it was painted by his beautiful fiancée! So I knew I just had to use it as my inspiration for this day of the challenge. Here was my version of this artwork:

I used a base of OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls, and then took acrylic paints that matched the painting and dabbed them onto my nail with a small brush.

I had so much fun photographing this manicure! It was totally new for me to be taking photos with a colorful background instead of plain white. Makes me want to buy some pattern paper for the background of my photos - what do you think? Too distracting, or eye catching?

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 26: Inspired By A Pattern

I am finally all caught up with the nail art challenge! Today's prompt is "inspired by a pattern," so of course I went to Google for inspiration! I found this vector pattern which I totally loved, but unfortunately, when I clicked on the photo, I got bounced to another website, so I can't credit the original artist. But anyway, I decided to recreate it on my nails!

Although the pattern I was inspired by is red, I decided to go with a pink color scheme for my nails. For my index and pinky, I used China Glaze Dance Baby, which I love because it's a soft pink, but it leans blue. On my middle and ring finger, I used a base of OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls and acrylic paint to draw the flower pattern. I know it's a bit bright and summery for this time of year, but I just loved that pattern!

I'm glad to finally be caught up. I have really enjoyed this challenge so far and I am in the final few days of it, which is a thrill, since I have never been able to complete it before. What's your favorite challenge manicure so far?

You can check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 25: Inspired By Fashion

As promised, these next couple of days will be my catch-up for the nail art challenge! Today's prompt is "inspired by fashion," and since we are in December and Christmas is coming up, I decided to incorporate that too with some festive argyle nail art!

I started with a base of Essie Sand Tropez and let that fully dry. Then, I taped off triangles on the bottom and painted on OPI Casino Royale. Once that was dry, I did the same for the top with OPI Jade Is The New Black. I finished that all off with some stripes using this Nubar nail art pen from HB Beauty Bar. (Don't forget to use the discount code POLISHCHALLENGE10 for 10% off your entire order from HB Beauty Bar!)

I love doing this pattern, and I decided to do it after my talented friend Amey did it for her challenge nails! And I love that it's Christmas themed :) I would totally wear this to a holiday gathering!

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 24: Inspired By A Book

Hi guys! I know I'm super behind on the challenge, so for the next three days, I will be catching up! Today's nails are "inspired by a book," and I just couldn't pick one book to be inspired by, so I decided to do some book nails using the newspaper nail art technique!

This is my first attempt at newspaper nails, and I did a pretty terrible job of it! I used a base color of Zoya Dove (with top coat), and then using scraps of newspaper, I pressed them onto my nails with rubbing alcohol. The print barely rubbed off onto my nail! So, I decided to cover up my mistakes with some bright blue acrylic flowers, using the same technique from these nails. I couldn't get any newsprint on my pinky fingernail, so I just covered the entire nail with flowers.

Do you have any tips for newspaper nails? What can I do differently to make the print transfer to the nail?

Don't forget to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 23: Inspired By A Movie

I know I haven't posted challenge manicures (or really, any manicures!) in the last week - I decided to take a weeklong break, and I have to say, I missed doing my nails! Anyway, we're back on with Day 23 of the challenge, inspired by a movie.

I saw Catching Fire, the second in the Hunger Games Trilogy, this weekend and I was absolutely in love. The movie was even better than I expected, and it followed the book very closely, which I always enjoy (isn't it annoying when the movie is totally different from the book?)

But what I thought was REALLY cool, was District 7 Tribute Johanna (I won't spoil anything about the movie, don't worry!) But anyway, before she went into the arena, Johanna had some awesome hair - it was a black to red ombre, and I was so inspired that I actually dyed my hair the same way! And then I did my nails to match! (So yes, technically, this manicure is inspired by my hair which is inspired by her hair which is inspired by the movie. Totally counts.)

I used a base of China Glaze Merry Berry, a jelly-like reddish magenta from last year's holiday collection. Then, I used a sponge and Essie Licorice to create the gradient.

I planned on freehanding some Hunger Games related art over the gradient, but I love this look alone! You can check out my personal Instagram page for photos of my new hair color. Here's a little peek:

And, don't forget to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 22: Inspired By A Song

"She's my cherry pie! Cool drink of water, such a sweet surprise! Tastes so good, make a grown man cry, sweet cherry pie!" Today's nails are inspired by Cherry Pie by Warrant!

I used a base color of Essie Chinchilly, which is a gorgeous neutral for winter. I used a dotting tool and ORLY Soul Mate to make the cherries, and a striper with OPI Jade is the New Black for the stems. I also made some green dots to fill in the space.

How catchy is that song? If you haven't seen the music video yet, you have to watch it - it's hilarious!

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 21: Inspired By A Color

Hello! We are in the final third of the challenge, and it starts fairly easily with the prompt to be inspired by a color. Well, I have been using a lot of purple lately so I decided to go with my trusty China Glaze Tart-y for the Party and make a skittle!

For the watermarble, I used Tart-y for the Party and OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls, topped with ORLY Shine On Crazy Diamond. My pinky finger has three coats of China Glaze Glistening Snow. And the white glitter on my middle finger is Nanacoco Snowflakes, from HB Beauty Bar (review to come soon!).

This skittle is wintery and fun, even though the purple is a Spring color! What do you think?

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 20: Water Marble Nails

Hi! Today is day 20 of the challenge, which is the last day before the prompts become more abstract and difficult (refresher here.) I decided to make my water marble seasonally appropriate, so I went with Fall colors - although everyone seems to think this is Christmassy!

I used two colors from last year's OPI Fall collection, OPI Schnapps Out of It! and OPI Don't Talk Bach To Me, as well as OPI Jade is the New Black. I decided to go with an abstract random pattern instead of my usual flower marbles. What do you think?

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 19: Galaxy Nails

I can't believe it's already Day 19 of the Nail Art Challenge! Sorry that this post is a bit late - I've made a few attempts at galaxy nails before, but I find it to be one of the hardest nail art designs, harder than water marbles! Here is the finished manicure:

I used about ten colors for this manicure, and I really don't feel like listing them! If you see a specific color you can ask me what it is in the comments. The base is Essie Licorice.

I think the hardest part about galaxy nail is the abstractness of it. I always wonder if people could identify this as a galaxy if I didn't tell them! Anyway, what do you think?

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 18: Half Moon Nail Art

Today's nail art is a first for me! This is the first time I have ever tried a half moon manicure, so I decided to keep it classic.

I started with a base of Essie Sand Tropez, and when that was completely dry, I used paper reinforcers to tape off the base of my nail and painted on ORLY Bus Stop Crimson, a vampy jelly red polish. Then, I peeled off the paper reinforcers and had myself a half moon manicure!

As much as I love this look, I definitely think I could use some practice. What colors do you think I should do for my next half moon manicure?

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 17: Glitter Nails

Today's challenge prompt is glitter nails, which normally means tons of sparkle and glitter fun - but I decided to take a different path, and do a Halloween manicure with some glitter accents.

I started with a base of China Glaze Fancy Pants, a bluish purple with a beautiful fuchsia shimmer. I used acrylic paint to draw a full moon and my evil bat, and yes, he has bloodred glitter eyes! Does that count as glitter nails? I'm going to go with YES!

I love doing Halloween manicures - and I only have a few more days to do them! Do you have any requests? For Fall, or Halloween? Let me know!

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 16: Tribal Print Nails

Today's nails are a prompt I have been looking forward to since the beginning of the challenge - tribal nail art! I decided to incorporate some Halloween colors, since the holiday is coming up soon!

I started with a base of Zoya Dove, and then with a small nail art brush, I painted using Julep Sasha, OPI Jade is the New Black, and China Glaze That's Shore Bright, as well as black acrylic paint for the lines. It's not perfect, but I loved doing all the little details!

I love the idea of doing tribal print nails using seasonal colors! I love these colors together.

Here are the colors I used for this manicure.

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 15: Delicate Nails

I can't believe I'm a day late posting these! And we are almost at the halfway mark for the 31 Day Nail Art Challenge! Today's nails are "delicate", so I figured I should use one of my OPI Oz shades.

I used a base of OPI I Theodora You and drew some sloppy hearts with white acrylic paint. Is there anything more delicate than your heart? Haha! I find myself reaching for these Oz shades so often - I have the mini set and I love them all!

I am proud of myself for sticking to the challenge so far. I feel like I have come up with some great manicures so far, and I can't wait to push myself for the harder challenges in the last ten days.

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 14: Flower Nails

Hi guys! Today I have flower nails for the challenge. I wanted to try something different, so I decided to go for more freehand painting practice.

I started with Essie Not Just A Pretty Face, which is a pretty dusty pink cream. Then, I took acrylic paint and created a hibiscus flower and some leaves. The leaves look more like wings, but I like them!

I am enjoying working with acrylic paint lately! I want to try more simple nail art using acrylic paint to get the hang of it.

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 13: Animal Print Nails

Animal print nails are always fun! I decided to do zebra print for today's challenge.

I started with Julep Cleopatra on my index and pinky nails, and OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls on the other two nails. I used blue and green acrylic paint to create the watercolor background, and then I used black acrylic paint for the zebra stripes. I also used some neon blue studs from Born Pretty Store.

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 12: Stripes

Today's striped nails may look a bit familiar to you - I did a similar manicure for rainbow nails. The lovely Cho from @chorubim on Instagram had the idea of doing it with candy corn colors, so I decided to do something along those lines too!

I have to say, I am in love with OPI Glints of Glinda for these French manicures! I used three coats on my nails, and then taped off the tips with striping tape. I used acrylic paint and a small brush to draw the candy corn lines.

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.

31DNAC Day 11: Polka Dot Nails

Today's nail art is a bit uninspired - I did this similar manicure a few weeks ago, but this time, I got lazy and didn't bother trying to make it perfect.

I am really disappointed with how this manicure turned out, and I had trouble correcting the color on the photo, so my skin looks pretty bad here as well, but I didn't have time to do another dot manicure. I think I need to practice doing dotticures, but I don't have any creative ideas! If you have them, give me some suggestions!

Here are the colors I used:

Be sure to check out my previous challenge manicures here.