31DC2012 Day 9: Rainbow

Today's nails are rainbow!

This is the only picture that I could get because my right hand is super awkward in photos and I didn't do the design on my left ;)

I started by painting my nails white, and then sponging a horizontal gradient rainbow. Then, to cover up some of the mistakes, I drew my first tribal print manicure! I like how it turned out but I was really out of ideas by my pinky finger, haha!

Gradient Laser Nails!

So this is a manicure I had in my head ever since Chalkboard Nails announced her contest, but after FOUR attempts, I think I finally succeeded!

So without further ado, here is my gradient laser nails!

I took several different photos to accurately capture them.

I started with a base of OPI My Boyfriend Scales Walls. Then, using my striping tape, I taped off random bits of my nails.

Then, I sponged on Essie Bikini So Teeny and American Apparel Cameo Blue.

And then I removed the tape and viola!

I am so in love with these nails. The most difficulty I had was sponging the two different colors on. But I think that I managed to do it pretty evenly.

And here is my chalkboard nails photo ;)

Here's to hoping I win!

Pink Houndstooth Gradient Nails

I know I have been slacking lately I'm sorry! I just get so tired after work that I barely have time to paint my nails, haha. Today I have a fun manicure to show you guys - I decided to practice my gradients, and also practice some stamping! Here is what I came up with -

I started with OPI Sparrow Me The Drama, a light pink. Then I sponged on the hot pink, China Glaze Designer Satin. Then I topped it with a BM19 stamp, in Sinful Colors Black on Black.

I also did some clean up with an angled eyeliner brush, which I think made it look a lot cleaner and I think I should start doing it with all my manicures!

What do you think? Personally I love it, and I think the stamp translated well. I know I need to practice with my stamping skills though!

Here is a more detailed photo of what the nail looks like.

Day 10: Gradient Nails

Today was my second try at making a gradient nail. I followed the Nailasaurus's tutorial for this one, but this time I paid closer attention to the steps.

This was a little bit harder than I expected. I used OPI Skull and Glossbones as a base, and then China Glaze For Audrey for the gradient. It was a really soft color, so the gradient wasn't that obvious. But that is what I was going for, because last time I tried, the colors clashed pretty badly!

I'll just keep practicing haha!

And yeah, I know I have been bad with this challenge lately. But I don't like following rules :P

Nail Art Challenge Day 3: Yellow (and my gradient attempt!)

So for today's color I decided on China Glaze "Electric Pineapple", which is a color I usually use for details. It is a nice creamy yellow color that gives more of a cool vibe than a warm vibe - in fact, I think it even has a greenish tint to it.

I absolutely love this color because it is China Glaze and it has a great formula. This is two coats and I think I could have used one more, but I like the way the manicure turned out.

I don't think this is part of the CG collection - I actually got it on clearance at a beauty supply store at the end of the summer!

I also attempted a gradient (again.)

 

This is with China Glaze "Starboard."

This is my most successful attempt at a gradient so far, and I think it has a lot to do with the sponge!

My first attempt was with a face sponge that was not porous enough, so that didn't work. Then I tried a body sponge that was too porous!

This attempt was with a face sponge that I used to use for my foundation. I think it was my most successful try so far - I just need to work on the technique.

What do you guys think?