Black and White Interlock

Hello Lovelies!  This week's Nail Art Nation prompt is black and white.  Since you can't have one without the other, I thought an interlocking design would be perfect for this prompt.  I have done this pattern once before Interlocking Dot Nail Art, and it is relatively easy to create...

Materials I used:
Basecoat - SuperChic Lacquer 'Bring it On!'
White polish - Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear 'White On'
Black polish - Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear 'Black Out'
Quick drying topcoat - SuperChic Lacquer 'Marvel'
Scotch tape
Dotting tools
Holo topper - Dream Polish 'Dream Dust'

I began with a white canvas.  When doing an overlapping design it is best to start with the lightest color or the thinnest polish for your base.  Of course, I don't recommend using a thin polish for an overlapping design, but sometimes you have a polish that you just have to use.  I topped this with a quick drying topcoat.

When the base color was dry, I taped off half of my nail at an angle, painted it black, and immediately removed the tape.  Using a medium/large dotting tool I interlocked the black and white by placing black dots on the edge of the black overlapping into the white, and likewise with the white.  Switching to a smaller size dotting tool I placed a dot of each color in line with the previous dot.  Lastly, I did that with an even smaller dotting tool, filling in any voided area but still keeping it in line with the other dots.  I repeated this pattern on all my nails, but alternated the black and the white on each nail.

After a bit of clean up with acetone and a brush, I topped it  with a holo topcoat.  Dream Polish Gem Glam topcoat also happens to be a quick drying topcoat, so no need to apply another topcoat.

And here is a macro shot so that you can see that holo bling, I only added one coat because I wanted a very subtle holo affect.  More coats would have increased the holo factor but I like it just like this...



I really enjoy creating the interlocking design because it seems so complex, yet is very easy.  This design is perfect for a beginner, and requires only basic tools.  I hope you enjoyed this nail art design, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,

 

Watercolour Fall Foliage

Hello Lovelies!  Today, I have a very easy, yet very pretty DIY watercolour mani for you.  I created these for this week's WNAC, this month's theme is elegant and this week's prompt is watercolour.  I think some of the most elegant nail art designs are simple and subdued, that is why I went with this design...

Materials I used:
Basecoat - SuperChic Lacquer "Bring it On!"
Base polish - China Glaze "Don't Honk Your Thorn!"
Sharpies in red, brown, orange, and yellow
91% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol
Small plastic or glass container, such as a shot glass or paint pallet
Small brushes
Brown polish - Color Club "Fondue for Two"
Topcoat - New York Color matte topcoat

I started with my favorite nude polish for a base color, China Glaze "Don't Honk Your Thorn!"  I opted for a nude base because I wanted my colors to be subdued, not too bright.  If you want your watercolour to turn out brighter, I would recommend a white base color.

I had to make my own watercolour because I don't own any.  I've seen many nail artist use Sharpies to make their own waercolours and I've used Sharpies to create watercolour nail art before but with a different technique (Sharpie Gradientish Stripes). For this nail art, I used the more conventional method.  Using a glass or plastic container, color the bottom with a Sharpie (I started using a shot glass, but switched to a plastic paint palette by the second color).  Then pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into the container.  Use a brush to mix the Sharpie ink and the alcohol together.  For more opaque colors use as little rubbing alcohol as possible for less opaque colors add more rubbing alcohol.

I blobbed on my watercolours in random areas of my nail.  Continuing the process with various fall colors until I was satisfied with the layers and coverage.

Then using a thin brush and dark brown polish I painted thin trees and tree limbs to give the appearance of Autumn trees.

I cleaned my cuticles with rubbing alcohol and a brush, and applied a matte topcoat.

It has been a while since I have fallen madly in love with one of my nail art design, but this is a keeper.  I love the fall colors, I love matte texture, and I love the subtle, yet eye catching colors.  I feel this nail art design has a simplistic elegant feel to it.  How about you?  Do you think this is elegant?  If not what qualities do you feel a nail art design needs to be deemed elegant?

Whether or not you think this is elegant, I hope you enjoyed this nail art design.  I highly recommend you try creating your own watercolours using Sharpies.  It's easy to do and a great way to add some interesting color and texture to your nail art.  Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,

 

 

Glitter Rhinestone - Lady Queen Beauty Review

Hello Lovelies!  I was recently contacted by Lady Queen Beauty and asked if I would like to review their product.  They have so many wonderful nail art products and accessories that I couldn't resist.  One of the items I choose to review were these gorgeous Multi Colored Rhinestones.

These Multi Colored Rhinestones Item # NA0285 come in a wheel and include two sizes of gems in just about every color of the rainbow.

The Rhinestones have a 3D shape and a nice iridescent appearance that make them shine like jewels.  These stones also have a somewhat metallic finish which makes them very opaque (in other words you cannot see through them).
 

I decided to use these Multi Colored Rhinestones  to create a French tip nail art design.  Using a binder hole reinforcement dot I created a deep French tip, by placing the reinforcement dot approximately 1/3 from the tip of my nail.  I then filled in the tip with black polish and immediately removed the reinforcement dot to prevent the polish from pulling.  I used Sinful Colors "Black on Black" because this is my go to black polish.

I then used the Multi Colored Rhinestones along the smile line of the French tip I just painted.  I used three larger stones in the middle and a smaller stone on either side.  I applied these stones by applying a topcoat and pressing the stones into the topcoat while it was still wet.  I then applied another layer of topcoat over the stones to seal them in place.

I prefer the topcoat method for applying stones and studs because I change my nail art often and I find it easier to remove the studs without damaging my nails.  If you intend to wear a manicure with studs for an extended period of time, I would recommend using nail glue to apply the studs instead of the topcoat method.  I would also recommend using nail glue if you are using a significantly large gem or charm, because the topcoat will not hold them for long.

I highly recommend you checkout the gorgeous and very economically priced nail art items that Lady Queen Beauty has to offer.  They offer the latest in Nail Art Trends, not to mention Daily Deals and Hot Sales, in addition to their already great priced items.  They also offer free shipping on top of their great prices.  You can earn points for purchases, product reviews and photo/video uploads to their site, that you can redeem on future purchases.  If that's not enough and you want more, you can also use my coupon code: QJXS15 for 15% off!  It really doesn't get any better than that.

I hope you enjoyed this nail art design and found the review useful.  Be sure to use my coupon code when you make a purchase with Lady Queen Beauty.  Thank you for stopping by, see you next time.

 

Your Fellow Plebe,

 

Geometric Confetti

Hello Lovelies!  I decided before I get to deep into fall color and nail art that I would do something a little lighter and brighter.  These are what I am referring to as Geometric Confetti nails...

Materials I used:
Basecoat - SuperChic Lacquer "Bring It On!"
Base Color - Mango Bunny "Baby Cakes"
Shape Polishes - China Glaze "In a Lily Bit," "One Track Mind," & "Capacity to See Beyond"
Uber Chic Beauty Mat
Scissors and Heart-shaped hole punch
Topcoat - SuperChic Lacquer "Marvel"

Originally, when I was planning this nail art design I was just going to hand paint the shapes over my base color.  After, I got my new mat, I decided to go a different route.  To create this nail art design, I first painted three rectangles of polish on the mat.  (Of course, if you do not have an Uber Chic mat, a plastic bag works equally well for this.)  Once it was dry I peeled it from the mat, and cut it into various shapes and sizes with scissors and a heart-shaped hole punch.  I then applied two coats of polish on my nails and placed the shapes randomly onto the wet polish.

I repeated this process on all my nails.  I had a few problem areas that occurred when I tried to remove the access shape from the nail.

I touched up the problem areas using a small detail brush and the appropriate polish.

I finished off this nail art design like I typically do by performing a close clean up with gentle acetone and a brush, and topped of the design with a glossy topcoat.  A topcoat for a design such as this is important because it helps the overlaid pieces stay in place, and helps prevent them from peeling up.

This was a very quick and easy nail art design, that is bright and colorful.  I really like the crelly base, Mango Bunny's "Baby Cakes," is very light but the hex glitters provide a really nice pop of color.

I hope you too enjoyed this nail art design.  Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,

 



Radial Dots

Hello Lovelies!  I hope everyone had a long and lovely holiday weekend.  I had intended to do some patriotic nails for Memorial Day but the weather was so nice that I never got around to actually creating them.  I'll save that design for the Fourth of July.  I thought I would do a simple dotticure nail art to get me back on track...

Materials I used:
Base coat - INM Ridge Filler - I typically use Seche Vite, but that's because I buff my nails smooth.  I have a significant problem with ridges but my nails are so weak lately that I am trying to avoid buffing them.  Using a ridge filler base coat helps smooth out the nail without damaging them.
Base color - Color Club 'Sweet Mint'
Dot colors - Color Club 'Frozen Daquiri,' 'With the Cabana Boy,' 'All Inclusive,' 'The Islands,' & 'Sea-ing Blue'
Various dotting tools
Top coat - Rica 'Glossy Glam'

I had initially planned this with a white base color, but I use white so often that I thought I should change it up just a little.  So I decided to go with this incredibly pale green from the Shifting Into Neutral collection.  I purchased this collection a while ago, but never actually swatched it.  This pale green has just the oh, so slightest shimmer.

 I began my pattern on my mid finger with a large dotting tool I placed one dot in the center of my nail.  I then used a smaller dotting tool and dotted around the single large dot with my next color.  I repeated the process, using a smaller dotting tool with each round. 

For all other fingers I used the same pattern but shifted the pattern to the left, right, top and bottom of each nail.  The only thing that is more noticeable on my other nails is that there is a round of teeny tiny blue dots that traces the outside of the radial.  There are some blue dots on my mid finger but you can't seem them that well.

As always, I performed a bit of clean up with some acetone and a brush, then applied my favorite top coat.  I love how a nice top coat really smooth's out the design and gives a really nice shine, don't you?

This design didn't turn out the way I imagined it would.  Its one of those cases, where it looked better in my head, but its not the worst design I've ever done.  I feel this is one of those times where its just a little too much.  I really should just stick with the philosophy of less is more.

The more I look at this the more it reminds me of one of those color blind tests, not what I was going for but interesting, none the less.  Next up, I have planned my design for the last Freehand IG challenge from May, so stay tuned.  I hope you enjoyed this nail art design, thanks for stopping by, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,

 



Two-Toned Fanbrush

Happy Saturday!  Today, I bring you another super simple, super easy nail art.  This week's Nail That Technique Instagram challenge is Fan brush.  A fan brush is one of those wide brushes that looks like a fan (uh duh!).  In my opinion there isn't a whole lot you can do with a fan brush, in fact there are only two ways that I can think of to use them.  This is one of the ways...

Materials I used:
Base Coat - Seche Vite
Two shades of polish - I used Color Club 'Sweet Getaway' and 'Tall, Dark, & Handsome' both from the Love Tahiry collection.
Fan Brush
Top Coat - Rica 'Glossy Glam'

I applied two coats of the slightly less opaque of the two colors I choose which happened to be 'Sweet Getaway.'  This hot pink polish smells like roses, it's looks pretty and smells good too.

 
I then applied a stripe of my second color, 'Tall, Dark, & Handsome' (cologne scented) on one side of my nail with the polish applicator brush.  I then used my fan brush to pull the grey over the pink horizontally across my nail.  I repeated this twice on each nail to get the opacity that I wanted.

I alternated the grey on the left and right sides of my nails across all my fingers.  After performing a brush and acetone clean up I applied Rica's 'Glossy Glam' top coat to give it extra shine.  Between the rose and cologne scent my fingers smell like they are ready for a hot date, or they are a hot date ; )

This is a really simple nail art design that is near impossible to screw up and requires very little skill.  Basically, if you have two colors of polish and a fan brush you can create this nail art design.  It's easy enough to create with both your dominant and non-dominant hands with relative consistency too.  Sadly, I haven't gotten a replacement tripod for my broken one so you get single hand shots for now.  Hopefully, I'll get a replacement soon so I can show you double hand shots of future nail art.  Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this super easy nail art design and that you'll give it a try yourself.  Thanks for stopping by, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,

 

 



Pink Clouds

Hello Darlings! I hope you are all having a wonderful weekend so far.  Today, I have a very simple manicure that is perfect for all skill levels.  I created this pink cloud pond mani, for the final #nailthattechnique Instagram challenge of March.  I know it's April already but I had until today to submit (hey at least its on time).  This is probably the only non-Easter nail art design you are going to see from me this week too.  So, what is a pond mani?  Well, I call this a jelly sandwich manicure but I heard that a jelly sandwich is layered with glitter, were a pond mani involves a sheer polish and a design.  Whether or not this true I'm not entirely sure (if you know, please comment).  I decided to do a simple cloud design because it is simple and I always have my head in the clouds.

Materials I used:
Base coat - Seche Vite
Sheer polish - Sinful Colors 'You Just Wait'
White polish - Sinful Colors 'Snow Me White'
Medium/small dotting tool
Top coat - Seche Vite

Creating a pond manicure is fairly easy, I created a very similar manicure with heart's a couple of months ago.  You simple alternate between layers of your design (in this case clouds) and sheer polish.  On the previous design I started with a layer of sheer polish, however, this time around I started with my cloud layer first, and then applied a sheer layer.  I continued alternating between clouds and sheer until I was satisfied.  This time around it was about a total of nine layers; five layers of clouds, and four layers of sheer, beginning and ending with a cloud layer.

I love the cute little puffy clouds, which are simple random groupings of four or five dots.  It makes me long to get up there in the skies.  How I wish the weather would cooperate so I could do some flying (for those of you who don't know, my other hobby is aviation).      

A pond mani is so easy to create and can be done with flowers or just dots, really any shape that you can draw can be used to create a pond mani.  It allows you to practice one pattern repeatedly, and you can cover up mistakes with the next layer.

I hope you enjoyed this simple and cute, pink cloud manicure. As a side note, this is the first time I have ever completed a mani challenge.  Even though I didn't get them all done for their weekly due date, I did get them all done before the final deadline.  Hooray!  Thank you for stopping by, see you next time.

Your Fellow Plebe,