Paddy's Day Inspired Nail Tutorial

St Paddy's Nails!

This is how I had my nails a few days ago. They came out alright but they were messy & then I kept picking at my nails and they became chipped... so I had to do them over! I also got a new file so I wanted to fix my nails. 

Here's what you'll need: A top coat (I use Sally Hansen Dries Instantly, dries in about 30 second), feature colors for your dots and faded colors, a base color, a sponge. Go wild with picking out colors, I went with green and gold for St. Patrick's Day.

First, prep for your manicure, to make it last longer. Remove your old polish, if any, and soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes. Trim your nails and push back your cuticles but don't cut them. Do not use lotions or oils on your hands before you start, it may make the dry time longer. 

Try using the manicure file with the different sides after you've had your hands soaking in warm water. It helps smooth away the ridges in your nails for a longer lasting and better looking manicure.

Go across the base of your nail for a cleaner look.

 For a more professional look try making your first swipe at the base of your nail without getting polish on your cuticles. I started doing this and the nails really come out so much nicer.

No polish on the sides or cuticles :)

 Apply one or two coats of you base color.

Starting from the back always helps me!

Next, grab your sponge. I used a makeup sponge.

 I got a big cheap bag at the super market. You can cut it smaller if you want, it may be cleaner if the 

piece is smaller.

Apply some of your polish to a corner of the sponge.

I went light to dark for my fade but you can do a different combo.

Tap the sponge on the nail.

 Don't go all the way to the cuticle, you want some of the base color to show.

Apply once or twice until you are happy with the color.

I applied 2 coats of the first green.

Apply the second color to the sponge.

Apply the second color closer to the tips.

 Don't cover some of the first color.

Apply the second color until you are happy with the color.

I added a 3rd color but it didn't show :(

I'm using the brush from my nail art polish.

 You can use a toothpick if needed.

Use the base color for your dots.

I put some on a piece of paper so I can dip the brush.

Tap your brush or toothpick in the polish.

Start adding your dots.

 You can do other designs or use another color other then your base color.

I did half diagonally on my ring finger.

Apply one or two coats of your top coat.

I applied 2 coats.

All done!

Pretty!

 Thanks for looking 

& 

Happy Paddy's Day!

Let me know if you give it a shot!

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Colorful Dots Nail Tutorial

This is usually what my nails look like. It is quick, easy & cute, I like that you can use any colors for this look and it always works.

I love how the black base with blues and purples came out!

 Here's what you'll need: A top coat (I use Sally Hansen Dries Instantly, dries in about 30 second), feature colors for your dots, a base color, glitter polish. Go wild with picking out colors, it really does work with any combo.

First, prep for your manicure, to make it last longer. Remove your old polish, if any, and soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes. Trim your nails and push back your cuticles but don't cut them. Do not use lotions or oils on your hands before you start, it may make the dry time longer.

Update- Find my tutorials on yourtube now! -Update

To start apply 1-2 coats of the base color

Start making a few dots.

Add a few more in different spots.

Its hard to see this one in the picture... :(

I like to add yellow on the white to make it look like an egg :)

Start adding some of the new colored dots on the other dots.

 And continue to add new ones if you have room.

Add the last few dots and make sure your happy with them.

Apply one coat of fine glitter.

I like to add two different colored glitter but its fine if you use two coats of the same.

Apply the other color fine glitter or a second coat.

The glitter helps cover anything you are unhappy with but it is not needed if you don't want it. You also don't have to use fine glitter but for me I like it the best this way. Play with it till you are happy with it.

Add 1 or 2 coats of the top coat and your done!

Thanks for stopping by. 

Let me know if you gave it a try and how it turned out!

Valentine's Day Nail Tutorial

I think I am going to do my nails everyday till Valentine's Day. I can't decide on how I want my nails to be for Valentine's Day so I'll just give them all a try!

I will start with stripes with hearts and arrows.

  

Here's what you'll need: A top coat (I use Sally Hansen Dries Instantly, dries in about 30 second), feature colors for your lines, a base color, nail stickers, & a head pin/toothpick if you don't have a polish pen or the "nail art" polish bottles. Go wild with picking out colors, I went with red and blue because blue is my boyfriend's favorite color and red is for Valentine's Day...I also wanted to finally use my matte polish.

All I used.

First, prep for your manicure, to make it last longer. Remove your old polish, if any, and soak your hands in warm water for a few minutes. Trim your nails and push back your cuticles. Do not use lotions or oils on your hands, it may make the dry time longer.

 

Apply 2-3 coats of base color

 I used Nails Inc. "Gatwick" Matte

Grab you main line color.

 I used SinfulColors Nail Art "Oh Dear!" for my main line color

If yours doesn't have a fine tip you can use a toothpick.

 Make an off centered line to the right or left, you will do the other
side from what you pick on your other hand.

I applied 2 coats to the line so you can see the blue color.

 You can make the lines darker or thicker if you want.

Make your second line with a different color.

 I went with Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen "Silver"

I like the fine brush polish better then the pens.

 Too much or not enough polish came out with the pen
& I didn't get my lines as straight as I'd like.

Silver lines are not as nice but they are fine.

 It really doesn't matter since I am going to do my nails over tomorrow.
You might have more skill with the pens then me.

Using the first color make your next line.

Make the line at the top of the nail but not the very tip. 

Pick the sticker you want to use.

I went with a pink and blue heart with arrows for my ring fingers.

Blue heart for my left hand.

 You can get these stickers at beauty supply stores like I did. You can also get them online, Target, Walgreens, or try any store that sells polish and press on nails.

Press down on the sticker and hold it for a few seconds.

Apply a top coat to the nail with the sticker. I am using the matte polish 

so I only used a top coat on the nails with the stickers.

That's it, all done!

Thanks for having a look, hope you liked it and found it helpful!

Let me know if you give it a try or if you have any suggestions or questions.