31DC2014, Day 8 - Metallic

Hello!

So I made it past the first week! We're now beyond simple color prompts and moving onto other ideas.

Day 8 - Metallic

Like so many others, I immediately turned to chrome polishes and foil.

My base is OPI Push & Shove. You're not supposed to use top coat, but for a tape mani you just gotta. I found the topcoat made the brushstrokes more obvious, but didn't diminish the reflective quality.
I used simple french guides to create the diagonal line. The 'foil' polishes are from Sally Hansen ColorFoil line (though the finish is often referred to as chrome). Index: Minted Metal, middle & ring: Purple Alloy, pinky: Colbalt Chrome.

On the thumb I tried to do a 'distressed metal' look with the dry brushstroke technique but there wasn't even contrast with the shades. On my accent nail I finally go around to trying nail foil for the first time. It was super easy and painless! Thanks discounted Ciate pack at Winners!

-L

Colour Blocking and Holo Tape

Hello!

This look is a bit different for me since I very rarely use anything but actual nail polish in my manis (I don't use acrylic paints, studs, stickers, etc., not that there's anything wrong with any of those!)

I was at my local Shoppers (Drug Mart, for those of you unfamiliar with the Canadian chain), and saw a clearance bin with nail art stickers by Essence. As I said, I don't use stickers much, but I liked the holographic tape. This is a bit thicker and wider than your usual metallic striping tape (and therefore much easier to handle). It comes on a flat sheet (not a roll), so they're shorter strips. I think I got 3 or 4 nails done with each strip.

I started with 2 coats of bondi nyc Lady Liberty (seafoam). I waited a good while for that to dry, taped off the tops and added Misa Sorry Just Can't Help It (purple). Then added the tape across the border. Not only does it look great, but it hides a few of the imperfect lines!

I actually matted (Essie Matte About You) all but my ring finger after top coating (Seche Vite) . This photo is a bit out of focus, but shows off the different finishes better.

Which are you, shiny or matte?

-L

90's Style Colour Blocking

Hello!

Today I bring you a look sans stamping! Colour blocking is such an effective visual punch, especially when you get a great colour combo.

The hot pink and turquoise combo and the abstract geometric design just screams out (early) 90's to me. I'm sure I probably had a windbreaker in this motif.

Quo by Orly Femme Fatale, 3 coats

First I started with 3 coats of Quo by Orly Femme Fatale. Once again, my camera doesn't seem to like pinks much. This shade leans a bit warmer, but just as neon in person. I found it a touch uneven still, but the topcoat helped it appear even, and added glossiness (like most neons it dries semi-matte).

After allowing it to dry for quite some time, I added little triangles of painter's tape I had cut up. I used China Glaze Turned Up Turquoise for the colour blocking. This is an awesome glowy shade that dries matte - so this is how it looks before I topcoated. I like the contrast in finishes, but I HAVE to topcoat everything or it will come off in minutes (seriously, I'm rough on my hands).

As an accent I added Elevation Polish Haba Xueshan, an amazing glitter topper with various black and white hexes, a few bars and minty circles. I feel like this added to the 90's - ness of the look. (Yup, I'm making up words!)

These sun pics are with topcoat.

 

So fun right?!? This is totally reminding me of early Fresh Prince outfits. Ah, memories.

-L