So, I did something kind of dumb. I had this amazing idea for a new nail post. I’d thought about it, deigned it, picked the colours and everything. In my head, it was all done. Super simple, chic, and undoubtedly pretty. I wrote the post before I’d even attempted it, that’s just how confident I was. So, all I needed to do was paint the nails. And there was my big boo boo. I’d done this whole thing, with nothing but a brief idea in my head. So, I’m pretty sure you can guess what happened next.
Planning Ahead
There I was, so proud, thinking that I was being oh so productive. With this image in my head, I started my new manicure. The original idea was to have just a stripe of nail varnish going down the centre of my nail. But it just looked really weird! A bit like I forgot to paint the rest of my nails, and just gave up halfway through. I really wanted to make it work, and tried all different variations. But, it just seriously sucked. No matter how hard I tried, I just could not get it to look right. Poop! But then, I was struck with inspiration. Out of no-where I got a complete eureka moment, with the lightbulb flashing above my head. I know, they’re few and far between, but when they do happen it’s a moment of pure genius. Even if I do say so myself…
My Apologies
First up though, let me just apologise. I know that’s it been a while since I posted any sort of nail tutorial. But thanks to this fabulous (cough cough!) detox I’m going through (thanks a bunch, Coeliac Disease). The Dermatitis on my hands has really flared up. Red, dry and itchy. Call me vain, but it was something that I was trying so hard to ignore, so the thought of taking pictures of it was anything but appealing! I know, I know, it’s a rubbish excuse, but it’s the truth.
Yet, there’s something about a new manicure that automatically uplifts you. A splash of nail varnish always seems to make me feel so much better. I know, I’m pretty weird, right? It doesn’t take a lot to make me happy! Whenever my nails are painted, it always lifts my mood, and everything just seems a bit more optimistic. So, I decided to stop feeling so sorry for myself. My rash will go with time, but while I waited, there was no point in my hands looking even worse with a dodgy manicure. So, I decided to stop feeling so sorry for myself and get creative… Nail Art style!
Simplicity
When it comes to nail designs, it seems that the possibilities are truly endless. You can be as complex, or simple as you like. Lately, I’ve found that I’m completely loving the simple designs. Not too complicated, and can be done by even the newest beginner. It’s true what they say, sometimes simplicity is best. And I’ve found that that’s oh so true. I think (and this is just me personally), that when you have too much going on, it can start to look messy, and waay over complicated. You know how sometimes you just look at something, and the thought of doing it on yourself gives you a headache? That was something that I really wanted to avoid.
Anyway, let’s get to the nail design. When I said it was easy to do, I wasn’t kidding. After (completely) failing Plan A, I had a complete eureka moment, and a complete moment of inspiration. I don’t know where it came from, or how I even thought of it, but it worked first time, and I’m so happy with the result. Fun, playful, and stylish. What more could you want?
Plan B
Stripes are ALWAYS a winner (she says wearing stripes as she writes this), and I guess this is my take on striped. I love getting a basic idea / theme, and making it my own. Putting my own little spin on it, so it’s not just another same old, same old thing. It’s so simple I can’t believe that I never thought of it before. All you need is a piece of sellotape, and you’re good to go. I know, it sounds really strange. Why would you need sellotape to paint your nails? Because it’s so easy to use, effective, and in my opinion, is a lot better than striping tape. Not to mention cheaper. And, as we’ve seen before with my dot nails, I love to use everyday objects that you can find around the house. It seems to simplify it even more. Who knew that every day, household items could be so useful?
It’s Your Manicure!
It really is as basic as cutting off a small strip of sellotape, and placing it anywhere on your nail, horizontally. They can all be in the same place or a bit here and there. It’s your manicure, you decide! I chose to put mine all in different places, just to make it look a bit snazzier. That way, every nail is different, and I didn’t have to worry too much about getting them all in exactly the same place. Also, don’t worry if the sellotape is all different thicknesses. You honestly don’t notice it when the overall effect is complete. And what happens on one nail doesn’t matter so much on the other. Just have a go, do what you want really, and have fun with it. My biggest piece of advice… Once you paint over the sellotape give the nail varnish a little bit of time before peeling it away. Otherwise, you’ll end up peeling off the nail varnish, and possibly smudging the layers and losing the defined break.
Colour Time
With the warmer weather (kind of) approaching, I’m fully embracing the brighter and lighter colours. Gone are the blacks, and dark reds. My winter staples. Now, it’s all about the hot pinks and pretty pastels. They seem to have a more inviting feel about them, and are the perfect accessory to the summer sun. it didn’t take long to decide which colour to use. The one colour that will always put me in a good mood. Hot Pink, of course!
This has to be one of the easiest nail designs that I’ve ever done. And it looks so effortlessly fabulous. Even if you’re completely rubbish at nails, and struggle with even a basic polish, you’ll breeze through this. One stripe is all you need. I’ve had so many compliments on this, and everyone asks me how I did it, and they cannot believe just how easy it is. You can be as creative as you like with the colours, just keep it fun!
Time to update your look. Starting with a brand new, super sleek manicure. Once again, stripes are always the answer!
Rosie x
It’s All in the Stripes – Nail Art Tutorial
Simple, chic and undoubtedly pretty. This new manicure is sure to turn heads, and get you ready for the summer season! All you need is a strip of sellotape and a nice, bright colour, and your good to go!
WHAT YOU NEED:
- A Bold Nail Varnish – I chose L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Nail Varnish in shade 210 Shocking Pink
- Clear Base Coat / Top Coat
- Small strips of Sellotape – cut to your preferred width
GETTING THE LOOK:
- Cut your sellotape strips to your desired width, you will need 10 in total (one for each finger). These need to be long enough to go over the edges of your nail to help with removal. Don’t worry if you can’t get them all exactly the same, this only adds to the effect.
- Starting with your preferred hand, paint on your clear Base Coat to all nails and allow to dry.
- Once dry place your sellotape strips horizontally across each nail. I chose to place mine near the centre, but anywhere is fine. Make sure you press them down firmly to avoid any varnish leaking into your stripes!
- Use your bright Nail Varnish colour and paint your nails as you would normally, remember to always paint in thin layers! Don’t be afraid to go over the sellotape; if you’ve stuck it on securely enough you should be left with a crisp, nude stripe underneath.
- I only needed one layer of the pink, but if you need to, apply a second, thin layer of your colour to all nails once the first layer is dry.
- Let your nails dry, for at least 15 mins, and start slowly peeling off the sellotape. You should be left with a clear stripe underneath but, if a little polish has leaked onto your stripe use a earbud and a little nail varnish remover to carefully neaten up the edges.
- Paint a layer of clear topcoat of each nail and repeat all the above steps on the other hand.
- Enjoy your new show-stopping manicure!
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