Circle Gradient Tutorial

So I had a really great response to the Metallic Circle Gradient mani I did a few days ago and I was asked to do a tutorial for it.  I was hesitant at first because I've never done one, but after a few video fails I decided to go with a photo tutorial.  Feel free to share the photo on Pinterest or Facebook, wherever you want.  I did it all for you!  ♥

The reason I call it a circle gradient is because when the three primary colors I used blend together, it looks like a color wheel in my opinion.  If you look closely, or if you try this yourself, you will be able to see the secondary colors (green, purple, and orange) show up and even more so after a nice top coat.  Let's get started!

STEP 1:
Choose a yellow.  I chose Kleancolor Metallic Yellow.
STEP 2:
Choose a pink (or red if you like).  I chose Kleancolor Metallic Pink.
STEP 3:
Choose a blue.  I chose Kleancolor Metallic Jungle.
STEP 4:
Grab a triangle sponge.  You may want to cut it in half so you don't waste the whole thing.
STEP 5:
Grab some tape to make clean up a breeze.  You can use any tape you like but I like clear Scotch tape.
STEP 6:
Prep your nail with one coat of your yellow polish.  You can sponge over your bare nail, but the yellow makes the colors really pop and you can use less product.
STEP 7:
Use your tape to cover the exposed skin around your nail.  This will keep the polish off your skin.
STEP 8:
Paint all three colors, slightly overlapping, onto the sponge.  You can put them in any order you like.  A little trick I use is to lightly dampen the sponge before adding the polish.  Since it's already wet it won't soak up as much polish thus saving you product.
STEP 9:
Dab the sponge on your dry nail and push down gently to help the colors blend better.  Repeat steps 8 and 9 until you are happy with the color saturation.
STEP 10: (not shown)
While the polish still a little wet, apply your top coat and then carefully remove the tape.  If any polish did seep through and get on your skin, clean it up with a cotton swab or clean up brush and some acetone.  And there you have it.  Your very own color wheel at your fingertips...literally.  At this point you can add some glitter or stamp a pretty design over it or you can just leave it as is.  I think it will be gorgeous anyway.  (:

I hope this was super helpful and that you all enjoy recreating this mani.  If you do attempt this design, I'd love for you to share it on my Facebook page or tag me on Instagram.  Have fun!

31DC2013 - Inspired by a Tutorial

Tonight's post is gonna be super quick and short.  I'm about to watch the last episode of Breaking Bad and then go to bed.  I have to be at work at 4am so I can't be up much longer.

Today's past is inspired by a tutorial and I chose the ruffle mani by Chalkboard Nails.  Mine is nothing compared to hers but it was much better in my head.

I used three different purple polishes and some gold hexagonal "glequins".  The purples are Zoya Malia, Zoya Daul, and China Glaze Creative Fanstasy.

I'm sorry this is such a mess but I really tried.  lol Have a good night!

How To: Nail Foils

Welcome back lovely readers!

I am really excited about this post because it is my first nail tutorial.  It's very simple.  It's just about how to use nail foils, and I have a lot of new foils.  Here.  I'll show you.

The peach and aqua containers are not foils so get those out of your mind.  They are FLAKIES!  I will be using those in the near future, but for now...FOILS!  If you're ready for this, keep reading.

[Oh and one more thing.  I have a small disclaimer.  This is my very first time doing nail foils, but I am so excited that I ordered them that I wanted to share them with you all anyway.]

STEP 1:  Start with clean, dry nails.  If you are applying the foil to the entire nail, there is no need to pre-paint your nails. (no photo of naked nails included.)

STEP 2:  Paint a thin, even coat of nail foil adhesive (included in my order) to each nail.  It will apply milky at first and then get clear when it dries.  DO NOT touch the adhesive once it is dry and make sure it is completely dry by waiting at least 1-2 full minutes before application.

STEP 3:  Cut off a small piece of foil (enough to fit on your full nail).  I chose Red Diamond, and that little piece missing got stuck to the glue on my nail when I dropped it.  I couldn't stop it.

STEP 4:  Apply the foil directly to the nail.  Press and rub firmly to transfer the design.  It happens very quickly so there is no need to hold it down.  Just make sure you stick it where you really want it.  That's what she said!  LOL!  I've been watching The Office way too much lately.

Voila!!  Yeah they look like crap.  LOL!   Like I said this was my very first try EVER, so I tried again.

Voila!!  Much better.  And here we are at STEP 5:  Gently apply a top coat and then you're done.  Don't use a quick dry top coat like Seche Vite because it will ruin the foil.  I used Gelous for my top coat and had no problems.  The foil will wrinkle a bit, but as the top coat dries the wrinkles with smooth out.

So I'm totally in love with the nail foils, I guess because nail strips are such a hot mess for me.  These took very little time and were super easy to apply...maybe 5 minutes tops.  Oh and the best part was that it was super affordable.  I ordered all of the supplies from Dollar Nail Art.  Every individual item on the site is literally $1.00.  You can buy packs of items for a good price too.  There is one tiny downside, and that's that the minimum order amount is $25.00 and that's not including shipping.  ):  The upside to that is that you get a crap load of goodies!  (:

Told ya.

Have a great day!

D