I had originally taken them off because I didn't want to keep spending so much money having the acrylics filled. I also don't like how acrylic nails can sometimes look really fake, and I wanted to hopefully let my nails get healthy. Well, the money that I saved from not getting them done basically got spent on products trying to make my nails healthy. I think I just have weak nails that will always break and tear and not grow. I hated that I have so many gorgeous polishes and couldn't wear them because they polish wouldn't stay on my nails. Anyway, I'm really happy to have my acrylics again! I was so bummed about messing up my neon coral nails, so I decided to recreate that mani somewhat. I ended up deciding on a neon leopard mani.
The base is three coats of China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy. This polish is definitely a three-coater, as with many neons. It has a pretty creamy consistency though, so it does not require a base of white. The photo above was taken outside in the shade. The polish looks seriously neon in this photo (and it is)! I brought this color to the nail salon and had them paint it on for me. They topped it with clear gel coat which made them super shiny and smooth. I wanted to add some funky accents, so I decided to paint leopard print on my accent nails.
This photo was taken in direct sunlight. I added the leopard print after my nails were completely dry. I used acrylic paints in gold and black with dotting tools to create the pattern. I prefer to use acrylic paints because I can easily clean up mistakes without destroying the polish underneath. If I don't like something I've painted with the acrylic paints, it's very easy to wipe off with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel and the polish underneath is good as new. Once the acrylic paint has dried, it has to be sealed with a layer of top coat or it will wash off. I was actually really happy with this design and love the unexpected color combination. I was even able to paint it on my right hand without much trouble. Here's both hands for proof:
I also decided to do some semi-coordination on my toes. I started with two coats of Color Club Disco Nap on all my nails but the big toe. On my big toes, I started with two coats of Sally Hansen White On and topped that with one layer of China Glaze Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. I used the same dotting tools with gold and black acrylic paints to recreate the leopard pattern on my big toes. I love how well the neon yellow polishes matches my flip flops.
I am so happy to have longer nails again and to finally be able to do some nail art. Stay tuned for lots more nail designs coming shortly. Until next time beauties...
I am so happy to have longer nails again and to finally be able to do some nail art. Stay tuned for lots more nail designs coming shortly. Until next time beauties...
xoxo,
Christy
That is really cute! I just got Flip Flop Fantasy myself... it's such a pretty color. I couldn't stop looking at my nails. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! I absolutely love neon colors and Flip Flop Fantasy is probably my all time favorite <3
DeleteThe manicure looks fabulous!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I was so happy that I could get it done on both hands, I have so much trouble using my left hand for pretty much anything :)
DeleteWhat is the easiest way to paint the spots?
ReplyDeleteHi, great question! There are several ways to create the leopard pattern. I have seen it done with toothpicks, regular nail art brushes, and dotting tools. For my version, I used two different sized dotting tools with acrylic paints. I used a large dotting tool with gold paint to add the center of the spots first. Then I used my very smallest dotting tool with black acrylic paints, painting some irregular-looking outlines around the centers. I will try and post a tutorial soon!
DeleteThat color is FABULOUS! Im printing out the picture so the nail salon people can do it for me! I could not do it myself for nothing!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It's one of my summer faves! Honestly the design is pretty easy to accomplish, just practice on paper before you try your nails. Because leopard print has a lot of variation in it naturally, mistakes aren't even noticeable usually!
DeleteSomeone posed as you for this pic in a Milani Facebook Contest Entry!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for letting me know. I did look into it and you're definitely right, that person used my photo! :(
DeleteI love this design...so much that I just bought the Flip Flop Fantasy nail polish =] I would like to try the gold leopard print as well, but I'm having a hard time finding the exact gold you used. Can you tell me where I can find it and what the brand and/or name of it is? Much appreciated =]
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! Flip Flop Fantasy is one of my all-time favorite colors, especially for summer. For this design, I actually used gold and black acrylic paints. The specific paint that I use is DecoArt Americana Gloss Enamel (see here: http://www.decoart.com/cgi-bin/SizeandAvailability.cgi?Americana_Gloss_Enamels). I used Glorious Gold which is one of the metallic colors. These paints are super cheap and can be found at any craft store, I got mine at Michael's. I love to use acrylic paints because if you let your nails dry before painting the design, you can actually wipe away any mistakes with the paint using water or rubbing alcohol. I hope this helps!
DeleteThank you! I can't wait to try this =]
ReplyDeleteYES! I have been searching EVERYWHERE for this color when I saw it on pinterest and never found it! Then I clicked the link on a limb and it brought me to this! This is the only picture that brought me to a site that told me the color! My life= complete.
ReplyDelete