gel manicure & metallic striping.

Here are the exact products I used to create this design.

1. Red Carpet 'Prep' $3.99

2. Sephora by OPI gelshine 'base coat' $17.50

3. Red Carpet 'White Hot' $9.99

4. Sephora by OPI 'what's a tire jack?' $17.50

5. Sephora by OPI 'top coat' $17.50

I cure each layer for 120 seconds, I might not need to do it for that long, 

but I don't want to take any chances.

You will also need a UV lamp but you can literally use any UV lamp to cure your polish. I'm sure some of them are less harmful then others, but mine is a simple one I found on eBay for $35 a few years back.

The last thing you'll need is some silver metallic nail striping.  Which will cost less then $10 for a few spools. I just use my cuticle scissors (and try not to touch the sticky side) to size each piece across my nail bed. Then I then press down the corners to make sure it's secure with my fingers and then sandwich it between two layers of top coat.  

I do occasionally get a small amount of lifting in the corners but I've sort of figured out to just add extra top coat. But it'll last longer the thinner the application.

Very last step: 

Use a cotton ball with nail polish remover on to and sweep across each nail to remove any weird residue and really make your nails shine. I know this one sounds weird, but I saw my manicurist do it and it really works without messing anything up.

Neon Lime & Grape Geomtrics

Neon Green - KLEANCOLOR - TLC

Purple Detail - LECHAT - True Violet

neon tipped.

March 1st Manicure! 

Today, I went with something a little bit more subtle. [for me at least] 

2 coats of base color in Endless Possibilities by Revlon & 

tips are done in 1 coat of Forever 21 Neon Pink.

It would be easier to use a skinny brush, but still manageable with a normal sized one.

They key is to make sure it doesn't get too thick on the tips, otherwise it will chip sooner. 

Below: a collection of other neon/nude inspiration nails. <3

image via madeline poole nails

image via wah nails

image via foam

outlined nails.

inspiration photo.

my version. not too shabby.

nailtiques: formula #2

milani: silver glitter

sally hanson: lacey lilac extreme wear 

sally hanson: celeb city extreme wear (not pictured)

(for base on the ring finger)

sally hanson: nail art pen in black/noir

base coats.

drawing the black tips... 

I could only find a nail art pen at Duane Reade.

I would have opted for a detail brush to do it free hand, 

but I gave this one a shot... 

It was okay, but it only gave me enough freedom to do the tips, 

it was too marker-like to do a full outline.

On the glitter finger I globbed on 3 coats of the glitter over the base.

note: don't even try to get the glitter off on your own. 

go to a manicurist. it can be annoyingly difficult.

I think I can do better, but for a first attempt... not so bad.

I got the correct supplies & finished the job today.

Kiss nail art paint (with a skinny brush) $7.99 at Duane Reade for a 3 pack set

(black, white & silver glitter)

& with a steady hand, carefully outline your nails.

It really wasn't that difficult. I promise.

Now... i'm super happy with this.

Oop! this just popped up on missladyfinger.com

but not before mine :) & I did mine a little differently. 

black tie optional.

I tried to keep it under control, but I just couldn't resist the temptation to add bow ties. :)

Black bow ties with my Konad Stamp.

nails.

revlon: minted

milani: silver (glitter)

forever 21: love & beauty neon yellow

midnight monday nails.

My inspiration. leopard print with teal and SPARKLES.

image via nail polish dreams

Gave this one a shot myself... not too bad, but i like it better when they do it. Maybe it's like making a sandwich. It always tastes better when someone else makes it for you.

my version.

summer nail art.

I know it's been awhile...

but I am feeling motivated to continue blogging... and what better way to kick it back up with some of my favorite summer manicures...

my inspiration...

my version...

Cartoon leopard print.

my inspiration...

my version...

Wwwwatermelons.

4th of July.

Royal Wedding.

Tea Party.

Not-so-typical french.

half moon.

Conversation Starter... as seen in Glamour magazine.

blood red.

At this point, I am most certainly procrastinating and not doing my work as I should be... Anyhow, this is today's manicure. Blood Red (aka Revlon's Autumn Berry) and no stupid designs. hard core.

cold weather colors.

I've decided to end my obsession with crazy nail art. Plus, now that it's colder out I prefer to wear really dark shades. These are my top pics for the season... Also, Refinery29 has some really great color trends to check out.

Really liking to purples...

(from refinery 29)

monday manicure.

Yes, I know it's Thursday but I am just now getting around to posting... I think I need to start chilling on the crazy manicures... this one is by far the most elaborate/ridiculous. Sort of under the sea - little mermaid style.

sleepy hollow.

ahhh...
Here is my post Halloween manicure... although it's now November... this one reminds me of sleepy hollow with the creepy monochromatic colors...

And just because I love crimped here... here's another photo...

new nails.

looking a little 80's today...

new nails.

yesterdays manicure.

unintentionally turned out to look a little too reminiscent of my high school days. way too much comet spirit going on here. i feel like i should be putting my my cheerleading uniform which I hung up almost 10 years ago. yikes.

and here it is (circa 2001)... ooo boy.

saturday nails.

Got another manicure today. Love it.

Also noticed some sweet posters on the wall... they always make me laugh.

(this last one wasn't actually there, but too good not to share)

clinton street nails.

A fairly recent discovery of mine in the LES are any & all nail salons on Clinton Street btw Delancey & Rivington. I've tried 3 of them out so far & I think I like Clinton Nail the best but they are closed on Sundays. fyi. Now to warn you... they are all kind of shit holes, however they are super mega cheap, they do a better job than many of the nicer places & they do those fancy ghetto nail designs (which is really the only reason for my affinity). For example, a mani/pedi runs you about $17. (bring your own polish though) Extra if you want them to use a razor on your feet and extra for designs but you can get the works for like $25. Screw the nail wraps they sell at Sephora... Here are some samples of my fancy nails.

Also, Forever 21 nailpolish is pretty legit. If you've never given it a shot I highly recommend it. It's only $2.80 & I think it's superior to OPI & Essie. Check it. www.forever21.com