Baby's Second Zebra Print

Sinful Colors Orange Cream, China Glaze Icicle, Kiss Striper Soft Blue

I don't know if I quite fulfilled my promise to do a zebra design with "all sorts of crazy colors," but I think I did an okay job!

I can't believe I've waited this long to try out a zebra print design, but I'm glad I did at all. It was super simple with a striper brush. All I had to do was begin the line from one side of my nail, then flick the brush toward the middle of my nail. Do this from both sides, and a couple of double stripes, and boom! Done.

This was also a good chance to practice my gradients, as they still need a bit of work. This is not a normal color combo for me, especially since the orange color made the silver glitter appear gold. But I'm not mad about it. It ended up warming and softening the mani!

Pastel Sponging

Sally Hansen Lightening, Love & Beauty Sky Blue, NYC Times Square Tangerine Creme, Revlon Empower

I stand by what I said. The makeup sponge truly is a wonderful tool. I cannot stress how much I love manis that look complicated, but are extremely simple. There is also plenty of room for customization with looks such as this one. It's a great way to test out those unopened bottles, or to experiment with blend and formulas.

In my case, I knew I wanted to use these colors, but I didn't feel like creating any too involved. I also just wanted to see how these colors mix and play together. All I did was paint the colors in quadrants on the makeup sponge and stamp it, making sure to cover the nail. It helps to paint a single coat of the lightest color as a base, but if you'd like a more sheer look, simply sponge over a clear base or nude.

Experimental Sponging

Here are some pictures of nails I did one night when I couldn't sleep. They are very messy, and I don't think that the pictures do them any justice. I also topped them with a coat of Sally Hansen Disco Ball, which made everything "pop."

Full list of polishes used:

Sally Hansen Lightening (yellow base)

Love & Beauty Sky Blue

NYC Times Square Tangerine Creme (orange)

Revlon Empower (dark-ish hot pink)

The Makeup Sponge is a Wonderful Tool

These were so simple, and took me less than 30 minutes (including drying time)! All I needed was a makeup sponge! Here are the colors I used:

L to R: Wet 'N Wild I Need A Refresh-mint, China Glaze Snap My Dragon, Sally Hansen Lightening, Sally Hansen Green with Envy, and Color Club striper in Fine Gold

More after the jump! (Click "Read More" below)

I've been away a while...

And I am so sorry about that! It has been a crazy busy start to April, and it's not going to slow down until summer! That being said, I have a swatch and a simple mani to show you!

China Glaze Running in Circles

I love this color so much! I've read so many rave reviews about this one; it's said to be the "must-have" of the China Glaze Cirque du Soleil Worlds Away Collection, and I have to agree. I don't have anything like this, and I can't imagine there are any dupes! 

Also, for my BIRTHDAY, which was on the 12th, I did a quick surf 'n turf mani (it's supposed to look like the water and sand colliding)! I just sponged on gold glitter over blue nail polish, threw on a bit of Seche Vite, and I was good to go for my dinner and party. The theme was Under the Booty, so these nails were more than appropriate :)

China Glaze Splish Splash and Sinful Colors Nail Junkie with China Glaze I Herd That

Crazy Blue Sponging

Base: Wet 'N Wild I Need A Refresh-mint. With Sally Hansen Blue Me Away! and NYC Skin-Tight Denim

V-gaps with Color Club Striper in Midnight Blue

I had a job interview yesterday, so I decided to something really cool with my nails, since part of my duties would be to lead a nail painting workshop. If they're actually cool, that's up for debate. Plus, I only had about an hour to execute this. So, I essentially painted my nails a blue-green base, and went to town, sponging on (with makeup sponges like these) a deep teal and navy blue. The shades sort of mixed and blended, and I think they looked pretty cool on their own. But, in my infinite wisdom, I decided to paint some v-gaps a la last week's mani with a striper in yet another shade of blue.

I have grown to love them in the last two days, but I must admit I was unsure about them at first. I think with a bit more time and patience, I could redo this mani properly. But it's midterm week, and they'll have to do for now. :)