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!

Simple Manis Just to Get Me Through

Sephora Conceited and Sally Hansen Mint Sorbet

Finals period at Bowdoin is no joke! I couldn't stand the thought of going through the final stretch with bare nails, so I turned my break time into mani time! These are (very) quick designs that I did not think through; I just went for it. I knew I needed some glitter, because it always seems to cheer me up, and it lasts a long time.

I added an extra blurry photo of Conceited because there is no way to properly photograph this color, I'm convinced. I also tried here, but the struggle bus rolled into town once again...

At any rate, I hope you enjoy these manicures! They literally take only 10 minutes (even less with a fast-drying top coat, like Seche Vite or Dries Instantly)!

China Glaze Running in Circles and an unnamed light green Kiss Striper

The Brightest Ever?

Wet 'N Wild Candy-licious and Sinful Colors Pinky Glitter, with Kiss Striper in Soft Blue and Kiss Striper in [some unnamed light green]

It has definitely been a busy and crazy summer, so I wanted my nails to reflect that. I love this color combination!

I did these in about 25 minutes, right before I left to lead a study session. I liked the rush of not thinking about a design beforehand, and just painting whatever.

At the same time, though, I feel like I'm stagnating, depending on a few colors and designs. I really want to push myself, so expect something completely different for my next post (whenever that may be!)

P.S. Follow me on Instagram @donithax

Neon-Metallic Fusion

China Glaze Sun Worshipper and Flip Flop Fantasy, Sally Hansen Gunmetal

Hi everyone! I had my day off yesterday, so I obviously took the time to paint my nails (and catch up on So You Think You Can Dance). I really had no plan with these, I just really liked these three colors together. I needed something bright to combat the overcast skies in Maine. They almost glow; it's wonderful.

Hope you like them! :)

Old Faithful(s)

Nails, Inc. Haymarket, Revlon Empower, and China Glaze Tinsel Town

Hi, everyone! I'm back at home in Atlanta for a few days before I head back up to Maine for the summer. I can only bring a few polishes in my carry-on, so I stick with my favorites (the polishes with which I know I can create something without stressing myself out). So I know you've all seen these colors before, but I really wanted to try out this Chalkboard Nails design for Nails by Kayla Shevonne. Even though I couldn't find any tape, I thought I'd just go for it. (I just went back over the lines with Haymarket at the bottom). I really needed to paint my nails because they'd been bare for a little over two weeks! 

I have also been waiting that long to try Out the Door Topcoat. My impression: it definitely dries fast, with great shine, but it's a little thin. Shown are two coats. My nails are still fairly bumpy/gritty (due in no small part to the glitter of Tinsel Town), and I'll likely need another coat or two to smooth things out. I just can't stop thinking of my trusty Seche Vite that smoothed everything over in 1-2 coats...

All in all, this color combo is a favorite of mine, and I'm pleased with what I've done, especially considering that these photos include no cleanup! I ran out of nail polish remover, so I made sure to be careful when painting. It's comforting to know that I can actually paint my nails properly. I've been using that pure acetone as a crutch!

Designs of Nails Past

I decided to showcase a few of my earlier designs (from last summer/semester) because I still like them a lot, even if the photo quality isn't that great. They also provide a good reference point to which I can compare all my future designs, especially since the fanciest tool used here was a dotting tool. You can find them here for about two dollars, which is an amazing deal!

Shiny Geometric Print

China Glaze Icicle, Sally Hansen Blue Me Away!, and Sinful Colors Let's Talk

I remember seeing this Dressed Up Nails design a while ago, and I vowed to try it for myself. I really like how it came out! This design didn't take very long, and it was very easy to do! Even if you don't have a striper, you can use a toothpick or the end of a bobby pin. There are also brushes available for cheap online. I bought these on ebay for about 2 dollars!

Criss-Cross Applesauce

Pure Ice Kiss Me Here and Kiss Striper Paint in Soft Blue

I think these are simple and not too busy. I really like the brightness of the blue with the soft gray.

Green Mix and Match

Sinful Colors Exotic Green, Sally Hansen Disco Ball with white striper polish

I let my brother choose the color, glitter, and everything for this design! I never paint my nails totally green, but I really liked this mani!

They Matched My Dress, Too!

I decided to paint my nails extra-special for the Junior-Senior Ball in December! I took a cue from my dress, and painted them a nude base (Wet 'N Wild Sugar Coat), and added designs with a black striper. I love a good mix and match mani!