Simple, Yet Jazzy Tape Mani

China Glaze Nude and That's Shore Bright!, Essie Devil's Advocate

I think it's safe to say that I love these nails! I am such a fan of the color combination; I feel like any base color besides nude would be a bit overwhelming. I used scotch tape to get clean lines (and I pressed the tape strips on my hand a few times before applying to the nail, so that it did not pull up the base) with That's Shore Bright, and was initially going to leave them just two-tone.

But I got the bright idea to add some dots where the colors meet, and I'm glad I did! I feel like they really tie everything together, and make the mani that much more sophisticated!

Been There, Done That

Base: Icing Champagne Bubbles

Colors used: L.A. Colors Circuits, Revlon Empower, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Purple Potion, Green with Envy and Blue Me Away!

I have done this simple nail art many times before, on my own nails, and on those of friends. It never gets old, in my opinion. I wish I had "before" pictures, so I could properly show how much I've grown since first getting into nail art.

But to review: I painted two coats of my base color. Next, I made C-shapes and almost-closed circles with a bobby pin and a dark color (This time it was a black, LA Colors' Circuits). After cleaning my bobby pin acetone, I used it to fill in the Cs and circles with bright colors. Afterward, to fill in gaps, I used the black color to make small dots and lines all over the nail.

I only had a few minutes before I had to dart off for choir rehearsal today, and this was something I knew how to do. The "inspiration" for me recreating the design came from my phone! (The case, to be specific). It looks like this:

It's kinda cool having my nails match my phone. I've gotten some positive feedback, so for future projects, I'm going to draw inspiration from other sources close to me. (Maybe outfit inspirations? Hmmm...)

Black & White Glitters Rule

Love & Beauty Sky Blue and Maybelline Color Show Blue Marks the Spot

Blue Marks the Spot is in the same Polka Dots collection as Clearly Spotted, only the base is a very sheer blue jelly. I tried using BMtS on its own, but it likely would have taken me 6 or 7 coats to build up the base. So I used a creamy sky blue as "underwear." I love the effect: some areas are darker blue, because of the dabbing motion I used when painting BMtS.

I really like the different sized glitters in this collection, and I they all seem to come out of the bottle fairly easily. I do dab them on, but it's only because I don't have the patience to build many thin layers.

Quick Leopard Mani

China Glaze Desert Sun, NYC Skin Tight Denim Creme, Destined Pale Yellow

This is a color combination that is a bit different from what I usually go for. I love the way these three shades complement one another, though. Also, I hope I'm not losing my touch for leopard print. These nails are struggling a bit in that area, but I just need to practice (as if I needed another excuse to paint my nails)!

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)

Feature Presentation: Clearly Spotted

Nicole by OPI Candid Cameron and Maybelline Color Show Clearly Spotted

 I have been dying to try any of the Maybelline Color Show polishes, so when I saw them on sale at Walmart for only $2 the other day, I couldn't resist picking one up. Clearly Spotted immediately caught my eye; it reminded me of Lynnderella's Connect the Dots, which has eluded me for almost a year. The glitter is comprised of black and white hex and round glitters of different sizes, all suspended in a clear base.

I decided to layer it over Candid Cameron, which already has a bit of shimmer in it, and the end result is kind of blowing my mind. My camera cannot do it justice, but trust me on this: when my nails catch the light, it's damn near blinds me.

I'm really looking forward to combining this polish with others for different designs. What a great/cheap addition to my collection!

Split Splat!

China Glaze Icicle,  Color Club Bright Pink, Sally Hansen Lightening, and Love & Beauty Lavender

I finally tried out splatter nails! I didn't have a straw or coffee stirrer on hand, so I used the end of a clicky pen, and that worked just fine. Cleanup was hellish, but I honestly think it was worth it. I'm such a fan of the technique.

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