Tag Archives: Gradient
Crackle nail polish – How does it work?
Crackle nail polish
Here are some of my favorite designs. The combinations are endless and always unique:
Gorgeous Japanese nail art
Okay, so the Japanese practically invented nail art (although some say it was the Italians, God knows why). Flip through any Japanese nail art magazine and you’ll be greeted by some of the most gravity-defying, embellished nail designs you’ll ever see. They have a fondness for bling, pearls, baubles, sequins, not to mention cutesy motifs – Hello Kitty is a perennial favourite (see below).
Known as Japanese 3D nail art, these designs are not only expensive but can take a whole day to complete. These designs have been so popular in Japan, Hong Kong and Korea over the past decade that they’ve even reached the shores of US cities like California, where 3D nail artists are setting up shop.
I’m not about to question the Japanese penchant for all things kawaii/bling – they have their own style and they rock it. It’s just that these designs are not really, how should I put it… practical for daily life. In fact, I don’t think I would even be comfortable with a fully blinged out phone cover, much less 10 mini ones on my fingertips.
But I must admit that I truly adore Japanese nail art – when it’s done well (and not too over-the-top), it can truly be considered art.
Here’s some of my favourites:
Gradient nails tutorial
Stumbled on this fun and easy gradient nails tutorial by The Nailsaurus and thought I’d share it with you. All you need is two nail colours, some makeup or general purpose sponge, a plastic sheet and a top coat. (I’ve recently done a review of some of my favourite quick dry top coats – check it out here) I’ve found that name cards are great bases for mixing nail colours too, if you find yourself without any plastic sheets or baking paper for that.
See the full tutorial here.
Glamourous gradient nails
Source: omoimono
So I’m not usually a fan of anything too girly, but this manicure is just gorgeous. Love the texture and use of different shades of purple.
American Apparel Sheer nail polish
Gorgeous perfect-for-summer nails by Madeline Poole using American Apparel’s new line of Sheer nail polishes. They are quick drying and long lasting, retailing for US$6 a pop (according to AA’s website). They come in 6 vibrant colours and you can buy them here.
PS. Madeline Poole’s promised tutorials on how to do this look soon, check back for news on that.
