Happy Birthday, America!

I told myself I wouldn't bother to do Fourth of July nails, even though I kept on seeing gorgeous designs everywhere. Then my new striping tape came in, and I just couldn't help myself.
For my first attempt using striping tape, I'm pretty proud! I followed some steps that other lacqueristas have recommended: quick-drying topcoat between layers, do one nail at a time, and get the tape off ASAP.  
I used Sinful Colors Snow Me White, Maybelline Color Show Paint the Town, and OPI OPI... Eurso Euro.

And the tree was happy.

Alright, well this is the design that has inspired me to start posting regularly. I got so much positive feedback for such an easy-to replicate design! Colors are Julep Mackenzie and OPI Cajun Shrimp. I used a fine-tip Sharpie for the line work.

Mackenzie is the first Julep I've ever used. I was afraid that since it's 4-free, it would present problems when I used it with my normal base and topcoat. Turns out, no worries there!

The Giving Tree has always had a special place in my heart. My Macbook has a decal of this illustration on the front of it. And if I were to get a tattoo, there's a good chance it would be related to this book.

Cameo Silhouettes

These were impromptu, but I felt very ladylike wearing them. I pretty much just added silhouettes to these nails after I decided the gradient wasn't enough. I'd really like to do something more with this concept in the future, as these were still a little too simple.

The base is a sponge gradient from Essie Eternal Optimist to Urban Outfitters Hangover to Essie Tart Deco. The white (Sinful Colors Snow Me White) is handmade decals I made on a sandwich bag. 

Here goes!

I do my nails a lot more than what is probably healthy. Since I put so much time into it, I've decided to try my hand at collecting all of my designs in one place. I'll date posts of past manicures with the day the photos were taken. Enjoy!

LEGO Nails

These are one of my favorite manicures to date. I did them before I had proper dotting tools, so I used one that I made. That's the reason the dots don't look perfect, but I'll try it again someday with my tools!

Colors are: 

Orly Monroe's Red

Ruby Kisses Neon Green

American Apparel Neon Orange (though it's obviously yellow!)

China Glaze Aqua Baby

Pure Ice Kiss Me Here

For tinting and shading, I used Sinful Colors Snow Me White and Black on Black.

When I originally posted these, I was flattered by a request for a tutorial. Here it is! I started with a base coat of a solid color. The right set of dots are 1 drop of black and 3 drops of color. The left set of dots are 3 drops of white and 1 drop of color. The center set are pure color. 

Sharptooth!

These are an older design. Here are some of my protips if you're replicating this design.
Inspiration struck while I was playing in the sandbox with a child who loves dinosaurs. My "go-big-or-go-home" mindset even swayed me to use real sand, which I would not recommend for practicality's sake. My nails were like sandpaper for days!

I made the decals by hand out of Sculpey clay.
Under the sand, I used Revlon Bare Bones. (fitting, right?)

Sweetheart Nails

When I first got Essie Turquoise & Caicos, my younger sister and I were obsessed with it. She requested that I paint her something "spring-y and cute," and I immediately thought of this shape.
In addition to Turquoise & Caicos, I used OPI A Grape Fit! 

Turquoise Stone

When I did it, this design was my first attempt at water spotting. It didn't look like I thought it would, but I absolutely loved the way they turned out! I added the gold by hand after the black.
The base is a gradient between Revlon Jaded and Essie Turquoise & Caicos. It's so subtle you can hardly tell under the black, but on their own, they're a lovely combination.
The black is Sinful Colors Black on Black and the gold is Maybelline Bold Gold.

Galaxy Nails

Once again, I forgot to take photos when I first did this manicure. At least I got one right before I took it off!

Wild! Berry Pop-tart Nails

These were inspired by Wild! Berry Pop-tarts. I didn't take a photo of them when they were new, but here's one of them slightly worse for wear. :)

Colors are Essie Turquoise & Caicos and Urban Outfitters Bandeau.