Back to School Nails

As I am going back to school tomorrow, I wanted to do 'Back to School' themed nails. I found this design on YouTube and wanted to try recreate it, but I'm not going to lie, it is very difficult. It's not perfect but I tried my best, which is all you can do! 

Step 1

I started off with a base coat to protect my natural nails

Step 2

I painted my ring finger 2 thin coats of white

Step 3

To create the scissors, I used a black striper and made a small 'x' shape. I then used the same striper and made 2 semi circles for the handle of the scissors. Once that was dry, I went over the scissors with grey and I went over the handle in pink.

Step 4

For the paper clip, I used a black striper and created a kind of 'swirl' shape. I then went over this with a grey nail varnish

Step 5

For the ruler, I used a black striper and drew half a rectangle coming from my cuticle. I then filled this in with a toothpick dipped into pink. Using the black striper again, I drew small lines at the side of the ruler for where the measurements would be

Step 6

For the pencil, I used a black striper and drew half a rectangle. I then drew a small triangle at the top of the rectangle. Using a toothpick dipped into pink, I filled in the rectangle. I then dipped a toothpick into grey and filled in the triangle. I then added a tiny dot of black at the top for the lead.

Step 7

I used a small black striper to create tiny dashes in the blank spaces.

Step 8

I painted the rest of my nails pink

Step 9

When the design was dry, I sealed it in with a top coat

Thanks for reading! Sorry if this was kind of confusing to follow but it was quite a difficult design, but I hope you still enjoyed this tutorial.

Ciara x

SHARE:

nails

My Nail Art Essentials

I have a good few essentials when it comes to nail art, from dotting tools to sponges. Although there may seem like a lot, most of these tools are actually quite cheap and very versatile when it comes to creating different designs. I am going to go through what my nail art essentials are and how I use each one. I hope you enjoy!

1. Four Sided Nail File

 I like these 4 sided nail files to shape, buff and shine my nails to create a smooth base before I apply my nail varnish. The first side is to file and shape the nail edge. The second side is to remove the ridges on your nail. The third side is to smoothen the surface of the nail and the fourth side is to add a shine. I find that after I use this nail file, my nail varnish goes on much smoother. I bought mine in Boots.

2. Base and Top Coat

As you might have noticed, Step 1 of all my nail art designs is 'start off with a base coat to protect your natural nails'. This step has just become a habit to me, because not only does it adhere your nail varnish to your nail and make it last longer, but it also protects your nails from staining, so this is a huge essential for me when it comes to my nails!

I also think a top coat is very important because it seals in your design to extend the longevity of your manicure. It also adds a lovely shine to your nails and makes them look more professional!

3. Dotting Tools

These tools are a must for anyone interested in nail art. I have a few of these in all different sizes to create different designs. I find dotting tools very versatile as they can be used to create anything from plain polka-dots to flowers to even eyes if you are painting the face of a cartoon! I bought a pack of these ages ago on eBay for a very cheap price.

4. Stripers 

I use stripers a lot when creating nail art designs. These can be used to create anything from simple stripes to intricate designs. I have 3 in different lengths, however, I prefer the shorter one because I feel I have more control with it. I bought this pack of 3 in Hairspray, an Irish shop that's better known for their hair products, but they also sell some nail products. 

5. Sponges

I often use these triangular makeup sponges to create an ombre/gradient on my nails. You simply paint a stripe of each colour you want, overlapping the colours slightly and dab the sponge on your nail. 

I also sometimes use one of the eyeshadow brushes that come with eyeshadow palettes to create a gradient effect. You just paint your nails with your base colour, leave them to dry, paint another colour onto the eyeshadow brush and dab it onto the tip of your nail. These brushes are also very handy if you are creating a glitter gradient.

6. Cotton buds

I nearly always use these to clean up around my nails when I finish a design. You simply dip the cotton bud into nail varnish remover and rub it around your nail to remove any nail varnish that might have gotten onto your skin.

 I sometimes use a flat brush dipped into nail varnish remover to clean up around my nails also. I got this one in an acrylic paint set.

7. Cuticle Oil

 When I finish my design and seal it in with a topcoat, I like to use cuticle oil to hydrate my cuticles. This one is Essies apricot cuticle oil.

So there you have it! These are my main essentials when it comes to my nails. I really hope you liked this post and maybe found it helpful. 

Thanks for reading!

Ciara x

SHARE:

nails

Seaside Nail Art

Hi guys! Today I have a seaside design for you which reminds me of my summer holidays that I was on last week. I hope you enjoy this tutorial x

Step 1
Start off with a base coat to protect your natural nails and to help your design last longer

Step 2
Paint all your nails white except your ring finger. The white will act as your base colour to help the colours in your design 'pop'

Step 3
On a makeup sponge, paint a stripe of beige for the sand, a stripe of light blue and a stripe of medium blue for the sea. 

Step 4
Dab the sponge on a sheet of paper to get rid of the excess polish. Dab the sponge onto your nail, with the beige colour towards your cuticle. Repeat step 3 and step 4 until your ombre is opaque enough.

Step 5
Fill a bowl with room-temperature water. Add 3-4 drops of white nail varnish to the water. The polish should spread around the water. If it doesn't, you will have to either adjust the temperature of the water, or else your nail varnish is too old.

Step 6
Spray perfume over the water, about 20 centimeters above the surface. The nail varnish should start to become spotted (holes will appear throughout the nail varnish)

Step 7
Dip your nail into the water. While your nail is in the water, gently blow on the surface. Swipe a toothpick around the surface of the water. The toothpick will pick up the excess polish. Remove your nail from the water.

Step 8
As an optional step, add a gold gem such as a starfish

Step 9
Paint your ring finger gold 

Step 10
Seal in your design with a topcoat

Thank you for reading this tutorial! I hope you enjoyed

Ciara x

Products Used:
Sally Hansen 'double duty strengthening base and top coat'
Barry M 'white'
Essie 'saltwater happy'
Inglot no. 667
Maybelline 'porcelain beige'
Sally Hansen 'coat of arms'

SHARE:

nails