Wednesday 5 February 2014

Llama Nails Technique Challenge: Waterfalls

Hey y'all!

Today brings about the start of a new Llama Nails challenge, this time based on techniques.  I'm really excited about this one, because it will give me a chance to try some techniques that I haven't yet attempted, and an opportunity to perfect some of the ones in which I'm already pretty well-versed.


As you can see, today's prompt is Waterfall Nails, which is on my "I've never done that" list.  I did elect to change it up a bit by pulling up from the tip rather than the traditional fall from the cuticle, but I love the look nonetheless.


I started with 2 coats of China Glaze When Stars Collide on all but my ring finger, which was double-coated with Rimmel Space Dust Aurora.


As you know, I do love holographic polishes, so I was really excited when I picked this up along with a few others from CG's holo line last year.  When Stars Collide is a gorgeous plum holo, right up my alley. 


For the accent nail, I knew I wanted to use a textured polish, and of the ones currently in my stash, Aurora seems the best color compliment to WSC, so I used two coats.  I actually wore this mani for a couple of days without the waterfall effect because I didn't want to topcoat the holo or the texture.  Once my tips started wearing, it was time to revamp it into some nail art!


I started by leveling the playing field and adding topcoat to Aurora to smooth it out, because I didn't want my waterfall lines to bleed into the texture.  Once dry, I made vertical lines using my Kiss striping brush set in black, white, and silver glitter.


On the accent nail, I switched it around a bit and subbed WSC instead of the silver glitter.  I think that kind of pulled that nail into the mani a little bit better, plus the silver glitter was clashing with the champagne color of Aurora.


This was a great way to add a couple more days of life to a fading manicure!  Next time I try this technique, I'll pull from the top on a fresh mani instead, because I do love how that looks.

Hope you're all enjoying February so far!  As always, please check out the other waterfall looks by the ladies of Llama Nails below.  I sure do hope this challenge brings out more players than the holiday challenge!



14 comments:

  1. I can't tell you how much I love your accent nail and the idea to pull from the tip is fantastic!!

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    1. Thanks Angie! Your encouragement always means the world to me!

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  2. I love the colors you used. Very nice!

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  3. This is amazing!! Is this challenge open to everyone?

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    1. It is, Monica. I sent you details (on G+) to the Llama Nails FB page - would love to have you join us!

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  4. This is So pretty! Talk about a perfect color palette for this kind of manicure too, you knocked it out of the park :D I'm such a fan of reversing typical manicure flow, so I really love your tip to cuticle pull! Also I wasn't even aware Rimmel had a textured line, it's SO gorgeous that now I need them all ;)

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    1. Thank you so much! It's called the Space Dust collection. I'm hoping to have a swatch.review of all but one of the shades in the next couple of weeks.

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  5. I never tried this manicure too! It was my first time. I love your idea and the china glaze's polish. Kisses!

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    1. I think that's the best part of this challenge - being prompted to try things that you've never done before, or revisit things you've already done. Thanks so much!

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  6. Love them! Mine still don't turn out as I'd like them too, and I can't even blame it on short nails. But I bought a new nail brush that I hope helps!

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    1. Thank you! Yanno, we had a whole discussion in the group about how it looks like it should be SO SIMPLE, but it's totally not! It's half the reason I "cheated" by pulling from the tip, just because it took out one layer of frustration in trying to keep it steady at the cuticles without pooling!

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