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!
I can't tell you how much I love your accent nail and the idea to pull from the tip is fantastic!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Angie! Your encouragement always means the world to me!
DeleteThis is cool!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Anne.
DeleteI love the colors you used. Very nice!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing!! Is this challenge open to everyone?
ReplyDeleteIt is, Monica. I sent you details (on G+) to the Llama Nails FB page - would love to have you join us!
DeleteAlso, thank you!
DeleteThis 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 ;)
ReplyDeleteThank 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.
DeleteI never tried this manicure too! It was my first time. I love your idea and the china glaze's polish. Kisses!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
DeleteLove 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!
ReplyDeleteThank 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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