Waterfall nails using Born Pretty Store Nail Foil

Today I want to share with you a very pretty waterfall manicure I created using silver holographic nail foil* from Born Pretty Store. 

I started by painting my nails with CG - A Lilly Bit then once they had dried I painted lines of varying lengths starting from the cuticle with Kami Nail Foil Glue. Whilst I waited for this to become tacky I cut nail size pieces of foil ready to use. I then carefully placed the foil on the nail and gentle smoothed it onto the nail paying particular attention to where I had painted the glue. Then in one swift action I pulled it off. This should leave you with pretty holographic lines. To give it another dimension I added some extra lines using CG - At Vase Value.

The results are below:

The holo-ness really pops in direct sunlight.

What do you guys this?

This was the first time I used foils so it was a bit of trial and error. The foil came in a big sheet measuring 30cm x 10cm which meant I had to cut it to size but not have too much wastage. You will have to purchase nail foil glue separately which is essential for the foil to transfer properly. I resigned to this fact after much experimentation with various glues/topcoats etc. The foil is very holographic however applying a topcoat will dull the effect considerable. 

The Fantasy Starry Holo Nail Foils Glitter Transfer Stickers Nail Decoration come in lots of different designs and the one I used was number 38. Each sheet only costs $0.99. If you're into nail art check out Born Pretty Store for lots of cool nail art items that will get your creative juices flowing. 

Alternatively check them out on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest, Blogger or Instagram

*Press Sample

February Nail Art Challenge Round Up

Hi hope you're all having a great weekend so far. Today I thought I'd do a quick round up of all the designs I created for the Californails February Nail Art Challenge. I really enjoyed doing this challenge as a whole but there were particular designs I enjoyed doing more than other. My overall favourite design is the galaxy nails with the glitter nails and polka dots close behind. 

 

01 Glitter

04 Polka Dots

07 XOXO

11 Pastel

14 Match OOTD

17 Studs

20 Floral

23 Animal Print

25 Simple

27 Galaxy

 

Which ones are your fav? If there are any particular designs you want a tutorial for just let me know and I'll see what I can do :)

I've decided to do the March challenge as well so watch this space.

Take care x

OPI Push and Shove Swatch

This pretty OPI polish has been getting a lot of attention since its release. Part of the Gwen Stefani collection this silver chrome is a very welcomed addition to my collection. Wilst it may not have a perfect mirror finish say like a Minx mani it's damn good enough and probably best we are going to get in polish form. It is a polish that has to be appreciated in person as the effect is lost in photos but I have tried my best to capture it for you guys.

Remember those early holos by China Glaze or the original GOSH holo that dragged like a b*tched when applied? Well this polish caused the same nightmares when applied even over the base that comes with it. I had a mini panic about it but then pulled out my trusty aqua base I use with pain in the butt holos and voila it applied like a dream. This polish will show up any ridges or imperfections on your nails but I don't think that will detract too much from the chrome like finish. My nails are quite ridgy and they look ok right?! Anyway who's got this polish? What do you think of it?
Ciao for now. A x

Californails Feb Nail Art Challenge - 07 XOXO

Hope you like them. XOXO

Californails Feb Nail Art Challenge - 04 Polka Dots

Hey hope you're all having a wonderful week so far. Work has been incredibly busy and I've been doing a lot of hours, however, I've still been finding time to do my nails for you guys :)

Today I have the second design I did for the Californails Feb Art Challenge, Polka Dots. Those of you who follow me on Instagram will have seen this already.

I had this design all figured out in my head but it took two attempts to get it to a point where I liked them. The first time round I wasn't happy with the placement of the dots as they didn't look natural. I over thought the whole process. The second time I just dotted without too much thought and it came out well. They're growing on me a lot and I'd love to try other colour combinations at some point.

For this manicure I used a black base and dotted using Models Own Pastel Artstix. I didn't dot directly with the pens I used a dotting tools of various sizes. 

Have you guys taken up this challenge, if so let me know in the comments xx

Californails Feb Nail Art Challege - 01 Glitter

So ladies I'm taking up the Californails February Nail Art Challenge after deciding I needed a long overdue kick up the ass to get me back into doing my nails and blogging.

I chose this challenge which runs on Instagram because you don't have to do your nails every day. It's all about small steps! 

The first challenge was glitter and here is my offering. 

For my base I used Color Club East Austin, stamped from Back to The 80s plate 03 by MoYou London using CC Silver Lake, top my middle finger with Maybelline White Splatter and little finger Maybelline Alley Attitude. 

What do you guys think?

If you want to see my future creations check out my Instagram page pretty_digits. 

Take care

A x

 

Models Own HyperGel Gel Effect Polish

Hey ladies how have you all been? Today I want to share with you three gorgeous polishes from the upcoming HyperGel collection from Models Own. I always look forward to their new collections because they are one of a handful of UK brands that offer on trend polishes at great value.

HyperGel polishes is said to offer wearers 'super-high-glossy gel-effect' nails with 'extra vibrant colour', which after testing I can certainly vouch for. Imagine the shine you get after a gel manicure and that plump finish, or that glossy finish you get from applying Seche Vite top coat well basically that is how glossy these babies are but minus the hassle of a top coat.

I'll comment on the formula of each polish below but overall they applied pretty smoothly and were all touch dry in a matter of minutes. They were all extremely pigmented and will be trying them out for stamping at a later date.

Ok on to swatches...

Cornflower Gleam is one of those shades that everyone should have in their stash. It IS the perfect cornflower blue and shouts Spring. Compared to the other polishes the formula seemed a lot thinner and the first coat seemed a little sheer. I was worried I'd struggle to get good coverage but on applying the second coat the polish evened out and dried to a super glossy finish.

Pink Veneer is an incredibly pigmented baby pink. Think Dior Tutu but slightly more vibrant. The formula for this was quite thick and is potentially a one coater, however, I used two out of habit

Lilac Sheen is a pretty lilac that reminds me of lazy summer days in a lavender field. It sits somewhere in between for first two formula wise. I'm not a huge lilac lover but if you are I would recommend this based on formula and pigmentation alone.

The HyperGel collection will launch exclusively in all UK Bottleshops on Saturday, February 8th, online on February 12th at www.modelsownit.com, in Boots from February 19th, and Superdrug from March 12th. They'll be priced at £5.00 each.
Currently there is an opportunity to get these beauties pre-launch at 50% off if Models Own reach 250,000 fans on Facebook. Last time I looked they were only a few hundred away so get ready to place your orders. Which ones will you be getting? I'm eager to try the white as I'm always on the look out for a white one coat wonder
*PR Sample