V-gap Tutorial

Many of you have seen the progression of my success in emulating the v-gap manicure.  My first try was done with one polish and painstakingly cut scotch tape strips.  My second attempt was again with one polish color, but it was free-handed.  My latest attempt was accomplished with 2 polish colors (which helps with the contrast & makes it look cleaner) and a nail art brush.  In the end, do whatever works best for you.  Here are the instructions and photo-tutorial from my latest attempt.

V-Gap Manicure Tutorial 

This is what you will need:

-base/background color

-another color of polish to create your design

-small old makeup brush or paintbrush (mine was from this brush kit with for $1.99)

-topcoat

 Optional:
-basecoat

-remover pen for cleanup

Step 1: Prep your nails, use your basecoat, etc. Let dry completely.

Step 2: Paint your nails in your base color.  I used Zoya Jules ($8 from zoya.com).  Make sure you achieve the desired opacity in as few coats as possible.  I used 2 coats. Let dry completely.

Step 3: Get your fine brush.  Unscrew the lid of your layering polish (I used Zoya Vanessa) and scrape the polish off the brush onto your brush. Pick which finger you are doing first and draw 2 parallel lines down the middle of your nail.  Make sure the lines are close together and make sure lines do not go the entire length of the nail.  The lines should only take up about 3/4 the length of the nail.

Step 4: At the ends of the lines you just created, continue the line to the "corners" of your nail.  You are finished with the nail art brush and you can clean it (or "line" the rest of your nails before proceeding to Step 5).

Step 5: With the same color you "lined" your nail with, and the brush from the bottle of polish, paint down each side of the nail carefully in one steady stroke.  If your polish is not a one-coater then you should wait a couple of minutes before applying another coat to each side of the nail.

Step 6:  After it completely dries. Finish with your favorite topcoat.  This not only helps your manicure to  last longer but it also tends to even out the texture.

The result:

There is absolutely no right or wrong way to do create this design, do whatever you're most comfprtable with & what works for you. I would LOVE to see what you come up with!  If you end up doing this link, facebook, or email me your picture! I cannot wait to see where you take this:)

Valentine's Day Nails #2

Welcome to Valentine's Day inspired manicure week!

I will showcase my favorite valentine's day polishes, nail art, etc.

Valentine's Day Nails #2

Valentine's Day manicure #2's inspiration is...

Vintage

Today we have a trendsetting v-gap manicure!  Yes, this is the 3rd one I have posted on my blog. My first attempt was a fail, my second was admirable, but I feel as though I have finally figured this beauty out!  The half-moon manicure was on-trend last year and this year is has turned more triangular.  The v-gap leaves a stripe down the center of your nails which is apparently more slimming.  

I picked this vintage-inspired manicure for my Valentine's Day themed week because of the obvious association V-Gap and V-Day;)  But also because there is something sexy about that exposed stripe down the middle...not sure if it reminds me of an open-backed dress or a deep v cut gown.  What do you think?

I created this beautiful manicure using Zoya Jules and Zoya Vanessa.  As if I wasn't already in love with these beauties enough!  This was 2 coats of golden hued Jules and Vanessa was one coat of rich berry goodness.  

You can purchase Zoya Nail polish from their website for $8 each.

Let me know if you'd like me to do a tutorial on this one, I think I may have taken those pictures anyway:)

Monday Manicure

Today PaA challenged us to include a "fierce accent nail" :)  Well I wore BEAUTIFUL Zoya Vanessa for Thanksgiving & did not have a chance to do a new mani for a whole 6 1/2 days!  *gasp* So I just added a beautiful accent nail to her.

 First I must say, Zoya Vanessa is a MUST HAVE.  Seriously, it's my new favorite red and it has cranberry, raspberry, plum hues (this picture does NOT do her justice).  She shifts from vampy red in the shade to a bright berry red in sunlight.  It's basically love in a bottle:)  I love her.  You need her.  AND if you don't already have any Zoyas you should rethink that decision.  The mani in this picture was done on Tuesday morning and this was photographed on Monday afternoon!  That is 6 1/2-ish days of tip wear right there and it doesn't look too shabby to me.  (Btw, I forgot to put a base coat on before I wore it for nearly a week.  Could you imagine it with Zoya's Armor Top Coat?!?!?)

The accent nail polish is Tuff Scent Wisdom. It is a gold glitter packed polish in a slightly yellow-ish clear base.  AND this is one coat of grapefruit scented goodness.  Yes I said ONE coat:)  I love how simple yet beautiful this Monday Mani came out.  I'm so glad I did it.  Red & gold on my nails?!?!  I know you're shocked aren't you...ok you're not but I still love you:)

What is your favorite accent nail polish???