Nails of the Day - Ocean Waves

A girlfriend commented that my last manicure reminded her of waves more than of clouds and suddenly my mind went into obsession-mode. I couldn't stop thinking about how freaking pretty that would be!  So, I busted out my sponges and fan brush and got to work.  The result is something that I'm disappointed doesn't capture completely on camera.  I love this look!

I started with a layer or two of OPI Nail Envy then sponged a layer of  LA Colors BCC 656 (white) onto the nail from the tip to about 3 quarters down. Next came a layer of grey (Sinful Colors Slate) that was sponged down about halfway down the nail.  Sinful Colors Mint Apple was sponged throughout the grey and a little further into the white. I repeated the colors (white, grey, green) until I'd built up enough color that it was opaque but had maintained the white at the bottom to look like the wave touching shore. I came in with a fan brush and Orly Sparkling Garbage to dab in some glitter without covering up the detail before topping each nail with 2 coats of Seche Vite.

Normally, I don't prefer individual finger pictures but I couldn't get my camera to cooperate to show you the detail without it.  Sorry!

Index

Middle

Ring

Pinky

Thumb

 

Nails of the Day - Fall Inspired Gradient

Southern California is gearing up for some 90+ degree temperatures this weekend and it feels like everyone is wishing for fall to come and cool things down. I am loving all the fall manicures being posted! If doing my nails is my grand gesture to the Lords of Autumnal Coolness, it is a sacrifice I'm willing to make. ESPECIALLY when I have seasonal cookie inspiration!

Mr Husband made my favorite cookies in the universe this week: pumpkin chocolate chip! They're so dense, moist and full of pumpkin spice.  My Julep September Maven box had a the perfect compliment to such a rich treat.

  

I started off with a base of Julep Candace (one coat for the accent nails and two for the others). On the accent nails, I put down one coat of LynnBDesigns Millie.  After that dried, I sponged Julep Zoe from the tip to about halfway down and Julep Hilary just at the tip of all the nails.

The cookie was promptly consumed after this photo

Nails of the Day - Teal Dandelions

I'm heading to the bridal shower a girlfriend of mine is hosting for her sister today. When the invites came, I was in love with the stylized dandelions! I adore how simple, delicate and unique they are. So, come the day before the party I got my nails ready for the party with the invite in mind.

You can see a bit of the inspiration in the background!

What I did: I started with Emily de Molly Oceanic Forces on my accent nails and laid down a couple coats of Sinful Colors Mint Apple on my other nails. You can't see it in the pictures well, but after that came a coat of PA AA37 (a green/teal/blue shifting flakie) over the Mint Apple.  Then, realizing how much better it would look, I put a coat of Orly Sparkling Garbage over that.  I used a thin, small brush to freehand the dandelions onto the nail with Sephora Teal We Meet Again.  Finally, I fished glitter from Oceanic Forces and hand placed it on the flowers. 

I really hoped to show off how much this mani reflects light!

I only wish I could do this more justice! Soooo sparkly!