Happy New Year!
As we step into the New Year many of us start thinking of what New Year Resolutions we want to make. Well this year, let's keep it simple! My New Year Resolution for T-Signer Nails is to do something new and be a bit more adventurous. So to welcome 2015. I bring to you my first Nail Art Tutorial!
Keep reading to find out how you could create this look!
You will need...
- 3 Nail Polish colours in graduating shades to create a light to dark colour gradient
- A Base Coat
- A Top Coat
- A fine-pointed paint brush
- Black Acrylic Paint or Nail Polish
- White Acrylic Paint or Nail Polish
Ok ready? ;)
1) Make sure your nails are clean and to the length you desire.
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2) Optional - File your nails to the desired shape and length and don't forget to wash and dry your hands after to remove any dirt/dust so you have a fresh canvas to start your art work!
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3) Apply a base coat of your choice.
Here I am using O.P.I Nail Envy as not only is it my favourite nail strengthener but it can also double as a base coat!
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4) Now we create a colour gradient from lightest to darkest! Once the Base Coat dries, apply the lightest shade of the 3 coloured nail polishes to the whole of your nail and repeat on each nail. Allow to dry. You don't need thick coats of nail polish, just sufficient to provide good coverage at least to the top 3rd of your nail closest to the cuticle.
Here I am using 'China Glaze 625 For Audrey'.
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5) After the first colour has dried, apply the second colour on 2/3 of the nail as shown below. Allow to dry.
Here I am using 'Revlon 320 Ocean Breeze'
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6) Now with the darkest colour apply to the remaining 1/3 of the nail creating a colour gradient and allow to dry.
Here I am using 'O.P.I Yodel Me On My Cell NL Z20'
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7) Apply a top coat to seal in the colour gradient and to avoid smudging later on.
Here I am using 'Seventeen Nail Xtras Glitter Top Coat'
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8) Using a fine-pointed paint brush, and either Black Acrylic Paint OR Black Nail Polish (whichever you have available) draw on half-circles like that of fish scales starting at the base of the nail by the cuticles and working up to the free edge. You can always practice on some scrap paper first before doing this.
The benefit I find of using Acrylic Paint is that if you do make a mistake or unhappy with your fish scales, you can always remove them easily with some cotton wool and water and start again without removing your nail gradient!
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9) Using a fine-pointed paint brush and White Acrylic Paint or White Nail Polish, highlight the underside of the fish scales created in step 8. This does not have to be evenly coloured or neat as we are trying to enhance the look of the fish scales and really make it "pop" so differences in the highlighting make each scale more unique!
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10) Almost there! Now seal in your design with another layer of your top coat and you're all done! Enjoy!
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I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial! Please leave me comments to let me know what you think or send me pictures of your creations! I would love to hear from you!
Don't forget to Like me on facebook and follow me on Instagram!
Lots of Love,
T xoxo
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