Crackle Nail Art

Crackle Nails!
This is probably one of the easiest ways to create nail art. It's great if you're short on time and just want to get a quick mani done.

You will need: A base color, a crackle color of your choice.
Colors used: Sally Hansen Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear - Lacey Lilac, Pure Ice Crackle - All Shooked Up (available at walgreens)

1.) Prep Nails (remove polish, file, apply base coat etc)
2.) Apply 2 coats of your base color. (Sally Hansen's brand can be thick, I only needed one coat but apply what you need)
3.) Let your nails dry (5 minutes at least)
4.) Apply ONE (and only one) coat of the crackle polish on top. (More than one, and you won't be able to see the cracked design)
5.) Finish with top coat for shine.

Have fun experimenting with different color combinations. My ring finger nail had broken, and I had to file it down, so that's why it looks a tad bit short.

Happy Manicuring!
LadyJ

Striped Tips

Easy Striped Tips!
For those who don't have a steady hand, this is a perfect way to get a fabulous straight tip line.

You will need: 2 colors of your choice, regular desk transparent tape

1.) Prep Nails (remove old polish, file, etc.)
2.) Apply clear base coat. (optional)
3.) Put on two coats of your base color.
4.) Let dry completely! (If you don't, the tape will peel off all of your nail polish)
5.) Tape off as much of the nail you want under your tips.
6.) Paint second color onto tips.
7.) Carefully peel off the tape once the tips are semi-dry.
8.) Apply top coat for shine. (optional)

Feel free to experiment in different tape patterns and colors. The possibilities are endless! :)

Happy Manicuring,
LadyJ

Independence Day Nails!

Happy Independence Day!
4th of July is a few days away, and it is a perfect excuse to decorate your nails in a patriotic fashion!

Colors Used: Wet N' Wild - Red Red, Pure Ice - Flash Crackle, Sally's Beauty Supply 99 cent white polish, China Glaze - Splish Splash, Wet N' Wild - Kaleidoscope (Glitter)

What you will need: A Red, White and Blue Color, White Crackle Nail Polish, Glitter Polish Salon Express Nail Stamping kit (optional), Top/Base Coat.

1.) Prep Nails (Remove old polish, file, apply base coat)
2.) Apply Base Colors, Blue on thumbs, red on others.
3.) Let dry
4.) Put one one thin layer of white crackle to your red painted nails.
5.) Let dry
6.) If using the Salon Express Stamping kit, use the plate with the whole nail of stars. Follow directions, and apply stamp onto Nail. (Can be substituted for hand painted stars, or even nail/plain star stickers)
7.) Put a coat of glitter over each nail
8.) Finish with a top coat!

And there you have it! Stay cool, and enjoy your BBQ's, parades and patriotic nails!

Happy Manicuring,
LadyJ