glitter gradients

I've been obsessed with these manicures lately. It's perfect for when I feel that wearing one color is too boring, but I'm too lazy to delve into the world of freehand nail art: striping brushes and rhinestones (and 3 hours of my time). Glitter gradients can take a boring color and turn it into something awesome. And when I already start with a gorgeous color like this OPI, a sprinkling of glitter makes it look magical.

It's also perfect for when I want sparkle, but don't want to paint all my nails in a glitter and then spend 30 minutes removing it (or peeling it off, but please don't tell anyone that I actually do that).

OPI Every Month is Oktoberfest

Orly Mermaid Tail

How gorgeous is Every Month is Oktoberfest?  It looks wine red at some angles, then a plum shade, and sometimes you can see the orange duochrome/sparkle. It's definitely a sexy shade, but a little more fun than a traditional vamp polish.

God, this Orly really is like a mermaid's tale captured in a bottle. Almost worth the extra buck I had to shell out for it at my local nail supply just because it's a LE glitter, not a regular shade from the Orly line. Not that I'm bitter or anything.

Related to my last post, I went to Sally Beauty Supply last night and picked up a of Ion Color Brilliance in 8RC (light copper blonde) and 20 volume developer. And after saturating my head in ammonia and chemicals, I can gladly say it's the exact Lana del Rey shade I was aiming for! A light strawberry golden brown. Do you guys want pics?

Anyways, sorry if this post if kind of bottle rambly. I start my spring semester of school tomorrow, and I really don't want to go back after being able to be lazy for over a month. On the plus side, after these couple of months, I only have 2 years to go until I get my psych degree. But.... I have to wake up early every day this semester. shudder.

take deux: pastel gradient nails

Guys, I'm in love.

Well yes, with Christian, my kitties, cooking, and Big Time Rush, but besides those.
I'm in love with gradient nails. Especially these. I mean, pat on the goddamn back, Clara. These are awesome.

I used the technique outlined in my last post but with a little twist. I first did 1 coat of my base color, the light pink, then sponged a gradient of light blue to pink on top of that. It made for a flawless, smooth, perfectly transitioning gradient.

Yes, I'm proud.

I'm dreaming up all the color combos I can using this technique. Mint to lilac, orange to purple, blue to red.... I'm excited! I used:

Color Club Take Me To Your Chateau
OPI Do You Lilac It?
Essie French Affair

Damn. These photos make my heart go pitter-pat. I think I'll go change my current mani right now...