Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Nail Art Tutorial: Romantic V-Day Nails


One nail art request that I got quite often is gradient nail art.  Gradient nail is a favorite nail art of mine but it's not a favorite "to-do" nail art as it's messy...messy and sometimes...just plain MESSY! :)  Since I'm still in the mood for the upcoming Valentine's Day.  I will continue my V-Day inspired nails.  If you're sick of Pinks and Reds, I am so sorry!  That's life, that's a good romantic combination for me! :)

Here's my final Romantic V-Day Nails
 


Step 1:
Apply your favorite base coat to protect your nails, let dry.  Apply 2 coats of your favorite base.  I am using Vision's Nail Polish (made by Oriflame) in Skydive.



Step 2:
Using Elianto's Shimmer Burgundy polish, apply a thick yet thin "French Tip" (at a random, don't make it perfect at all!)



 

Step 3:
Use any brand of Nail Hardener or Nail Base, anything that is clear and liquid-y in texture, brush the Burgundy Shimmer polish downwards to spread the color making a "gradient" effect.  Again, I have to remind everyone, does NOT have to be perfect. 


 

Step 4:
Using any way you want to create dots, in my case, I've used a Prettynails' 2 way nail art pen in white, create flowers at a random per nail.


 

Step 5:
Since I've been doing a lot of flower nail art, I want to vamp it up a bit by adding a second color on the flower, I've brushed gently yellow shade on top of the white petals.


 

Step 6:
Add rhinestones if you have one or just skip this step altogether if you don't own any rhinestones or swarovski flat bed crystals.


 

Step 7:
Making sure the nail art design is dry.  Brush glittery polish thinly on top of the nail art.  Again, this is an optional step.  As you all know, I am a fan of glittery polishes.


 

Step 8:
Protect your hard work by brushing OPI's RapiDry Top Coat


 

Now these nails are ready to go out on a date!
*winks*


 

 I actually enjoyed the outcome of this week's nail art design.  I hope you enjoyed the steps that I've done for you nail art addicts out there!  Again, thanks for always embracing my nail art designs!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy! :)




27 comments :

  1. They're so cute and pretty!!!!!
    I would never be able to do that! >_<

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  2. the flowers added to the nails are so sweet! loved the combi too!

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  3. sweet! i really got the urge to create a V day nail now too. gosh!!!

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  4. I love the flowers soo cute! Excellent for valentine's day!

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  5. Yes,gradient nails are messy work but the outcome is very nice :) love your val's gradient nails nikki!

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  6. Soooo pretty! I like the main nail color! Looks nice!

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  7. i love it! perfect for valentine. only if i could do that w/my own hands. :((

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  8. Wow! You're on a roll with all these adorable Valentine's Day themed nails!! Looooove this one - it's so cute and romantic!

    I'm sad though!! I don't think I'll get to do a special mani for Valentine's Day. I have interviews the two days before and I'll be in SF so I don't think I can take all my nail art stuff with me.... or I can do a toned down one maybe??

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  9. impressive Nikki! i have less patience with nail art than applying makeup so hats off to you! :D

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  10. Advance happy hearts day sweetie! You have the loveliest nail art ever! Hugs! =)

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  11. That's cute, so appropriate for V-day! Keep 'em coming!
    I must confess I've been a long-time stalker of this blog and your nail, FOTD, and other informative posts are what keep me coming back for more. Thanks!

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  12. I love this! I wish my nails were longer so I can paint them. Sigh, why did I have to break a nail!!

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  13. Hi Nikki,

    Thanks for the clear step by step tutorial. I have never tried gradient nail art before. Meanwhile, have u seen my chinese new year nail art design yet? do comment. Thanks

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  14. Maggie, awww, thanks for liking this :)

    Sue, I'm glad you like the combination and of course, the flowers

    Xin, I can't wait to see yours! I'm sure it'll be great

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  15. Mary, I actually do feel the Vday spirit :) As early as now :)

    Acutelife, yes, I find it a bit slow in drying but the final outcome definitely is great!

    Anastacia, thank you

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  16. Nehs, awwww I'm sure you can do it, just needed time!

    Catherine I know! It all started with the color combination, I am in love with pinks and reds really! and I'm sure it's too obvious! Aaaww goodluck with the interview, I would so, do not even worry about the nails but be prepared for the interview, I wish you best of luck!

    MereMakeupManiac, thank you for saying so

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  17. Dang, thank you

    Jo.frougal, thank you for being a reader and thanks for commenting, I'm glad you appreciate the posts :)

    Chrissy, don't worry, long or short nails, you can always paint it :)

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  18. this is sooo cute nikki, and you always make it look so easy...i wish i had ur creativity though

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  19. Love the nails, they're so cute and sweet, perfect for Valentine's Day.

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  20. your nails are so lovely,.it looks feminine and sweet!

    reds and pinks are always perfect for valentines :)

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  21. I think your nail tutorials are cute, but I find your hands are the prettiest when you just have simple nail polish on, like the part when it was just the Skydive that you have on :)

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  22. I didn't know it was that simple to achieve the gradient look, thank you!! I really like the nail tutorials you do.

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  23. This is really pretty, the flowers are so dainty.

    Have you ever thought of doing nail art professionally?

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  24. Bhing, hey! welcome back!!! How have you been? Thanks for the compliment!

    Gio, thanks!

    Madelyn, thanks and I'm glad you enjoyed this nail art tut :)

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  25. Micah, thanks, you're right, it is nice just the simple base :) But girl! You can't stop a girl for being a girl! hahahha :) Nice to meet you by the way!

    Tammy, thank you for appreciating this!

    Arezu, so far, I've been asked that question many times, but I haven't really thought about it as I'm doing this for fun :)

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  26. Micah, thanks, you're right, it is nice just the simple base :) But girl! You can't stop a girl for being a girl! hahahha :) Nice to meet you by the way!

    Tammy, thank you for appreciating this!

    Arezu, so far, I've been asked that question many times, but I haven't really thought about it as I'm doing this for fun :)

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  27. wow... very nice design i will try this one!

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I'd love to hear from you! Feel free to comment your questions, suggestions and just anything you may want to say! Keep smiling and stay happy!