Thursday, April 5, 2012

Nail Art Tutorial: Maneki Neko Nails

Good morning!
Everyone knows how much I like to create "themed" nail art designs when I travel!  Since I'm in Japan, some expected nail art designs would be the Japan Flag or Cherry Blossoms!  Japan Flag may be nice but I'm not sure how the Japanese may want to see a Japanese Flag on a tourist's nails!  *hehehe*  Cherry Blossoms is the best bet but I've done Cherry Blossom inspired nails quite a number of times!  (Check HERE and HERE).

Since I'm wishing for luck this year not only for me but also for my family and friends, I thought of creating the famous "Maneki Neko" cat which is also known as the "Beckoning Cat", "Welcoming Cat", "Lucky Cat", "Fortune Cat", "Money Cat" or just plain....(in my dictionary) "Super Cute Cat"!

I researched on cute photos and prayed that I will give justice to the cute face of Neko!  


Since this is a freehand design, I've decided to create a simpler version!  Here's the result...

 (Not as cute as the photo above but they do look like smiling cat! hehehe)

 a photo of Maneki Neko Nail art



Step 1:
Choose the brightest and luckiest red polish shade you can find.  In my case it's Bright Red nail polish with hint of orange to it from Revlon called 640 FEARLESS.  Applied a base coat prior to the nail polish base application.

Please make sure the 2 coats of Revlon Fearless Nail Lacquer is completely dry before you move on to the next step!  This tip is very important for the polish not to be mixed together.

a photo of Maneki Neko Nail art
 Step 2:
Pick a matte white polish, create a "semi circle" as seen on photo below.  Apply 2 coats if necessary.

a photo of Maneki Neko Nail art
Step 3:
With a 2 Way Nail Art Pen in White or any nail art brush, create the "ears" leaving a space in between for the red polish to pop.

a photo of Maneki Neko Nail art
Step 4:
With an art brush or if you have 2 way nail art pen in black, create the whiskers as shown on photo below.  I started with the whiskers so I have an idea on the space left to draw the eyes and nose.

a photo of Maneki Neko Nail art
 Step 5:
You can create open-eyed Neko, but I like them with their eyes closed!  My nails aren't that spacious so drawing open eyes may take up more space!

a photo of Maneki Neko Nail art
Step 6:
With a nail art dotting tool, dot the same red polish used as base for the nose.

a photo of Maneki Neko Nail art
Step 7:
With L.A. Colors Art Deco Polish in Red, draw the smiling lips with 2 wave like motion!

a photo of Maneki Neko Nail art
Step 8:
Make sure the nail art designs are COMPLETELY DRY, top it with your choice of top coat to protect your nails.  I am using the one from The Face Shop which I bought in Korea.

a photo of Maneki Neko Nail art

It's time for me to do the "waving" arms and wish everyone goodluck!!!
a photo of Maneki Neko Nail art

Do you like Maneki Neko the cat?
Do you own one at home?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




13 comments :

  1. We don't have those in Korea but I really do like the nail art! Very cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really? hmm..I think I saw them once when I was in Korea but probably a different version? :D

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  2. so so so cute!!!! i love the cat :D

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  3. Replies
    1. hahah the exact word the old man said to me when I paid him my Disney Sea ticket money :D

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  4. Where can I buy the dotting tool and nail art pen?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. where are you currently located? If outside the Philippines, you can try Ebay :) if you're comfortable online shopping!

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  5. I'm not the anonymous commenter above but I'd like to know also where to buy the dotting tool and nail art pen. I'm in the Pasig-Mandaluyong area. =) Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same comment as above, you can try Ebay or there could be some local resellers on Multiply but I haven't really purchased from them.

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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!