Cracked Nail Polish

Newspaper Nail Art

January 15, 2023 by Danny

Who would have thought that daily newspaper we read every day can also be used a material for nail art? Yes, you read it right. These newspapers that are usually printed on inexpensive newsprint can be embellished in our very nails. One of the newer techniques I've seen is the use of newspaper to create newspaper nail art. For those of you that are not very artistic, or have difficulty painting small details, this is for you. It is incredibly simple to do and the effects are awesome.

All you need is a pale color base coat, either in a light pink, nude, or gray. The darker the color, the less likely the newspaper print will be visible.

Once your nail polish is completely dry, dip one nail into a small dish of rubbing alcohol. Remove the nail from the rubbing alcohol and apply a strip of newspaper to your nail, holding if for a few seconds.

Peel the newspaper away and voila! You have the written word as nail art. Let sit for a few minutes and then apply a clear topcoat. It’s that easy! These pictures will help guide you.

Overall, I think this is a great nail art design that is easy to achieve and looks good. It’s not one of those designs that will be distracting and looks more “professional.” I will advise that if you have smaller print, it will show up better on each nail.

Snowflake Nail Art

January 15, 2013 by Danny

A snowflake displays a six-fold radial symmetry. Snowflakes are traditional images used during the holidays. These snowflakes symbolize the White Christmas Americans and Europeans are celebrating annually. During winter, nail art enthusiasts make snowflakes nail art fitting for the season. Here is a fun snowflake nail art design, whether you live somewhere where it snows or not.

It is simple to do and requires little in the way of supplies. I used a base of navy polish and followed it up with snowflakes in a silvery blue. You can add as many snowflakes as you would like or as few on just an accent nail. I've worn this snowflake nail art both ways and can’t decide which I like better.

To start, apply a base coat followed by the color of your choice. For me, I like the look of a navy polish as my base. Then, using a brush, draw 3 lines to make the base of the snow flake. Follow this up by adding two tiny lines at the end of each spoke. To finish it off, put lines on every other one of the original 3 intersecting lines. This is hard to describe, so I’ve included step-by-step pictures of the snowflake in progress.

On the other nails, do either a full snowflake or a combination of parts to get the desired effect. Finished it off with a clear top coat to seal and give it shine!

Traditional French Manicure with a Twist

January 15, 2013 by Danny

French manicures originated in Paris around 1800s. French manicure, also known as French tips, is a type of nail decoration that looks quite similar to natural nails. It has been known for its natural pink base color and white tips. There is nothing more classic looking than a French manicure. It can take some practice to create the white tips, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a quick and easy technique that can be varied to create endless manicure combinations.

During 2010, nail art enthusiasts had formed ways on how to turn the conservative French manicure into something creative and funky. The twist that the title is referring to is the addition of a silver glitter polish.

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I know for myself, I am not always steady when applying the color to my nail tips. I can spend forever trying to achieve a uniform look. If you have ever gone to a salon for a French manicure, I’m sure you have seen the girls just glob the nail polish onto the tip of the nails and then use a polish remover and a paint brush to remove the excess and achieve a crisp line.

For the do it at home girls, this isn’t necessarily an option. Instead, I wait until my nails are completely dry and then using a striper polish, apply a small line of the polish of your choice (in this case, I used a silver glitter in a clear base) to blend the line and remove any noticeable imperfections! Voila, an elegant French manicure with a touch of bling.

The other benefit of a French manicure is it can give the illusion of longer nails!!! Click here to see an alternative to the traditional French manicure.

Stained Glass Nail Art

January 15, 2013 by Danny

Nail art has evolved greatly for the past several years. Many innovative and creative designs were made. Stained glass from old churches was even an inspiration to some nail art enthusiasts. They made use of visually appealing pattern of geometric shapes. These geometric nail patterns in repeating shapes are usually brightly coloured.

Stained glass nail art is a really easy look to achieve. Pick 3 or 4 nail polish colors to be the “glass” and one color to use as the “lead.” Using either a small paint brush or a nail art brush, apply one color at a time into small triangles breaking up each nail into different areas.

Repeat this with each color. Make sure to let it dry completely before adding the “lead” or you may have smearing. Once dry, use the nail art brush to add a final color to be the lead holding the glass together. Finish off with a top coat.

For this design, I used holiday inspired colors to make the stained glass. There is just something about stained glass that reminds me of the holidays!

Aside from the three geometrically-shaped stained glass nail art shown above, you can also try experimenting other patterns. You can use the quarry stained glass pattern in which the nail art creates a regular decorative pattern similar to a four-sided window.

Top Nail Care Products Of Today

January 11, 2013 by Danny

Since the time of ancient Egyptians, during the time of the Pharaohs, nail care products were already being used. They use henna as coloring agent on their fingertips and nails. This practice was to beautify the nails and also to signify social order. On the other hand, the Ancient Chinese used colored lacquer made from gum Arabic, egg whites, gelatin and beeswax. Modern-day nail care products are a lot different from these ancient products.

Modern nail care products are not just focused on aesthetic elements, but also on hygiene and health. No need to worry in keeping healthy, beautiful nails because these products are abundant – you can buy and use them at home, or get them as an add-on when you visit a salon.

Here are some of the most common nail care products that you'll find today:

Nail polish removers – These are commonly used to remove nail polish. It is ideal to use them at a minimum since they sometimes make the nails dry and brittle.

Nail lotions – These are used to keep nails moisturized and healthy-looking. They are ideal for cracked and dry nails.

Base coat – It is ideal to use a base coat with UV protection before applying nail polish. You can prevent your nails from getting nail polish stains by using this product.

Cuticle cream – There are cuticle creams that contain vitamins A and E, plus jojoba oil which help soften the cuticles.

Top coat or nail sealer – Top coats are usually applied over the nail polish or just over natural nails to help protect and retain their moisture.

Nail polish – There are tons of nail polishes out there and they even come in various types, such as those that cater to specific nail problems.

Nail hardener – Brush this product over your nails to protect, strengthen and moisturize them.

Nail polish thinner – This product is used in thinning out nail polish. To prolong its shelf-life, you may keep it in the refrigerator.

Nail care lotion – This is a product that caters to both nails and hands to keep them moisturized and soft. Use it after washing your hands for better results.

Nail brush – Scrub your nails with a nail brush to remove stains and dirt. Use mild soap for better results.

These nail care products are inexpensive when you buy them. And it is recommendable to buy only what you really need. If you want to get nails done in a salon, you may have to spend a little above your budget for the service and additional products that they'll offer you.