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Wednesday, July 24, 2013

For The Love Of Gradients


Happy Hump Day All!

I am more than glad this week is halfway done!!! Work has been super busy for me and I have so much to edit and post for you all. I'm slowly working my way through them on lunch breaks and after work. I have two posts for you this week and then another two for sure next week, so please be on the lookout. :)

How do we all feel about some nail art? I know, I know, I haven't been posting nail art lately, and for that I am sorry. Swatching took over my life for a while. I promise to try and throw in more nail art here and there. If you are here for the art you will not be disappointed this coming week, I promise. ;)

Today I have something simple for you that I did on a whim a couple weeks ago. (That should tell you how busy I am!)


I started this one with two coats of one of my all time favorite lacquers, Cult Nails Faded, which is a light gray creme. It has a perfect application and it is just too pretty.

To see more photos and hear how I acheived this look, please read on!



 After applying two coats of Faded I did one coat of Seche Vite Topcoat and let the whole thing dry for a few minutes. I used a makeup sponge to to the gradient. The lacquers in the the gradient are Cult Nails Faded and Essie Bottle Service. Bottle Service is a very recent favorite and I was so happy with everything about it!


I topped the finished gradient with another layer of Seche Vite and then used a Stripe Rite Striper to do the hearts on the ring and pinkie fingers. I let the hearts dry for a good long time and then carefully applied one last coat of SV to smooth and protect everything. 

Be careful with the topcoat over a design like this, it is very easy to smudge! I try to kind of float the topcoat on and only go over each spot once.



A couple days after I did this, I swatched Serum N°5 Sky Lights over the whole design. Sky Lights is a glow in the dark shimmery topcoat. I didn't get any photos of it in the light but I do have this photo of it glowing, which I thought came out pretty fantastic!
 

I love how you can see the gradient and the hearts in the glow!

What do you think? Are you on the gradient train or do they bore you? I've heard a lot of people have trouble with gradients, but I've found the most helpful resource is the tutorial by The Nailasaurus. She does a really great job explaining everything. Also, she is an amazing nail artist and if you aren't already following her, you probably should be!

I hope you all enjoyed this simple nail are as much as I enjoyed doing it and wearing it!

xoxo

Storm





3 comments:

  1. Lovely! The hearts add a great touch!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sooooo cute! The gradient is really perfect!
    xx, moonchild

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very beautiful gradient and an unexpected mix of colors. Kudos!

    ReplyDelete

Hi All!

I read every one of my comments and try to respond. If you want to ask a question and I don't respond, please feel free to e-mail me directly at storm@stormandstars.net!

Thanks for reading and commenting!