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Monday, March 18, 2013

Manicure Monday: Subdued Polka Dot Mani


I'm still totally in love with my Essie Matte About You top coat and just love discovering all the fun stuff I can do with my nails by just using different finishes. Let's take nail art as an example. I think it looks really cute, but a lot of times, it's not exactly office friendly - at least if you, like many people out there, work in a conservative office culture. But using clear matte and glossy top coats to create nail art can give you the fun, funky edge you're looking for, while still being subdued enough for your serious nine-to-fiver. From far away, it will look like any other manicure. It's not until you get up close that you'll notice the fun and dimension it has. It's kind of the equivalent of wearing a really conservative outfit over some really fun and sultry lingerie. No one would ever guess you're wearing something a little racy underneath. Except, of course, a manicure is much more G-rated.

Today's manicure inspiration is once again Pinterest related. I saw this fun manicure and just had to try my hand at recreating it.

Photo credit
I love the matte and glossy black look of this mani, but I decided to try it. Instead of black, though, I opted for a deep charcoal grey. I wanted to keep the dark and fun feel of the manicure that inspired me, without copying it outright. To accomplish it, I used Sinful Colors Ardoise (check it out here in its normal creme glossy finish), topped with Essie Matte About You, and dotted with China Glaze Fast Forward top coat. 



Of course you can always make this bright and cheery as well by just switching up the colors. Here it is in purple, using Sinful Colors Amethyst.



P.S. - If you don't have a dotting tool, don't worry. I used this awesome tutorial from The Beauty Department to make my own dotting tool at home. Super easy and also a fantastic Pinterest find.

The Beauty Department
What do you think about creating nail art using different finishes rather than bold colors? Does it help make nail art more wearable for you? If you've been shy about nail art, would you consider wearing it now? What other matte-glossy designs would you consider trying? Do you have any favorites? Comment below and let me know!





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