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Gridz Nails Inspired by Synthmode

A buddy of mine, Marco Barcena, recently launched Synthmode– a digital portal to all things tech, visual and audio production related.

Among the cool features on the site is the Gridz gallery filled with minimalist abstract art pieces. Naturally, when I saw a couple of the designs I was inclined to replicate a look on my nails.

Grid-05 as seen on Synthmode.com.

To recreate a design inspired by a Grid I used a Essie’s Blanc ($8.50) as a base color and black striper polish to execute the dynamic shapes.

What do you think of this look? Let me know in the comments below!

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Prismatic Nails of the Day

As a huge fan of Katy Perry, I’ve recently obsessed over prisms and prismatic visuals particularly in manicures. So when I got these tiny nail art accessories that reflect amazing color and shine, I was stoked.

I’ve done some research and have been unable to find the exact name of the nail art accessory. From here on out, they will be referred to as prismatic plastic pieces.

Here’s are two prismatic manicures I think Katy Perry would approve:

1. This purple dream machine lets the light in.

I used Marc Jacobs 122 Ultraviolet ($18) a base and created a gradient with Wet ‘n Wild On a Trip ($6), then added pieces of the prismatic plastic over it. On the accent nails I used Prism by China Glaze ($6) as a base and placed dots of Ultraviolet over it using a dotting pen.

2. A bit of mystery and reflection.

I used Essie’s Dive Bar and placed prismatic pieces over it. On the accent nail I used Marc Jacobs Stone Jungle 146 ($18) as a base, applied stripes using a black striper brush and added a thin coat of Sally Hansen’s Mermaid’s Tale ($7).

What do you think of these looks? Let me know in the comments below!

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Valentine’s Day Nail Art Inspired by Tom Bachik

Happy Valentine’s Day! When Zooey Deschanel graced the Golden Globes red carpet in a vintage and lux daisy manicure back in January, I knew right away I wanted to recreate the look. Fast forward to February 14 and I figured there was no better time than now to do it.

Zooey Deschanel’s daisy manicure as seen at the 2014 Golden Globes red carpet. Photo credit: Instagram, @tombachik.

I wanted to give the spectacular manicure originally executed by celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik, my own twist. To give the look a little Valentine’s Day flair, I used pink, white and purple polishes and a couple light pink pearl studs. I paired the design with cute negative space ribbon nail art on the middle finger, a heart-filled accent nail and was very generous with rhinestones. A whole lot of love went into this flirty and romantic look, can you feel it?

What do you think of this manicure? Let me know in the comments below!

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NYFW Inspired Nail Art from Prabal Gurung

A sleek and minimalist nail art look made a statement at New York Fashion Week. The design originally executed by nail legend, Jin Soon Choi, was created for a collaboration between designer Prabal Gurung and Sally Hansen.

Photo Credit: Rachel Adler, Beauty High

Much of Gurung’s Fall 2014 designs were inspired by the beauty of Nepal. The country’s rich color palette resonated in Sally Hansen’s newest limited edition polishes that were used to make the look. The collection will launch in September.

To recreate the chic look of a nude base and a thin burgundy striped I used Butter London’s Flawless Base Coat ($19) and Essie’s Bordeaux ($8.50).

What do you think of this look? Let me know in the comments below.

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5 Valentine’s Day Nail Art Ideas

While Valentine’s Day is meant to appreciate and acknowledge loved ones, the holiday is also an opportunity to love yourself a little bit more.

Here are five manicure ideas that will show off your inner confidence and big heart:

1. Perfectly pink digits with a negative space design that says you’re ready to try something new.

2. Two hearts paired with metallic polish for the hopeless romantic with an edge.

3. Plain white nails to embrace a blank slate filled with possibilities of love.

4. A classic crimson base manicure with a plaid design for the bold lover.

5. Glitzy nails for the Valentine that wants to show off her sweet side.

What do you think of these Valentine’s Day designs? Let me know in the comments below!

Beauty, DIY, Fashion, Nail Art, Nail Art Tutorial, Nail Polish Swatch, Nails, Nails How To, Vine

Seattle Seahawks Nail Art

The Super Bowl kick off is happening on Sunday, are you ready to get your nailgating on?

If you’re rooting for the Seattle Seahawks, then this manicure is surely to score big with the fans.

What do you think of this fanicure? Let me know in the comments below!

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Denver Broncos Nail Art

Happy Super Bowl weekend! My loyalty this Sunday will be with the Denver Broncos. To get ready for kick off, I executed this fanicure.

Major congrats to five-time NFL MVP award winner, Peyton Manning. To celebrate this achievement I am already nailgating.

What do you think of this fanicure? Let me know in the comments below!

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Graphic Square Nail Art

Make an already bold nail polish even bolder with a graphic design.

I’m wearing Marc Jacobs 118 Oui! ($18) and China Glaze Liquid Leather ($5.50) on the accent. I painted mirrored square halves on the top and bottom of the nails using black and white striper polishes.

What do you think of this design? Let me know in the comments below!

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Essie’s Croc n Chic Nail Appliques

After reviewing Essie’s Steel the Way nail appliques I instantly fell in love with the design and easy application. If you are looking to get the most wear of the nail wraps, I recommend finishing off the manicure with a layer of top coat.

Here is a sample of Essie’s Croc n Chic nail decals.

What do you think of the nail wraps? Let me know in the comments below!

Beauty, China Glaze, DIY, Essie, Fashion, Nail Art, Nail Art Tutorial, Nail Polish Swatch, Nails, Nails How To, Style, Vine

Nails of the Day: Glitzy Pastel Striped Nail Art

I recently added Essie’s Full Steam Ahead ($8.50) to my nail polish collection.

The medium toned lilac bottled beauty inspired me to create a glitzy pastel striped nail art design.

This is a little close-up of the rhinestone action happening on the glitter accent nail. I used Prism by China Glaze ($6) to compliment the sheer shimmer of Essie’s East Hampton Cottage ($8.50) base color.

Here’s a Vine time lapse video of how the manicure was executed.