NOTD: Elegant Touch Envy Wraps in Deckchair Brights

I was having a mini dilemma deciding on a which nail colour to wear with a coral dress, so I took it as an excuse to try out a new product.

I've never used nail wraps (myself) before so please pardon the slightly shoddy application, although they were simple enough to apply, literally stick them on like stickers, I struggled a bit with getting all the creases out. 

But I guess practice makes perfect, and a reason to justify buying another pack! 

They were only £5 from Boots which I don't think is too extravagant for a special occasion, and they are said to last up to five days.

They come with several sizes and colours, including some blue shades which I didn't use.      

The colours in the pack really reflect sea-side summer days, I can just picture the little beach huts and deck chairs on the sand from the bright shades and stripes. I'm trying to make the most of the few summer days we have left before the evenings get dark again...                

 Have you used nail wraps before, how easy did you find they were to use?

Are you sad summer is coming to an end, or looking forward to cosy winter nights?

NOTD: Purple and Yellow Ombré Nails

I decided to give the ombré nails another go, this time with much more contrasting colours, and I really LOVE how they turned out!

I even got a compliment from a waitress when I was out one evening, and she couldn't believe I had done them myself.

Products I used:

Base coat: Nails Inc in Harley Street

Yellow: Miss Guided (I think this was free in a magazine)

Purple: Bloom in Charlie

Top coat: Nails Inc in Kensington Caviar

Have you ever tried a nail art technique which turned out better after experimenting?

Which nail art to you love at the moment?

NOTD: Galaxy Nails

I'm so pleased with how this effect turned out.

I think every time I do them, they will look different, especially as the colour combinations you could use are endless.

It was difficult trying to photograph the nails with the glitter being apparent.

The glitter I used was a bit hit-and-miss, as usually the downfall of glitter nail varnish is that the glitter is to sparse, but that is exactly what you DO want from your glitter varnish here, to add a few twinkly stars on your nail. (has the word glitter lost all meaning to you too?)

The colours I used (from top left) are:

 Rimmel Lasting Finish in 080 Black Cab

Rimmel Brit Manicure in 430 Porcelain

Barry M Nail Paint in 309 Strawberry Ice Cream

Barry M Nail Paint in 304 Mint Green

Bloom Nail Polish in Charlie

Nails Inc (base coat) in Harley Street

Nails Inc Glitter (I think this was free with something and it doesn't have a name)

Nails Inc Graffiti in Portobello Place

Nails Inc (top coat) in Kensington Caviar

What nail art have you tried recently?

Where do you get your inspiration from?

NOTD: Red and Dark Blue Two Tone

This really is one of the easiest nail art designs to do, ever!

I originally wanted to do it with a lighter blue, but the dark one does have a sense of maturity (which I sorely lack) but you can do it with any colours you like. I think it's especially good if you can't decide on a colour.

First applied a base coat, I used Nails Inc Harley Street, which is for smoothing out ridges in nails.

Then I applied two coats on the red nail varnish (allowing the first coat to dry before applying the second) I used Nails Inc Charing Cross.

Once that had 100% dried I cut small pieces of sticky tape (nothing special, just regular tape you wrap presents with) and stuck them over the lower half of each nail to create a barrier.

It's really important the nail varnish is entirely dry, otherwise the sticky tape ruins it!

Now all you have to do is paint your nails again with the contrasting colour on the area still exposed, I used Nails Inc Kabaret.

Leave the second colour to dry for about 30 seconds and carefully peel off the tape.

Wait for the polish to dry completely then add a top coat, I used Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Topcoat

This is also a good method to use if you want a french polish finish, whether it is the traditional colours, or your own combination.

What nail art are you going to try out? Where do you get your inspiration from?