Butterfly Manicure

Spongy Manicure

13 Oct 2012

This spongy technique is easy to pull off, and is a great base for a lot of cute manicures. Today I'm working on a butterfly wing, mostly because I like butterflies. Yeah, I think that's the only reason actually!  

1) Choose your materials first, running around with wet nails usually makes something messy! In case you're wondering, Left to Right: OPI Peach-A-Boo, China Glaze VI, OPI Take The Stage, OPI DS Jewel. On the right: Seche Vite Top Coat, Orly Nailtrtion, NYC 134 French Tip White. 

2) Base Coat, I used Nailtrition

3) Pick out 3 shades in the same color family. Paint the middle shade on the whole nail.

 

4) Dip the sponges in Water, you'll use less paint!            

5)Paint your makeup sponge with the three colors,

in order from darkest to lightest

6) Dab the sponge across the nail, darkest color at the top.

7) Use Q-tips dipped in nail polish remover to clean up the cuticles.

8) Striping brushes have a long bristle, it helps make straight lines, even when you're free-handing. This particular brand is So Easy, Stripe Rite.

9) Free-hand the small half circle at the bottom. Pull stripes from the bottom towards the tips. Stripe across the tip with the black polish. 

10) Using the top of a pin, or a toothpick dip in white polish, and then lightly tap on the black portion of the manicure. 

11) Finish off with your favorite top coat! And you're done! 

There you have it! Butterfly wings on your fingernails! And remember, no butterflies were harmed in the making of this manicure!