Tough as Nails: Glitter Gel

Tumblr and Instagram provide me with endless inspiration for a number of things from recipes to home decor to fashion.

As of late I have been coming across beautiful works of art being done on nails.  Even better is that it's being done on natural nails! 

Now dont get me wrong I have seen some amazing faux nails as well but I havent done acrylic nails in a LONG time.  Once I figured out how to take care of my nails and saw that they could be healthy and grow I was all like ixnay on the acrylic-ay.

I have been saving my inspiration pics on my iphone attempting to get up the nerve to get an inspired mani.  Why am I so apprehensive about getting manicures at the same places I trust to do my pedicures?  Not so much nervous about the outcome as nervous about spending the money and the mani doesnt last and/or doesnt turn out the way I hoped. 

Well yesterday I said forget it.  I needed my pedi and my nails were a mess after using the Revlon 3D Nail Appliques - I swear those little stickers only last a good day before they start to peel off.  BLAH!  So I decided to go for it.  I showed the tech my inspiration pic and while yes there was a language barrier he seemed to be confident in completing the task at hand.

inspiration image (not sure where it came from but if it belongs to you please let me know so I can credit accordingly)

 

 

 

my result...

Close but no cigar right?  I ultimately wanted something clean and cute and so I think this will suffice. 

I was thinking they would use the thin strips of gold/silver for the line but after practicing on his own nails (yes my nail tech had to practice doing the thin line on his nails before trying on me); he then decided it was too much to handle and gave the task over to another nail tech who just used the decorating nail polish that has that super thin brush to draw the line.  The glitter on the ring finger was done with the OPI gel polish and so its smooth to the touch. 

Though the design isnt spot on I am ok with it.  I also think I will try it again but perhaps at another nail spot only because he did my pedi as well and it was only ok, not nearly as relaxing when I went last week and had a different tech.

CND Fall 2012 Nail Trends

Fall 2012 Nail Trends from CND

CND, the pioneer of manicures as runway accessories, worked with 22 global designers including Theory, Victoria Beckham, Moschino and Catherine Malandrino during Fall 2012 Fashion Week in New York and London.

"Manicures are seductive and bursting with color - ripened opaque oxbloods, high shine gold and silver metallics and sophisticated creamy nudes are the hottest hues for Fall 2012," says CND Co-founder, Jan Arnold.

BLUEBLOOD

At Malandrino, nails were custom blended with CND Colours in Plumville and Dark Ruby to achieve a tough girl finish. Rich navy CND Colour in Midnight Sapphire submerged "Deep Sea Digits" at Karen Walker. Rachel Antonoff's "Flirty Flower" nails were patriotic and patrician - achieve at home with a detailing brush and CND Colours in Flashpoint, Brilliant White and Anchor Blue. Satisfy your thirst for the decadent burgundy nails from Naeem Khan with CND Colour in Bloodline. 

HI-TECH FEMME

This pure metal manicure seen at Behnaz Sarafpour is perfect for a red carpet Rooney Mara - edgy, not vampy. Invest in the opulent "Midas Touch" manicure from Alexandre Herchcovitch with two coats of CND Colour in Gold Chrome topped with CND Air Dry Top Coat. 

TEA/PARTY 

Creamy nude and lilac tones, such as CND Colour in Marshmallow Rose, were soft, clean and sophisticated on the runway at Ashish,Theory and Victoria Beckham. For a wilder spin on nude, try the "Terra Cotta" nails from Christian Cota that were inspired by drying clay in the Mexican desert. Coat nails in CND Colour in Putty, and using a makeup sponge, apply CND Colour in Chocolate Milk at the cuticle area to create the neutral faded ombre look. 

CND Colour retails for $9.00 per bottle, Effects retail for $11.00 per bottle, and Base and Top Coats retail for $8.50 each. 

For CND Colour & Effects e-tailers or regional salon and spa availability, please visit cnd.com.

To read Jan Arnold's backstage blog, visit  cndfashionweek.com/Fall2012 and check out CND's Fashion Week Tumblr at cndfashion.tumblr.com.