Lazy Days of Summer - Beach Themed

So I joined another summer themed challenge... The Lazy Days of Summer. This one is a go at your own pace so I can easily do both challenges. I already have so many cool ideas. So week one is Beach Themed. Now I am not the best artist but I def try... need better nail art brushes!

I'm sooo excited!

I was bummed last night when I had seen I missed out on getting Floam. I got the email this morning and got me a bottle :) Same thing happened with Sticks n Stones.

DIY Nail Art Tools From Around Your House by Beautylish

In addition to their day jobs, some of the most mundane household items can help you achieve your next manicured magnum opus—we’re talking animal textures and needlepoint-like accuracy! We’ve scoured the pantry and the craft bin for our favorite gadgets and gizmos, and discovered that they lead double lives in the world of nail art.

Cheesecloth
Yep—the thin, curd-happy weave moonlights in the nail world! When dipped in lacquer, spread apart with fingers, and imprinted onto nails, cheesecloth creates an easy, stenciled fishnet overlay without hand-painting lattice.







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Paper Towels
We love the stippled effect of snakeskin on nails, but how do you achieve the serpentine finish without splurging on a real snakeskin manicure? The fibrous texture of a paper towel is strangely identical to our reptilian friends. Simply, dab a small amount of polish onto a small piece of the towel, then sponge haphazardly onto nails.

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Tape
As steady as our hands can get, nothing gives a nail design more precision than tape. From color-blocking to striping, the geometric effects are endless and easy to achieve!

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Needles and Pencils
Finely crafted details are difficult to master, even with every nail art brush in the book! For intricate line work, build yourself a needlepoint tip. Stick a sewing needle into the end of any pencil with an eraser end, then scallop, swish, and speckle away!

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Toothpicks
From micro points to polka dots, a toothpick is the obvious choice for dotting. Be sure to purchase picks with flattened bases for an extra shape to play with!

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Straws
We can’t imagine painting a thin, ringed outline on our fingertips, let alone a full hand! Plastic straws are convenient for these circular conundrums. Drop some polish on a plastic surface, then dip your straw like you’re rimming a martini glass. Press the straw onto your nails for an abstract pattern.

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Stamps
Stamps can imprint lacquer just like ink! Spread a transparent layer of nail polish over plastic, then press the stamp onto the polish as you would an ink pad. Push the stamp onto each nail, picking up more pigment when necessary. After each use, be sure to clean off the rubber with acetone to avoid buildup.




http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcgwg/diy-nail-art-tools

The Summer Fun Challenge Day 4

When I thought of summer's scorching temps, the sun came to mind... a no brainer. I thought it would be cool to do half suns instead of half moons. I thought a red to orange gradient seemed like a fitting idea. I put the red closest to the sun because it is the hottest place. I think they are kinda cute :)

Frosty Spectrum

Since I am posting so many busy looks, I thought I would take a quick break and flaunt my vibrant blue nails. I added a little bit of spectraflair on top for a subtle holo. I couldn't resist the glitter :)

Quick Tip: Tighten The Line by TBD

I hate when I can see skin showing between my lashes and liner. Sometimes I correct it from underneath if it is being stubborn. I like the Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in

Ultra Black. Anyways, on to the tip...

Maybe I’m a bit neurotic because I’m a makeup artist, but please hear my case! All day long when I’m making eye contact with people, I can’t help but notice that they lined their upper lid, but left a small space of skin peeking through between their lashes {even more so than in the photograph above!}. This bothers me only because we line our upper lids to create an illusion of waking up the eye, but if the line doesn’t go all the way to the actual lash line, the illusion isn’t created; rather it just looks like we merely drew a line across. So I’m asking you to take the 15 seconds to go back and fill in the holes to complete the illusion. 

photos + post by amy nadine, graphic design by eunice chun

Here’s how:

1. Reach around and over your head to gently lift the lid upwards, giving you better access to the lashline.
2. With a felt-tip liner pen, fill in the “holes” or anywhere you see exposed skin by sneaking the liner in between your lashes and marking over the space.

That’s it! Remember, makeup artistry is not only about pretty palettes and making statements with bold lips, it’s also about creating illusions by playing with depths, shadows + light. This small effort really helps make the difference of having the eye appear more awake and open.

http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/06/quick-tip-tighten-the-line/

The Summer Fun Challenge Day 3

Oh man... now I wish I had a pool to go in. I also wish it was warm enough to really have a pool party. I have had a lot of fun with this challenge so far.

Across the Surf

I was going to try doing a ruffian but was too tired when I was polishing my nails. I used some of my mani guides and made a point. I think they are nice but would be really cool if I spent a little bit more time on them.

TUTORIAL: Autumn Flowers (Flower Technique)

I found this video for a cute flower technique. I figured I would try it and share. I'm still a newbie when it comes to using dotting tools. I need more practice! Anyways, hope you like :)

Target Summer Beauty Bag

I was one of the lucky ones to get another free sample bag from Target. I have to say I was a bit jealous that others started getting their bag almost 2 weeks ago. I am a little disappointed with this one but it was free so I'm not hatin'.