1
2
-How to apply nail polish smoothly------------------------------------p.2 -The general methods of using wide tapes----------------------------p.6 -The advanced methods of using wide tapes-two advanced skills-p.8 -The general methods of using thin tapes ----------------------------p.11 -The methods of applying artificial diamonds and glitters on nail art -------------------------------------------------------------------------------p.14 -The methods of color gradient -----------------------------------------p.16 -Mix and match: Wide tapes and color gradient- three example-p.19 -How to use regular tapes to create special shapes ( can be matched by color gradient) -------------------------------------------------------------p.26 -The application of aurora paper----------------------------------------p.29 -The application of special stickers -----------------------------------p.32 -Personal design nails example 1--------------------------------------- p.34 -Personal design nails example 2---------------------------------------p.42 -Personal design nails example 3---------------------------------------p.56 -Personal design nails example 4--------------------------------------p.64 -Personal design nails example 5--------------------------------------p.68 -Personal design nails example 6--------------------------------------p.76 -Personal design nails example 7---------------------------------------p.86
3
How to apply nail polish smoothly: The methods of applying nail polish: First of all, I’d like to introduce some useful tips on how to create better-looking nail polish results. Dip the nail polish: Here, it is important to make sure that extra amount of nail polish has to be removed for one side of the brush. Therefore, the amount of nail polish on the other side of the brush should be just enough to avoid applying more than the amount we need for a time. That is, by doing so, we can make sure that we don’t dip too much or too little nail polish with the brush.
Creating a long-lasting coloring effect: Lightly apply a base layer of nail polish on the tip of the nail in order to prevent the color on the tip from fading. In other words, this tip can help coloring effect last longer because the nail on the tip is easily to be damaged or discolored when we’re doing daily activities.
4
At the beginning you must divide your nail surface into three
parts Step 1 Divide nail surface into three parts and start from the middle part. Use the brush to apply nail polish downward on the nail surface. (in the direction from up to bottom)
Step 2 Use the brush to apply nail polish on the left part.
5
Step 3 Use the brush to apply nail polish on the right part. In addition, repeat applying on the overlapped surface to make sure the distribution of nail polish color is even on the nail surface.
Step 4 Repeat step 3 again in order to create better color saturation. The difference between applying one layer and applying double layers is very obvious when light color is used.
Step 5 After completing the above steps, apply a top coat on the whole nail surface to prevent the color from fading. Tips:
6
During step 1, I would start from the middle part of the nail surface and paint slightly upward first to fill the gap. Then, brush the nail surface downward. The reason of doing so is that extra nail polish would remain on nail skin if we directly brush the nail polish downward. It will be more difficult to remove it. While applying nail polish, keep in mind that it has to be done in the same direction, usually from up to bottom.
7
The general methods of using wide tapesďźš The method of using wide tapes: The purpose of using wide tapes is to keep the nail surface from being painted. Wide tapes are to be removed after applying nail polish Step 1 Cut the tape to desired length
Step 2 Stick the cut thin tape onto nails according to your design pattern
Step 3 Apply color onto nails evenly
8
Step 4 After tapes are removed with a tweezer, the hidden color beneath nail polish will be revealed and the upper layer coat of nail polish will form color block.
Step 5 Finally, apply a layer of top coat on the whole nail surface to prevent nail polish from fading and to create glossy effect. Tips: When putting on adhesive tapes, make sure it fits perfectly onto the nail surface to squeeze the extra air. This can help prevent nail polish from getting into the tapes, which will lead to imperfect color block. When using thick tapes, make sure that nail polish of the bottom layer is completely dry and avoid damaging the bottom smoothness when tearing it up.
9
The advanced methods of using wide tapes( advanced skills ) 1. Different color blocks Step 1 Cut the wide tapes into several parts Step 2 Fit them perfectly onto the nail surface according to your design
Step 3 Choose nail polish of different colors and put thin layer in the space divided by wide tapes. Remember that fill only in the desired space.
Step4 Take wide tapes off and apply a layer of top coat on the whole nail surface to prevent nail polish from fading and to create glossy effect.
10
Tips: When removing the tapes, follow the order as they were put on. Make sure that the tape is removed based on the order. That is, do not remove the bottom layer first, which will cause the nail polish to be out of the desired space. Do not put on too much nail polish on the top layer because the thickness will overflow the desired space.
2. Use wide tapes as the margin to create the desired patterns Step 1 Cut the wide tapes into different parts. Step 2 Use the wide tapes to create the margin for the shape you want to make. (for example, star-shaped, heart-shaped)
Step 3
11
Apply nail polish in the area of the shape. You can either apply in part of the area or all of the area, depending on the pattern you want to create.
Step 4 Remove the tapes carefully. When the nail polish is mostly dry, apply a layer of top coat to protect nail and create better color saturation.
12
The general methods of using thin tapesďźš The general methods of using thin tapes (usually used as decoration on nail surface) Apply the base color and make sure base color is completely dry Step 1 Cut off some thin tapes to be longer than the needed length
Step 2 Put thin tapes on nail surface according to your design pattern
Step 3 Make sure that thin tapes are completely attached to nail surface and cut off extra part with small scissors
13
Step 4 Finally, apply a layer of top coat on the whole nail surface to keep the tapes from falling off. It also can make nail polish look more lustrous.
Useful tips: Make sure adhesive tapes and nail surface are perfectly attached. Straighten the tapes and stick them on nail surface. This step would make it easier to create a linear effect.
14
Advanced skills for using thin tapes: Use parts of the thin tapes on the nail surface to create geometric patterns. Step 1 Cut the thin tapes into several parts
Step 2 Stick them onto the nail surface and cut off the unnecessary parts
Step 3 Apply a layer of top coat to make it more color-saturated and fix the tapes better
15
The methods of applying artificial diamonds and glitters on nail art The methods of applying artificial diamonds and glitters on nail art. Step 1 Apply a layer of top coat on nail surface first
Step 2 Lightly brush an amount of top coat on orange wood stick to make it become adhesive so that it can pick up artificial diamonds and glitters easily with its tip
Step 3 Pick up the artificial diamonds and glitters you need with orange wood stick and stick them onto the nail surface where you want them to be.
16
Step 4 Put on another protective coat over the top coat. Remember to wrap the artificial diamonds and glitters completely in order to make them fixed.
Useful tips: After sticking the artificial diamonds and glitters on the surface, do not move them in any way to avoid the pattern being damaged and prevent the nail polish on the side from being not smooth.
17
The methods of color gradient Color gradient is a skill which can be easily combined with other skills Basic mix-colored gradient Step 1 Prepare a sponge. If it’s a cleaning sponge, it has to be cut in the size of the a nail surface Step 2 Paint one color on the upper part of the sponge and a different color on the bottom part
Step 3 Put the sponge with nail polish on the nail surface to print the color. A light color effect will be created. Note that use the same side of the sponge to make sure it’s the same color.
Step 4 Repeat step 3 in order to make the color gradient look softer and not too obvious. Note that the level of color saturation is also important.
18
Step 5 Apply top coat to protect the nail surface to make the color stay longer on the surface.
Tips: Choose sponge with bigger air holes. If sponges with smaller air holes are used, cotton fibers will be left on the surface because of the stickness of the nail polish when the sponges are put on the surface. Advanced mix-colored gradient In general, the methods are mostly the same as above. The only difference is that several colors will be painted on the sponge.
19
20
Mix and match: Wide tapes and color gradient This technique is based on the finished color gradient surface, using wide and thin tapes to divide the color blocks or to create desired patterns. In this part, I’d like to introduce three different mixed methods and hopefully everyone can create new patterns as you wish based on these three examples. Pattern 1 is based on a color gradient of pink and sky blue, using wide tapes to divide the color blocks. Step 1 Prepare a sponge as tool Step 2 Paint pink on the upper parts of the sponge, sky blue on the bottom parts of the sponge
Step 3 Put the sponge (the side of nail polish on) right on the whole nail surface to apply the color onto the nail surface. Once the process is completed, light color effect will be formed. Use the sponge to tap on the nail surface with the same color and repeat the process twice.
21
Step 4 After applying the top coat, wait it to dry and continue the following process. By doing so, the base layer will not be destroyed when removing the tapes.
Step 5 Cut down two wide tapes and stick them on the two sides of the nail surface. Remember to stick it straight for better-looking effect.
Step 6 Apply white nail polish in the middle of the nail surface. After repeating the process twice, remove the wide tapes.
22
Step 7 You can also put rhinestones on the top coat as a decoration.
Pattern 2 is white-based, using wide tapes to frame the margin and applying color gradient skill on the nail surface Step 1 Apply white nail polish as base coat Step 2 Cut down two segments of tapes and stick them on the two sides of the nail surface,
23
which will create a space of rectangular in the middle of the nail surface.
Step 3 Use the sponge to paint any color as you wish on and tap the sponge on the nail surface, where is not covered by tapes. Repeat the process to make it look more color-saturated.
Step 4 Remove the wide tapes and wait the nail polish to dry completely
24
Step 5 Cut down several parts of thin tapes and stick them on the margin where the wide tapes were removed from, to divide the surface into different color blocks.
Step 6 Apply top coat and fix the tapes on the nail.
25
Pattern 3 is white-based and freely use wide and thin tapes to make a creative and original work. Step1 Cut down two segments of wide tapes and stick them vertically on the white-based nail surface. Leave the margin open to create a sense of design.
Step2 Choose some dreamy tones and paint them in the open space (different methods can be used to fill the blank space.
26
Step 3 Remove the wide tapes on the two sides. Choose some tapes which have luxury touch and stick them on the margin.
Step 4 Remove the extra tapes on the two sides and apply some top coat with glitters to enhance the texture.
27
How to use regular tapes to create special shapes ( can be matched by color gradient) This skill requires tapes which are commonly found at home. Thicker tapes are preferable. Step1 Cut off a piece of tape, which is longer than nail surface Step2 Bend the tape. Make sure that the tips of tapes are not completely attached in case it’s difficult to be opened again later.
Step3 Use small scissors to cut a desired shape, such as heart-shape or star, in the middle of the tape ( It’s advised that you make a draft to prevent the possible mistake)
28
Step 4 Tear the attached tape and stick it onto the nail surface according to the centerline.
Step 5 Use different skills to fill the center part
Step 6 Lightly remove the tape and try to avoid contact with the excessive nail polish to ensure desired effect.
29
Step 7 When the nail polish is dry, apply the top coat.
30
The application of aurora paper Use sharp scissors to cut off auroras stickers to avoid folding them or creating gauffers on the edge when having difficulties cutting them off. Step 1 Use small scissors to cut auroras paper into irregular shapes (mainly triangle and quadrature)
Step 2 Apply a layer of top coat on the finished base coat
31
Step 3 Use ball pen or toothpick, orangewood stick’s tip to dip some top coat
Step 4 Use the slight cohesiveness on the front edge to dip the prepared aurora papers and stick them on nail surface
Step 5 After putting on aurora paper, use tool’s front edge to press the uneven parts.
32
Step 6 Apply a layer of top coat to avoid the falling off of aurora paper and to make the surface smooth
Useful tips: It’s advised that think about the arrangement before putting on or cutting aurora paper. Overlaps on too many places would create less better-looking effects. That is, designed patterns are better-looking.
33
The application of special stickers By using special stickers, it’s easy to create different effects and it can be perfectly combined with other skills Step 1 Apply base coat. You can either first create desired effects on the base coat or try to slightly reveal the underlying beautiful colors with a single-colored top coat or use single-colored base as background and apply different skills on it to emphasize the base color.
Step 2 Put on sticker and make sure they are attached perfectly to prevent nail polish from penetrating the stickers.
Step 3 Apply the second layer of color and carefully remove the sticker for the best result.
34
Step 4 When it’s slightly dry, apply top coat to protect the nail polish from falling off.
Useful tips: When choosing colors of the first and the second layer, it’s advised to choose more contrasting colors because similar colors may not be able to create desired results.
35
Example 1
For little finger Step 1 Apply white base color and wait it to be completely dry
Step 2 Put on thick tapes according to your design pattern. You have to pay close attention
36
to the third tape’s length and the order of being removed to avoid damaging the edge.
Step 3 Apply different colors for different areas. You may choose to leave the center area blank to create a stylish effect. Of course you may choose to fill in different colors as you wish.
Step 4 Carefully remove the tapes, in the order of from the third one to the first one. It’s exactly the opposite order when they were put on.
37
Step 5 Wait the nail polish of color block to dry and then apply top coat. By doing so, color block’s edge would not be blurred, which would damage the result.
For ring finger Step 1 Apply color pure white as base coat and wait it to be completely dry.
38
Step 2 Cut two pieces of thick tapes to stick them on the nail surface and squeeze the air.
Step 3 Apply different base colors in the areas divided by thick tapes. Note that it’s better to use the same colors for variation for five fingers.
Step 4 Carefully remove the tapes.
39
Step 5 Wait the layer to be completely dry and then apply top coat to avoid blurring the border of color blocks.
For middle finger Step 1 Apply base color evenly.
40
Step 2 Cut off 3 pieces of thick tapes. Stick them on the nail surface to form a triangle. Note that the vertex of the triangle is on the centerline of nail surface.
Step 3 Fill in three different colors for each area. Let the nail polish mix naturally on the border of color blocks.
Step 2 Remove the tapes. Remember to remove them in the opposite order when they
41
were put on.
Step 5 Wait the layer to be completely dry and then apply top coat to make the colors last.
For index finger Step 1 Apply base color
42
Step 2 Cut off two pieces of thick tapes. The edge of one of them has be to smoothly-cut. Stick them on the nail surface.
Step 3 Fill in different colors in blank areas.
43
Step 4 Carefully remove the tapes according to the instructed order.
Step 5 Wait the layer to be completely dry and then apply top coat to protect the color.
44
For thumb Step 1 Apply base color
Step 2 Cut off four pieces of thick tapes. Stick them on nail surface with two pieces as a set paralleled and symmetric.
45
Step 3 Apply three different colors on the sponge and freely press it on nail surface to fill the blank area.
Step 4 Carefully remove the thick tapes in the opposite order when they were put on.
46
Step 5 Wait the nail polish of the second layer to be completely dry and apply top coat to protect the nail surface.
47
Example 2
For little finger and middle finger Step 1 Apply navy blue as the base coat. Wait it to be completely dry to prevent possible crease marks which might occur when pressing the stickers.
48
Step 2 Cut off a piece of thin tape and stick it vertically (horizontally) on the nail surface.
Step 3 Use small scissors to cut off excessive tapes and be careful not to cut the nail.
Step 4 Apply top coat to fix the attached thin tapes to make sure they won’t fall off.
49
The skills of sticking rhinestones for ring finger and index finger Step 1 Apply base coat and a layer of top coat
Step 2 Use orangewood stick or ball pen to dip some top coat to get the rhinestone
50
Step 3 Make sure the rhinestone is fixed with the proper angle and stick them on the nail surface.
Step 4 Apply a layer of top coat to completely cover the rhinestone in order to prevent it from falling off.
For thumb ( matte coat is required) Step 1 Apply the base coat evenly on the nail surface. When it is dry, apply top coat over it.
51
Step 2 Cut off a piece of thick tape, stick it obliquely on the nail surface.
Step 3 Apply matte top coat in the area that is not covered by the thick tape. Then, remove the thick tape.
52
Step 4 Wait the matte polish to be completely dry. Top coat is not applied here because we need to make sure the matte’s texture is kept.
53
Example3
For little finger, middle finger and ring finger Step 1 Apply base color evenly. Wait it to be completely dry.
54
Step 2 Cut off a piece of thick tape and carefully stick it on the nail surface. Do not leave any space blank.
55
Step 3 Apply color in the area below the tape
56
Step 4 Carefully remove the tape and wait it to be completely dry.
57
Step 5 Cut off thin tape and stick them along the border of color blocks.
Step 6 Cut off excessive tape and be careful not to cut the nail.
58
Step 7 Apply top coat to make the tape stay longer on the nail surface.
59
For index finger Step 1 Apply base coat
Step 2 Stick two piece of thick tapes vertically. In order not to let nail polish get into the tapes, straighten them and make sure there is no gap (open space)
Step 3 Apply nail polish in the upper left and bottom right corner. Make sure it is done carefully and not cross the tapes.
60
Step 4 Remove the tapes in the opposite order they were put on.
Step 5 Stick thin tapes and cut off extra parts.
61
Step 6 Apply top coat to make sure it’s fixed and not be fallen off
62
For thumb Step 1 Apply base color
Step 2 Cut off two pieces of thick tapes and stick them at an angle of 90 degrees. Note that the cut surface has to be smooth.
Step 3 Apply nail polish. Remove tapes and wait it to be completely dry.
63
S Step 4 Cut off two pieces of thin tapes and stick them along the border of color blocks. Be sure the cut surface has to be smooth.
64
Step 5 Stick one more thin tape horizontally and make it paralleled to the bottom color block. Add more variation for details to avoid repeated patterns. In addition, cut off the extra parts.
Step 6 Apply top coat to protect nail polish from falling off because of touching.
65
Example 4
Methods Step 1 Apply nude color nail polish and wait it to be completely dry
66
Step2 Drop pink nail polish on things which can’t absorb water. I bought a palette to as a container for nail polish. A ball pen is prepared to dip nail polish on the thin side. Step 3 Use the pointed edge of ball pen ( the curve of French nail should be emphasized). Paint dots with regular space on the nail polish. (Usually a drop can be used only for several dots. Dip nail polish again to make sure the nail polish is not dry before it gets on the nail surface)
Step 4 In the area of pink nail polish, paint some blue nail polish randomly (ball pen has be to be cleaned before it is used again to avoid the mixture of different colors)
67
Step 5 Clean again to remove the nail polish residue left on the ball pen. Then, dip navy blue nail polish and fill the all the blank space on the edge.
Step 6 (optional) Make some simple decorations on the edge of the nail in order to make it look cuter.
68
Step 7 Apply top coat to make sure the color won’t fade easily.
69
Example 5
For little finger, middle finger and index finger Step 1 Apply base color and wait it to be completely dry
70
Step 2 Prepare a sponge. Apply the same color as the base color, gray, for the upper space. Black is applied for the bottom space. (Color black with glitters is used here)
Step 3 Press sponge on the nail surface to apply big coverage of color. Then, tap the sponge on the nail surface to refine the rough area. Repeat the process again to make the color gradient more color-saturated.
71
Step 4 Apply top coat to make the color of nail polish more obvious
Step 5 Use ball pen to dip some top coat to make it adhesive. Then, dip rhinestones and stick them on nail surface in a shape of triangle.
72
Step 6 Wait the previously-applied top coat to be dry and then apply another layer of top coat to prevent the rhinestone from falling off ( The reason why we have to wait for the previously-applied top coat to be dry first is to avoid the possible wrinkles it may cause)
For ring ringer Step 1 Apply base color
73
Step 2 Use thin and thick line to divide the color blocks.
Step 3 Fill in different colors carefully in the two color blocks in the front
74
Step 4 Carefully remove the tapes.
Step 5 Apply top coat
For thumb Step 1 Apply base color
75
Step 2 Stick thick tape on the nail surface. We wish to divide the whole space into two blocks of same size. Considering the width of thick tape, be sure to stick the thick tape next to the middle line. Symmetrical color blocks can be formed when tearing the tape after painting.
Step 3 Apply nail polish on half of the nail surface.
76
Step 4 Remove the thick tape
Step 5 Apply top coat to protect the colors from fading.
77
Example.6
For little finger, middle finger and index finger Step 1 Apply white as base color
78
Step 2 Cut off two pieces of thick tapes and stick them on the nail surface in a crossed and symmetrical way ( Cover the detailed parts to make the color blocks complete)
Step 3 Cut two piece of tapes to cover the revealed parts of the front edge (Coverage of big area)
79
Step 4 Fill in bright pink, baby pink, light blue and dark blue into the blank space and use ball pen to randomly smudge them.
Step 5 Remove the tapes according the orders and wait them to be completely dry.
80
Step 6 Apply top coat. Dip rhinestones with ball pen and stick them on the points of triangles.
Step 7 Reapply top coat to protect the rhinestones from falling off.
81
For ring finger Step 1 Apply base color
Step 2 Cut off 4 pieces of thick tapes and stick them to form a diamond shape on the nail surface
82
Step 3 Use tapes to cover the rest of the space.
Step 4 Brush the four colors in the diamond-shape space in the middle.
83
Step 5 Remove the tapes according to the order and let the nail polish to dry completely
Step 6 Apply a layer of top coat on the surface face. Use ball pen to stick the rhinestones on the four points of the diamond shape.
84
Step 7 Apply another layer of top coat to prevent the rhinestones from falling off.
For thumb Step 1 Apply base color
85
Step 2 Use three pieces of thick tapes to divide the nail surface into four sections.
Step 3 Fill in four different colors into the four sections to form different color blocks. Be careful not to mix them.
86
Step 4 Remove tapes and put on top coat.
87
Example 7
Methods: Step 1 Apply base color evenly
88
Step 2 Apply nail polish with glitters on the front edge and use tweezers to pick the bigger glitter for later use ( Make use of the adhesiveness of the brush to make the glitters spread evenly.)
Step 3 Use ball pen to stick the bigger glitters on the place where you wish as decorations
89
Step 4 Apply top coat to make the nail surface smooth.
Design from IcElaN: also thanks for finish reading this book