Pastel Perfection - Nail art tutorial

Hello there, this one's for the girls!

Summer is here, and though it feels like autumn sometimes (it's raining cats and dogs while I'm writing this, welcome to the Netherlands) it's time for lighter colors and brighter shades. So while we're still waiting for better weather, why don't we start with giving ourselves a touch of summer?

Just like last year, pastels are hot this summer. And that's no wonder, soft colors can make your outfit look fresh and playful. You can play it safe and choose one item in a pastel color, but the dare devils among us combine different pastel shades in one look. Don't be afraid of looking too girly or childish, if you pick the right items and give it a little twist of yourself, you'll be amazed of what bright colors can do for you and your look.

I love to do nail art and to get experimental with it. The last time I went shopping, the pastel colors in the windows caught my eye and I got a new idea for a nail art design. So in this blogpost, I'll teach you how to make your nails summer-proof ánd in fashion at the same time! 

The items we're going to use:

We're going to create a fade-effect with pastel colors using a special technique. These are the items you'll need:

• Some toothpicks
• Silver foil
• Four colors of nail polish, including white
• A make-up sponge (cut)
• A basecoat

I forgot to buy nail polish in pastel colors, but I found out that mixing harsh colors with white worked just as well. Here we go!

Step one

If necessary, mix your nail polishes with white (using a toothpick) until you've got a soft pastel shade. Mix the colors using the silver foil as a palet. Repeat until youv'e got three pastel colors and paint your nails with it. Make sure to vary in color on your nails.

No. 149, White by NYX - No. 835, Bright Back At You by Rimmel London -
No. 294, Lexington Yellow by NYC - No. 195, Faithful Fuchsia by NYC -
No. 01, Express Finish by Maybelline

Step two

Now you've got three different colors on your nails. Take your make-up sponge and dip it in a pastel color. Select a nail which has a different color then the color on your make up sponge. For example, I used blue on yellow on my pinky finger. 

Step three

Tap softly but quickly with the sponge on your nail. Create a fading effect by making small moves with the sponge from the tip of your nail until the half of your nail. Repeat this until the transition of colors is very vague. This is the effect we want to achieve!

Step four

Now that you've completed step three with every nail, it's time for the finishing touch. Let your nails dry a bit, it's not necessary to let them dry completely. Gently brush the base coat on your nails. Don't push too hard with the brush, the colored nail polish may come off and that would be a shame. I put on two base coats, just to make sure my nail art design will last longer then a few days. 

And here you go, summer nails in fruity pastel colors! I received a lot of positive feedback on this design last week, so I wanted to share it with you guys. Just remember that it takes time and a few attempts to get a perfect result, but don't give up! If you've got a question, please don't hesitate to leave me a comment, I'll be happy to help you out. Good luck, see you next time!

Love,

Ruby

Tadaaaaah!