Friday, February 24, 2012

NOTD: First time stamping!

I stamped my nails for the first time ever the other night! I bought a nail stamping kit from my local CVS ( read about it on Nouveau Cheap), which came with a scraper, a double ended stamper, and five plates. So far, I haven't had any complaints with it; I've fiddled around with it and been able to get nice clean designs, although I don't have any other experience using a nail stamper to compare it to. 

For this manicure, I used my brand new Sinful Colors nail polish in Bare (a medium pinky nude) as a base, I used Rimmel  Lasting Finish Pro in Black Satin (plan old black!) as my stamping color, and I used Nails Inc. London in Sloane Square (a very sheer grey base with holographic hexagonal glitter and smaller silver glitter) on top. The look I was going for was a strip of black lace across the top of the nails, and I think it turned out pretty well; the angle of the design isn't uniform on each nail, but that's fine for what I was going for. In fact, I think I like the nails where it's more angled than the nails where it's got more of a "French tip" effect. 

My base color: 

Sinful Colors, "Bare" 
 The color I used to stamp with:

Rimml Lasting Finish Pro: Black Satin
 And the glitter top coat!

Nails, Inc. Sloane Square
 The finished product!


What do you guys think of it? I'm on the fence; I think the design turned out fine and all, but I'm worried it looks a little... trashy? Maybe it's just not my style. I love the idea of stamping, but the effect is never as sophisticated looking as I picture it in my head. I'll try it again without the glittery topcoat; I added it because I didn't think the pink on its own was flattering against my skin tone, but maybe with a different pink, or even a dark burgundy to provide a more subtle contrast. I will keep you apprised of my further adventuring! 

10 comments:

  1. I think the design looks cute. You did a great job on the mani! The glitter top coat may have took away from the design just a bit. But still looks great for your first time!

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  2. Thank you! I think I was hoping the glitter top coat would take the stamping down a notch, but it didn't work out that way! Let's keep our fingers crossed I get better at picturing how these things will turn out!

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  3. Oohhh I've always wanted to try one of these things! It doesn't look trashy at all to me, but I had to look closely to see the design. They look like fun, party nails.

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    1. This was definitely one of the smaller, more delicate designs, and I only used half of the design! The plate has two parallel strips of lace that I assume you are meant to use together to cover the entire nail top to bottom, but I used just one of the strips and stamped side to side. I found this kit to be very simple to use, and it was only $10 at the drugstore! If you're curious, it's a great way to try it.

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  4. I think the stamping is really neat, it doesn't look trashy to me at all! But I understand if you feel like the glitter gives it too much "look". Glad to see the stamp worked out for you!

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    1. Thank you! And I am glad, too, I'd heard some mixed reviews of this particular kit; so far, it's worked out really nicely.

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  5. This is gorgeous! Never seen a mani quite like it. Love it!

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    1. Thank you! This set has been so much fun to play around with.

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  6. NEAT! I haven't tried stamping yet, I think this turned out really well!

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