Nail Art for Nail Biters - The 5 Minute Metallic Leopard

It's week two of my life with nubby nails so I've another simple manicure to show you that will look good on shorter nails. I called this the 5 Minute Metallic Leopard because, genuinely, this will take you 5 minutes. That time is helped hugely by the gold polish I chose, Essie's Good as Gold, this is a One Stroke Per Nail polish and a quick look at the wide brush will show you why:

The Lure of the Leopard!

I have one weakness that's crosses all boundaries of beauty and fashion. I can't resist the lure of leopard skin. Be it blushers, bags, shoes, scarves, jewellery or jocks, I have to have it. I'm a leopoholic, an unapologetic leopard lover (a leopar?) a sucker for spots and a tack marketer's dream. 

For the past decade the world of fashion and beauty have become more accepting of this Bette Lynch effect. With big names such as Dior, Cavalli and D&G all embracing the spots and sending leopardy loveliness both down the runway and letting it loose in their make up collections. While my sheckles don't usually stretch far enough for the big names, once the looks begin to trickle into the High Street trends I'm right there ready to buy. My most recent purse, raincoat and slipper purchases are a testament to that. 

A weenchy selection of my leopard collection...

I first realised I'd an addiction to this feline fashion on a trip to Greece with friends, my suitcase (River Island Leopard, natch) was stuffed with a veritable safari. So bad was it that each night on the razz I thought every red light from the cameras were the cross hairs of large game hunters thinking they'd the biggest kill of their lives. Snow leopards, grey leopards, red leopards, a leopard that had been in some kind of freak accident with a snake (á lá Catdog). Think Bo Selecta's Mel B on holiday. I knew then something would have to change.

I'm a fully functioning, well educated adult. I know now too much can look tacky and I do try to tone it down, perhaps only wear one (or two) leopard pieces at a time*. I know all that and still I'm sucked in. Case in point for the Hypnotoad effect that spotted products have on me was Batiste's Wild Dry Shampoo, the fact that I have 3 cans of normal Batiste on the go didn't matter, into my basket it was thrun. Turns out it's probably the gickest offering of their whole line, did I throw it out? Nope. Up there it sits on a shelf, never to be used again. It's an illness, I'm convinced of it.

My go to nail for a night out is leopard print, simple to recreate in any combination of colours, so even if I'm not rocking the leopard print clothes I can still get my fix. It's hopeless.

Tell me I'm not alone, tell me I'm not the only one with this affliction. Lie to me if you must...

*I wrote this post clad face to foot in a leopard print snuggie btw. 

Change is slow round these parts.

Huzzah - Nail of The Day!

I may on occasion run the risk of being mistaken for Bet Lynch or more realistically Bet Lynch's grandaughter but who doesn't love a bit o' leopard? 

For these prettys I'm blaming the influence of the, ever talented talon queen that is @_Lynnie_, if you're not already a follower believe me you're missing out. Another inspiration being the sight of my recent River Island purchase - 

Ooooh

Aaaah

So how did I do it? Simples!

Starting with a Seche Clear base coat I then used 2 coats of Leighton Denny in Supermodel. It's a gorgeous taupe-y mushroomy colour. I'm not usually drawn to these shades but Harper's Bazaar very kindly offered a free sample last month & I have to say I love it. Its fairly fab as an office colour on its own, with one sparkly accent nail (This is me we're talking about) but I believe I may have found Supermodel's purpose in life. 

                                                      

Next step was touches of Essence Colour & Go in the shade 'What Do U Think', its a beautiful corally peach shade with slight shimmer on close inspection. I bought this at the start of the summer with high hopes but this is its first outing. You don't need to be too precise with your 'spots' I think it looks a little more natural if you're not (great news for my gammy right hand nails). 

                                                       

Your next step is to partially encircle your 'spots'. I used Kiss Nail Art Paint in, well, black. I have a serious love for these nail art paints. Bought them for €7.29 in Dunnes for a 3 pack, (Other colours being white & silver glitter) which is exceptional value and a secret weapon for cack handed lovers of nail art like yours truly.

Working in a busy office and with a lot of site meetings I usually prefer an accent nail so gave that a bash

                                   

But was quickly swayed to do the rest as I don't think its TOO in your face - please feel free to disagree (quietly)

So, one quick swish of Sally Hansen Insti Dri, a miracle saver for my manic life, and there we have it - The Lazy Leopard:-

                           

No, wait.. There we have it, the Lazy Leopard:-

                    

 What do we think? Would you give it a go?