NOTD: Neon Nude Ruffian (Half Moon) Mani with a Simple How To

Nails today are my nudge to the Summer to get it's act in order and get here quick. I've experimented with neon on nude nail art before and I honestly don't think there's a colour contrast I like more. 

Here I've given the Ruffian (Half moon mani) a shot and the results, though a little wobbly are very nice indeed. Fancy giving them a shot? 

1. Start with a thin white basecoat to make the colours (especially the nude) stand out. I used Essie Blanc though any white will do. 
2. Place your nail art brush on the centre of the nail top and and round to each side. If you're not too steady you can always use 'hole reinforcers'. (I picked this neon nail art polish up in Dealz for €1.49 btw)
3. Use your first coat of nude polish (Essie Brooch the Subject) to perfect the neon line. And your second coat to build the nude colour. 
4. A high shine top coat seals all layers together beautifully and gives a smooth, salon finish. 

Instagram, yo! (I'm over at @ItsCherrySue by the by)

Neon and Nude: Best o' Buds

Stunners in the sunshine!

Will you be giving these a go? I'm fairly sure if we all have a blast Summer won't have a choice but to show up, right? RIGHT?!

Easy Half Moon Mani - Using Clippers and Tape!

Not all of us have a steady enough hand for a perfect French Tip or half moon mani for that matter. That's why when I heard mention of a simple clipper trick, I had to give it a try.

Basically to make your own nail guides you use a sharp nail clippers and ordinary tape. The result is less curved than hole reinforcer stickers (what I'd been using previously) and both easier to use and cheaper than ordinary guides. I've done a pictorial below to show just how simple this is.

Step 1: Gather your supplies. Plain tape, a sharp clippers, NYC's Pinstripe White, China Glaze's Flip Flop Fantasy & Model's Own nail art pen in black. 

Step 2: Place small pieces of tape on the back of your hand. This works to both cut them efficiently but also to make the tape tacky so it doesn't stick to your base coat and is easy to remove. 

Step 3: Using your white polish, paint two thin coats as your base. This is a great way to make your neon colour Pop! Allow to dry fully. 

Step 4: Place the tacky tape 1/4 the way down your nail bed, pressing onto the flesh each side and not your nail. Paint one coat of your neon polish. While your neon is still wet, remove the tape carefully. This will give you the sharpest line. 

Step 5: Using your black striper/nail art pen, paint zebra line haphazardly onto the white half moon. 

Step 6: Using a high shine top coat, seal in your design. This one is Sally Hansen's 4 in 1. It's a great all rounder. Gorge. 

Although this particular design isn't for the faint hearted, this trick can be used for straight forward French tips or more subtle half moon manis. 

What do we think? Will you try it? Have you any other little tips or tricks you'd like to share?