Neon Distressed Nails.

For my last manicure of January I decided to re-use a technique that I tried for the first time in my January 1st post. 

This design actually incorporates a bunch of my favorite techniques and decorations; distressed streaks, water color, studs, glitter, etc. 

Here's the manicure before the streaks were added, I liked this tie-dye version too.

The polishes I used were Sally Hansen Hard To Get, China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy, China Glaze Shocking Pink, American Apparel Neon Yellow, Color Club Starry Temptress, and Sephora Formula X Dark Matter. And the studs are these ones from Born Pretty Store.

Hard to believe my month of nail art is over! But there will be more about that in a wrap-up post tomorrow!

Distressed Book Nails.

I've dedicated my free time over winter break (the time that hasn't already been reserved for nail art) to doing lots of reading. And so I wanted a manicure that would remind me of books and reading in general. 

I used rubbing alcohol to transfer the text and highlights from a magazine article to a base of Wet n Wild French White Creme. I went for a messy, distressed look so you can't actually read the any words but still get the idea.

When I was making my list of favorite manicures of 2013, I decided I also had to compile a list of my favorite books and thought now would be a good time to share a few of my top picks from the year. The books I'm recommending to everyone are:

• Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn 
• Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick
• The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty
• The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

Doing this manicure also reminded me that in 2012 I enjoyed doing manicures that were inspired of specific books and there was none of that in 2013. Hopefully I'll read something that inspires a little nail art soon and be able to get back into that. 

Streaky Distressed Nails.

I've had this tutorial saved to watch for a while now, and when I finally did and saw how simple the technique was, I had to give it a shot!

This technique gives you a look similar to a shatter or crackle polish but you have more control, the results are super smooth and you can easily layer lots of colors.

In the tutorial neon polishes are used but I chose a few shades I thought were more suited to cold weather. The polishes I used were China Glaze Shower Together, Julep Taylor, Wet n Wild French White Creme, Wet n Wild Black Creme, and a Julep polish (the pinkish-red color) that I don't have on hand for the name!

I think this would be the perfect design for a little last minute nail art, especially because it's super easy to do on both hands! In the future maybe I'd want to try this technique with more color combinations and different polish finishes.