Red and Green Christmas Polka Dots Dotticure - 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Manicure Series Day 6

I've gotten a few requests to come up with a Christmas-y themed manicure for beginners, and that's exactly what I've got for you today! This is a look that anyone can do, and best of all is that it doesn't even require any special tools. If you've got a bobby pin, a toothpick, or even a makeup brush laying around then you've got all you need for this red and green holiday dotticure. 

My camera wasn't cooperating with me today, or I would have grabbed a few more photos for you, alas we must work with what we've got, right? BTW, if you follow me over on Instagram, thanks for all the birthday wishes yesterday! You guys are the best! 

Polishes used: China Glaze - Dandy Lyin' Around, OPI - Don't Mess with OPI, Ruby Kisses - Red Cameo

First I started with 2 coats of China Glaze - Dandy Lyin' Around (which has a beautiful sheen that my camera somehow refused to pick up) and let that dry.Next I used my medium sized dotting tool to create the red and green dots all over the nails in random spots. If you do not have an actual dotting tool, no biggie! Just use the end of a bobby pin, a toothpick, or the end of a makeup brush and dip it in the polish. Use a light hand and dab the dots onto the nail and with a little practice you'll get perfect circles. 

Let the dots dry completely before adding your top coat, even if it's Seche Vite. I cannot stress this enough, I repeat, let the dots dry! Take it from me... Seriously, if not you'll get some gnarly streaking and it will ruin your manicure, and possibly your day. Once you are complete dry, add your top coat and you've got the finished look!

Gold Sparkles with Glittery Bow Accent Nail - 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Manicure Series Day 5

I've never been a huge fan of gold, but lately I can't seem to get enough of it! This manicure is quick and easy and got a lot of compliments today, which is always a plus, right? I think I may have to bust it out again once it comes time for Christmas parties!

I started with 3 coats of OPI - My Boyfriend Scales Walls, which I have found to be the perfect off white shade. I've searched high and low for a white that is not too stark, but not too yellow and so far this seems to be it. After that was completely dry, I used striping tape to create the lines on my index finger, and a medium sized dotting tool to make the polka dots on my pinky.

I decided to go full on bling for the middle finger, and used a small nail art brush to draw in the bow accent on my ring finger. Since it was a bit difficult to see in the other photos, I took a close up of my thumbnail and the gold flakes. On my thumb, I used one good coat of Maybelline Color Show Jewels in Gilded in Gold. Well folks, that's it for day 5! See you tomorrow!

How are you all enjoying the 12 days of Christmas Manicures so far? Are there any looks you like to see me create?

Winter Snowflakes - 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Manicure Series Day 4

Here we are on day 4 and I just couldn't resist using another one of the gorgeous KBShimmer polishes that came in the mail today as the base for this fun snowflake manicure. I'm not a fan of the cold weather at all,  but I don't mind it when it looks this good on my nails!

Just to be sure that the base was complete opaque, I used 3 coats of KBShimmer - Snow way then hand painted the snowflakes using a basic white acrylic paint that I had laying around. This was my first time painting snowflakes, so they could use a bit of work, but bear with me. Since I needed a little extra something, I added the two gemstones to my ring and pointer fingers and gave everything a nice coat of Seche Vite to finish them off. I love this look!

12 Days of Christmas Holiday Manicure Series Day 3 - Glitter Gradient and Christmas Tree Accent

Welcome to day 3 of the 12 Day of Christmas Holiday Manicure Series! Whew, that's a mouthful, isn't it? After yesterday's jelly sandwich, I was itching to bust out my nail art brushes and do some work, hence this red and green glitter gradient with sparkly Christmas tree was born.

The base polish is 3 coats of OPI - My Vampire is Buff, which is a gorgeous creamy nude color. Two coats probably would have been sufficient, but I added another just to be sure that it was completely opaque before starting in with the glitter gradient. 

I used striping tape to get the crisp lines in the tiny Christmas tree and added silver balls and a tiny silver star on top for the finishing touch. I dabbed a bit of white flocking powder over white nail polish to create the snowy ground, I'm super bummed that the camera didn't pick up the fact that the snow is fluffy and 3D! Overall, I'm pretty pleased with how this turned out. Stay tuned for day 4!

Polishes Used: OPI - My Vampire is Buff
                         China Glaze - Twinkle Lights
                         China Glaze - Mistletoe Kisses