Cath Kidston Nails - Abstract Roses & Polka Dots!

I love this set of Cath Kidston inspired gel nails as my client opted for the pretty abstract print on her rings fingers so I got to add a touch of lemon.

Cath Kidston Nails - Pretty Grey Gels with Kidston Pink Roses

I absolutely love my pretty grey gel. It looks gorgeous on it's own and even better with a layer of glitter on top. I also love the combination of pink and grey so was pretty chuffed when my lovely client Becky opted for this colour scheme.

Cath Kidston Nails - Blue Roses, Pink Roses & Polka Dots!

I love this set of Cath Kidston inspired gel nails. I love how the blues and pinks work so well together to give a really bright, vibrant effect.

The ones below were some I did for my sister. She actually asked for blue roses so I have her to thank for this design!

Cath Kidson Nails - Purple Sparkles with Pink Roses

Since I posted a picture of the Cath Kidston inspired nails I did for my mum a few weeks ago, I have had lots of requests for them!

Here are a set of purple sparkly gels with pink roses on the ring fingers and thumbs.

Cath Kidston Inspired Nails

I can't believe I've fallen behind with my blog after promising myself I would keep on top of it! These past few weeks have been pretty crazy. My sister posted a picture of some rockstar gel toes I did for her on her facebook page and I suddenly started getting a few enquiries from it. I figured it couldn't hurt to set up a Facebook page to try and generate a little more interest and slowly things have kind of snowballed. I've done a fair few sets of gel nails and rockstar toes these past 3 weeks let me tell you! To think I wasn't even going to start working on 'real' clients until I qualify in June! I'm so glad it's all happened so fast though as I am loving it!

I created these Cath Kidston inspired nails for my mum. This being my first attempt at them, I think I did a good job. I posted the pic on my facebook page and started getting lots of requests for them so I have lots of photos to share with you all.

I'd like to take this opportunity to say Happy New Year to you all (not that I think anyone reads this ha ha) but who knows, hopefully someday I will have a couple of followers to chat to! May 2014 bring you everything your heart desires xox

Nail Art Assignment - Range

For one of our college coursework assignments we have to create different designs demonstrating techniques we've learned so far including water marbling, stripes, rhinestones, glitter, paint marbling and flowers.

Here is my effort...

Manicures - Standard, Luxury & Deluxe!

We've been busy learning how to do manicures at college. Have I ever been for a manicure myself? No is the answer to that. Why? I'm not sure to be honest. Is there any call these days for a manicure? I'm not so sure. Where I live it seems that acrylic and gel nails are all people want.

It's been great learning all the different techniques such as using the dual tool, nippers and buffer. My polish application still needs work - I believe your only as good as the products you are using. So far, I'm finding that my Sinful colours are coming out on top although their French pink is awful and very streaky. My China Glaze polishes are a little watery, the bright colours need 3 coats and the actual brush leaves a lot to be desired. I have a couple of OPI polishes but these too are not ticking all my boxes. Their new thicker brushes are my favourite to work with although some colours are really thick or need 3 coats. Is there a perfect polish brand out there? I'm yet to find out but will keep searching.

Now, back to manicures. This is how we structure the differences between them at college:

Standard - Includes File & Shape, Cuticle Work & Polish Application

Luxury - As above but also includes ex-foliation and a massage

Deluxe - As above but also includes a heated treatment such as Paraffin Wax or Heated Mitts

So far, I enjoy doing the deluxe treatment with a hand mask placed in heated mitts. My guinea pigs clients really enjoy this element of the service the most so far.

I had my first assessment on Tuesday and decided to do a deluxe mani plus nail art so I could get two of them out the way and I'm pleased to say I passed them both! It was a little scary as not only was my tutor keeping a close eye on what I was doing but I had a complete stranger in so it really felt like my first proper client. I didn't have a plan for the nail art so free'styled as I went. It was a little stressful as I only had 30 mins to get it done. Next time I will be more prepared!

I forgot to take pics on my camera but my client very kindly sent me these via her phone:

Tell me, do you like going for manicures?