Holiday Nail Designs for Beginners
Written by Kathryn D'Imperio Friday, 21 December 2007 19:13
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| Holiday Nail Designs for Beginners |
| Page 2: Patriotic/Summer/Halloween Designs |
| Page 3: Christmas/New Year's Designs |
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Pretty nails make a great eye catcher, as well as a handy ice breaker, at holiday parties and social events. Well manicured hands show that you pay special attention to the details, and they often set you apart as a desirable mate. While getting your nails professionally manicured isn’t getting any cheaper, your options in at-home manicures are endless.
Why not be artistic and learn a few tricks of the trade for yourself?
Gather some colorful nail polish shades, a base coat, a topcoat, some glitter polish and iridescent coats, decals and appliqués, and miniature paintbrushes (or lacking those, pointed toothpicks), and prepare for some creative fun! Don’t forget some paper towels, nail polish remover for boo-boos, cotton balls and a piece of cardboard to use as a pallet if you wish to blend colors.
Valentine’s Day Designs:
Whether you've lined up the perfect date with your sometimes sweetie or you're winging it with your longtime love, Valentine's Day is a wonderful excuse to sport beautiful nails. Apply fake tips if you wish, for a more daring look, or paint your natural nails for a comfortable look that can be as dramatic as you desire.
Gather shades of red, white and pink. Do a faux French manicure by painting the base coats pink and allowing them to dry, followed by painting the tips white and allowing those to dry. Add a special touch on your thumb or pinky by painting a tiny red heart. If you have any available, an appliqué or decal may dress the nails up a bit.
Paint a basic coat of pink or red followed by a shimmery topcoat or iridescent gloss.
On a solid backdrop, paint a few hearts for the occasion. Put someone special’s initials on them for a Valentine’s secret…!
St. Patrick’s Day Designs:
Tap into the luck of the Irish with some designs specially tailored for this holiday. Just think about how great your glimmery nails will look clutching your brimming beer stein at the local pub!
Paint your nails in basic shades of green or patterns using different green hues. Try to add texture or layered looks when appropriate.
Create a funky green and white French manicure by painting a green or white base coat and tips of the alternate color. If you wish, paint a shamrock or four-leaf clover on one or two special nails.
Paint nails green or white with clovers or shamrocks, or add themed appliqués or decals… or paint nails solid green and add a layer of gold glitter topcoat.
Easter Designs:
Easter is one of those holidays where family members like to get together for supper and sweet treats. Show off your pretty nails with a delicate manicure just in time for spring!
Paint nails all the same shade of a pretty pastel color. Add appliqués or decals if desired.
If you are feeling extra creative, paint a bunny or a chick on your thumb or pinky.
Paint nails in alternating pastel shades or do a French manicure with two pastel colors.
Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day Designs...
Memorial Day, Fourth of July or Labor Day Designs:
Summertime calls for bold and energized looks from head to toe. TIP: Don't neglect your little piggies as you plan for the perfect manicure this season!
French manicured fingers and toes are a longtime favorite across the board. Add a small accent stripe or gemstone for a splash of color.
Paint nails in alternating colors – red, white and blue.
Paint thumb nails blue with white stars delicately painted or decals applied, or use a simple topcoat of silver glitter. Paint the rest of your nails red with white stripes.
Lose the patriotism for some crazy summer designs – using a tiny paintbrush or toothpick, paint some palm trees, flamingos, soft drinks or cocktails, sunshine, sunglasses and waves.
Halloween Designs:
This holiday presents so many fun opportunities for manicures - and pedicures, if your toes will be peeking out of your shoes! First consider your Halloween costume, if you'll be dressing up. If any special nail styles, lengths, or designs match what you're trying to achieve, make sure you incorporate that theme into your manicure.
Paint your nails all black for a dark look, all orange for a festive look or alternating in shades of both for the best of both worlds.
Try to find glow-in-the-dark nail polish so you can sneak up on your friends and family at night and give them a scare!
Find a color or style that complements your Halloween costume. Go dazzling and beautiful with a set of fake nails and a pretty color that matches your outfit, or go gruesome and scary with black, green or dark brown nails. Red makes for a great vampire!
Christmas and New Year’s Designs...
Christmas and New Year’s Designs:
The winter holidays offer so many special occasions to show off your pretty painted nails. From company parties and family gatherings to New Year's Eve festivities, business meetings, annual reviews, and much more, the social networking possibilities are endless. Make a good first impression with your perfect manicure!
Paint nails in a simple, solid shade with tiny paintings of wreaths, holly berries, snowflakes, snowmen and other Christmas and winter delights.
Use pale shades of blues, grays and white to make a wintry scene come alive on your nails.
Adorn your nails with appliqués of a loved one’s initial, your own initial or a small, intricate decoration that you like. First paint your nails in a new shade you haven’t tried before, but be sure that it matches whatever you plan to wear over the holidays. Silvers, purples, tans and maroons may accent clothing especially nicely, but match your color choice to the outfit you plan to wear for the evening.
Going in strappy heels? Don’t forget to paint your tootsies!
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