O~OMBRE

Ombre is a French term meaning 'shaded'.

In fashion, it usually refers to how something starts off one colour 

and gradually becomes another.

If the word appears familiar, it's probably due to the popularity of 

ombre hair in recent times.

And if it isn't... it's not too late to catch on!

Picture from thenailtrail.com

Picture from jstylinggroup.com

There is a few methods to achieve ombre or gradient nails, 

as it is also known.

Two colours are good enough but you can also 

jazz it up by using multiple colours!

Using a make up sponge as stamp

Using a thin brush

The process of getting ombre nails can get a little messy...

but what's some minor clean up when it is so absolutely beautiful?

N~Newspaper

What do you do with your daily newspapers after reading them? 

Use them to line your pet's cage? 

Leave it in a pile and send it for recycling in a few days?

Well whatever it is, don't toss it out just yet!

The prints on a newspaper make for wonderful nail designs! 

Choose a random passage. Pick a comic strip. 

Anything printed on the newspaper is a possible masterpiece 

with your nails as the canvas. 

Try dipping the newspaper instead of your nails

You can also use water instead of alcohol

Tips!

~ The newspaper print shows better when nails are not completely dry

~ Try using music sheets or computer printed documents!

~ Use a cotton bud to clean around your nail

(Extracted from wikihow.com)

M~MARBLING

Bless the person who came up with this quirky-beautiful and fun to do nail design! 

Marbling is a great way to jazz up your normal nail routine without having to get new colours, stickers or any kind of embellishments.

Just pick some (two will do, really!) of your favourite colours, get a cup of water, an orange stick, toothpicks or pins, some lotion or oil or tape, some cotton buds and you are good to go!

Play with different colours, drag your designs however you fancy!

The possibilities are endless with marbling!

Picture from www.packapunchpolish.com 

Picture from www.spektorsnails.com

Picture from www.hauteinhollywood.com

L~LIQUID SAND

Have you ever admired the fluid and sensual flowing of 

sand inside an hourglass?

How the grainy liquid embodies such a strangely captivating texture?

Liquid Sand™ is OPI's newest innovation in texture.

This unique nail lacquer is infused with reflective glints of light and dries to a textured matte finish.

Debuting as part of the Mariah Carey collection, the range features fun and sassy colours like Get Your Number, Can't Let Go, The Impossible and Stay The Night.

          On top of that, OPI has also introduced
          The Bond Girls Liquid Sand™ Collection
          whereby each colour is inspired by and named
          after those fine Bond women through the years.

          Strong, fierce, flirty and mysterious; be all of it
          with OPI's Liquid Sand™.

K~KPOP《韩国流行音乐》

The KPOP wave has certainly brought the fun and fabulous fashion 

to the world's attention.

From sleek elegance to vibrant bursts of colours, the KPOP trend is a great source of inspiration from head to toe... and even nails!

There is a look to suit every emotion, every occasion.
Take heed from these gorgeous ladies and gentlemen and go wild!

Tiffany from GIRLS GENERATION

Bora from SISTAR

Park Bom from 2NE1

G-Dragon from BIGBANG

J~JAGUAR《美洲豹》

The jaguar is a large feline which lives in South and Central America.

Gold Jaguar Animal Print Nail Wrap

Jaguars are closely related to leopards and have a number of similar characteristics including the distinctive spotted pattern on their fur (besides the fact that they have dark spots in the middles).

Its coat is normally yellow and tan,
but the colour can vary from reddish brown to black.

It is usually larger and stronger than leopard, and its behaviour is more like that of a tiger.

Pink Jaguar Nail Decals

Below are some jaguar nail art tutorials:

1. How to create easy jaguar nails
2. Jaguar print nail tutorial

I~IVORY WHITE《象牙白色》

Ivory, is an off-white colour that resembles ivory, 

the material from which the teeth and tusks of animals is made.

As a neutral, the colour ivory provides a calming effect.

It represents quiet, pleasantness with a touch of luster.

OPI, Alpine Snow, #L00

An icy white polish from OPI's Black and White Classic collection.

Essie, Walk Down The Aisle, #716

A soft milky white semi-sheer creme colour from 

the Essie Wedding Collection, Spring 2010.

OPI, So Many Clowns So Little Time, #F26

      A touch of sheer ivory from the Femme de Cirque collection, 

Spring 2011.

Zoya, Snow White, #ZP114

A pure white creme that's as clean and bright as freshly-fallen snow.

OPI, Funny Bunny, #H22

A soft white shimmer, perfect for creating classic white tips.

Essie, Blanc, #10

A pure snowy white lacquer creates an elegant, smooth line every time.         

H~HELLO KITTY《凯蒂猫》

Hello Kitty, the iconic white cat with the red bow from Japan has been a popular character for over 30 years.

Hello Kitty Liquid Nail Polish

The character's first appearance on an item,

a vinyl coin purse, was introduced in Japan in 1974.

Since then, the character has appeared on hundreds of different items.

Hello Kitty Nail Files

Originally aimed at the 

pre-adolescent female market, 

the Hello Kitty product range has expanded and goes all the way from dolls, stickers, greeting cards, clothes, accessories, stationary, home appliances, and computer equipment.

And of course, nail art products!

Hello Kitty Nail Decal

G~GEL NAIL《光疗指甲》

 

Gel nail is a special mixture that is applied either on top of 

an artificial nail extension, or directly onto the natural nail bed.

It does not cause damage to the natural nail and can be used to strengthen, protect and promote growth in the natural nail.

Gel nails are a type of artificial nails that most closely resembles the natural nail.
They are thin and flexible, with a glossy appearance.
You can paint, wear french tips and airbrush designs on it.

Gel is more expensive than acrylic but they hold their colour longer without chipping.
It's odourless unlike some acrylic nail or liquid powder nail systems.
And, it's more environmentally friendly!

F~FOOD《食物》

Wish to have strong and healthy nails?
Then you should consume food that is rich in iron, biotin, vitamin B, vitamin D and calcium!


Iron
Fragile nails are usually because of iron insufficiency.
Foodstuffs abundant in iron are trim red meats, liver, beans, fresh vegetables and dry fruits like raisins and apricots.

Biotin
Biotin-rich foods such as liver, avocado and whole grains products can help strengthen and thicken nails

Vitamin D & calcium
Beetroot contain more calcium and also vitamin D to supplement healthy nail growth.

Vitamin B
Soy products, celery, eggs and sea food.

E~EXTENSIONS 《人造甲片》

Nail extensions, also as known as artificial nails, false nails, fake nails, fashion nails, or nail enhancements, are lightweight coverings placed over fingernails as fashion accessories.

There are three types of nail extensions:

1. Acrylic nail
   The oldest form of nail extension in the beauty industry.
   Acrylic nails are very strong, durable and can last a long time.
   
2. Gel nails
   This can be applied on top of an artificial extension to add length, it is good for those who have very short, weak or bitten nails as it allows the nail to strengthen and grow below the layer of gel.
   
3. Fibreglass or silk nail wraps
   Both are no longer as popular as they used to be now but they are still a great alternative for people who are allergic to the chemicals used in the acrylic or gel process.
   
   
   

D~DECALS《指甲贴#2》

For water nail decals, all you need are a pair of scissors, tweezer, water and topcoat.

Step 1: Cut off your desired water decal

Step 2: Dip the water decal in to a cup of water

Step 3: Pick up the water decals with  tweezer after 10-15 seconds

Step 4: If the decal didn't slide off the paper, dip again the decal until it can slide off

Step 5: Place the decal and adjust the position on your nail

Step 6: Dry with a cotton pad until it totally dry


Step 7: Apply topcoat, DONE!



除了贴纸式的指甲贴以外，还有一种叫做水印式的指甲贴。
水印式指甲贴十分方便快速，绝对是你另一个美甲选择。
只需把指甲贴剪下，浸泡在水里１５秒左右后贴上指甲。
擦掉水份待干后涂上亮油就完成了！＝）

D~DECALS《指甲贴#1》

Nail decals are one of the easiest nail art products to use on the market.
All you have to do is just peel it off and stick on to your nails.

For sticker type of nail decals:

STEP 1: Apply your nail polish / base coat

STEP 2: Peel your favourite nail decal design off with
            tweezers

STEP 3: Stick on to your nail in desired position

STEP 4: Use orange wood stick to tap your decal to
            ensure that there are no air pockets

STEP 5: Apply top coat, DONE!




手不够灵巧无法在指甲上描绘出漂亮图案？
那指甲贴会是你的好帮手！
贴纸式的指甲贴用法十分简单。
只需在涂了指甲油／底油后把贴纸贴上指甲就行了。
把贴纸按平确认没空隙后再涂上一层亮油就大功告成了！＝）
           

C~CARE《保护指甲#2》

Here are more tips for nail care! ＝）

• Petroleum jelly 凡士林
  Try apply petroleum jelly on your nails.
  It helps reduce dry and brittle nails.
  
  涂抹凡士林可以避免指甲干裂

• Olive oil 橄榄油
  
  Dip your fingernails through warm and comfortable olive oil just for 10-15 minutes.
  It can help harden tender fingernails.
  
  指甲浸泡橄榄油１０－１５分钟可以强化脆弱的指甲
  
  
  
  

• Lemon juice 柠檬汁
  Massage your entire nails using a cotton ball dipped in fresh lemon juice and rinse them after short while.
  Fingernails will end up being firm as well as radiant.
  
  用沾了柠檬汁的棉球按摩指甲可以使指甲健康有光泽

C~CARE《保护指甲#1》

Today I'm going to share some nail care tips with you!

1. First of all, stop biting your nails!
   It not only makes your hand unsightly but also damage your nails and your teeth.
   
2. Always keep your fingernails dry and clean.
   This prevents bacteria, fungi and other organisms from growing under your fingernails.
   Wear rubber gloves when cleaning, washing dishes or using harsh chemicals.
   
3. Nail polish remover does exist for a reason.
   Never use your nails or blades to remove nail polish.
   
4. Moisturize your nails.
   Your nails will get dehydrated just like your skin.
   When you use hand lotion, add a bit on to your fingernails, and cuticles too.
   
5. Massage your hand.
   A hand massage will boost your circulation and encourage nail growth.

要是没有美丽健康的指甲，又如何呈现出指甲彩绘的美感呢？

保护指甲有几个要点：

１．别啃咬指甲！

２．保持指甲干爽与清洁

３．千万别用指甲或其他工具乱刮除指甲彩　　　绘，一定要用卸甲油哦！

４．擦护手霜时别忘了也涂抹在指甲

５．定时按摩手部

 持之以恒，一定会有美美的指甲哦！＝）

B~BRAND: NUBAR《指甲油品牌#5》

 Nubar was launched in 2000 with a view to create 

a healthy nail care alternative for beautiful nails.

Nubar is the eco-friendly nail polish from LA.

With a varied and wide colour range, Nubar nail polishes are adored worldwide and fast becoming the most talked about on beauty editors's lips.

All of Nubar's products have met the standards of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animal) to be certified vegan and cruelty free.

This poishes are free from formaldehyde, DBP, toluene, carcinogens and suitable for vegetarians and vegans, making them a great choice for everybody!




Nubar 是创立于２０００年的美国指甲油品牌。以健康作为理念的它，旗下产品都采用完全无毒和环保配方，确保每一位顾客都能放心使用。

值得一提的是 Nubar 这个品牌还获得 PETA 善待动物组织的认证，没有在生产过程中实施不人道的动物实验，绝对适合素食主义朋友哦！＝）

B~BRAND: ZOYA 《指甲油品牌#4》

ZOYA Professional Nail Lacquer, the nail polish of choice among many top salons and celebrity stylists, has been winning even more praise and recognition for its healthy, long wearing formula.

Zoya's nail polish is vegan-friendly and completely free of potentially harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, toluene, DBP, and camphor.

It has won a Women's Health Magazine independent panel award for longest-lasting polish and the Best Non Toxic Nail Polish Award at the Marie Claire Beauty Shortlist Award 2012.

Definitely a smart choice for women with allergies, skin sensitivities, or may be pregnant!




美国指甲油品牌 ZOYA 是由 Zoya Reysis 于１９８４年所创立。

当时怀孕的她觉得市面上指甲油应该要有成分安全，而且色彩持久的指甲油，因此创立了 ZOYA 这个品牌。

得奖无数的 ZOYA 是成分天然的有机指甲油，不含一般指甲油里的刺激化学物，不只是孕妇可以放心使用，还标榜不会伤害婴儿呢！