Color Block Mani

Here are two trends that I'm in love with right now: color blocking and tape manicures.  In case you haven't seen this super easy at-home manicure tip, you start with a light base color, use scotch tape to section off and paint the darker color on the sections that aren't covered with tape.

I started with OPI Glitzerland and Overexposed In South Beach

Begin with the lighter of the two:

Glizerland was very sheer, so I had to use 3 coats to get good coverage.

Begin taping off the nails where you would like the original color to remain.
(*Make sure the base color dries for at least an hour before taping.)

Paint over the base color with the second color and peel off tape immediately.  If you wait too long, you will not get a super clean line (but peel slowly). 

I reversed it on the right hand and ended up liking the results better.  

Make sure to finish up with a great top coat. I use Seche Vite because it gives your nails that candy-coated appearance and smooths out minor imperfections.

There are tons of different options here so play around and see what you come up with.

Have fun!

Maureen

P.S. Growing up with a manicurist gave me pretty decent nail painting skills.  However, I could see how some of these techniques could get a little tricky.  Just remember to keep a good nail polish remover around (like this one from Amazon or Walgreen's) and don't get discouraged, a couple of tries and you'll get the hang of it.  Promise :)