31 Day Nail Art Challenge 2015 - Round 1: Colors #31DC2015

Today's post is long overdue but I've finally made it. 
I've decided to participate in the 31 Day Nail Art Challenge once again this year.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about, check the Chalkboard Nails FAQ about this challenge HERE. 
Sarah, despite not being the original creator of this challenge, is the one who, year after year, has made it a thing in the nail world community.

As crazy as it may make me go, I think this is one of the challenges that pushes my limits to the test and makes me create some really unique nail art designs. That's why I love it so much and why I decided to join for yet another year.

For the sake of my sanity, though, and because I've got a very busy schedule at school this year, I decided to post daily on my Instagram and Facebook and then blog about each round. 

There'll be three rounds and hence three posts: Colors, Styles and Inspired by.
Meanwhile you can check my daily creations through the hashtag @31DC2015cubbiful on Instagram.

Today's post is all about the first 10 days of the first round - Colors.

Below each day prompt, I've written a link to my two previous years looks - you can see them by simply clicking on them.

Let's do this!

DAY 1: RED NAILS

 2013 ------------ 2014

I painted my nails red and did a watercolour floral accent. 

Watercolour is just such an easy way to paint something artsy - you just need to layer the watered down paint to create effect. I love it!

Polishes used:

Wycon No.718

Prestige Color Plus NLP-106 Gerbera

DAY 2: ORANGE NAILS

 2013 ------------ 2014

I used the perfect polish for a sunset-ish African scenario. 

I painted a dried up tree (quite proud of the really thin branches), some antilopes and birds in the sky.

I used acrylic paint and I think they turned out lovely - I really like to paint over a texture polish.

Polishes used:

Anny 655 She's Amazing - desert glam effect

(swatches will be posted soon)

DAY 3: YELLOW NAILS

 2013 ------------ 2014

I remembered a really cute Gutedama mani I'd seen from @nailpartner and got inspired by her for this one. 

 I painted my nails yellow and dotted a random motif on each. I then added Gutedama on my accent nail, using acryling paints. 

Gutedama translates to 'Lazy Egg' - He's just so cute!

Polishes used:

Flormar Jelly Look Pure Milk

Flormar Beauty Toys

DAY 4: GREEN NAILS

 2013 ------------ 2014

This was a very special day to me, because I finally got to wear a major lemming on my nails. 

You can read more about that story HERE.

I didn't want to overpower the polish, which is a magical thing of its own, so I just added a toadstool, freehanded with acryli cpaint - love this cute lil' mushroom!

Polishes used:

Picture Polish Kryptonite

DAY 5: BLUE NAILS

 2013 ------------ 2014

I was somewhat uninspired on this day, maybe because I was wearing a really gorgeous polish and I didn't want to ruin its awesomeness (swatches to this baby will be coming to the blog soon).

I did a simple stamping design in gold, using BP-L008 stamping plate.

It turned out elegant for sure, but it's not my most inspired moment.

Polishes used:

Cirque Colors Trocadero

Barry M Foil Effects Gold

DAY 6: VIOLET NAILS

 2013 ------------ 2014

I went with a quilted pattern and if I may say so myself, I think I did a great job with those lines.

They were freehanded with white nail polish over a dry brush base of pink, white and lilac.

I love how cute and girly they look.

Polishes used:

Zoya Malia

Wycon No.718

Foxy Paws Loco in Acapulco

Flormar Nail Art NA-01

DAY 7: B&W NAILS

 2013 ------------ 2014

I'd been dying to paint Jack Skellington on my nails since forever and somehow never got around to doing it.

These were freehanded with black acrylic paint and dedicated to my sister, who's a major fan of The Nightmare before Christmas, just like me. 

Although they're not perfect, I still find them awesome!

Polishes used:

Wycon No.718

DAY 8: METALLIC NAILS

 2013 ------------ 2014

I know you're looking at these and thinking I'm crazy but I assure you these were great fun to make and not frustrating at all.

 These were 100% inspired by @missbellatracey, who'd done hers some months ago. When I saw them, I knew I had to recreate them. Look at the cool holo striping tape!! 

And, in case you're wondering, these only took me half an hour to complete :)

Polishes used:

Wycon No.02 Smoothing Base

DAY 9: RAINBOW NAILS

 2013 ------------ 2014

Don't these nails kick some ass? Look how shiny they look!

I used the blobbicure technique, which I'd ever used only once before (HERE).

I love how effortless and artsy looking your nails look when you use this technique. Mind you, you need patience to let it all dry out, but I'd say its totally worth it!

Polishes used:

Dior Black Out

Bellaoggi Gel Effect Sunshine Yellow

Kiko 340 Light Blue

Kiko 297 Acid Green

CF Beauty Cosmetics Nº4 Queen of Hearts

Linda Johansen Lilac Lilly

Wycon gel-like Viola Amaranto

DAY 10: GRADIENT NAILS

 2013 ------------ 2014

I took progress pictures of this one! Here you see the simple gradient in all its glory.

I then applied striping tape in a zig zag pattern to act as guidelines and freehanded the tiny lines in black acrylic paint.

I finished the look by adding random triangles to each nail.

I  loves every stage, maybe the second one is my favourite of all if I really had to choose.

What's your favourite?

Polishes used:

Kiko 345 Jade Green

Barry M Cancun

And that is it! What's your favourite? For daily updates on the challenge, follow me on Instagram and Facebook 
I'll see you all there!
 

Hugs & Kissies,

Mina *