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Caviar Nails: MUA Nail Constellation, Leo

We had an anniversary party to go to yesterday, and I had decided to accent the ring finger of each hand with a “caviar” manicure. This look was first created (and then commercialised) by Ciaté, but has been widely copied since.

I was excited to do the manicure and it was really easy. I used MUA Nail Constellation in Leo. You simply paint the nail with a top coat, then use the applicator to puff on the tiny, coloured beads. Once the nail is completely covered, you press down onto the beads to firm them up, then just leave to dry. I’ve seen some manicures that have used a top coat, but the bloggers all commented that this dulled the beads, so I chose not to add a top coat.

In retrospect, that was a mistake. Within an hour, a few beads had pinged off (OK, I admit it was because I ran my fingers through my hair), and that was the start of it. I kept looking and touching to see if more beads had come off, which off course loosened them and caused them to fall off. Soon, our table at the party was covered in micro beads and I was left with patchy fingers.

Then, I ended up rubbing off all the beads , which also took off some of the base polish. The end result was that my manicure was ruined. (I didn’t care so much; I was having a great time dancing and drinking 🙂 ).

Anyway, here’s a hastily-taken shot that I grabbed just as the nails were completed and we were heading out. I didn’t get a very even edge with the caviar, but after I took this photo, I brushed off the offending beads to make the edge more uniform.

Caviar Nails: MUA Constellation Leo
Caviar Nails: MUA Constellation Leo, over eye CANDY LONDON It’s All Good

Even though I knew this look would only last one night, I didn’t ever think that it wouldn’t last more than an hour or so. I think it would be great if you’re the kind of person who is able to leave well alone, but I’m not. Once a few beads had pinged off, I just couldn’t leave my nails alone, and I am completely to blame for the destruction of my manicure.

Still, it was fun to try. What do you think? Have you tried the caviar look?

For this manicure I’ve used:
  • Base: three coats of eye CANDY LONDON It’s All Good
  • Top coat: No.7 Stay Perfect
  • Nail art: MUA Nail Constellation in Leo