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Aqua Gradient With Floral Stamping Using Born Pretty Store BP-56 (52 Week Challenge)

For the first time in a month, I’m actually on time with posting for the 52 Week Pick n Mix Challenge. I was tempted to do a splatter manicure, but I’ve gone just with the aqua theme and have done an aqua gradient that I’ve stamped with a floral image from Born Pretty Store plate BP-56.

Aqua gradient using Barry M Sky Blue, Turquoise and Cyan Blue, with white floral stamping using Born Pretty Store BP-56
Aqua gradient using Barry M Sky Blue, Turquoise and Cyan Blue, with white floral stamping using Born Pretty Store BP-56

The gradient is made with three Barry M polishes, which are, from lightest to darkest: Sky Blue, Turquoise and Cyan Blue. I don’t think they are as aqua as they could be. For me, aqua is a little more green. In fact, it’s supposed to be half way between green and blue, and all of these, even the Turquoise, lean more blue than green for me.

I stamped using Konad White and Born Pretty Store BP-56. The plate was sent to me for review, but I’ve also bought it as part of the BP-56 to BP-60 set. It’s called a “flower leaf design” on the Born Pretty Store website. Half of the plate is a large image made up of swirls and leaves. Then there’s a couple of individual flowers and a larger floral image, and these smaller three images would all be great for leadlighting.

The plate costs just £1.95, with free delivery, although it works out much cheaper per plate when you buy them as part of a set.

Aqua gradient using Barry M Sky Blue, Turquoise and Cyan Blue, with white floral stamping using Born Pretty Store BP-56
Aqua gradient using Barry M Sky Blue, Turquoise and Cyan Blue, with white floral stamping using Born Pretty Store BP-56

In case you’re wondering, yes, my nails are much shorter than they usually are. They have gradually got longer and longer over the past few months and were getting a little too long for me. The little finger nail also picked up two breaks yesterday, one on each side, exactly opposite each other just where the free edge starts. I had to hastily patch it to save it.

With that nail having such an obvious weak spot, I didn’t want to risk it snapping off totally, and along with being unsure about how long my nails had become, I took the ruthless approach and shortened them quite considerably. I have lots of upcoming posts where I’ve already photographed my nails when they were longer, so there will be a mix of lengths on the blog for a few weeks to come.

 

52 week challenge

 

For this manicure I’ve used:
  • Gradient: Barry M Sky Blue, Barry M Turquoise and Barry M Cyan Blue
  • First top coat: Sally hansen Insta-Dri
  • Stamping polish: Konad White
  • Stamping plate: Born Pretty Store BP-56
  • Top coat: Glisten & Glow HK Girl


All manicure images are copyright to Kerruticles unless otherwise mentioned.
Born Pretty Store plate BP-56 was sent to me for review. All views expressed in this post are my own, honest and unbiased opinions.

 

 

 

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Comments

Delphi

Lovely mani! Your gradient is so seamless and the colors are beautiful. While I was admiring your creativity, I thought, “Her nails look shorter.” Then I read about the tragic accident one of your nails suffered yesterday and how it led to the shortening of all your nails and realized I had been right. I may spend a teeny bit too much time studying your manis. Just my opinion, but I think they are really pretty the length they are right now. Curious: What caused the odd breaking of your nail on both sides, and what patching method do you use? Have a good day!

Claire Kerr

Do you know, I really like my nails at this length too. They feel right this long, and the corners don’t have a tendency to curve inwards yet at this length, which they do when they’re longer. It’s not deliberate to let them get long; it just happens without me really noticing. I tend to file them about once a week, but I guess I’m not taking enough off each time and they just get longer and longer.

I think the breaks were caused by lots of recent swatching and not enough moisturising/oiling. Plus the extra length always weakens my nails. I haven’t had a swatching hand break in many months, so it was only a matter of time before it happened.

I just patch them using the tea bag method. I cut up a small strip of tea bag (the material type – rather than the paper type) about 2-3 mm wide, and longer than the split by 1-2mm, then I glue it on with nail glue (super glue). I buff it smoother when it’s hardened, but make sure to be careful not to over buff as it will just break again.

Serene

This is just lovely!

Claire Kerr

Thank you 🙂

Brethil Ebontree

Absolutely gorgeous gradient and mani!

Claire Kerr

Thanks 🙂

Delphi

Thanks, Claire! That’s very similar to the patching technique I use which I learned from this blog: http://www.manicurator.com/2015/02/technique-with-tea-bag-and-orly-nail.html. It’s been very helpful so it was great to read your response which confirmed I’m on the right track (though I’ve yet to get my nails even as long as yours currently are). Thanks, again! Delphi