tutorials

NAILED IT!

Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joniwasadiver/ post designed by lauren conrad

Once again a fashion trend that I am quite fond of has crossed over into the beauty world. I have been incorporating mixed prints into my wardrobe for some time now so when I started noticing the same combination of mismatched prints on nails I was thrilled.  I have been having so much fun lately trying new things with my nails and this is next on my list.  The trick is to incorporate both neutral prints (polka dots, stripes) and bolder prints (florals, leopard print), but keep them all within the same color story.  Also, try mixing it up by adding glitter or a pop color on one or two nails. For those too nervous to attempt prints on their own (with a very tiny paint brush), you can also acheive this look by mixing different printed nail strips.  Give it a try and tweet us your results @TBDoffical!

XO Lauren

tutorials

THIS OR THAT


photo: Spencer Higgins post designed by kristin ess

This past weekend I headed to the nail salon with my roommate for a mani-pedi.  I don’t get my nails done very often because I prefer to do a color change every few days and enjoy painting them myself so this was a treat. When we arrived I selected my color (cherry red) and she, instead of doing the same, informed me she would be getting a gel manicure.  I was curious because I had seen the finished product, but never seen it applied.  I watched as the manicurist applied layers to my roommate’s nails and had her place her hands under a blue light in-between each.  She repeated this several times and then it was done.  They looked beautiful and promised to remain that way for up to 2-3 weeks.  This sounded almost too good to be true so I decided to do a little research on these gel nails…

First, I learned that there are two different kinds of gel nails.  The first is the one my roommate opted for.  This was a light cured gel.  It is a premixed gel that is applied to your nail and then cured using an ultra violet light.  Now growing up in a beach town and seeing first hand the damage cause by UV rays this makes me a bit nervous.  It seems too much like a tiny tanning bed for your hands, so I was very excited to read about the second type of gel nails.  The latter process yields a similar result, but does not use a ultra violet light.  Instead the gel is cured using an activator that is painted on top or simply by dipping your nails in water.  While the first is more commonly used in salons, I’d prefer the second.  These manicures are a great option for ladies that don’t have a lot of spare time for nail upkeep or if you are going on a trip and don’t want to worry about your manicure. Now for a few of the downsides. One complaint is that removal can be a little difficult as it is recommended that you return to the salon to have them removed.  If you try and do it yourself you could take off a layer of your nail causing unwanted damage.  Another downfall is that color options can be very limited and there isn’t much use in investing in a long lasting manicure if you hate the color.  Also, gel manicures can cost you a pretty penny… running several times the price of a regular manicure.  So there are the fact ladies.  What do you think?  Are these manicures worth a try or would you rather just stick with a good old fashion manicure?

XO Lauren

tutorials

NAILED IT!

photos: LaurenConrad+KristinEss post designed by kristin ess

As you may have noticed, I’m slightly obsessed with doing fun things on my nails these days. Holidays are always a great excuse to get creative. Here’s my Independence Day inspired manicure. I used the stick-on nail polish in blue + white nautical stripes and added one simple solid red nail to each hand.

1: Tools- clear base/top coat, red nail polish, stick-on nail polish strips, nail file, cuticle nippers (optional)

2: Apply a thin base coat, and then fit the correct nail polish strips to each finger. Skip any random one you want and leave it for the red polish. I chose the ring finger.

3: (Optional) Cut the excess off with cuticle nippers or scissors.

4: File the edges. This will give you a perfect edge with the nail polish strip.

5. Paint the plain nail red. I did 2 coats.

6. Go over everything (polish strips + red nail) with a clear top coat.

I hope you all have a great 4th of July. Be safe. Can’t wait to see your photos!

XO Lauren

 

tutorials

NAILED IT!

Photos: thecommaqueen.tumblr.com, ale-kat.tumblr.com post created by lauren conrad

Lately, as I have been studying new trends for my clothing lines, I have been seeing vintage florals everywhere and some of the places they have been popping up are a little unexpected.  I have seen sunglasses, platforms, hand bags… and now nails.  I couldn’t be more thrilled about this because I am the kind of girl who wears florals year round.  So when I stumbled across what is sure to be my next manicure I knew I had to share with you all.  If you have ever attempted to paint leopard spots on your nails you know that intricate designs like this are challenging, but doable.  If you want to try this look on your own nails get a tiny paintbrush (the brush that comes with the polish will be too thick) and use the nail polish as if it were paint. You can do any color or design you like.  Then let us know how it goes.

XO Lauren

obsessions

NAILED IT!

photo: tumbler.com post designed by lauren conrad

When packing for a trip and condensing your beauty products into one small makeup bag, only certain items make the cut. Nail polish and lipstick options often fall to the side as foundations and hair spray take priority. This all makes sense, except if you are anything like me and you feel strongly about your polish color coordinating with your look.  Sadly polish changes aren’t always an option on the road (anyone who has had a nail polish bottle break in their luggage knows what I’m talking about!) .  That’s where gold polish comes in. It’s my favorite dressed up neutral.  A muted gold is a great alternative to a pale pink or nude polish (and a little more exciting). So day or night… Go for the gold!

XO Lauren