Without the Tools - Festive Leopard Print Nail Art


Since starting Makeup Savvy nearly a year ago I've really gotten into nail art more and more...but I rarely seem to post about it! 

So I thought a small series of tutorials/How-to's would help encourage me! As I don't use anything overly special when doing my nails (no stamps, brushes, pens) I thought this would be a good starting point for the series - only doing tutorials with products that most people have or that you can easily pick up from anywhere. 

Anyway onto this tutorial, which is kind of two in one. You can either stop at the glitter and have ultra sparkly nails or you can carry on and add the leopard print! 

First, ofcourse you need to paint your nails...


I used Models Own 25 Carat Gold - if your using any type of metallic nail polish that applies quite streaky I'd suggest you buff and polish your nails quickly just with a multi-way buffer before painting them. This will give a lot smoother look to the nails. 

Next is adding the glitter...


Any glitter eyeliner will do..but the more dense the glitter the easier it will be to apply and dry. 
I love any of the Collection 2000 Glam Crystals Gel liners (which is what I used - in 'Funk') which are only £2.99 each and come in such a wide range of shades. But an even cheaper alternative is the MUA glitter eyeliner range at Superdrug for only £1 each!


This really doesn't need any explanation as it's so easy to do! But in case you haven't a clue you basically just use the glitter eyeliner applicator to apply the glitter to your dried nails. 
You may need to dip it back into the tube afew times per nail and then spread it about abit till it looks nice and even.
The benefit of using a glitter eyeliner instead of a glitter nail polish is it dries alot faster and it's such a fine layer than it won't chip as much as a glitter polish. 

As this dries so fast you can layer different liners over the top of each other...


As you can see here I've applied a bronze glitter over the middle finger - this is even easier to do as the glitter doesn't move around as it has something to adhere too, so all you need to do is brush the applicator all over the nail as if you are painting them. 

Next is creating the Leopard print...


For this any old felt tip eyeliner will work perfectly (I used one by Barbara Daly) and especially as you are applying it to glitter there no chance of the pen slipping! If you haven't got that type of eyeliner a normal liquid eyeliner will also work.

Basically the pattern consists of funny shaped C's and odd shapes really so nothing too complicated. If the pattern is looking abit to sparse on the nails after your done adding afew small dots in there will help it look more leopard print like.

Last but not least you must apply a clear topcoat - as if this comes into contact with water it will all wash off ! So it really is a must.

Any suggestions for upcoming tutorials would be greatly appreciated! 


SHARE:

32 comments

  1. Thanks for showing us this! I have got to try it soon!

    Lauren @ Lauren Loves...

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this idea, I am just getting into nail art and don't have all the tools but I do have the things you suggested :)

    Keep up the good work and thanks again for sharing! xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. omg thank you sooo much for this!! im wearing a leopard print dress tonight - im definitely going to try this :) i know it will look OTT with my dress but OH well :) xxx

    ReplyDelete
  4. ohhh this is so lovely! i adore the sparkle to it :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ooo it's so pretty, will have to try this :D
    thank you! xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh wow this is absolutely gorgeous, and I never would have thought to use a liquid eyeliner for nail art design! So innovative :).

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  7. loving the look. Its absolutely gorgeous. I wish I was this talented!

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a great post - I'm definitely going to try this out!! xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. this is fab :) love it. great post hun x

    ReplyDelete
  10. This is great Fee I'm going to give this a go! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. WOW! These look AMAZING! You've done a great job! xo

    ReplyDelete
  12. OMG, your nails are precious! I have never thought about using glitter eyeliners! Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. That looks amazing!!!!! I'm going to try this :) xxx

    ReplyDelete
  14. would love to see the fashion tutorials like the alexander mcqueen one i will be trying this tutorial out as i always do havent been disappointed yet x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love love love this!! I bought a leopard print dress today.. The nails go perfectly :D xxx

    ReplyDelete
  16. amazing job, fee! it looks gorgeous :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. That looks amazing!!

    Princess Juicy T ♥

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is such a unique idea! I wouldn't have thought of using a black eyeliner for nail art :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love this, I might have to give it a go as i've been wanting to try something with Model's Own Carat Gold x

    ReplyDelete
  20. aawww Fee you are so sweet I love that you have done a nail look that everyone can try, and i actual have a heap of those glitter eyeliners got to love superdrug 3 for 2. Wow I love that colour, I really want the silver one as it is so perfect for Xmas :) I may try this anyway with the colour I have. Oh more of these please xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  21. Fantastic tutorial, I've never thought about using eyeliners for nail dark but definitely going to give this a go now, thank you! x

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love it! Thanks for tutorial, great pics x

    ReplyDelete
  23. ooh love it! I did a similar leopard print on my nails the other day, but with red and black polish.. I do like yours better though and its so easy!

    Bought the Andrea Fulerton range at superdrug, theyre amazing!

    On a side note, if you like Sleek products and didnt get the chance to get your hands on the Good Girls palette, Im having a giveaway, so make sure you enter =)

    <3

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ah very clever, thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  25. That is a genius effect. Not sure if I've got the patience to do it myself, but love the way it looks.

    ReplyDelete
  26. such a creative idea and they look great. by far the best leopard print nails i have seen.

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear what you think and do read all comments.
If you want to ask a question make sure to check back after afew days for a reply.

Blogger Template Created by pipdig