Leafy Shadows nails tutorial

Today's tutorial will be about a style of nails that I haven't done in this series, which would be simple detailing over a plain background. I've also included a matching half and half nail moment so we can get certain visual texture and interest. This is what I painted:

 

We can jump straight to review what I used for this look:

 

I've used an olive green with gold shimmer as the base, because I just love that polish even if being almost 15 years old at this point, but you can use whichever colours you choose. And no, I'm not showing twice the same bottle:

• Kiko Sun Pearl in 427
• Holo Taco's One Coat Black
• Holo Taco's Black Flake Taco 

You will also need, as I said, a brush. I recommend the thinnest you can possible get and feel comfortable with. Of course, to paint details over a colour, you need the to make that colour opaque:

The next step is drawing the silhouettes you want. I wanted to make stems with leaves moved by the wind, though my lines were a bit shakier than usual. For the leaves I play a bit with my pressure. I apply more pressure in the center then lift up the brush for the tip. Make sure your brush is saturated with polish before applying to avoid streaks, too! Do as I say, not as I do!

 Once you're happy, or just feel you can't improve it in any way, it's time to give it the extra touch. Get your topper and apply a coat to half the nail, the half you haven't painted. Or you can use this to camouflage your shakier lines, too, if you want!

I think this effect works best if the flakes and the lines are in the same colour, as it gives a continuity to the whole design. So you know the drill, it's time to ask your favourite nail polish companies to release flakes in the colours you like most and play around with this! Of course, after this you should apply a top coat, and if you prefer, this looks amazing in matte too.

I am a bit disappointed the golden shimmer is not apparent in photos, I can tell you that in real life it is noticeable, even if subdued. You can also use a crème for the effect but I'd recommend that the base is not very busy and contrasts enough with your flake combo.

I know it's another short tutorial, but I'm working in a special nail art tutorial post thanks to my stream's incentives, so make sure to follow me on there too, as I also do nail art live!