Newspaper Bar Code Manicure

The base of this manicure is three coats of Essie Nice is Nice.  Over the top of that I did a newspaper manicure with the bar codes from the newspaper.  You can find a bar code on the front page of the newspaper.  Unfortunately, this manicure chipped before I had a chance to go to a store and try to scan my nails.  This link has a video that shows how to do a newspaper manicure. 

Wet 'n Wild Megalast Sugar Coat

This is Wet 'n Wild Megalast in the color Sugar Coat.  It retails for 2$.  This is the new (as of about a year ago) formula.  I was going to review the new formula, but things went awry in a way I won't bore you with.  I think this color is very pretty.  It is not pretty on me.  It makes me look like death.  This is four coats of polish, although I could have got away with three coats.  This color is not only sheer, it goes on streaky.  It takes 3-4 coats until you don't see the streaks.  I hate any hint of the nail lines showing trough, so when in doubt, I add another coat.  This has a large brush and I absolutely adore large brushes.  Some people love the large brushes, and other hate them with a passion. 

Over the top of Sugar Coat I did a newspaper manicure with the crossword solutions.  The link has a video that explains how to do a newspaper mani.  This reminds me of my Grandma who used to finish the Sunday crossword puzzle in pen before church.  Well, sometimes there was a stray letter missing, but for the most part they were finished.  The newspaper didn't transfer to the nail as well as I would have liked, but you still get the general idea.

Newspaper Mani with QR Codes (for Cell Phones)

 

This manicure looks complicated, but it is so easy to do.  It is another newspaper manicure.  First you cut out the QR codes from the newspaper, they are the things you scan with your cell phone to get coupons, etc.  Then you paint your nails.  Mine are painted with Wet N Wild Megalast in Garden Hose, three coats.  It is a limited edition color from the 2011 spring collection.  You must choose a color that is light enough for the newsprint to show up.  Then you dip the nail in rubbing alcohol, press the QR code from the newspaper against it for a few seconds, and top with a top coat.  You must use a top coat, or the newsprint will wear off.  I topped mine with Essie Pure Pearlfection from the Luxeffects collection.  This is limited edition, but in stores now.  Pure Pearlfection is a glitter overlay with very fine shimmer.  Here is the youtube tutorial from My Simple Little Pleasures that gave me the inspiration for this manicure.

Edit:  I've read that Essie Pure Pearlfection, along with the other Luxeffects finishes have been added to Essie's core line.

Newspaper Nails

You'll notice as I start posting pictures of nail polish, that my manicures are never perfect.  They probably never will be either.  :)

This manicure is really easy to do, but looks impressive.  The base polish color is Zoya in the color Harley. You can use any color you want as the base color, but it must be light enough for the newsprint to show up. You cut nail sized squares of newspaper.  It doesn't matter what it says, since it prints backwards anyway.  You want to pay attention to where the paragraphs on the newspaper end, because you could end up with blank spaces on your nails.  I filled a shot glass part way with rubbing alcohol.  I dipped my nail into the rubbing alcohol.  Then I pressed the newspaper clipping against the nail for 30-40 seconds and pealed it away.  I topped my manicure with a matte top coat (Hard Candy's Matte-ly in Love from Walmart).  I wouldn't use a matte top coat with this particular polish color again, but it might be nice with a newspaper mani on a white or cream nail polish.  A normal top coat works just fine, but you must use a top coat to prevent the newsprint from wearing off. Here are a couple of newspaper mani tutorials that I have bookmarked:
Ask me What's-News on Nails
Youtube video from Cutepolish