BellaSugar

4 Steps to a Stellar Sponge Manicure

Allure — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:03:00 PDT

We're happy to present this story from our friends at Allure:

I recently met with Roxanne Valinoti, an educator for CND, a professional nail product line, who showed me a cool trick for sponge-painted nails. This is definitely worth trying the next time the urge for DIY nail art strikes. (Or does that only happen to me?)

You'll need a natural sea sponge from a craft store and five different polishes: a clear base, a warm gold base, a midnight blue, a purple, and an iridescent topcoat. Sounds complicated, I know, but Valinoti did the whole thing in 15 minutes. Here's how to proceed:

Try This: A Quick and Easy Ombré Manicure

BellaSugar — Mon, 14 May 2012 09:55:00 PDT

Spice up an ordinary manicure by creating an ombré look! It's eye-catching and on-trend, and the best part is that anyone can do it easily. See how simple it is with our step-by-step tutorial. (Mixing and matching polishes is highly encouraged.)

How to Get a Graffiti Nail Art Look

BellaSugar — Sun, 06 May 2012 05:03:00 PDT

Celebrity manicurist Kimmie Kyees creates gorgeous nail art designs on the famous fingers of Katy Perry, Rihanna, Pink, and many other stars who dress up their digits. So we asked her to show us how to create a cool look that we could do at home. See how she created a graffiti-inspired look, and let us know what you think.

22 Awesome Manicure Ideas to Try Now

Miriam Lacey — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:34:00 PDT

Warm weather is on it's way, and it's time to celebrate with new, creative nails. A cool manicure is one of the fastest ways to transition your look, and it's an excellent way to show off your creativity as well. Check out these 22 brilliant nail art ideas and get started on your next manicure masterpiece.

Source: Flickr User Kat...B

10 Pretty, Fun Wedding Manicure Ideas

Miriam Lacey — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 05:00:00 PDT

A French manicure is standard for weddings, but why not switch it up with something more unique and memorable? Check out these 10 exceptional ideas now and get inspired.

Source: Thinkstock

5 Extremely Haute Designer Nail Polish Collaborations

Miriam Lacey — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 13:10:00 PDT

If you love the gorgeous Prabal Gurung gown here, you're going to be ecstatic about the designer's copycat Sally Hansen nail wraps. 'Tis the season of beauty collaborations, and if Gurung isn't to your taste, a slew of well-loved designers have decided to put their dukes up (in the friendliest way possible) with nail polish brands of late.

Right now, everyone from Betsey Johnson and Kate Spade to Thakoon is launching a nail line of some sort. Want to get a glimpse at the goods? Here are our top five most covetable new collections.

Aw, Snap! See Our Instagram Challenge Recap

BellaSugar — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:13:00 PDT

Our first Instagram challenge ended last week, and we couldn't be more excited to share some of the coolest photos you posted. Each day we highlighted a different trend for Spring - buns, eyeliner, nail art, braids, and bright lips - and all got their time in the sun. Read on for inspiration, and be prepared to make a statement of your own.

Your Cool Nail Art From the Instagram Challenge Day 3

BellaSugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:22:00 PDT

Wednesday was nail-art-themed for our Instagram challenge, and we must say our readers are pretty talented with a paint brush. We spotted adaptations inspired by The Hunger Games' District 12 and Effie Trinket. There were ombréd tips, polka dots, nouveau French manicures, animal print, and glitter galore. From what we can see, you have been paying close attention to the nail trends for Spring and Fall 2012. But are you ready to get twisted with braids today?

If you're running out of ideas, consider the French braid as a simple fix. Tag #bellasnap to show off your style, and be sure to follow us on Instagram. Tomorrow we will be ending this challenge with one of our runway favorites - bright lips. So dare to wear your hottest reds, passionate purples, and most outrageous oranges.

Source: Instagram users itsastreetlight, sarahstlifer, kthrnwy, and Twitpic user beautybesties1

See All the Details of Effie Trinket's Out-There Nail Art

Jaime Richards — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:36:35 PDT

While Jennifer Lawrence's The Hunger Games character, Katniss Everdeen, may have a functional, low-key look for the flick, it was Elizabeth Banks (as Effie Trinket) who got to have all the hair, makeup, and nail polish fun. "While on the set of filming The Hunger Games I took a few photos (actually, a lot)," Elizabeth revealed on her website. "The Effie makeup and fashion was just so intricate and detailed that I had to take photos to remember all the bits and pieces."

One day in particular, Elizabeth snapped a few shots of Effie's rather impressive nail art. While it's not something you can technically achieve with China Glaze's Hunger Games nail polish collection, some opaque blue nail polish and a trip to the craft store are all you need to get Effie-style digits. See the bedazzled manicure up close when you read more.

Get These Cute Southwest-Inspired Nails the Easy Way

Miriam Lacey — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 05:12:53 PDT

The vivid colors and patterns of the American Southwest are popping up all over accessories for Spring, but you don't have to visit Mesa to work the motif into your wardrobe. This easy "flying v" manicure has plenty of Southwest flavor, and all you need to make it work are three nail polishes and some tape. Ready to hit the trail? Then find out how to do it.