12 NAILS OF CHRISTMAS: Classic Red & Gold Plaid Nails
When I sat down to brainstorm ideas for what I would put together for my 12 Nails Of Christmas, I knew without question that I would be doing at least one plaid manicure. It's kind of my thing, almost a signature mani for me, and I feel like it's a particularly good fit for the holidays. I also had to decide what colour of plaid I was going to use, but in the end I kept it really simple and classic by choosing a rich red base with black and gold stamping. This is definitely the kind of manicure that would be perfect to actually wear on Christmas - and one thing I love about plaid nails is that with stamping, it's one of the easiest mani's in my arsenal.
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Choosing a red for this mani was actually really easy. Avon Gel Finish in Roses Are Red is a perfect base for pretty much any holiday mani because it sits in that sweet spot that isn't too warm, cool, deep or bright. It's just a kind of perfect red shade. I applied two coats to all of my nails as my base.
For the stamping, I decided to go with black and gold because I felt like it would really give a classic look while still being a little bit festive. Whenever I do plaid nail art, I reach for the 春の歌 - L010 Stamping Plate, which I purchased from BornPrettyStore. I always use the same two images in the same order when I do plaid mani's using this plate. I started with BornPrettyStore Black Stamping Polish and transferred the thicker stitched image to my nails. Next, I went in with BornPrettyStore Gold Stamping Polish and transferred the more delicated stitched image, using a clear stamper and trying to align the pattern in a similar position on all four nails.
Finally, I decided that in keeping with the sort of textile feel of this mani, I wanted a matte finish, so I completely the mani with a generous coat of Color Club MATTEified Top Coat. I've actually been really, really impressed with this top coat over stamping, since most matte top coats end up smearing your stamping. As long as I float this one over the nail, my stamping has held up really well with it and there's been no need to first finish with a quick dry top coat to protect the stamping.
For the stamping, I decided to go with black and gold because I felt like it would really give a classic look while still being a little bit festive. Whenever I do plaid nail art, I reach for the 春の歌 - L010 Stamping Plate, which I purchased from BornPrettyStore. I always use the same two images in the same order when I do plaid mani's using this plate. I started with BornPrettyStore Black Stamping Polish and transferred the thicker stitched image to my nails. Next, I went in with BornPrettyStore Gold Stamping Polish and transferred the more delicated stitched image, using a clear stamper and trying to align the pattern in a similar position on all four nails.
Finally, I decided that in keeping with the sort of textile feel of this mani, I wanted a matte finish, so I completely the mani with a generous coat of Color Club MATTEified Top Coat. I've actually been really, really impressed with this top coat over stamping, since most matte top coats end up smearing your stamping. As long as I float this one over the nail, my stamping has held up really well with it and there's been no need to first finish with a quick dry top coat to protect the stamping.
All Products Used:
Avon Gel Finish in Roses Are Red*
BornPrettyStore - Black Stamping Polish
BornPrettyStore - Gold Stamping Polish
Color Club MATTEified Matte Top Coat
春の歌 - L010 Stamping Plate
Seriously, there is a plaid nail for every occasion, but I really personally love it for the holidays. I think the classic pairing of red, black and gold really evokes the same warm feeling as stockings hung and trees decorated - maybe that's just me. Honestly, though, if you're looking to get into stamping, I think a plaid plate is a great place to start because it's so versatile and always impactful - seriously, any time I'm wearing a plaid mani, I get compliments from strangers who ask me who does my nails!
Thanks for reading! Don't forget to keep checking back every few days for more holiday nail art leading up to Christmas Eve!
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