Happy Monday, everyone! I have to admit, I've already got my eye on Christmas nail art even though I'm told it's still too early to be actively Christmasing, but I'm trying to get the last gasps of fall nail art ideas out as well. For our #CBBxManiMonday theme this month, we're keeping it moody and I feel like I'm really diving into that wholeheartedly, and my favorite way to do that is to pair black with really rich fall shades. 

So, without further ado, keep reading to check out my Black & Orange Holo Drag Marble.

I feel like a drag marble is one of those techniques that's actually pretty forgiving and easy to do, but there are definitely some steps that might make it feel intimidating to a beginner. I certainly would have been really intimidated when I first started out. I like to do this technique by making decals rather than swirling the polish straight on the nail because I feel like it really makes the image feel like it's filling up the nail.

For these decals, I started by laying down a layer of black polish onto my nail art mat and then adding a few dots of the holo orange polish in a sort of triangle in the black. Next, I went in with a really small dotting tool and swirled the polish together until it was the right texture. I always end up making extra decals so that I can pick and choose, and I make them big enough so that I can find the best bits and sort of center them on my nail that way.

Once the decals are dry enough to peel up easily, I apply a thin layer of foil glue to the nail and let it dry until it's tacky. Next, I transfer the decals over to a large, clear stamper so that I can really visualize how I'm going to place it on the nail and then press them firmly onto the nail. To smooth out the decal, I like to use a silicone tool to gently press it smooth and firmly into the cuticle, and then follow by using first a cuticle tool to trim and then a clean up brush and acetone to really get crisp, smooth edges. Once I'm happy with the nails, I add a thick coat of quick dry top coat and voila!

All Products Used

Essence Shine Last & Go - Black Is Back

Superchic Lacquer - Juicy* (available from NailStuff.ca)

Seche Vive Quick Dry Top Coat

Born Pretty Store Dotting Tools

NailStuff.ca Clear Stamper*

NailStuff.ca Angle Silicone Tool*

Born Pretty Store Cuticle Tool

elf Concealer Brush for Clean Up

There's something about a drag marble that I honestly just completely love and I feel like it's a really versatile technique depending on the shades you use. I also really love how pairing the créme black with the holo orange really gives this a lot of depth and almost whispiness. I definitely recommend trying this technique out because it really is just so fun!

If you're interested in any of the products from NailStuff.ca that I used in this post - including this stunning orange holo - use code TRYSH for 10% off your order*. 

Also, be sure to head over to Cosmetic Proof, See The World in PINK, and Tea & Nail Polish to check out their nails for this #CBBxManiMonday!

Thanks for reading!