By Kathryn M. D’Imperio

If you’re tired of the same old manicure, look no further. OPI’s Shatter collection will keep you preoccupied for months. The best thing about the Shatter polishes is that you can apply them over ANY other nail polish and get a different look based on the color you choose for a base coat. My friends did their nails using a bright pink base coat, which looked totally wild with the Black Shatter topcoat. I opted to go for something a little more outlandish and chose a yellow base coat and applied the Black Shatter for a “Bumblebee” ala Transformers kind of look.

The hardest part of using the Shatter polish is waiting for your nails to dry so you can apply it! The coolest part is watching it separate, revealing the pretty base color that you chose. Don’t forget to apply a clear topcoat to seal your manicure and help it to last longer.

OPI Nail Lacquer BLACK SHATTER - Katy Perry Collection Average Rating: 182 total customer reviews...

OPI Nail Lacquer, Silver Shatter, 0.5 Fluid Ounce Average Rating: 66 total customer reviews...

OPI Turquoise Shatter Polish NL E64 Average Rating: 8 total customer reviews...

OPI Red Shatter Crackle Nail Polish E55 New Average Rating: 9 total customer reviews...

Opi Nail Polish Blue Shatter E56 Average Rating: 3 total customer reviews...

OPI Nail Lacquer, White Shatter, 0.5 Fluid Ounce Average Rating: 182 total customer reviews...

OPI Nail Lacquer Serena Glam Slam, 1 Fluid Ounce Average Rating: 9 total customer reviews...

One of the nice things about the shatter and crackle nail polish products, is that your base coat doesn’t always have to be 100% perfect. Of course, it is totally desirable that it is, but if you are in a rush or you just can’t get it right, you can still have a pretty kickass manicure with these awesome shatter finishes.

The finished Shatter and Crackle manicures tend to look a bit like graffiti or a rough sketching and scrawling. I have also seen versions that look almost like leopard print! I think this is one type of nail polish that everyone should have – it’s very addicting. One of my friends went out and bought the Red Shatter after she borrowed my Black Shatter and fell in love. If you are interested in getting Shatter nail lacquer, you can order it online for best results to avoid sold out inventory and to give yourself the best selection of color choices in your Shatter polish.

See larger image OPI Red Shatter Crackle Nail Polish E55 New (Misc.) List Price: $12.99 USD New From: $0.50 In Stock

There are a number of ways to show off your assets, but many people tend to neglect their feet. However, these days men and women tend to want to show that they have pretty toes and feet and there is much care and preparation that goes into this, more than almost any other part of their body. There are a number of ways to dress up your toes and feet, and tricks to make your toes and ankles look beautiful.

Toe rings, ankle bracelets, nail varnish, fake tan, and elegant footwear are just some of the ways to improve how good your feet look. Similarly, tattoos are becoming increasingly popular. To many, the foot area is a particularly attractive part of the body and we often judge people on this or on their footwear as a sign of how they dress or take care of their body. Thus, how well they are groomed has become far more important to us.

From sandals, beach wear, day wear and evening wear, what you are wearing on your feet can be important. There is a social status about this. Women tend to dress up with rings, bracelets, and nail varnish. This can vary from bright fun colors to dark, sexy, and sleek varnish, depending on the person and their clothes. This is also the case with heels, which accentuate our features and provide a sexy, cool look.

Having sexy feet is becoming far more important to us. Pedicures, massages, and professional nail clippings are now thriving businesses and there are a wide range of different types of therapy to make feet look and feel better. Likewise, shoes and trainers are far more popular. They range from luxury designer heels to simple trainers for working out in the gym. The choices we now have in terms of shoes and foot care options are far greater than ever before.

By Kathryn M. D’Imperio

Creating flower nail designs at home can be a snap with the right nail art tools and techniques. No matter if you like fancy flowers or simple daisies you can find the perfect flower art for your nails. Create different flower nail designs for different seasons – poinsettias for winter, tulips for spring, lilies for summer, and sunflowers for fall.

Consider these simple steps to help you make your own pretty flower nail art designs without making a trip to the salon.

Materials for Flower Nail Art Designs
•    Pretty colors of nail polish
•    Nail polish base coat
•    Nail polish top coat
•    Nail polish remover
•    Cotton balls
•    Nail art pens, paintbrushes, or toothpicks

Steps for Simple Nail Art Flowers
To create your own lovely, hand-painted nail art flowers, follow these steps:

1.    Paint a base coat on your nails to protect the nail surface.
2.    Paint one or two coats of your desired manicure background color.
3.    Once dry, paint a single dot using the color you want for the center of the flower and a thin nail art brush, nail art pen, or toothpick.
4.    Using the same tool and a different nail polish color, paint the petals for your flower. Paint long and skinny lines or round petals, depending on your preference.
5.    Consider adding green stems or leaves if appropriate.
6.    Allow nails to dry completely. Then paint a clear top coat to seal and protect your designs.

These are just a few tips on creating your own flower manicures and pedicures using a hand-painting technique. What other tips do you have for painting flower nail art on your fingernails or toenails? Please share your favorite flower nail design tips in our comments below.

See larger image OPI Pirates of the Carribean Mini Nail Lacquer Set, 1 Set (Misc.) List Price: $10.00 USD New From: $5.99 In Stock

By Kathryn M. D’Imperio

Nail polish trends change with the turning of the season and sometimes stick around for a few seasons at a time. The popular OPI Black Shatter nail polish continues its reign as one of the top nail polish products on the Amazon Best Seller list, and it is a huge hit with nail art fans across the globe. Rumor has it that OPI has more Shatter products in the works and they should be hitting shelves in a few short weeks if not already. In case you are wondering, here are the top bestselling nail polish products for Spring and Summer 2011.

OPI Black Shatter Nail Polish – This unique and super-cool nail polish by OPI offers a trendy and fun finish for your nails. Enjoy a cool “crackle” or shattered effect with your nails, revealing neat designs and color combinations. Part of the OPI Katy Perry Collection, OPI Black Shatter Nail Polish creates unusual manicures and pedicures that are edgy, creative, and fun. Simply apply the Shatter nail polish on top of a color of your choice and then watch while it starts to separate, revealing the bottom color in a neat crackle effect.

OPI Nail Lacquer BLACK SHATTER - Katy Perry Collection Average Rating: 182 total customer reviews...

OPI Serena Glam Slam Duo – Similar to Katy Perry’s cool Shatter polish, this nail product creates wild gold and black shattered manicures and pedicures in true Serena style. A recent reviewer says, “Must have for nail polish lovers, you won’t be sorry.” The Black Shatter topcoat goes on top of just about any nail polish and creates a cool, crackly effect. Women agree that their nails are getting noticed and they’re getting lots of compliments on the popular OPI Serena Glam Slam Duo.

OPI Serena Glam Slam Simply Smash-Ing & Black Shatter Nail Lacquer Set Average Rating: 28 total customer reviews...

Konad Nail Art Double Ended Stamper And Scraper – Nail stamping is as popular as ever, with more and more options for styling your nails with precise stamped patterns. The Konad Nail Art Double Ended Stamper And Scraper allows nail art fanatics to create unbelievable looks for their nails; just about anything is possible. makes it all possible and the stamper and scraper finishes the job. Be sure to look for the special stamping plates for all the pattern and design choices, which absolutely include the must-haves – flowers and animal print!

Konad Nail Art Double Ended Stamper And Scraper Average Rating: 129 total customer reviews...

Bundle Monster Nail Art Polish Stamp Stamping Manicure Image Plates – The special stamping plates complete the looks discussed above, offering expert application of a wide variety of patterns and designs for your nails. Bundle Monster nail art stamping plates are usually the best bargain for your money, available in sets of 21 or sets of 25 to give you unlimited possibilities in creating your own one-of-a-kind manicures and pedicures. Compared to other brands of stamping plates, you can get these very affordably compared to upwards of $5 per plate. Also, each plate contains about eight designs to consider for your nails. Don’t forget to get your as well!

Bundle Monster Nail Art Nailart Polish Stamp Stamping Manicure Image Plates Accessories Set Kit 21pc Average Rating: 351 total customer reviews...

Bundle Monster Nail Art Nailart Polish Stamp Stamping Manicure Image Plates Accessories Set Kit 25pc Average Rating: 153 total customer reviews...

CND Shellac Top Coat and Base Coat – The CND Shellac Top Coat and Base Coat are very popular among nail enthusiasts and professionals alike. Although they require the BRISA / UV lamp for use, the UV-cured top coat and UV-cured base coat received some of the highest remarks on Amazon customer reviews. Reviewers who own these products as well as a curing lamp agree that the nail polish really does last up to two weeks when applied correctly!

CND Shellac Color Coat with UV3 Technology, Top Coat Average Rating: 27 total customer reviews...

CND Shellac Color Coat with UV3 Technology, Base Coat Average Rating: 23 total customer reviews...

OPI Katy Perry Mini Nail Lacquer Set – Get great value for your dollars with this fun mini Katy Perry set by OPI. This mini nail lacquer set includes shimmery mini bottles of silver, blue, pink, and plum, perfect for showing off your manicured fingers and toes at every turn. The colors are definitely gotta-have-it shades, and the price is right for four bottles of Katy Perry’s collection, including The One That Got Away, Teenage Dream, Last Friday Night, and Not Like the Movies. These shades totally rock when used separately or when combined with the OPI Black Shatter polish.

Opi Katy Perry Mini Nail Lacquers Polish Set Average Rating: 19 total customer reviews...

For a limited time, we are offering a special giveaway for our readers! Send us your own personal photos of nail art designs and manicures or pedicures that you have created and we will send an assortment of Fimo nail art pieces to the first 25 people to enter. To be eligible, you must live in the United States and you must provide nail art that you created yourself, in line with our namesake, DIY – do-it-yourself nail designs. This contest is in effect immediately – we look forward to receiving your designs!

Nail Art Giveaway Guidelines:
• You must submit only photos of nail art that you have created yourself.
• Photos must be in JPG format.
• Submit photos, name of nail design or manicure/pedicure, and products/tools used to kate@diynaildesigns.com.
• By entering our nail art giveaway contest, you agree that DIY Nail Designs (Life Love Beauty LLC) may publish your designs on our site and our sister site, www.lifelovebeauty.com, for an unlimited time.

Please get in touch or leave a comment if you have any questions.

By Kathryn M. D’Imperio

Now that the weather is getting warmer, thoughts of the beach, tropical islands, and margaritas fill our minds. Create your own DIY tropical hibiscus flower nail designs to commemorate the start of spring and the time of year when open-toed shoes and flip-flops come back. Here are some simple steps to create your own hibiscus nail art.

Before you get started with your tropical nail art designs, first put down some newspaper or paper towels to protect your work surface. Then gather the following nail art materials:

Tropical Nail Art Materials
-    Nail polish for tropical flowers
-    Nail polish for background colors
-    Clear topcoat
-    Nail polish remover
-    Cotton balls
-    Nail art brushes / toothpick
-    Nail art accessories like rhinestones and tiny pearl accents
-    Newspaper or paper towels
-    Index card (optional)

DIY Hibiscus Nail Art Designs
To create a tropical manicure you’re sure to love, follow these simple steps:

1.    Apply the background color on your nails. Add two coats if needed. Choose colors that will contrast with the colors you’ve selected for your hibiscus flower.
2.    After your base coat is dry, drip a little bit of the first nail color onto an index card or onto the newspaper or paper towel surface. (You can use the index card as a palette!)
3.    Repeat for the second color.
4.    Dip the corner of the nail art brush into the first color. Rotate the brush and dip the other corner into the second color. The bristles of your nail art brush should be neatly painted half and half.
5.    Begin at one edge of the nail and paint a small squiggle to create the first petal.
6.    Repeat this step to create the rest of the hibiscus flower, which is kind of just a half-flower based on its positioning. Still lovely though!
7.    Using the striper, thin brush, or toothpick, draw a thin, curved line to be the flower’s centerpiece.
8.    Using a marbling tool, toothpick, or tiny, thin nail art brush, create a few tiny dots in white or yellow to be the hibiscus flower’s pollen.
9.    As soon as your nails are dry, be sure to cover your nails with a clear topcoat to ensure the tropical flower designs last as long as possible.

To finish your fun and tropical look, don’t forget to add a little lip balm and some eye shadow, mascara, and a light spritz of perfume. Pretty makeup products for spring can really freshen up your look!

Share your thoughts about this design in our comments! For a limited time, the first 50 readers to send us a picture of their own nail art designs will receive a few complimentary pieces of fimo nail art slices by mail!

Springtime inspires us to paint our fingernails and toenails for a lovely look no matter what the weather. Lots of colors and styles of nail polish, including and black crackle, allow us to create unique, creative manicures and pedicures for spring and all the other seasons. Even if you are a beginner at painting your nails, you can still show off a beautiful mani or pedi for spring with a little patience and practice.

You can create a lot of fun and gorgeous looks with fancy new nail polish products. Kick your creativity into high gear and see what kinds of mani and pedi looks you can create at home. Check out these best selling nail polish products for spring!

and black crackle nail polish give you the chance to show off an edgy look that can be fun for a rocker chick, an emo look, or simply a fun look for spring or any season. You can mix and match the black shatter or black crackle top coat with a wide variety of nail polish colors to get unlimited manicure and pedicure combinations.