Re-create #4: Ode to Classy Nude & Black

This is my favorite in this series!  Pretty much everything worked out on this one!  That rarely happens!  LOL

My original post of this manicure was quite impressive to me at the time, as I was just getting into stamping.  You can read all about it here.  This time around, I wanted to follow the same theme but use different polishes and a different stamp image.

• Mundo de Unas Black (stamping)
• Essie Ballet Slippers
• Bundle Monster BM-211 (stamp plate)

I used my usual base coat to prep my nails and then I used 3 coats of the Ballet Slippers.  I don't have many Essie polishes in my collection and there is a reason why.  I've struggled with them.  I don't find them to have even coverage.  Even with three coats of this, I still have a VNL.  It is a very pretty color though.  I love the subtle pink and it has an appropriate name.  Once that was mostly dry, I applied a layer of Seche Vite to harden the polish and prepare for the stamping.

I love this MDU polish!!!  I used just a very small amount on my plate and scraped very lightly and slowly to get full coverage on the image.  I waited a few seconds to pick up the image on my rectangle Messy Mansion stamper.  The fact that this polish takes a little longer to dry really worked in my favor as I needed to line up the image with my nail carefully on each finger.  I did one finger at a time so that I could clean up after the stamping as I have heard that this polish may stain my skin or cuticles if not removed quickly.  Once all of my nails were done, I waited a good 5-10 minutes before adding my top coat.  I used a "floating" technique to be sure not to smear the black.  It turned out amazing!

Comparing these manicures, I can really see an improvement in my photography skills.  I'm glad to see that, since I feel like I am still struggling to get it just right.  It seems like I am on the right track!