Hello and welcome!  This week, I wanted a design with some serious neon power to finally bring in the summer theme. 

My inspiration came completely from my monthly Maniology Mani x Me box.  June’s theme was very 80’s abstract mod.  And it’s not always my favorite kind of design, but I thought I might as well try it out, and use my brand new neon polishes while I’m at it.

What I Used:

• Base Coat:  Glisten & Glow – Base Coat
• 1st Color:  Cirque Colors – Game Over
• 2nd Color:  Cirque Colors – Retail Therapy
• 3rd Color:  Cirque Colors – Hedonist
• 4th Color:  Maniology – Merlot
• Top Coat:  Glisten & Glow – Top Coat
• Maniology MXM010 stamping plate
• silicone stamper & scraper
• lint roller sheet
• Maniology dual sided dotting tool & nail art brush
• Twinkled T clean up brush, size #2
• acetone nail polish remover

I started with base coat, per usual, and then two coats of Cirque Colors – Game Over.  Looking back, this polish was extremely bright, but I was actually a little disappointed at first (I wanted a blinding neon red, not just neon red).  It helps that shiny top coat really brings out the brightness.

Next, I got the reverse stamps ready to go.  I used five different silicone stampers so I didn’t have to wait for them to dry one at a time.  The abstract pattern was done in neon pink, with random sections filled in with more pink, and some yellow.

Two coats of Cirque Colors – Game Over

Filling in the stamps with pink and yellow randomly

Then, I used some top coat to attach the images to my nails.  But the pink ended up blending in with the red base, and you couldn’t see a thing.  So, I stamped a darker red over top.  I debated on using another neon, but the only color I had left in my collection was green, and that wouldn’t have matched very well.

Using top coat to “glue” the stamps on my nails

Adding a darker red over the light pink

It’s funny that I keep saying I’m not a fan of the 80’s mod designs, because I always end up liking how they turn out.  I love that every nail is a different pattern, but it’s still one cohesive look.  And I love that they are so bright!  I only wish I had been more careful with my top coat application, because there’s quite a few smudges.

Final look – right hand

Hope everyone enjoyed their summer!

Update:

Other than some wear and tear, these nails lasted perfectly throughout the week.  And the few times I was out in the sun, they really were an intense neon.  It was probably a good thing that the dark red had to go over the pink, or else they would be a little too blinding to look at.