Exclusive How-to: Hello Darling’s Rock Candy Nail Art. Almost Good Enough to Eat

Fri, 27 July 2012 11:36AM

We first spotted glass bead nail art (also known as the caviar manicure) on the Cushnie et Ochs runway during A/W ’11 fashion week, and much to my delight, this particular style of nail art is finally available in Australia.

Australian beauty brand Hello Darling have today just launched Rock Candy, with 10 different shades of glass beads to complement the brands already extensive (and gorgeous) nail polish range. The jar of Rock Candy comes with its coordinating Nail Polish for $24.95, from Hello Darling.

The Rock Candy has the ability to work as a whole manicure, a feature nail, or a 3D-addition to your nail art. Not only does it look amazing, but is a ball of fun to create at home. And before you ask, yes, it looks good enough to eat, but please don’t. It’s glass!

Here’s a step-by-step on using the Rock Candy Nail Art, along with a few little tips I picked up along the way. I’ve painted each of my fingernails with the 10 different colours so you can see the colour range, which varies from a gorgeous minty-blue green and gold – Breakfast at Tiffany’s to a rich, purple and black – Dresden Sunset. Personally I think it looks its best as a feature nail, and that way you get more out of your jar of Rock Candy.

Hello Darling Nail Polish in Arabesque with Rock Candy in Le Petit Choupette

Here’s the step-by-step. Wait ‘til you see the finished product …

Step 1:

Apply a thin coat of base coat.

Step 2:

Once dry, apply a thin coat of your chosen colour. Once your nail is painted, leave it to dry for around 10 minutes.

Step 3:

Now it’s time for the Rock Candy. My number one, must-follow tip is to work nail-by-nail. Paint your nail with another coat of the polish and, working quickly, dip your finger directly into the jar of Rock Candy. Gently bend and straighten your finger to ensure you are coating your entire nail.

Step 4:

Then take your finger out of the jar, leaving it hovering over the jar so the candy can fall back into the jar – it avoids wastage!
Quick tip: when you get to the stage where your Rock Candy supply is low, tip the jar on a slant before dipping your finger in, or you can pour them over your nails.

Step 5:

Pat around the sides and tops of your nails to compact the beads, but make sure you don’t press too hard. Otherwise your polish can leak around the edges of the beads, which can tend to dull the effect of the Rock Candy.

Step 6:

Then move onto the next nail. Once you have finished, and this step is optional, you can lightly paint top coat across the tip of your nails for a little extra strength. DON’T paint the top coat over the beads – it can strip the colour from the beads.

Step 7:

Wait for it to dry. Although you can start using your hands straight away, it actually takes between 25-45 minutes to thoroughly dry. Once your hands are dry, remember that you need to be careful with your nails. They aren’t designed to be a long-lasting manicure, but are perfect for a special occasion or a night out on the town. Try and avoid doing the dishes (how’s that for an excuse!) and any heavy grunt work, as the beads will chip off.

 

And here it is …

When it comes time to remove them, all you need to do is soak your cotton pad in nail polish and wipe over your nails.

What do you think Primpettes? Do you love it?

Would you try these? Would you like it as a feature nail or a full set?

Which one is your favourite colour?

Hayley x

Posted by: Hayley Bennett

Google Profile

Print Send to friend Share

Tags: caviar nails, diy, featured, hello darling, how to, manicure, nail art, nails, rock candy