Fool Proof Free Hand Nail Art

You love the look of nail art, but you don't want to pay for a salon, and you don't have a very steady hand yourself. Sure, nail stamping has created a way to get simple and intricate nail art, but what if you want the power to have whatever design you want, and complete control over colors and when they changed in designs?

Well I have found a way to create nail art that can easily be fixed if you make a mistake, without ruining the based color of your manicure.

But first I have to tell you that I did NOT invent this idea, I have come across it in my own nail art adventures.

So how do I create nail art that is no big deal if I mess up? Acrylic paint.

Once you have your base coat and color done (and it is completely dry) you can pull out your nail art brush and acrylic paints.

The best part about this is that when a line is smudged or you just don't like the placement, you can take a little bit of water, and wash away the acrylic without messing up the base polish. You can also use a cotton bud and water to wash away a small part of the design.

Now even the clumsiest of people (aka ME) can create cool nail designs.

Let's Meet Marsala

So by now I'm sure you have heard the buzz about this years' Pantone Color of the Year, Marsala. While I am a big fan of "wear whatever makes you feel great no matter the trends", I figured I would still take a look at Marsala.

The best way I have heard Marsala explained is as an earthy red. Last year's color, Radiant Orchid, was a lot easier to pin down. Ever since Marsala's debut I have seen many variations of the shade. But since Pantone is the one who chose the color, I'm going to stick with the swatch they supplied:

I decided to shuffle through my makeup collection to see what I could come up with.

 Below I have created some swatches of drugstore Marsala shaded goodness:

Some Marsala toned Lippies. 

Top Row- Left to Right: Kate Moss for Rimmel in 08, Revlon Matte Balm in Elusive, Revlon Matte Balm in Sultry, Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Lust for Blush, Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in 225.

Bottom Row- Left to Right: Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Ravish, Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Obsession, Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Bordeaux, Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet, Maybelline 14hr Lipstick in Wine and Forever, Almay Liquid Lip Balm in Just Plum Good.

Underneath the lippies I swatched Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranite Punk (left) and the wine color from Maybelline's Designer Chocolates Palette.

Maybelline Wine and Forevernail polish:

Ideas of how to wear Marsala:
If you want to add Marsala into your makeup look there are two ways to add it into a look without being overbearing, and everyone can do it, even if they aren't super skilled in makeup, or their schedule doesn't allow for lots of makeup time.

1. Pop of Marsala: Use a little bit of a marsala shade into your crease.
2. Lipstick statement: Keep your eyes simple with just some mascara and eyeliner and use a marsala lipstick as a quick and trendy statement.
3. Marsala manicure

Do you plan on giving this color a try?