Baby's First Ruffians - Nicole by OPI Modern Family Nail Art

When trying to figure out what to do to showcase more of the Nicole by OPI Modern Family Collection, I thought about the Ruffian technique... specifically, how I had never tried it before! It's an interesting look where you layer two colors, leaving a space of the base color near the cuticle. I've heard it can be done with french tip guides (much like a tape manicure) but I found it easiest just to freehand the top layer with the polish brush.

My first combination began with a base of Nicole by OPI Back In My Gloria Days. This shimmering, flecky purple shade is really quite lovely, and I believe I used two coats. Then, I added Nicole by OPI Luke of the Draw on top of it. It's a black jelly base with loads of small and micro silver glitter, and it applied really quite nicely despite the amount of glitter they packed in there! I used three coats for contrast with the purple but you will probably only need two if you're wearing it alone.

My second combo began with a base of Nicole by OPI Alex By the Books. I then freehanded on the second color, Nicole by OPI Candid Cameron. This one proved to be my most difficult Ruffian combination -- the brushstrokes did show a little bit in the metallic teal finish of Candid Cameron, and the light base near my cuticles visually shortened my nails a bit. However, these polishes are still quite gorgeous -- I used two coats of both.

My final Ruffian combination used a base of Nicole by OPI Basking in Gloria, a shimmery red polish that was opaque in two coats. I paired it with Nicole by OPI A Phil's Paradise. I really love A Phil's Paradise, it's got an interesting finish to it that is really appealing to me. I used three coats of it here.

All in all, I really like the Ruffian look and will definitely be trying it again! What do you guys think, are you a fan of Ruffians? Which combination appeals most to you? Are any of these shades making your "must buy" list?

Modern Family lacquers should be available now! Polishes retail for $7.99 each at retailers including select Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Kmart, Kroger, ULTA, H-E-B, Meijer and Duane Reade locations. In Canada, this line will be available for $10.99 each at Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart Canada, Jean Coutu, Loblaw, and London Drug.

Products sent for review.