Sunday, September 1, 2013

31DC2013 Day 01: Red Mix and Match

It's day one of the 31 Day Challenge 2013, and the theme of the day is red nails! When I first started painting my nails, I wasn't really into red polish very much. It seemed too boring, too "classic" and not funky enough for my tastes. But as I experienced more and more, I found myself being drawn to a classic red nail. I guess it's just one of those things -- like how you don't like beets as a kid but they are one of your favorite foods as an adult (true story!).

For my manicure, I grabbed my favorite red. Those of you that have been reading for a while can probably say it along with me: American Apparel Downtown LA! Then, I wanted to add some colors that would complement the red without taking away from the theme. Two old standbys came to mind: OPI My Vampire is Buff and American Apparel Hassid.



I've been into mix and match manicures lately, and decided to do one with the three shades. I wanted all ten nails to be different, but still feel like they went together. I chose to go for a kind of edgily romantic vibe with hearts, polka dots, and gradient touches.


The gradient bow and XOXO nails were created by painting the silhouette on first in red. Then, I mixed varying amounts of black in with the red to create a range of shades that I could use to gradually darken the lines.


Then, I made sure to include some 3D accents and the rest is history!



It's simple, but I think the black-to-red gradient on my right hand is my favorite. I also really like the black rhinestone triangle and the heart surrounded by dots.


I'm so eager to poke around and see what the other challenge participants have come up with! Be sure to track the hashtag #31dc2013 for easy browsing.

More 31 Day Challenge
View upcoming prompts!
My red nails from 2012!
My red nails from 2011!
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42 comments

  1. Whoa, this looks amazing! I think it's really cool you made 10 different designs.

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  2. these are gorgeous! The mounth is starting... It's gonna be a challange!

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  3. God this is incredible!

    Girl sometimes you make me just want to give up because I will never be pro like you LOL

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  4. Pretty love this one

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  5. Oh stop it, your nail art is awesome!!!

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  6. Haha, agreed, it won't be easy!

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  7. <3 I wish I had the time and persistence to do the 31 day challenge with you guys!
    I know I would give up though >.<

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  8. Love the black studded triangle mixed in (:

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  9. these look so amazing .

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  10. Wowzas they are good!

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  11. This is gorgeous Sarah! I love the hearts and the xoxo!! I also think the bow with the black into it is so pretty! Great job!!

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  12. This is amazing! I love the colour combination and how each nail is unique! :)

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  13. Super cute...I think Mix & Match manis are awesome when they work well together, and this definitely does!! =)

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  14. What a nice combo :) I love it :)

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  15. Oh my gosh, so many awesome techniques in one manicure! Too beautiful!

    I'm totally in 31DC this year! However, what with grad school and everything, I created an abbreviated 31DC, for people like me who really want to do it but are just too busy to do their nails daily.

    I didn't think anyone would mind, but does anyone know who originally started the 31DC so I can get the ok before I post it places?

    psyched! :)
    ~Uni http://iamunicorngirl.livejournal.com

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  16. Really cute, i loved this designs!

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  17. Your photos are always so beautiful, and your nails are flawless. I think I may take on this challenge, myself!

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  18. Unfortunately, no one has been able to track down the creator of the original challenge. Post away!

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  19. wow i love all the different looks, gorgeous!

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  20. Love this look! The white hearts on the black base look amazing!

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  21. Gorgeous! Love the mix and match with black and nude!

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  22. I love this! Mix and match looks are one of my favorites :)

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  23. caseylanelovespolishSeptember 1, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    Love it!!!!

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  24. These are absolutely amazing! Beautiful! Great work (:

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  25. awesome nail art

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  26. Love each design!! I couldn't pick a favorite.

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  27. I love the heart surrounded by dots! <3 You are waayyy too talented~

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  28. I love it! so original!

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  29. This design is awesome! Really unique and eye-catching. Love it!

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  30. Where are the studs from on your right index?? I'm crazy about them.

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  31. Unfortunately I bought them locally, but I would try searching ebay or BornPrettyStore.com for something similar!

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  32. Wonderful manicure!! I love red and black and you arranged together in a splendid way!!!
    I love the gradient on the middle and the nuance of the bow in the other middle finger, and also the heart in the thumb. Congrats for your creativity :)!! very beautiful *.*

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