Art therapy blends art and psychology. It offers a space for expression and exploration. Not only is it for self-discovery, but also for healing and understanding emotions. Anyone can benefit from it, no matter their life situation. Whether dealing with daily stress or chronic conditions, art therapy offers peace.

The Healing Aspects of Art Therapy:

Art therapy is like a quiet journey. It helps express emotions, lowers stress, builds self-awareness, and lets people communicate visually. It’s easy to get into and welcomes everyone. No matter your energy or skill level, there’s room for you in art therapy.

Art Therapy Exercise: Expressive Color Meditation

Preparation:

Firstly, find a quiet, comfy spot away from the world’s noise. Next, pick your favorite art supplies—it could be colored pencils, watercolors, oil paints, markers, or soft pastels. As you settle in, light a soothing candle, maybe some incense, and let calming or inspiring tunes fill the space.

Step 1: Meditation for Centering

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, hold, and exhale slowly. As you breathe, notice your emotions and how you feel physically. Let your mind rest, even if it’s just for a short while.

Step 2: Setting an Intention

Upon opening your eyes, set a personal goal for this exercise. It could be a positive thought like “I am open to self-expression,” “I am letting go of tension,” or “I am embracing creativity.”

Step 3: Color Exploration

Pick a color that matches your current feelings. Let your hand move across the paper, filling it with the chosen color, without any set pattern.

Step 4: Layering Emotions

Pause. Then, think about your emotions again. Choose a new color that shows any change in feelings or a new emotion you’ve found. Add this color to your page, exploring how colors and emotions mix.

Step 5: Reflective Meditation

When you feel ready, put your art materials aside. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and think about the journey you just went on. Notice any changes in how you feel emotionally or physically.

Step 6: Journaling (optional)

If you want, write down any new thoughts, feelings, or ideas that came up during this exercise. It’s a way to keep the conversation with yourself going, diving deeper into your experience.

Review Questions:

Think about these questions, and maybe talk about them with an art therapist in your next session:

• What emotions came up during this exercise and how did color show them?
• Did the quiet time help connect you to your emotions and creativity?
• Did you face any challenges during this exercise, and how did you get past them?
• How did setting a goal change your experience of the exercise?
• How does your artwork show the goal or positive thought you set?

Managing Expectations and Time:

Art therapy isn’t about making a masterpiece. It’s about the journey of expression. Enjoy the process over the final product. Take your time with art therapy, even if it’s just a bit of coloring each day.

Conclusion:

Art therapy is a soft call to the soul, inviting you to look within and express yourself. Whether dealing with the ups and downs of daily life or tougher challenges, the canvas is always ready for your stories, emotions, and hopes.

Call to Action:

Embark on your own art therapy journey and share your experiences in the comments below. If you wish to delve deeper, consider connecting with professional art therapists through the American Art Therapy Association, the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association, or local art therapy groups on Meetup. Explore, express, and embrace the therapeutic voyage of art.

The post Art Therapy Journey: Embark on a Colorful Meditation to Unlock Creativity first appeared on Surrealmuse ponders life, art, & nails.

Critters Get Spooky

Hosted by @aiida.art
@carolyn.hennig.hansen
@citrus_flower15
@follow.the.blackbird
@illustranebula
@lisako21
@rabbitandpencil
@valeriaillustrates
@vida.kart
@zatiff

The Critters Get Spooky challenge invites you to create art related to weekly themes from October 2-31. Make sure to tag all the hosts and use the hashtag #CrittersGetSpooky for your creations to be found and shared.

Doodleween 23

doodlebymeg hosts Doodleween 23. Participate by creating art inspired by the daily prompts and tagging @doodlebymeg so your posts can be shared in their story. A color palette and inspirational images is provided for use, though it’s optional. Go to the original challenge post here to get the inspiration images and colors.

Doodlewash October 2023 Art Challenge

The Doodlewash October 2023 Art Challenge is hosted by doodlewashed and is open to anyone interested in drawing or watercolor painting. Use #doodlewashOctober2023 and, if using watercolor, add the #WorldWatercolorGroup hashtag.

Growtober 2023

For those looking to reflect and grow, lauraklinke_art hosts Growtober 2023. The task is to create something related to the theme each day in October. Draw, paint, take pictures, make reels, write, digital or analog – whatever! You should do what you love and you can always take a break, because drawing every day should not put you under pressure. Use the hashtag #growtober23 and tag the host to have your entries seen and shared.

Haute and Haunted

x_and_co and itsadiscoday host Haute and Haunted. Join them in creating chic and creepy designs all October.

Create your own interpretation of the prompts anytime during the listed time frame, starting October 1st. Join in for every prompt, or drop in and choose your favorite!

1-5: potions + perfume
6-12: bewitching babes
13-18: gourdgeous glam
19-25: moonlight magic
26-31: drop-dead disco

Use any medium or style and share your work to Instagram using the hashtag #hauteandhaunted2023

Make sure to add the prompt list as your second image and tag @itsadiscoday and @x_and_co so they can find and share your work. The best way for them to see your entries is to use the hashtag in your caption and tag us in the photo!

Complete all 5 prompts or just drop in when you want to!

Holliween’s Drawlloween! 2023

Participate in the 4th annual Holliween’s Drawlloween! 2023 hosted by holliroseart. This every other day creative spooky challenge begins October 1st. Include the hashtag #holliweensdrawlloween in your posts.

Horrid Realm

Horrid Realm challenge is hosted by horridrealm and challenges you to create in what ever medium you choose such as drawings, writing, or music. Use #horridrealm and tag the host to be seen and get a discount on your next order.

Mystictober Art Challenge

Participate the Mystictober Art Challenge to create original art inspired by each weekly prompt. Hosted by @umi_art.shop
@chonkitty_doodles
@peti.cute
@aoilittlestudio
@syjo.art
@berrygentlestore
@jamtreiber

Challenge Rules:
Create an original art inspired by each weekly prompt. You can do as many prompts as you like. You may join them for all of them, or even just one! Let your creativity go wild!
Use the hashtag #MystictoberArtChallenge and please tag all the hosts so they can see and share your work.
You can use any medium, including but not limited to; digital, traditional and/or crafts. No tracing. No ai.
Use one of our challenge covers on the last slide.

Once Upon a Haunted Forest

moonbound.studio, @kneeleyp and @lakilarian  challenge you to create your own character that will spend the month exploring a haunted forest.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬

𝘊𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘭, 𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵

𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮!

𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘨 𝘮𝘦, @kneeleyp & @lakilarian 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘵𝘢𝘨 #ouahf2023 𝘴𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘴!

𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘱 𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘣𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘵𝘴, 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘺 𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘺! 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦

Pouchtober

whoisrico hosts Pouchtober. Participate by drawing and using the hashtag #pouchtober2023,

Spooktober

Join the third-year of Spooktober hosted by byhapppyal.

For this year’s challenge, you’re encouraged to create a hand lettering or typography piece using the phrases above. not a lettering or type artist? no worries! any and all forms of creativity are welcome and encouraged, so if these phrases spark a creative idea in you, join them!

The prompts take place once every 5 or so days because Ictober is a crazy month full of lots of challenges and they want you to have enough time to create something you’re proud of. the prompts, for the most part, are common halloween classics you’ve seen on social media and elswhere, which they hope makes things easy for you and allows you to mix with other creative challenges if you’re partaking in multiple this year.

Don’t forget to tag  @byhapppyal when posting so they can see your post and use this year’s hashtag #spooktoberbyal23! 

Steam Ink

Participate in the Steam Ink challenge hosted by brandybingham. Use the hashtag #streamink2023 in your posts.

Witchtober by Ledahavasi

Ledahavasi’s Witchtober includes 16 prompts for every other day. Use the hashtag #ledatober and draw anything that inspires you.

Witchtober

Another Witchtober challenge is hosted by a group of witches:

@agingerly
@aia.naiya
@isa.b.e.e
@madie_arts
@mahou.shoujo
@marigonasuliart
@rit.aria
@talysketch

Use the tag #mysticalwitchtober and remember, no AI art entries!

Witchtober by Ofcraftsandcurios

ofcraftsandcurios’ Witchtober allows any form of art from drawing to painting to even dolls or poems, embrace your creativity and express yourself. Use #occwitchtober to tag your creations.

Witchtober 2023 by elaulora

elaulora hosts Witchtober 2023. Tag the host and include the hashtag #witchtober2023.

Witchtober 2023 by Theartstorecny

Join theartstorecny’s Witchtober2023.

What’s #Witchtober2023? It’s a celebration of all things mystical and enchanting -combined with a daily drawing/art prompt- where you can create as many or as few pieces as you like. Don’t worry if you can’t do it every day—combine prompts – or make up your own- and let your imagination soar!

YOU MAY WORK IN ANY MEDIUM YOU CHOOSE! Ink, Watercolor, Graphite… heck, even MIXED MEDIA if you feel frisky.

Make sure to make your post PUBLIC, and TAG US – @theartstorecny, and use the hashtags #myfavoriteartstore and #Witchtober2023 so that they, and your fellow participants, can discover your incredible creations on Instagram!

And the best part? You could WIN PRIZES and have your magical art featured on our social media accounts!

Let your inner artist shine through in your art this October. Join us, embrace the enchantment, and let’s make this #Witchtober2023 truly spellbinding!

Tips for Successful Completion

1. Plan Ahead: Set aside specific time daily for the challenge.
2. Be Realistic: It’s okay to skip prompts or combine them.
3. Use the Right Hashtags: Ensure your artwork is visible by using the correct hashtags.
4. Engage with the Community: Comment, like, and share other artists’ works.
5. Enjoy the Process: Most importantly, have fun creating and exploring different themes and styles.

Time Management Ideas

• Create a schedule that allocates specific time for your art.
• Consider working on pieces in advance.
• Prioritize prompts that resonate with you more.

Benefits of Participating

• Skill Improvement: Practice and enhance your artistic skills.
• Exposure: Gain visibility and potentially increase your followers

The Instagram Art Challenges of October 2023 stand as a remarkable testament to the boundless creativity and innovation of artists worldwide. These exhilarating challenges not only showcased a stunning array of artistic talents but also provided a collaborative platform for artists and enthusiasts to connect, inspire, and be inspired. The challenges leave a mesmerizing imprint on the global artistic landscape.

The post Unleash Your Inner Muse: Immerse Yourself in Instagram Art Challenges This October 2023 first appeared on Surrealmuse ponders life, art, & nails.

1. Choosing the Right Material

• Acrylic: Durable and long-lasting, acrylic nails are a favorite for many. They can be filed into various shapes and lengths to fit your preference.
• Gel: They look more natural than acrylics and are more flexible. However, they might not last as long as acrylics. Una Gella is the brand of gel full coverage tips that I recommend as they come pre-filed on the underside and come in different shapes.

2. Prepping Your Natural Nails Before application:

• Clean your nails using alcohol wipes.
• Push back the cuticles with a glass cuticle pusher.
• Gently buff the surface of your nails to remove the shine from your nails. This helps the adhesive stick better.

3. Sizing and Fitting

• Most press-on nail kits come with various sizes. Choose the one that best fits each nail.
• If a nail is slightly larger, use a nail file to adjust the size.

4. Customizing Your Look

• Use nail stands to paint, dip, and add jewels, decals, or any other embellishments before attaching the press-ons to your nails for a seamless look. Attach the press-ons to the nail stands with putty.

5. Choosing the Right Adhesive: Sticky Tabs vs. Nail Glues

One of the most crucial aspects of ensuring your press-on nails last and look professional is the choice of adhesive. The type of adhesive can make a significant difference in the longevity, finish, and feel of your press-on nails. Let’s delve into the most commonly used adhesives: sticky tabs and various types of nail glues.

Sticky Tabs:

Pros:

• Temporary Hold: Perfect for those wanting to wear press-on nails for a short period, such as a special event. If you want to wear them for a week, apply a dot of nail glue or dip base. But if you are like me, you may need to apply to the whole nail.
• No Damage: They’re gentle on the natural nails and won’t cause any damage or residue once removed.
• Easy Application and Removal: No special tools or solutions are required. Simply peel off the tab and press the nail on. To remove, apply cuticle oil and soak in hot water. Gently use a cuticle pusher to remove the tips. With this method, you can save the tips to use again later.

Cons:

• Short Lifespan: Typically, nails applied with sticky tabs might only last a day or two unless you use nail glue.

• Less Secure: They might not withstand tasks like washing dishes or rigorous activities so wear gloves when doing dishes.

Dashing Diva Glue:

Pros:

• Long-Lasting: Nails can last up to four weeks or more with proper application.

Cons:

• Potential Damage: If not removed correctly, this glue can damage the natural nail.
• Application Care: Must be applied carefully to avoid skin contact and ensure a smooth bond.

Your choice between sticky tabs and nail glues largely depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a short-term nail solution for an evening out, sticky tabs might be the way to go. However, if you want your press-on nails to last as long as possible, considering a nail glue might be more beneficial. Always read instructions carefully and conduct a patch test if trying a new adhesive for the first time.

6. Application

• Once you choose you adhesive, apply it to your nail and attach your press on nail. Make sure to hold the press on in place to make sure the adhesive gets a good bond between your nail and the press-ons.

7. Maintenance and Removal

• Avoid soaking your nails in water for long durations.
• Use non-acetone nail polish remover to remove any nail polish.
• To remove the nails if you used sticky tabs, soak your fingers in warm, soapy water and gently pry the edges.
• If you used glue, I recommend soaking off in acetone in these bowls that you can heat water up to speed up the removal process.

In conclusion, the beauty of full press-on nails lies in their versatility, affordability, and accessibility. Whether you’re aiming for a brief nail makeover for a special occasion or a more prolonged, professional finish, press-ons provide a salon-quality experience in the comfort of your home. From selecting the right material to understanding adhesives and mastering application techniques, each step plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect nail look. Remember, it’s not just about appearance; proper application and removal are essential to maintain the health of your natural nails. With the right tools and knowledge, anyone can flaunt flawless nails effortlessly. So, the next time you think of a manicure, consider press-ons – your nails (and wallet) might just thank you!

The post Crafting Perfect Full Press-On Nails: A Step-By-Step Guide first appeared on Surrealmuse ponders life, art, & nails.

1. Versatile and exclusive designs:

This plate features a variety of pop art-inspired designs, including geometric shapes, musical instruments, lips, eyes, and pop art text. This makes it perfect for creating a variety of different looks, from simple to elaborate.  The Maniology stamping plate features exclusive designs that you won’t find anywhere else.

2. High-quality images and plates: 

The images on this plate are crisp and clear, making them easy to pick up with a stamper. This ensures that your nail art will look professional and polished. The Maniology stamping plate is made from high-quality materials that will last for years to come. This means that you can enjoy your nail art for many years to come.

3. Easy to use and clean: 

Even if you’re a beginner at nail stamping, you’ll be able to use this plate with ease. The images are large and easy to line up, and the stamping polishes are easy to work with. The Maniology stamping plate is easy to clean, so you can easily keep it in top condition. This means that you can use it over and over again without having to worry about it getting dirty. Just clean with acetone and use alcohol if needed.

4. Long-lasting results: 

Once your nail art is finished, it will last for several days without chipping or fading. This makes it perfect for special occasions or everyday wear.

5. Affordable: 

This plate is a great value for the price. It’s a lot cheaper than getting your nails done professionally, and you can use it over and over again.

6.Cruelty-free: 

The Maniology stamping polishes that are compatible with this plate are cruelty-free. This makes them a great choice for people who are looking for ethical nail products.

7. Backed by a satisfaction guarantee: 

Maniology offers a satisfaction guarantee on all of their products with 365 days to return unused items.

8. Free shipping and 10% off with MUSENAIL10:

Maniology offers free shipping on all orders over $40 and get 10% off with MUSENAIL10. This means that you can get your stamping plate and stamping polish without having to pay for shipping.

9. Popular with nail artists: 

The Maniology Pop Art stamping plate is a popular choice among nail artists. This means that there are plenty of tutorials and inspiration available online.

10. Great gift idea

The Maniology’s Arts – Gallery stamping plate is a great gift for friends and family who are interested in art for a few reasons. First, it is a versatile gift that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether your recipient is a seasoned artist or just starting out, they will be able to use the kit to Finally, the kit is a great way to encourage creativity and self-expression.

Here are some tips for using the Pop Art stamping plate:

• First, use a good quality stamping polish. I recommend Maniology School’s Out: 6-Piece Neon Stamping Art Polish Set.
• Next, apply a layer of polish to the design on the plate.
• Use a scraper card to remove the excess polish at a 45 degree angle, scrap fast but don’t apply a lot of pressure or you risk scraping the polish out of the design.
• Also as a tip, when scraping the pop art text, I had the best luck picking up a crisp stamping design when it looked like there was a thin layer of polish that still needed to be picked up, but if I scraped a second time, it picked up too much polish and the text lines were faint.
• Pick up the image with your stamper using a rolling motion. If you haven’t mastered rolling, you can try picking up the image by pushing down the stamper to the stamping plate.
• Remove any extra designs picked up on the stamper with a lint roller, tape, or the Maniology stamping practice station.
• Transfer the image to your nail.
• Lastly, Apply Maniology’s smudge free top coat to seal the design.

With a little practice, you will be able to create stunning nail art with the Pop Art stamping plate.

If you are looking for a high-quality stamping plate with a wide variety of designs, I would definitely recommend the Pop Art stamping plate from Maniology. It is a great choice for anyone who loves nail art and wants to create fun and stylish designs.

The post The Best Nail Stamping Plate for Pop Art Designs first appeared on Surrealmuse ponders life, art, & nails.

1. Nail Prep is Essential

Glass Cuticle Pusher: Before you even think about polish, prepare your nails properly. Start by using a glass cuticle pusher. Not only is it more hygienic than its metal counterparts, but it also ensures a smoother, more gentle push, and reducing the risk of damaging your nails. Gently push back your cuticles. This ensures that the polish adheres directly to the nail and not the cuticle.

Alcohol Dehydration: After pushing back your cuticles, it’s crucial to rid your nails of any oils or residues. Swipe each nail with alcohol. This will dehydrate the nail and provide a clean slate for your polish. It’s the step many miss, but it can make all the difference. I like to use this lint-free wipes and alcohol pump bottle set.

2. Base Coat – The Foundation of a Great Manicure and Primer – The Secret Weapon

Never skip the base coat! It provides a smooth canvas for your polish, while ensuring an even application. Moreover, it prevents staining and strengthens the nail. Allow it to dry properly before the next step. And although not everyone is familiar with nail primers, this product can be a game-changer. The primer further dehydrates the nail and boosts the polish’s adherence, ensuring longevity. I like to use OPI Ridge Filler Primer, Nail Treatment and Base Coat. Apply a thin layer and let it dry.

3. Apply Your Chosen Polish

Now onto the fun part! When applying your color, opt for thin, even coats. Two to three thin coats are better than one thick one. Ensure you allow enough drying time between coats to prevent peeling. One of my favorite indie polish brands is mooncat.

4. Top It Off with a Top Coat

A good top coat seals in your polish, provides a glossy finish, and most importantly, offers an added layer of protection against chips. Reapplying the top coat every 2-3 days can further enhance the longevity of your manicure. For a quick dry top coat, try OPI RapiDry Nail Polish Drying Top Coat, High Shine & Glossy Finish.

5. Maintenance Matters

Throughout the week:

• Wear Reusable Dishwashing Cleaning Gloves with latex free, cotton lining when doing chores or washing dishes.
• Avoid using your nails as tools.
• Apply cuticle oil daily to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized. This will help to prevent peeling and breakage.

Conclusion

Achieving a week-long chip-free manicure is all about the prep work and maintenance. By investing time in preparation and using the right products, you can flaunt those beautiful nails with confidence for seven days (or even more)! Give these tips a try and enjoy your long-lasting manicure.

The post Manicure Mastery: The Secrets to a Week-Long Flawless Finish first appeared on Surrealmuse ponders life, art, & nails.

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies To create fabulous ombre dip nails:

• Dip powder colors of your choice (at least two complementary shades): I recommend CN Designer Dips if you want high quality dips in sample sizes to try.
• Dip base coat, activator, and top coat
• Cupcake liners or similar small containers
• Eyeshadow brushes (clean and unused)
• Nail file and buffer: I prefer buying in large quantities.
• Glass cuticle pusher
• Lint-free wipes and alcohol pump bottle set

Step 2: Next prepare your nails with these simple steps:

1. Remove any existing nail polish or dip.
2. Shape and file your nails to your desired length and style.
3. Glass Cuticle Pusher: Before you even think about polish, prepare your nails properly. Start by using a glass cuticle pusher. Not only is it more hygienic than its metal counterparts, but it also ensures a smoother, more gentle push, in addition to reducing the risk of damaging your nails. Gently push back your cuticles. This ensures that the dip powder adheres directly to the nail and not the cuticle.
4. Alcohol Dehydration: After pushing back your cuticles, it’s crucial to rid your nails of any oils or residues. Swipe each nail with alcohol using lint free wipes. This step will dehydrate the nail and provide a clean slate for your polish. It’s the step many miss, but it can make all the difference.

Step 3: Apply the Base Coat:

1. Apply a thin layer of base coat to your nails. Coat the entire nail bed with the base coat to ensure complete coverage.

Step 4: let’s dive into the exciting part—creating the ombre effect with dip powders:

1. Set out your cupcake liners.
2. Take one eyeshadow brush and dip it into the lighter shade of dip powder.
3. Holding the brush above your nail, gently tap the brush handle with your other hand, allowing the powder to sprinkle onto the nail and into the cupcake liner. Focus on the bottom portion of the nail to create the ombre effect.
4. Repeat the process with the darker shade while sprinkling it on the top portion of the nail.
5. Continue sprinkling and layering the powders until you achieve the desired ombre effect. You can experiment with different amounts and placements to achieve your preferred gradient.
6. Lastly, use a precision tool to clean around the cuticle to ensure the dip powder adheres to the nail and not the cuticle.

Step 5: Blend and Seal To create a seamless transition between the colors and ensure a long-lasting finish, follow these steps:

1. Use a clean eyeshadow brush to blend the area where the two dip powder shades meet. Gently brush back and forth in a horizontal motion to achieve a smooth gradient effect.
2. Once you have finished all your nails and the powder is dry, use a clean nail brush to swipe away any excess powder.

STEP 6: REPEAT STEPS 3 -5

STEP 7: Add a layer of clear DIP powder to add strength. Do two layers of clear for glitter ombre nails

1. Apply thin layer of dip base.
2. Pour clear dip powder over the nail.
3. Use a precision tool to clean around the cuticle.
4. Use a nail brush to wipe off any excess powder once you have applied clear to all your nails.

STEP 8: Apply Activator and file/buff your nails

1. Apply a thin layer of activator to the entire nail surface while following the instructions provided with the dip powder kit.
2. Once the activator dries, use a nail file to smooth out the surface of your nail. I like to rub my finger on top of my nail and the sides to gauge how smooth it is. Once it’s relatively smooth, use a buffer block to buff it completely smooth to touch.
3. Next wipe away any dust using a clean nail brush.
4. Lastly, apply activator again. Allow to dry.

STEP 9: Apply the Topcoat To protect your stunning ombre dip nails and enhance their shine, finish off with a clear topcoat

1. Apply a layer of clear topcoat to each nail and use three quick strokes for the first layer.
2. Immediately apply a second layer of top coat. This time take your time and make sure to apply top coat evenly across the entire nail.
3. Finally allow the topcoat to dry completely.

Congratulations on achieving stunning ombre dip nails using the pour-over method and eyeshadow brushes! Remember to explore different color combinations, experiment with sprinkling techniques, and let your creativity shine through your unique ombre nail art. Stay tuned to Surrealmuse Nails for more nail art inspiration and tutorials. Happy dipping and blending!

The post The Powerful Magic of Stunning Ombre Dip Nails first appeared on Surrealmuse ponders life, art, & nails.

Unveiling Flavors of the Month

One standout feature of CN Designer Dips is their enticing “Flavor of the Month” offer. Each month, they introduce a new collection of dip powders that captures the essence of the season or a trending theme. The best part? The Flavor of the Month is available at a whopping 50% discount throughout the month. Making it an irresistible opportunity to try their latest offerings. Whether you prefer bold and vibrant shades or subtle and sophisticated hues, CN Designer Dips has something to suit every taste.

Dive into the Collections

CN Designer Dips boasts an extensive range of dip powders, ensuring there’s a shade for every nail art aficionado. From classic neutrals to eye-catching glitters and captivating thermals/glow/UV, their collections are meticulously curated to inspire creativity and elevate your nail game. Each dip powder is finely milled, ensuring smooth application and a flawless finish that lasts. With their ever-expanding collection, CN Designer Dips continues to push the boundaries of nail art possibilities.

Organized Color Combinations and Storage Solutions

To simplify the browsing experience, CN Designer Dips organizes their dip powders into distinct color combinations. You’ll find categories dedicated to neutrals, pinks and purples, blues and greens, reds, yellows, and oranges. Furthermore, they offer empty jars for you to create and store your own color combinations.

They offers a convenient dip starter kit that includes:

• dip liquids: base, activator, and top coat
• 1 oz jar of clear powder
• mini plastic cleanup tool
• mini file
• mini buffing block
• mini nail brush
• .25 oz size jar of whatever color dip you choose

This all-in-one kit equips you with the essentials needed to achieve stunning dipped nails.

In addition to their enticing dip powders, CN Designer Dips on Etsy offers an array of products designed to elevate your nail art game. Let’s delve deeper into the supplementary offerings that make CN Designer Dips a one-stop-shop for all your nail art needs.

Builder Gel and Gel Liquids

CN Designer Dips understands the importance of a strong foundation for your nail enhancements. That’s why they offer HEMA-free builder gel and gel liquids. These products provide durability, flexibility, and excellent adhesion, allowing you to create flawless and long-lasting nail extensions. With CN Designer Dips’ builder gel and gel liquids, you can achieve salon-quality results in the comfort of your own home.

Cuticle Oil and Precision Tools

Nail care goes beyond the art itself. CN Designer Dips recognizes the importance of maintaining healthy cuticles and nails. They offer nourishing cuticle oils in various scents, providing hydration and promoting healthy nail growth. Moreover, CN Designer Dips offers a precision tool that serves a dual purpose: one end aids in cuticle cleanup, while the other end features a silicone tip for precise nail art applications. This multifunctional tool ensures that your nail art process is both efficient and precise.

Swatch Sticks and Nail Accessories

To help you organize and display your collection, CN Designer Dips offers 50 swatch sticks. These handy tools allow you to create color samples of your dip powders, making it easier to choose the perfect shade for your next manicure. Additionally, CN Designer Dips provides a range of nail accessories, including a full-size nail brush and a 2-pack of nail files. These essentials assist in achieving professional-looking results and maintaining nail hygiene.

CN Designer Dips’ commitment to providing a comprehensive range of nail art products sets them apart as a trusted source for all your nail enhancement needs. From dip powders, builder gels, and precision tools to cuticle oils and storage solutions, CN Designer Dips ensures an enjoyable and seamless nail art experience.

Visit CN Designer Dips on Etsy to explore their entire collection: CN Designer Dips. Use FRIENDSGET10 to save 10% on you purchase.

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Dip powder nails are a great way to get a long-lasting, salon-quality manicure at home. They’re also relatively easy to do, once you have the right supplies. And you don’t have to spend a lot when you are first starting out and want to try it out, but don’t want to spend a lot to get started. Here is how to get a salon-quality dip powder manicure on a budget.

Essential Prep Supplies

• Glass cuticle pusher. This tool pushes back your cuticles and prepares your nails for the dip powder. A glass one will also ensure you remove the invisible cuticle.
• 100/180 grit nail file. Lightly file your nails to remove the shine,
• Rubbing Alcohol: Works just as well as dehydrator and is cheaper.
• Lint-free wipes. Used to clean your nails and tools throughout the process.

Essential Dip Application Supplies

• Dip powder. This is the main ingredient in dip powder nails. There are a wide variety of colors and finishes such such as solids, shimmers, glitters, foils, thermals, and uv, so you can find the perfect look for you. Read my review on CN Designer Dips.
• Base coat. This helps to protect your nails and provide a smooth surface for the dip powder to adhere to.
• Activator. This activates the dip powder and helps it to set.
• Top coat. This protects your manicure and gives it a glossy finish.
• Brush saver liquid. This is used to clean your dip powder brushes, so that they last longer. You especially need it if dip powder gets on your brush. If you use it, make sure to completely dry the brush. And brush saver liquid left on the brush, will harden your dip liquids. To be sure to dry well. Modelones has a good starter set with all four liquids.
• Toothpick or precision tool. This is used to clean up any excess dip powder around your nails after dipping into the powder.
• Nail Brush. Once your dip layer tries, I often finish both hands before I dust off the first hand. Read your liquid dry times to know for sure how long to wait until you dust off. Also, I recommend getting a couple so you can keep them near sinks where you was your hands often in case you need to clean the underside of your nail between manis.
• 100/180 grit nail file. Use to file your nails into shape before applying the dip powder.
• Nail buffer. Use to buff your nails to a smooth finish before applying the dip powder.
• Paper Towels. When you are first starting out, lay down paper towels in your work area so clean up is easy if you spill powder. It’s also useful to wipe your brushes in between dip layers.

Essential After Care Supplies

• Cuticle oil. This helps to keep your cuticles hydrated and healthy.

Wish List Items

In addition to the essential supplies, there are a few other things that you might want to consider having on hand:

• Nail Drill. Features to look when purchasing an affordable nail drill for home use
• Nail Drill Holder. This helps to keep your nail drill in place while you’re using it.
• Organizers for supplies. This can help you to keep your supplies organized and easy to find.
• Cupcake holders or silicon cups for pour over method. How to Dip Nails: The Pour over Method
• Silicon Mat. If you don’t like to waste paper towels, you can get a reusable silicon mat that is easy to clean up.
• Nail Bottle Holder. The holder will tilt your liquids so it’s easier to get the liquid when it’s low and you’re less likely to spill your liquids if it’s securely held in place.
• Tips. Add length to your nails with tips. You can use tips to extend the length of your nails. Some come pre shaped in almond, stiletto, and square to name a few. Also look for ones that are pre-etched on the underside so you don’t have to file the underside. I personally recommend Una Gella full coverage tips.
• Nail Glue: If you use tips, Dashing Diva has a nail glue that applies thick like gel but doesn’t require curing under uv and lasts a month or more!

The post How to Get a Salon-Quality Dip Powder Manicure on a Budget first appeared on Surrealmuse ponders life, art, & nails.

Here is nail drill buying guide: essential features to look for along with safety aspects when choosing a nail drill:

Safety

Variable speed control: This allows you to adjust the speed of the drill, which is important for safety. You’ll want to be able to start at a low speed and work your way up as needed.

Ability to pause is helpful and can be considered a safety feature if something happens and you need to pause the drill instantly.

Drill lock: While this feature is not available on all drills it should be. My first drill did not have this feature and I had drill bits fly off while in use a couple times before I decided to upgrade.

SpeedRPM (revolutions per minute): This is the measure of how fast the drill spins. For natural nails, an RPM level of around 7,000 to 15,000 should be sufficient. For acrylic, dip, or gel nails, you’ll need a higher RPM level, I recommend 35,000. You don’t have to use max speeds when you are first learning, but it’s good to have a drill that is going to still meet your needs as you get more skilled at using it.

Features

Ability to reverse directions so you can work on both your left and right hand is essential.

• LED screen: Knowing your exact speed and battery life is extremely helpful.
• Touch Screen: While a touch screen is helpful, it’s not a must have.
• Rechargeable: If you opt for rechargeable, look for long battery life. As an example, my favorite drill lasts for 24 hours so I can use it for a couple months before I need to charge.
• Cordless: Some cordless drills still connect to a base battery for high speeds but don’t require you to plug it in the wall.
• Different bits: The drill should come with a variety of bits so that you can use it for a variety of tasks, such as cuticle prep, filing, shaping, and polishing nails.

Here are some additional tips for choosing a nail drill:

Consider your budget: Nail drills for personal use can range in price from around $20 to $200 or more. Set a budget before you start shopping so that you don’t overspend.

The post Nail Drill Buying Guide: Essential Features to Look For first appeared on Surrealmuse ponders life, art, & nails.

What you’ll need:

• Dip liquids (base, activator, topcoat)
• Dip powders: I highly recommend CN Designer Dips . You can order sample sizes or larger sizes for frequently used colors like clear. Use FRIENDSGET10 to save 10%. Read my review of CN Designer dips for more recommendations on this great dip company.
• Glass cuticle pusher
• Alcohol
• Lint free wipes and alcohol bottle pump
• Nail file
• Buffer
• Toothpick or precision tool
• Cupcake liners

Instructions:

1. Avoid water one hour before you work on your nails. Any moisture will cause early lifting.
2. Prep your nails. Push back your cuticles and file your nails to a smooth finish. Use an alcohol wipe to dehydrate your nails.
3. Apply the base coat. Apply a thin layer of base coat to your nails. Cap your edges once for color or glitter and once for your final clear layer.
4. Pour the powder on the nail into a cupcake liners. Making sure to coat the entire nail. I recommend a layer of clear or two if you want to remove layer with an efile so you know when to stop using the efile.
5. Tap off the excess. Tap your finger on a paper towel to remove any excess powder.
6. Run a toothpick or precision tool along the cuticle to make sure powder doesn’t stick to your skin.
7. Repeat steps 3-5 two to three times with color or glitter powder. I dip until I get a solid application of color or glitter that looks good. Try to keep glitter to one to two layers as it tends to be bulkier.
8. Repeat steps 3-5 one time with clear if covering color and two times when covering glitter. The clear dip protects and ensures you don’t file off your color or glitter layers.
9. Apply the activator. Apply a thin layer of activator to your nails. Let dry according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
10. File the nail until all the bumps are gone. Buff to a smooth finish. Use your finger to feel the top and sides of your nails to make sure it’s smooth.
11. Apply the activator a second time. Let dry to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
12. Apply the topcoat. Apply a thin layer of topcoat to your nails. Apply in three quick swipes.
13. Apply a second layer of top coat. This time make sure to apply an even finish and cap your edges.

Tips:

• Use a glass cuticle pusher to remove the invisible cuticle.
• Use a small amount of powder at a time. This will help you avoid getting too much powder on your nails.
• Tap off the excess powder thoroughly to prevent it from clumping.
• Apply the activator and topcoat in thin layers.
• Dry each layer of product according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the How to do the “Pour-Over” Method for Dip Nails and create beautiful, long-lasting dip powder nails.

The post How to do the “Pour-Over” Method for Dip Nails first appeared on Surrealmuse ponders life, art, & nails.