NOTD - Minx Inspired Metallic Leopard Print Nails

I was going to do a tutorial for this...but then decided it was just too easy for a tutorial (plus I've done the actual leopard print before). 

 So I thought just showing them as a nail of the day was a better idea and just mention what I used to create it! 

First of all I've been trying to find a chrome mirror like nail polish for quite a while now. I did really want a nail polish by Maybelline called Mirror Magic, but sadly it seems nowhere sells it anymore...not even eBay.

But then I found a pretty good dupe for it...with the Stargazer Chrome (No.232) nail polish for only £2.50!

I was thinking it would be hard to apply but luckily it only needs one thick-ish coat for an opaque finish. I can't really say how long it lasts on the nails as this is my first day of wearing it. 

As for how I created the leopard print I used a Sharpie Ultra Fine Permanent Marker (£2.10?) which is so easy to work with and so fine that can you really create a lot of details. Definitely my new favourite nail pen I think! 

I've found the best way to get a true black leopard print onto the nails* is to first apply the polish you are using (Stargazer Chrome) and let it full dry. Then apply a normal coat of Top Coat ( I used one by Barry M) and let it dry...but not full, just so it's still a tiny bit tacky (not so you can dent it though). Then you can lightly draw on the leopard print...if the nib of the pen drags some of the top coat off it hasn't dried enough. But you will know with the first stroke of the pen. Once the pen has fully dried on the nails you can then apply another layer of top coat.


*If you really can't be bothered...Drawing straight over the nail polish is fine, it just won't be that black. Of course a top coat is still needed just so it doesn't fade.

...And that is it, really! So simple but so neat and on trend.