Whats Up Nails Nail Art Challenge | Water Marble Veil Technique

Hey everyone! I’m back with another entry for the Whats Up Nails Nail Art Challenge.

The third prompt is water marbling. Water marbling has never been a technique that has interested me much, but I recently heard about the veil technique, so I decided to give it a try! There are different transparent shapes that you can create with this technique but simply dropping one drop of nail polish into a bowl of water, and manipulating the shape with wetted cotton swabs. I went for some petal-like ones, but it turns out my favourite shape was the one on my ring finger, which looks more like flowing chiffon. Regardless, it was fun to create an abstract design for once.

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Join in the fun and try to win a $100 Gift Card by taking a stab at our next challenge, Water Marbling (9-12 May)! For those not acquainted, this technique is where you drip different colors of polish into a cup of water, drag a water marble tool or toothpick through the polish collecting on the surface and dip your nail into it transferring the design to your nail. Each stroke of your tool creates your very own unique design and will look amazing when transferred so no matter how it comes out it'll be a one and only! Swipe left to see gorgeous water marbled designs by amazing nail artists @sveta_sanders, @alla_nails, @lacquerandspice, @shannasnailadventures, @de.lish.ious.nails, @intensepolishtherapy, @alterego_nails, @asp2016 and @lettslooks_ All May, every 4 days we will have a new Nail Art technique for you to attempt and then post your creations for a chance to win. We are going to have 2 Grand Prize Winners, each will receive a $100 Gift Card to spend on WhatsUpNails.com (link in bio). One winner will be selected from each of the of the following entry methods: 1) in our Facebook group WhatsUpNailsFanGroup, upload your photo to technique album in group 2) on Instagram, upload your photo on your Instagram page with tags @whatsupnails and #whatsupnailschallenge Enter your designs into each entry method for more chances to win! You do not have to post your nail photos for each technique if you are intimidated but this is a challenge! Try to challenge yourself to see if you can do all of them even if it is a technique, you’re a little uncomfortable with. Each post counts as an entry so the more nail art designs you do the more chances you will have to win. Make sure in each entry you use at least one product from one of the brands we carry on WhatsUpNails.com! The nail art challenge is international and for everybody! Please don't tag your old designs, we're looking for what you create today in the month of May! The last day of our challenge is May 31st and we will announce the winners on June 1st, 2020. #nails #nailart #naildesign #nailchallenge #nailartchallenge #watermarble #watermarbling #watermarblenails #watermarblenailart

A post shared by Whats Up Nails (@whatsupnails) on May 9, 2020 at 2:48am PDT

1. For this manicure, I started by applying my favourite base coat, Orly Bonder, to all of my nails.
2. First, I painted all of my nails an alternating purple creme and shimmer (Cirque Colors A Fiori and Could Nine). Before moving on to the next step I let my nails dry completely.
3. To reduce mess clean up I applied a liquid latex (Edge Perfection Easy Peel Polish Barrier) generously around my cuticles and around the tip of my finger under the nail. Water marbling is notoriously messy so you can’t be careful enough. 
4. Using a small bowl of water that is room temperature, I pre-wetted two cotton swabs that would help manipulate the polish in the water. Wetting them prevents them from sticking to the polish. 
5. I dropped one drop of a white creme nail polish (China Glaze White on White) into the water. To help it spread out on the surface of the water, and dry a small amount, I blew on the polish. Almost immediately I started manipulating the polish shape with the two wet cotton swabs, attempting to make petal-like shapes. I repeated this step until I was happy with the number of shapes and the composition on each nail. There were plenty of times where I wasn’t happy with the shape that I created in the water, so I simply didn’t use them and tried again! You have to be patient.
6. After cleaning up around my nails with acetone, I added a little silver glitter (ILNP Tinsel) to the water marble parts of my nail with the UberChic Beauty Detail Nail Brush.
7. I finished off the mani by applying my regular glossy top coat (Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat).

I think this first attempt at the veil technique turned out alright! What do you think of this technique?

Watch my video tutorial below to see how it was done!