8.03.2012

Beauty DIY: Flocked Nails

I had some flocking powder leftover from a scrapbooking phase (let's not discuss that). Unfortunately, I only had enough for a couple of trial-and-error nails. With coupon in hand, I headed to Michaels craft store and got this pack for $5 (Martha Stewart just had a huge pack of flocking powder on clearance--maybe look for that first?). These colors are summery, and I wanted to recreate an effect similar to the original, but velvet nails would look rad with autumnal colors (velvet makes me think cold, dark colors. you too?). Here's how I did it:

T O O L S
  • flocking powder
$5 fr Michaels
  • polish in similar color to flocking powder
  • tiny brush (I used a blush brush from a compact--a great way to reuse an otherwise discarded object. Check out how I reused another beauty item here).
  • bowl (to catch excess)
  • funnel (optional, but helps to put excess back in bottle)

M E T H O D
  • Paint base coat & allow to dry (optional).
  • Add second coat of polish--keep it clean because the powder will stick where ever the polish is.
  • While nails are still wet, pour flocking powder on top. This works best over a bowl to catch excess. You can dip the wet nail into powder, but I've found the pouring method works better.
  • Tap powdered nail to insure smoothness & evenness.
  • Use brush to brush away excess.
  • Repeat on remaining nails.
  • Allow to dry 15 minutes. 
  • If desired, pour excess back into bottle. In the first pic, it looks like the bottles are brand new, but I've used them all a couple of times. It really doesn't take a lot of powder!

Q & A
  • How long does it last? A few days. This is just for fun (and kinda reminds me of a Muppet)! If you avoid products (lotions, soaps, etc) directly on your nails and wear gloves when washing, you'd get closer to a week. The most I've gotten is 5 days; the least is 3.
  • Can you wash your hands? Put in contacts? Yes and yes. I was super careful when doing so. If you rub your finger across your nails, the powder doesn't really come off. For experimental purposes, I washed my hair with my fingers, not scrubbing with my nails, so it can be done, but I'd use gloves for that.
  • My nails only lasted like 5 minutes. What happened? Too thin/thick of polish, not long enough drying time, not enough powder, excess not tapped down.
  • Do you have to use the same color polish as the powder? No, but it looks better. I did try black polish with purple powder and it looked cool. Plus, if you lose powder, you can add a drop of polish & re-powder.
  • Can I use a top coat? Sure, but it will look crazy & you won't like the results. Don't try it. 
  • I have kids/pets. Is this safe? If feeding kids/pets by hand, try gloves when doing so, just to be extra, super-duper safe.
  • Further questions or requests for pictures of other colors? Let me know in the comments!

I hope you enjoy this tutorial & your weekend!
Be safe, behave, and be well. 
Love,
Elle

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47 comments:

  1. omg, so cool! this is the first time i've seen velvet nails! ;)

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
    Twisted Orchid Giveaway -- Win any bag of your choice! :)

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  2. That's a first - I have never seen these before - they look amazing
    x
    Melissah from Scrapbook

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  3. It turned out great! I'd probably mess them up within minutes if I did those on my nails. haha. I love the lavender colour that you chose.

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  5. Elle,

    I've heard about this and I can't wait to try!! Your nails look lovely btw.

    Happy weekend pretty girl!!

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  6. Love this idea for winter, you are so creative to turn it into a DIY!

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  7. So fabulous! I still haven't tried it. Now that I'm back to reality I have to get on it. I've been wearing color changing nail enamel for a few days. I feel like a little kid. It gets me so excited watching the color change. I'm constantly running my hands under water to get the cool effect. LOL

    Happy weekend, sweetie! xoxo

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  8. How cool! I hadn't seen this before, will definitely try it out sometime :)

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  9. I have been very curious about this, but not completely sold on it yet. Your nails look really good though and I love the color!

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  10. Those are so cool. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  11. How interesting and unusual. You have much greater skill at such projects than I do.

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  12. great tutorial! I was going to do one as well, but velvet nails on me looks absolutely awful so I figured I would spare everyone the pictures. I really like the look on your nails though! xo

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  13. Oh I haven't seen this yet but you were really clever with your DIY

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  14. Ooh I never heard of velvet nails before! I still like matte polish and Zoya has a few matte nail polishes!

    xoxo,
    <a href="http://chicncheapliving.blogspot.com>Chic 'n Cheap Living</a>

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  15. ahh that is so freaking cool!! isn't it crazy all the nail things they have now?

    -Jessica
    http://www.jumpintopuddles.com

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  16. You really have the best tutorials! This is pretty neat and I heart Sephora! Happy weekend.

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  17. I really have to try this - it seems like such a rich nail look for the fall.

    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  18. Interesting... I don't know that I'm going to hop on the velvet nails train, but I'm super impressed you figured out how to make them yourself!

    Hope you have a great weekend love!

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  19. This is such a cool DIY! So much fun!! Happy Friday!

    Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  20. Wow, those turned out so cool! I've never heard of flocking powder before, but the texture looks really interesting!

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  21. Yeah, I'm definitely getting a muppet vibe. Not sure this ones for me, but its neat

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  22. That looks so cool! The close-up picture really shows the details well. Unfortunately with my kids and pets, that style probably won't work too well for me.

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  23. what will they think of next! i've never heard of velvet nails. awesome job elle!
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  24. this is a fun idea! i'm constantly washing my hands, but maybe i could do this on my toes!!

    [oomph.]

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  25. I use lotion on my hands all the time so this really wouldn't work on me at all, but I still love your DIY. I hadn't even heard of velvet nails. Maybe I'll try out your DIY version some time...I do have a gift card to Michaels that I need to use.

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  26. That is so kewl!
    I have to try this! Wish me luck!

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  27. Cool DIY. I get the muppet vibe too :p

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  28. I'd definitely be willing to try if I found some on sale!

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  29. What a great DIY and thanks for the step by step instructions love! Love how your nails turned out and this looks like a fun experiment to try! I'm usually bad about doing nails on my own but it would sure save me some $!

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  30. Very cool although I'd never be able to do it, working in a restaurant I was my hands WAY too often.

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  31. Looks so good! I'm so boring when it comes to nail colours so I'd love to do something different like this.

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  32. This looks awesome! Pretty unique. I have seen the caviar nails on sephora but haven't seen the velvet ones yet. Might give it a try one of these days.

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  33. This is so awesome! I may attempt the next time I give myself a manicure. Love.

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  34. omg this is SO cool!!!!!!!!
    i love velvet and im obsessed! you should start a business doing this!!!

    xx.M
    www.bellesandrebelles.blogspot.com

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  35. So cool! Does it feel weird? haha If I tried, my nails would probably last a day cause I would end up touching them often lol.

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  36. Love this! Well done - you achieved what looks like exactly the same effect! I do love the color of that Ciate polish though!

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  37. omg i just discovered ur site and ur nail tutorials r so helpful an awesome!this will be my new go 2 site thanx =)

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  38. flocking powder???Im new to this word :((..did some googling :) and have a rough idea about it :)...will check out at the local paper store...thank you ^_^...kisses

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