Nail Files Tutorial: Rihanna’s Red and Black Moon Manicure

Welcome to another edition of Work it Wednesday in which we highlight hot beauty trends and encourage you to be a  beauty trendsetter!

Previously we expressed our love for Rihanna's killer red and black moon mani as it was a risque version of the modest nude and navy moon manicure seen at 3.1 Phillip Lim.

However, do not be timid if it seems to be more complicated than it looks. Instead of hole reinforcements, you can just grab a black nail art pen, your favorite red nail polish and rock this nail look for Fashion's Night Out.

Get Rihanna's Red & Black Manicure:

1.  Prep

File to desired shape and length. Then wash your hands, removing any filings. Make sure you have a smooth surface to work with. If not, use a ridge filler like Zoya Get Even Ridge Filling Base Coat $8.

What it is:

An advanced ridge filling base coat, the evens out uneven nail ridges and and holds nail polish in place.

What it does:

It fills in uneven nail surfaces with a dense fiber-like formula that grips the nail plate and creates a smooth surface to insure longer polish wear.

2. Paint

Paint on a base coat. I used Orly Bonder Rubberized Base Coat $7.49. It improves the life of any manicure!

What it is:

A professional-quality basecoat grips polish to nails, helping manicures last days longer.

What it does:

Provides the foundation for longer-lasting color. A unique rubberized basecoat, grips lacquer to the nail surface for lasting adhesion. Prevents nail lacquer from wearing off for up to two weeks.

I am using Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Kook- A-Mango $7. This color really pops. Paint one coat, let it dry thoroughly. Do a small touch up job. 

What is it:

A 5-in-1 manicure in a bottle.

What it does:

Uses patented Vita-Care Technology for advanced wear, more shine, and nourishing care

Time for second coat! Take a moment to paint the edges of your nails. Avoid that white line that give nails a worn look.
 

3. Design

Is the 2nd coat dry? If so, grab your black polish. A small design brush may easier. I used a Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen in Black $7. These are a great way to keep nail designs clean and concise. Shake well before using nail art pen.

What it is:

A fine-tip pen with an environmentally friendly, water-based formula.

What it does:

Creates precise lines and does not damage dry nail polish.

Take the black paint, wipe off excess paint. Start at one side of cuticle, and make half-moon shape. Try to be exact. With the pen, I just drew the half-moon. Then filled in the shape with Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Scorn, $14. But remember you can touch up later. Repeat 10 times!!

 

What it is:

A hard wearing and chip resistant nail varnish.

What it does:

Makes nails bold, rich, vibrant. 

4. Finish
Clean up. Use a clear coat like Seche Vite $7.99. Voila! 

What it is:

A dry fast top coat is widely acknowledged as the world's finest top coat. 

What it does:

Penetrates through nail lacquer to the base coat forming a single solid coating over the nail plate for a much more durable finish. Guaranteed not to yellow while leaving nails silky, stronger and resistant to chipping and peeling.

 

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