10-Day Challenge Day 5: Half Moons

Yay!  Past the "delicate" print day, and on to something I've never tried before: half moon nails.  I've admired them from afar and have cringed at the new names they've been given.  Why?  Because in the 30's and 40's, only the middle part of the nail was painted, leaving the lunula (half moon at the base of the nail) and the free edge bare.  I love how it was done in reds, dark browns, and even coral.  I tried this style on my own nails once, but didn't like it.  I like to keep my nails in a square shape, and this old-fashioned type of manicure looks great on oval nails.

I recently bought two new polishes: Taxi by Pure Ice, and Grey-t to Be Here by Essence.  Taxi is a GORGEOUS purple and gold duochrome polish and only required two coats to eliminate VNL for me.  GTBH is a beautiful gray creme polish with a lovely pink shimmer to it.  I picked it up because I needed a gray polish and was so delighted to see the shimmer in it.  I knew as soon as I picked these two up that I would use them in today's challenge manicure.

I began by freehanding a half-moon shape with a white striping brush, then painted the line and under with Taxi.  I filled in the half-moon area with Gray-t to Be Here, and added some rhinestones for extra oomph.  I was inspired by vintage jewelry, which is a BIG weakness for me.  I picked up this gorgeous vintage necklace at a thrift store just because it reminded me of what Marilyn Monroe wore in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.  Ohhh the dresses of the 40's and 50's!  If I had it my way, my closet would be FULL of replicas of the ballgowns and everyday dresses the women wore.

So here is my vintage-inspired half-moon manicure.  Enjoy!

Don't forget to check out what all the other lovely participants have for Day 5.  I was totally blown away by all the gorgeous delicate print manis I saw.  So gorgeous, all of them!

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