Almost two years ago Marta started ChitChatNails, it is now one of the top Canadian nail blogs. Her distinctive nail art style and immaculately painted nails are well know in the blogging community and beyond. At the moment she blogs every day. As Marta herself says: “I keep honing in on my skill/hobby and love each day more and more. The blogging community has really been incredibly supportive and I’ve made a lot of really good friends within it.”
Today Marta’s sharing a few great nail painting tricks with us. Read on lovelies!
Why nails?
As a busy mommy of three, my clothing budget (and time to shop) is nearly non-existent. Nails are THE perfect accessory to a cozy black tank top. Nails are an affordable way to add personality to the most basic of outfits (1).
How often do you paint your nails?
For myself personally, I paint my nails twice/ week. However, if I am asked to swatch colours for various companies I will paint my nails more often than that.
Nail care product you can’t live without?
Lush Lemony Flutter, Sally Hansen Cuticle Remover and Cult Nails glass nail-file for nail and cuticle care and Seche Vite topcoat to complete EVERY manicure. I recently wrote a post about my nail-care essentials here.
The best nail care tip?
I think the key is to find a length and shape of nail that fits your lifestyle and make sure that all nails are the same length/shape (if one breaks, all of the others need to join the shortest shape/length). Also, moisturize your cuticles (especially in the winter months). Even the nicest nail-painting job against a dry cuticle background will lack in lustre.
NAIL POLISH FAVORITES:
Favourite nail polish brand?
That is a tough one, but I would have to go with the first brand that first got me hooked on nail polish: OPI (1)
Favourite indie polish brand?
Hands down, I LOVE Cult Nails (2)
Best luxe brand?
Chanel… I lusted for Chanel ‘Peridot’ (3) and finally got it as a splurge-birthday present. I still cherish it.
Which brand has the best formula?
I think that all depends on the ‘type’ of polish, but Cult Nails does continue to put out buttery-smooth formulas with each of their collections.
Which brand has the best brush?
I am starting to sound boring here ;) but I tend to really like the OPI brushes because I have wider nail beds and the wider OPI brush helps with easy application.
NAIL ART:
Favourite colour combinations?
That is like asking which one of my three children I like best ;) I don’t really have a favourite, though I DO like the stark black-and-white (1) combo.
What’s your best tip for painting your other hand?
I always say: thinner coats are better, and it is better to leave space around the cuticle area rather than flood the cuticles (that is a big no-no). Be patient, take your time, and choose the extra coat over flooding your nail.
The funniest/the most adventurous nail art you have ever created?
I am horrible at freehand nail art, but I did attempted a “Grinch” manicure (2) last winter and I will admit I was quite proud of it and thought it was as whimsical as my designs get.
Favourite nail art trend?
Accent nail or the skittlette manicure. The accent nail look (3) is where all but one, or two, nails are painted the same color and the “odd” nails are painted in either a complimentary or contrasting color.
The skittlette is what one of my friends dubbed my most popular look (a manicure with at least two or three complimentary but different accent nails). My favourite look – Because of You nails (4).
You can find Marta:
