Marble Nails: How To

I'm a little bit obsessed with marble, as my phone, laptop case and background can attest. And now, my nails. Just a bit of back story: I originally tried this with several types of grey and mixed-to-grey polishes, grey acrylic paint, and even mascara--don't ask.

And then it hit me: no one is going to do this. I'll get comments about how time-consuming or how they don't have a steady hand or...wait. That's it: use that lack of a steady hand to my advantage.  I'll use my nail art secret: Sharpies. That's how this tutorial was born.

You'll Need:

• grey Sharpie
• base and top coat
• white polish
• small paintbrush
• rubbing alcohol
• image of marble, optional

Directions:

• Apply a base coat to protect the natural nail and allow to dry.
• Apply a coat or two of white polish and allow to dry completely. It's tempting to pile on the polish, but two thin coats are much better. The Sharpie will pierce through thick polish.

Draw diagonal stripes. Sometimes I'll add small, filled-in circles in the corners. Note how the stripes are jagged. See? You don't need a steady hand for nail art!

Marble looks a lot like watercolor--see the different shades of grey? We are going to create that effect by diluting the color with alcohol. Dip the brush into the rubbing alcohol. You just need a drop of it. Gently dot the nail and then brush the nail to blend the colors. This will make the background a bit more grey, too.

This is after one brush through. For you, this might be enough of a marble print.

See also: Watercolor Nails

Repeat the process of adding more stripes. I like to add some in the other direction, maybe add some filled-in circles and then add another drop of alcohol again. Repeat until it you like it. You can use a picture for reference. I did mine about three times, but two works well. 

Seal with a top coat to make sure the design doesn't wash off. And that's it!

• TIP: No brush? Use one of those brush applicators that comes with eye shadow palettes from the drugstore.

Are you obsessed with marble like I am?

Extra Elle:

• I made myself relax on Saturday. I took a bath, complete with a blue bath bomb of mine, face mask, magazine, candle, and a refreshing drink. It was something I need to do more often.
• DON'T FORGET: Story Behind the Pic linkup is TOMORROW!