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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