How To: Orange Creamsicle Nails

What are your favorite summer treats? I have a few, and creamsicles are right up there. I have fond memories of getting them from the ice cream truck. And the orange sunny color makes me think of summer too. Today I'm using that treat as my inspiration for my nails.

You'll Need-

• clear base coat (to protect natural nail)
• white polish
• orange polish
• cosmetic sponge
• matte top coat
• paper plate, toothpick, optional polishes for color match, optional peel off base coat
• polish remover

You'll Do--

• After letting the base coat dry, paint nails white. Allow to dry fully.
• TIP: Try 2 coats
• Optional TIP, but it makes clean up SO MUCH easier, is to apply a peel-off base coat AROUND the nail. Once you have finished the tutorial, just peel away the dried peel-off polish. It works!! You can use eyelash glue or watered down Elmer's Glue, but I suggest Sally Hansen, as pictured.
• On the paper plate, dip out some of the orange polish.
• TIP: If you're crazy dedicated to matching the creamsicle exactly, mix in a little yellow and white. Use a toothpick to mix.
• Using a cosmetic sponge (you can find these at any drugstore or beauty store) dip the corner into the orange polish. Press onto the top of the nail and lift up. Repeat this dabbing motion to near bottom of the nail. The bottom should be left white. The nail should be darkest at the top and fade towards the bottom.
• TIP: No one ever mentions this in nail tutorials, but dampening the sponge before dipping into polish really helps.
• Once dried, apply a matte top coat to closer mimic the matte look of the creamsicle. It helps with the ombe effect as well. If you applied the peel-off around the nails, peel it off.
• TIP: If you went too far with the orange, simply use another corner and dip into white polish and fix any mistakes.

Repeat for all nails or use as an accent nail. TIP: Do not hold the creamsicle for a picture. They say not to work with children and animals. I'm adding popsicles to this list! ;)

More Nail Ideas:

• Donut Sprinkle Nails
• Flash Tattoo Nails
• Glitter Heart Nails
• Zodiac Constellation Nails
• Candy Nails
• and more! 

Extra Elle:

• Oven is fixed! I tried baking cookies and...well...after 20 min they were still not cooked through. Still ate a few though!
• Saw the documentary on Amy Winehouse--so heartbreaking! Like many of us, addiction runs in my family, so I wanted to understand why and how it happens. 
• Y'ALL! I have so many giveaways--these are just a small way to thank YOU for stopping by.
• $100 JCPenney Gift Card
• Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette
• IT Cosmetics Palette
• $100 Jockey Gift Card