Rainbow Brite, eat your heart out! This Holographic Rainbow Leopard Konadicure is meant to steal the show. All Eyez on Me, 2Pac! (Yeah, that’s right. I just put Rainbow Brite and 2Pac in the same paragraph.)
I’ve always loved rainbows, but lately I’m obsessed with them. (It’s Clarins 230’s fault!)
From the second I saw SayAnythingBr00ke’s Lisa Frank inspired nail tutorial on YouTube, I knew I had to try it.
Check out more swatches, and see what I came up with following her directions.
While I’ll link to her video in my post, I’m also including my own tutorial with photos and step-by-step instructions in case it helps someone.
If you haven’t already tried this, now’s as good a time as any!
Holographic Rainbow Leopard Konadicure Swatches
All swatches have:
- 1 coat of Nail Tek Foundation II Base Coat
- Stripes (from tip to cuticle): 1 coat each of China Glaze DV8, Color Club Wild at Heart, China Glaze Tickle My Triangle, Nubar Reclaim & China Glaze DV8
- 1 coat of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
- Leopard print: 1 coat of Konad Special Nail Polish (Black)
- 1 coat of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat
Note: Most of these photos were taken prior to proper clean-up, so there’s messy polish on the cuticles. More on that later in my tutorial (if you scroll further down).
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Flash
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Artificial Light
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Konad Image Plate m57 Picture
Key Notes
Konad Tutorial: Check out my Konad Tutorial for step-by-step instructions and pictures. You’ll be Konading in no time!
What I Used to Create This Look:
- Nail Polishes from Tip to Cuticle:
- China Glaze DV8 (blue)
- Color Club Wild at Heart (purple)
- China Glaze Tickle My Triangle (pink)
- Nubar Reclaim (green)
- China Glaze DV8 (blue)
- Konad m57 Image Plate: $6.99 USD
- Konad Special Nail Polish (Black): 11 mL – $6.99 USD
- Konad Stamper (came in a set with a metal scraper): $4.99 USD for set
- Konad Plastic Scraper: $2.50 USD
- Where to Buy Konad Supplies: Konad Stamping Nail Art, Trans Design, Head2Toe, WowSoCool, OC Nail Art & select mall kiosks
Holographic Rainbow Leopard Konad Tutorial
Step 1: Choose Your Colors
Here’s the family portrait. (DV8! How many times have I told you to stop picking on your younger sister! And of course Reclaim wasn’t looking at the camera! Ahhh…kids these days!)
Obviously you can choose any colors you want. I went with bright, holographic colors that reminded me of summer and that would catch the light even with a black leopard print on top.
Check your polish stash, and see which colors you think go together well. Put the bottles in a line, and decide which order you’d like the colored stripes to be.
Tip: Go for polishes that are opaque in a single coat so you won’t have to go over the same stripe more than once. Holographic polishes are usually excellent for this.
Ideas: How about trying all creme polishes, a gradient manicure with all greens that go from light to dark, a monochromatic manicure with all blues that have different finishes (e.g. holographic, creme, glitter, etc.), or an all-metallic manicure?
Step 2: Pick Your Konad/Fauxnad Image Plate Design & Stamping Polish
Have everything you need ready and accessible for Konading. And crack open the stamping polish bottle, too.
Step 3: Prep Your Nails
Apply a base coat, buff your nails, push back the cuticles, or do whatever you normally do in preparation for a manicure.
Step 4: Paint Your Stripes
Unscrew all the bottles so you won’t be struggling to get them open later on when your nails are wet.
Working on a diagonal, start painting from the tip, and work your way up to the cuticle. Remember, the stripes don’t have to be perfectly even. Just do your best! I painted mine freehand, and as you can see, they’re not all even. When the leopard print is on top, it camouflages any mistakes anyway.
As you can see, this step is very messy. Expect to get polish on your cuticles like crazy. And yes, you’re bound to have overlapping of stripes.
What I did was start painting all my tips (on both hands) with the same color (China Glaze DV8 – the blue). By the time I was ready to paint the purple stripe, the blue was already dry, so I didn’t have any issues with the colors bleeding into one another. Keep going until you’ve filled up your nails with stripes.
And remember to wrap your tips – it’ll make your manicure last much longer! (Wrapping your tips just means to paint the free edge of your nail with polish, too.)
Originally I was just going to do one stripe of each color, but I made my lines too thin and so I had to use the blue a second time up at the cuticle to fill up the space. Turns out, I really like the way this looks.
Also, initially I had planned to paint each nail with a different color order, but I totally forgot and painted all the tips blue without thinking, so it was too late. If you try this, consider painting each nail in a different order – it’ll totally add to the randomness of the design!
Step 5: Wait for Polish to Dry
It’s imperative that your polish is completely dry before you start Konading it up. If it’s still wet, you’ll completely ruin all the hard work you’ve done. Trust me – I’ve screwed up a Konadicure before because of my impatience.
So…if you’re impatient like me, here’s a tip – use a fast-dry top coat at this stage. (I used my trusty Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.) Some people have problems with more than one layer of Seche Vite because it causes their polish to peel off in sheets, but I’ve never had that happen to me, so that’s why I sometimes use it for more than just a finishing top coat.
Step 6: Use Your Konad Stamp
Stamp on your chosen design. (I chose the leopard print from Konad Image Plate m57.)
Check out my detailed step-by-step Konad tutorial complete with photos and instructions if you’re new to nail stamping.
Step 7: Clean Up Using Nail-Polish Remover & Cotton Swabs
Carefully clean the polish that got on your skin. But don’t worry about getting rid of all of it (unless it really bugs you).
As you can see from my swatches, I still had quite a bit of polish. I painted my nails at night (as usual), and in the morning, I took my shower and washed my hands a few times. A lot of the paint on my cuticles came off that way anyway. And the day after, even more came off the skin. (This is the Lazy Method…and it works!)
Step 8: Wait for Design to Dry & Then Slick on a Top Coat
Time will vary depending on which polish you’ve used. With the Konad Special Nail Polish (Black) I used, I waited a good 10-15 minutes before I put on the final coat of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat to seal everything.
Step 9: Stare at Your Nails for a Long Time
But remember to do stuff…like eat and go to work/school. Haha!
Hope you enjoyed the swatches and tutorial. Phew…this was a long post, wasn’t it?
Oh, and here’s the link to SayAnythingBr00ke’s YouTube tutorial on this nail look if you’re thirsting for more. Hehe, tell her that Mary from Swatch And Learn sent ya!
(Update: Check out what Swatch And Learn reader, Kee, came up with. See her rainbow leopard manicure swatches! Pretty!)
Are you going to try your hand at this rainbow leopard Konadicure? What’s your favorite nail art you’ve ever done yourself? Think this is way too much work?
That’s so pretty!
Thanks, Fiona!
Maybe now you’ll crack open the Konad supplies I gave you at Christmas. Hahah!
Mary!! You freakin rock!! I completely forgot about wanting to do this!! I’ve been so lacking inspiration lately and you just cranked it way up!!
I have a day off tomorrow and I am SOOOO doing this!!! Unfortunately I don’t have that many holo ones…sadness. =( I’ve only got Wild At Heart and Reclaim but I’m missing two more holos. =( WAAAAH!
I’ll figure it out!! Thanks for reminding me about this!! Yours looks great!
Kee recently posted: Do You Think Im Tex-y holo-fied!!!
Hey Kee,
Thanks! When Brooke said that it was really easy, I didn’t believe her. But now that I’ve tried it, she’s totally right. It takes more time, yes, but it’s a lot easier to do than you’d think if you just saw the finished product. I’m really impressed, and her tutorial was superb. I feel like this has opened up more nail-art doors for stuff I’ll try in the future.
Don’t have too many holos? Girl, we need to go shopping together so we can fill up your basket! 😛
Do you know what colors you’re going to use? If you really like Wild at Heart and Reclaim, you could just alternate between the two for the stripes and fill up each nail. That would look good, too. But if you want rainbow goodness, yeah, maybe try another finish that you have more colors in. How about all creme or all shimmer? Basically anything would work. And I wonder what some people could come up with using a different color for the leopard print pattern. Too many ideas! Not enough nails! Hahahah!
I’d love to see what you come up with, so please show me your swatches, so I can drool over them! 🙂
You did a great job with it!!
OMG I soooo need more holos. I’m so jealous of how you created this look!! I’m gonna have to mix up two holos with two metallics maybe. I need your help to find great holos!!
I might try zebra pattern but the leopard print is much easier I think. Cuz it’s so random right? Gaaah too many ideas!!!
Let’s go shopping!!!! Hahahahahha!!
Kee recently posted: Do You Think Im Tex-y holo-fied!!!
Yes, everyone needs more holos! And more companies need to start churning new ones out. Insatiable holo addicts here! We have needs!
Two holos and two metallics sounds cool! I’ll have to see it when you’re done.
I got most of my holographic polishes mainly from Trans Design back in the day when the China Glaze OMG and Kaleidoscope collections were still available – bought many of them when I heard they were going to be discontinued.
A crazy good purple-berry scattered holo polish is OPI Extravagance (from their Designer Series). I believe you can still get it from Trans Design, although they bumped up the price. The formula is pure perfection – am thinking about buying a back-up bottle.
I was gonna use it for this manicure, but decided last minute to use China Glaze Tickle My Triangle (the pink) because I had never worn it before and wanted a light pink. (I’ve previously reviewed and swatched OPI DS Extravagance, although it looks a bazillion times better in person: http://www.swatchandlearn.com/opi-ds-extravagance-swatches-review/)
Zebra print would be cool, but yeah, the leopard print is easier to stamp on because there are so many blotches.
I have DS Extravagance!! I did a post on it too! http://basecoatandbeyond.blogspot.com/2011/03/extravagance-re-visited.html Although your swatches are like a bajillion times better.
Ok so I have my colours!! I will do W@H, Reclaim, DS Extravagance and DS Magic!!! =) YAY thanks for helping me figure it out!
I’m even more excited now!!
Love the color combination you’ve chosen – I’m so excited for you, too!
And I checked out your post. Your swatches are gorgeous! Looks great on you.
Ok so turns out….DS Magic and Extravagance aren’t working out. =( They’re too dark! I’ll try substituting them with Secret Peri-wink-le and Ahoy.
Now I’m really mixing finishes this time!! 2 holos, a creme and a shimmer!!! LOL!! Dunno if it’ll look good though. =S
Kee recently posted: Do You Think Im Tex-y holo-fied!!!
Aww…sorry to hear that. But your new combination sounds fun! Hmm…I would’ve though that OPI DS Extravagance wouldn’t be too dark…awww well…Still can’t wait to see your swatches. 🙂 Or…did you try a different color other than black for the leopard print? Might be neat if you did silver!
Oh my goodness I love this! This would look so pretty on its own even 🙂
Amber recently posted: FOTD- xsparkage inspiration
Hey Amber!
By itself, it reminded me of Easter. But I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing it without the leopard print on top because my stripes are uneven. Without the Konad stamping, it’s more obvious. Gotta love that leopard print…hehe…conceals all the little mistakes here and there! 😉
LOVE LOVE LOVE:D
Alaeis recently posted: Nail of the day-Cupcake nails with the help of Miss Glamorazzi
😀 I really want to try the cupcake nail art. You did a great job!
It looks better with more pastel colors but I didn’t have many so if you do try it use more of them ; )
Alaeis recently posted: Nail of the day-Cupcake nails with the help of Miss Glamorazzi
Hey Alaeis!
I think I’d use OPI Do You Lilac It? (purple), Orly Spark (yellow), China Glaze Re-Fresh Mint (green), and a pastel pink, etc. Not totally sure – need to put the bottles together to see how they look. (I’ll let you know when I attempt this!)
Even though you didn’t use all pastels, I still think it’s very eye-catching!
OMG Mary, I just noticed that you linked me on this post! Aaaww thank you!!
Kee recently posted: Remember me and a lot of talking
Hey Kee!
It’s nice to see that you’re back! 😀
Of course I linked to you – you did an amazing job and I’m sure others would also want to drool over your manicure!
Wow, I love this. I’m not sure if I’m the only one, but the leopard design and the rainbow colors together seriously reminds me of Lisa Frank products. I use to be in love with the notebooks and the pencils when I was in elementary school. Out of the four colors you used, I only own Wild at Heart. I haven’t worn it yet, but it looks really gorgeous mixed here with the other colors.
Hey Melissa!
Yes, it reminds me of Lisa Frank designs, too. 🙂 I had a binder with a rainbow unicorn on it when I was in the 3rd grade – loved it. Lisa Frank stuff was so trendy back then.
When are you going to wear Wild at Heart? It’s soooo gorgeous, especially in the sunlight when the holographic particles really sparkle. You’re going to love it.
Do you have any other holographic polishes?
I’ve been wanting to wear Wild at Heart since I got it in the mail about a month but it’s hard to decide what color to paint my nails with when I have a lot of colors in my stash that I haven’t worn, aside from the experimental swatching. They’re all just so pretty. Plus, I’m giving my nails time to breathe and to grow back before I paint them again. It is really amazing in the sun though! I swatched it on my nail, took it outside in the sun, and drooled. It’s gorgeous and rich.
I only started getting serious about nail polish last year. I didn’t even know there were such a thing as holographic nail polish before that! So I sadly missed out on the OMG and Kaleidoscope collections. Those colors are gorgeous and are definite lemmings of mine. As for other holographic colors, I own the entire collection of the Milani 3D colors, China Glaze Techno Teal, China Glaze Electra Magenta, and Color Club Revvvolution. I’ve discovered that I have a weakness for holos.
I know exactly what you mean. When there are so many choices, it’s hard to choose! 🙂 But this is the kind of problem I don’t mind having.
Hehe…I think most people have a weakness for holographic nail polish. I’m surprised more aren’t released considering the demand for them!
Go team HOLO!! I too am on board for the holo-polish obsession, and am doing stamping with them. Color Club , Worth the Risque’ performs fairly decent, while the Milani line doesn’t stamp so well.
I’m looking for any suggestions for holo’s that anyone has had success with when used in stamping (Konad, Bundle Monster, etc..). I don’t mind dropping some $$ on something that comes with a good recommendation. GlitterGal looks really good, so does GOSH.
I just made an online order for more Color Club holo’s, and can’t wait to play when they get here!
Yes – GO TEAM HOLO! 😀 *Shakes pom poms*
Awesome – I’ve never tried stamping with holos before, but I saw on YouTube some people did it, and it looked amazing. I’ll need to try it soon. (Thanks for the heads up about the ones you’ve tried!)
Have you tried stamping with OPI Extravagance? That’s a polish that I LOVE to death, but haven’t tried stamping with. I can picture it looking amazing over black.
That looks awesome! Really really beautiful! I’m super going to try this. Congrats, girl! 😉 Cheers from Brazil
Hey Aline Lucena!
Thanks for visiting me all the way from Brazil! 🙂
Cool – hope you enjoy the look. It’s a lot of fun to wear. If you take photos of your manicure, feel free to post them on my Facebook wall so that my readers and I can see your handiwork! 🙂
What is a holo?
Hey Toni Flanigan!
Holo is short for holographic. Holographic polishes show all colours of the rainbow, especially in the sunlight. All the polishes in this post are holos.