Two weeks ago, I reviewed a mini bottle of Quo by Orly True Love. Although it was nice, I mentioned how I stamped over it to make it more me.
This Pink & Black Star Konadicure was the result!
I stamped the full-nail star pattern from Konad Image Plate m84 over my manicure using the black Konad Special Nail Polish.
Since it was my first time using the m84 Konad plate, I’ve included a photo of it as well as a brief review of this pattern near the end of this post in case you’re interested.
Also, my cuticles are really messy because I did a quick job at removing the black polish from my skin. My ‘secret’ is just letting the shower remove the rest of the polish – much easier! Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to snap photos of the cleaned-up version. Hope you don’t mind. π
Pink & Black Star Konadicure Swatches
All swatches have:
Konad Image Plate m84 Review (Star Pattern)
This plate’s designs are really girly, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever sport the roses, but I got it mainly for the stars and the lips. π Although, the pointy-petal flowers remind me a lot ofΒ poinsettias, so maybe I could do something with them at Christmas.
The star pattern is a full-nail pattern, which features stars of various sizes – that’s what actually drew me to the design. It looks like the stars are sprinkled on your nails.
Up close, you can easily see that they’re stars, but unless someone is getting all up in yo’ grill, it tends to look more like spots.
The design was fairly easy to pick up, although if you inspect my lazy stamping job, you’ll see that not all the points for the stars transferred. If you’re really concerned about this, just take your time (I was rushing), check your stamper to make sure you picked up the whole image, apply even pressure as you roll the stamper on each nail, and you’ll be fine.
But, even if some of the points get cut off, it’s not really noticeable because there are so many other stars to distract you.
Key Notes
Konad Tutorial: If you’re new to nail stamping, check out my Konad Tutorial for step-by-step written instructions & visual aids to make it easier! (I wrote that post when I first tried Konadicures, so it covers a lot of basics and issues that you may run into as a beginner.)
What I Used to Create This Look:
- Konad m84 Image Plate: $6.99 USD
- Konad Special Nail Polish (Black): 11 mL β $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: WowSoCoolΒ &Β OC Nail ArtΒ (I have placed orders on both of those sites, and I highly recommend them for Konad supplies.)
How would you use the star background in a manicure? Can you think of other colour combinations you would try with this design? What was your last Konadicure?
P.S. If you’re into funky French tips, Konad just came out with some cool new image plates you may like:Β m86, m87, and m88!
I love the star design. And the lips! Have you tried that design out yet??
Rainbowify Me recently posted: Essence ~ Time for romance (#72)
Hey Rainbowify Me!
Before I took off an old manicure, I stamped one nail for fun with the lip design just to get a better idea of it. It’s okay, but I think having those lips on all your nails at once may not be ideal. Seems like it’ll be better in conjunction with another design.
Hmm…I should try doing some Valentine’s Day looks with it. We’re getting closer to February.
I love your Konadicure! I love matchong black with bright colors, it looks great. I love that Konad plate, great designs.
Hey maddy!
It’s such a bubbly design, isn’t it? π
Same here – pairing black with bright colours really makes the result POP, and sometimes it gives it a little punky personality. Pink and black, especially go so well together.
Omg, did you write this post for me? Haha, kiddiiiiing…..but seriously, I just ordered a bunch of konad stuff for the first time the other night because I’ve been itching to try it out for a while. I will have to check out your tutorial, I’m sure it will help me tons. Also I looooove stars, even have them tattooed on me (from my rebellious youth days π ) and I just put on a glitter star manicure last night!
One more thing…I thought the shower thing was MY secret π Thats what I used to do all the time before I had to take swatches at night since I shower in the morn. Its soooo easy to let the shower take care of it cause all the excess polish just peels off your skin π
See how I could have easily thought you invaded my mind and customized my own personal swatch and review? π
Frosso recently posted: Sephora by OPI Iris I Was Thinner and Spark-tacular
Hey Frosso!
YAY for ordering your first Konad supplies! You’re going to have a blast! (I remember when I took the plunge – it blew my mind because of all the complicated designs you can do yourself so easily. And the creative freedom opened a lot of doors.)
Where are your star tattoos, if I may ask? And how big are they? I don’t think I’d get any tattoos (just because I can’t commit to one design), but I do love looking at tattoos and learning about all the artistry that goes into it. It’s really wearable art!
Hehe, we can share the shower secret. Umm…wait, out of context, that didn’t sound right. π
Haha, I wont tell! My stars are on the inside of my left wrist. Its a large star with two smaller ones on the side. It was my first tattoo…I actually don’t like it much anymore, but I barely notice it since I’m so used to it. I also have a little birdie behind my right ear (gotta stay balanced!) that I doodled one day and had a friend of mine tattooed it on me while he was an apprentice. It’s my ” a little birdie told me…” wait til I have kids…it’ll be more fun π
Frosso recently posted: Sephora by OPI Iris I Was Thinner and Spark-tacular
Aww…your bird tattoo sounds especially cute! What a clever idea!
This is SUPER cute. Pink is usually too girly for me, but the black stars on a pink background are just perfect.
Aren recently posted: Don’t Worry About It, That’ll Buff Right Out.
Hey Aren!
Definitely we’re thinking along the same lines. π It’s hard for me to pull off pink, but when it’s a background colour, it’s soooo much easier to get used to seeing it on my nails.
My first thought when I saw that plate was: Stars and lips are cute. Might be able to use the pointy flowers… the rest is blah. Too girly… Great minds think alike!
I’m with you on the shower method of removal. It’s my preferred. And since I am a night painter too, it usually isn’t an issue. Only me and my hubby know how sloppy it looks when I’m done! Hahaha
I’m still perfecting the Konad stamping, but am definitely getting better! I got a few image plates for Christmas I need to bust out π
Hey Kelly!
Which image plates did you get for Christmas? π And have you thought up some designs you’re going to try?
You know, if you take photos of any of your manicures and get on Facebook, I’d love it if you shared your designs with me and my readers. π
Awwweee…this is so adorable!!! π
Hey beingpretty!
Glad you liked it. π It was one of the more enjoyable pink manicures that I’ve worn.
Mary! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your new layout! It’s FABULOUS!
I love little stars! I have always wanted to try Konad but it looks so hard! π
Jennifer recently posted: Glee
Hey Jennifer!
Glad you’re loving the new layout. There are still mobile-browsing issues, but overall, it’s way better than what I had before. I have Vivian, one of my loyal readers to thank. π I’m sure that the header and background really caught your eye. She created it! And if you need any graphics done, I’d be more than happy to refer you to her.
Nail stamping is easier than it initially looks. Check out my “Konad Tutorial” link in this post. I break it down step-by-step. It takes one or two tries at first, but then once you get the hang of it, it’s a cinch. Plus it allows you to create more complicated looks very easily. π You should try it! I bet you can do it!
This is so cute and super fun!! π
Ashesela recently posted: Festival Swatch (Franken)
Hey Ashesela!
Glad you liked it! This star design is really versatile – it would be cool to just use it on one half of the nail, and then put a star on the other half.
Ohh this is really pretty.
Simera recently posted: Mac Lipstick & Eyeshadow Giveaway Is Closed
Hey Simera!
I’m happy to hear that you like it. π
What are some of your favourite stamping colour combinations?
I really like this star stamp. It’s funny how you wanted to paint your nails pink for your niece. In a way, your pink mani was a sign that a new baby girl was on the way before you even knew about it! π
Hey Vivian!
Hehe, yeah…Now I’m nervous about how I tend to wear a lot of green polishes. Maybe my sister-in-law’s next kid will be a martian. Cooooooooooooooool! π
So cute… I’ve been putting off ordering a Konad starter set… I totally let the shower clean my nails up too. I’m glad I’m not the only one… π
Hey Sarah!
Hehe, the ‘Shower Clean-up Method’ seems to be a popular ‘secret’! π
Have you thought of what kind of designs you’d like to try? Full nail designs like this or smaller images that you position on a small section of your nails? Or maybe you’d like to try the cool French tips?
I would probably start off with smaller designs… It took me a little while to be steady with a brush! The french mani tips look really cool, I’d love to experiment with different color combos.
Actually, I’ve found that the full-nail designs were the easiest to do when I first started out. With small images, you have to pay more attention to placement. If you just put them on randomly, that’s not a problem. I had to concentrate more as a beginner when I wanted to place smaller images in the same spot on each nail.
Have fun playing around!
The new look on your site is beautiful, I love it! I don’t visit everyday but just wanted to say that I really like everything about it :). The stars are very “me” so I love this Konadicure! I have been thinking about purchasing the Konad supplies on Amazon. I would positively need this image plate and would probably try a magenta base with silver stars!
Tina B recently posted: Did You Know About These Beauty Sample Subscriptions?
Hey Tina B!
Glad that you like it! π One of my loyal readers, Vivian, did a bang-up job on it. If you ever need help with graphics, she’s the person to go to. π
I’ve never purchased any Konad supplies from Amazon. The two etailers I’ve purchased from were OC Nail Art and WowSoCool. They’re excellent and even offer free shipping with a low minimum order threshold.
I love this! I am a huge fan of stars, and I love black and pink. This is such a cute Mani!
Amber recently posted: Cherry Culture Semi Annual Mega Sale
Hey Amber!
I can totally see you wearing this! π You should try something like this – I’d love to see it on you.
Pink might not be your favourite color, but you do wear it so well!
That color is so pretty and the stars are perfect for toning down the ‘girly’ in the color. Still in awe of the shine that you get with that topcoat. It might be time to break down and give it a try.
I love that you posted pics pre-clean-up …almost makes me not feel so bad for being to excited to wait for clean-up before taking pics of mine. π
Hey karen!
Thanks! *Big Cheshire Cat grin*
Oh yeah, Seche Vite makes manicures look sooo glassy. I just love it, but what I love even more is that it makes polishes dry soooooo much faster than without it.
Haha, yeah, I was really excited to share my photos. Don’t let messy cuticles come between you and the thrill of sharing! π
I really like the star design, but I’m afraid even that doesn’t totally sell me on the pink polish. I’m just not a pink girl, LOL.
I agree with you regarding the plate-the stars and lips are the only ones I would use also. I don’t know why but none of the other designs strike me as something I would want to see on my nails. Maybe because the nail polish itself is girly, the flowers push it over the edge?
I definitely like the star pattern, I could picture it with many color combos, but am mainly thinking a midnight blue or turquoise background with white/silver/gold stars would be appropriate.
another Cristina recently posted: China Glaze Magnetix Instant Attraction
Hey another Cristina!
Haha, I understand. Pink polish doesn’t do it for me, either…unless I partially cover it up. π Still waiting for the one to blow my mind.
Your colour-combination ideas sounds lovely!
I love this design! I wish I had this plate! I only have the Bundle Monster stamping plates set.
Emily recently posted: New from Milani for 2012
Hey Emily!
Which Bundle Monster set do you have? I just took a look at mine to see if I could recommend a star pattern that, while isn’t a dupe, still has a somewhat similar feel.
From the first set, try BM20. It has larger stars, but it’s still cute. The only thing is that the design is narrower than those on the Konad plates. Also, BM21 has a cool shooting-star pattern. (I’ve tried this one before and loved it!) And then there’s BM14 – it’s not a full-nail star pattern, but maybe you could stamp the string of stars more than once to achieve that effect.
From their second set, the BM-206 plate has a single star. You could stamp it several times all over each nail. And then BM-220 has a matching star-cluster funky French tip design.
It’s so nice to see your cuticles a little messy!! Mine look like that right now! I have been playing with the 2 FP Special Effects flaky polishes I just bought (Flecked and Flashy) and my cuticles are pretty messy! With a light polish I can always get my cuticles clean but with these dark ones it usually requires a few good handwashings or a shower to get them all cleaned up. π I love this star pattern but don’t think I’ll get it right away cuz I don’t care for the other designs (except the lips! Those are cute!) I, too, have the BM set and it has some cool nautical stars but nothing like this. I have got to find something similar π
Nicole M recently posted: China Glaze βFor Audreyβ Review
Hey Nicole M!
Haha, well, I’m still not going to make it a habit to show messy cuticles. (Although, tomorrow’s post will feature my dryyyyyyyy cuticles. :P)
Yay for you getting those flakie polishes! Which did you like better? Flecked or Flashy?
I saw this post first on Facebook and thought “gasp, Mary’s account got hacked… there is no way she is wearing pink” having completely forgotten about your promise to show a pink konadicure! lol
This is so perfect! I can’t quite put my finger on why it is perfect, but it just is! It is soft and playful, bright and whimsical.
Start growing your pink stash Auntie Mary π
Marta recently posted: Teasy Does It β So easy on the eye!
Hey Marta!
Haha, yeah – I’d better wear pink more then, right? Then I won’t cause such shock. π
I will soon get my hands on this stamping plate from NailPolishCanada! I think I might just replicate this very look! I still think it is perfect!
Marta recently posted: Pelican Gray
Hey Marta!
Wow, that is extremely high praise, especially coming from the Nail Stamping Queen! Thank you! π
The stars are adorable! I looked at this and squealed out loud because it’s so pretty. π
The plate is girly but the stars alone make it worth buying. Maybe you could use the roses for a cheesy Valentine’s Day mani? π
Hey Raychul!
Yeah, I’m trying to think of a cheesy-funny Valentine’s Day manicure I could do to use those roses…If I come up with something, I’ll be sure to blog about it. π
I love this!! The colors make it look really bright and funky ;0).
Marisa recently posted: So I tried to make a franken…
Hey Marisa!
That pep of colour can sometimes brighten your entire day! π
I love the combination of pink and black. I want this plate for the stars and lips too!
lacquerloon recently posted: Essie β Go Overboard
Hey lacquerloon!
Hehe, of course you like the lip pattern! π
This is awesome! Like..girly rocker nails. XD I’d totally get that plate for the lips and the stars too. Come to think of it, I don’t think I have it yet. I’d probably do this design with blue. Just because I love blue and I haven’t worn it since NYE. π I’m actually wearing stamped nails (not konad though, bundlemonster) right now for Chinese New Year. I didn’t do all the nails though, just the ring and thumb. π XΔ«n NiΓ‘n KuΓ i LΓ¨! π
Carmela recently posted: Color Club Shabby Drab reminds us why cremes will always stay in style.
Hey Carmela!
Wow, I can’t believe you haven’t worn blue for so long, especially because it’s a colour that you usually gravitate towards! *Gasp* Is the universe out of sync? Hehe!
Happy Chinese New Year! π
OMG! how pretty!
i am so glad that you are blogging. everytime i see a nail polish that i want, i check your blog first, to see what you think of it :p the latest one i bought was Liquid leather from CG. so pretty π
but, i love your blog! my own blog is in Danish, but can i borrow some of your pictures, sΓ₯ i can recommend your blog to my followers? π
Hugs, Malene π
Hey malene!
Thank you for your kind words – such high praise! It’s readers like you who motivate me to continue blogging. I’m so grateful that my hard work has become so rewarding.
Ah yes! China Glaze Liquid Leather. Excellent choice! So glossy even without a top coat. Glad that you’re digging it, too.
As long as you provide credit in the form of a link back to Swatch And Learn and/or the blog post where you took the image from, I have no problems with you sharing photos with your followers. Thank you for asking for permission first!