I had a bit of a mani disaster and needed something easy to cover my nails with. I’d already started with a white base so I decided to use a set of Peacock Feather water decals from Milv. I picked these up at the Professional Beauty show in London earlier this year.
Polishes and tools
Your favourite base coat and top coat
Cirque Carpe Diem
Milv N156
Bowl of lukewarm tap water
Tweezers
Scissors
Clear Jelly Stamper The Bling Brush
After my base coat, I started with two coats of Carpe Diem and a thin coat of Seche Vite top coat.
I used the scissors to cut up all ten decals and laid them out in order for my nails.
One at a time, I used the tweezers to hold each decal in the water for about ten seconds, and then slid the backing off between my fingers.
With damp fingertips it’s easy to position the decals on your nails. My nails are quite short at the moment, so I had to trim about a quarter of the length off the ends. It can be a bit of an issue to make the flat decal fit curvy nails like mine, but you just need to be patient.
On the plus side, they would be good when I have long nails too!
When the decal was in place I used acetone and my clean up brush to remove the excess.
Once all ten nails were done, I sealed them in with more top coat.
Peacock Feather
Water decals are great for when you want a quick and easy manicure that looks really bright and detailed.
The only downside – for me – is doing a white base. It always seems like such a hassle to get it to look good. But generally these decals do need a white base, because they are so thin and translucent.
The decals are also really cheap. I bought a bundle of them and I think it worked out to just over a pound each. They are single use and you get enough for ten nails per pack. You can stretch this out by using them for feature nails only.
In the UK, She Sells Seashells has a great selection of water decals from Milv
What do you think? Would you use water decals as an easy manicure, or do you prefer a handmade design?
July 18, 2016
I absolutely adore this pattern so bright and colourful and perfect for summer.
July 18, 2016
Thanks Joanna! I love all the colours 🙂
July 18, 2016
Now that is a “wow”. What a creative design, I’m wondering now how long it takes you to do your lovely nail art?
July 23, 2016
This was very quick, because these water decals already have the design. But normally 1-2 hours, sat in front of the TV.
July 18, 2016
This is just divine, I love the design and the peacock feather itself is superb x
July 23, 2016
Thanks Rachel!
July 18, 2016
Wow, they look fab! If I did this my daughter would love it 🙂
July 23, 2016
You should give it a go Francesca 🙂
July 18, 2016
These nails are amazing! They must have taken ages!
July 23, 2016
These were very quick – I cheated with the pre-printed decals 🙂
July 18, 2016
I am looking at the nails and thinking where is the mani disaster because when I have one you can see it from above lol I love the finished product
July 23, 2016
Ha! The mani disaster beforehand didn’t make the cut to be on here
July 18, 2016
They look amazing! I would never be able to do something like this, I struggle just painting my nails xx
July 23, 2016
That’s the beauty of water decals – all the hard work is done for you 🙂
July 18, 2016
Oh my goodness, I can’t believe how clever you are with nail varnish. They look absolutely amazing
July 23, 2016
Thank you Nikki!
July 18, 2016
Oh wow!! I always love your nails and you always surprise me with something different!! Love , love love these 🙂
July 23, 2016
Thank you!! ☺️☺️
July 18, 2016
I would love this on my nails – stunning
July 23, 2016
This is so easy! Go for it Kara 🙂
July 18, 2016
Wow what stunning nails. Love the colour.
July 23, 2016
Thank you Anita, I love greens too 🙂
July 19, 2016
I can’t even imagine you making a mistake because your nails always look so perfect. I love the peacock design.
July 23, 2016
I got so frustrated with the one before. I haven’t been practicing my freehand enough and it went pear-shaped
July 19, 2016
Fab nails! Decals like that are fab aren’t they? I had daisy ones before made out of my own photography 🙂
July 23, 2016
Thanks! That sounds fab Fi Ni!!
July 19, 2016
Beautiful…I love peacock nails
–Sony
http://nailscontext.blogspot.com
July 23, 2016
Thank you Sony, me too 🙂
July 20, 2016
This is really artisitc! So nicely done and very beautiful.
Alina | DIY lifestyle blog
July 23, 2016
Thanks Alina, not sure I can take the artistic credit though
July 20, 2016
Your nails are always so beautiful. This is amazing.
July 23, 2016
Thank you – a great nail art cheat!
July 20, 2016
Wow what a stunning design, I’m always trying new things with my nails. Might have to give something like this a try thanks x
July 23, 2016
Thank you Sarah! You should, it’s so easy 🙂
July 20, 2016
This looks like such a complex design! You’re so talented. Would love to be able to do this!
July 23, 2016
Thank you! You don’t need any skills at all for these decals 🙂