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I Can't Believe It, I Actually Got a Water Marble to Look Marbled

Ahh water marbling.  Made to look so easy on youtube videos, so hard to properly pull off in real life.  I've been struggling with of late and it's been bugging me that I haven't been able to pull off the proper "marbled" effect.  Talking with my mum over Skype tonight (I'm in Toronto, Canada and she lives in Australia) her curiosity made me want to try, once again, just to get it to work.  Everyone say hi to my mum now, she reads my blog :D:D

I must have made the ritual sacrifices in the correct order tonight because, joy upon joy, I ACTUALLY GOT A WATER MARBLED MANICURE TO LOOK LIKE MARBLE! For this particular iteration, I used Essie Vermillionaire and Fifth Avenue, China Glaze Papaya Punch (marbling is all it's good for, it applies terribly) and Orly Green with Envy.  






The Verdict:  Part of what's been bugging me about this technique is that it's been so hard to pin down what hasn't been working.  The big problem I've been having lately is that my first drop will spread out properly but then the next one will just sit in a blob, not spreading out at all.  I tried changing the water temperature, different brands, nothing seemed to work.  I can't be 100% sure but here's what I tried this time that seemed to work:

  • Warm water.  I've said that the water needs to be room temp in the past but I think I was doing it wrong with not enough polish that time.  Warmer means it spreads more, which is what you want.
  • Essies, China Glazes,  Orlys are all good for marbling.  Anything that totes itself as being quick drying will probably be too dry by the time you get to making the patterns.
  • Ten drops are about the amount you need.  This will let you get enough wet polish to draw the patterns.
  • Don't get too attached to a particular colour, be prepared to try different brands to find those that spread the best.  This was my biggest problem in the past, I think. 
  • Don't forget to tape up your fingers and use a white coat for the base.
One day I'll be able to let this technique go, but NOT YET DAMMIT.
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Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 18, 2012 at 8:21 AM

    This looks really great!! :D I suck so much at water marbling!! >.<

    ReplyDelete
  2. FotosFebruary 18, 2012 at 10:23 AM

    f*ck, that is awesome! Good job! :D

    LOVE LOVE LOVE the name of your blog! I should have called mine "do ALL the make-up!" <3

    ReplyDelete
  3. LindaFebruary 18, 2012 at 1:22 PM

    That's my girl!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Megan @ Let There Be LacquerFebruary 18, 2012 at 4:45 PM

    loving the color combo! when I started marbling I had all of the same problems. Practice and trying different polishes until you find ones that work the best are the two best ways to become a pro! can't wait to see your next marble :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. UnknownFebruary 21, 2012 at 8:25 AM

    Great job! :) I've tried today for the first time, but it was very ugly :D

    ReplyDelete
  6. Try It With CarmellaApril 17, 2012 at 1:26 PM

    pinterest keeps bringing me back to your site! that must mean i keep finding things i love on here :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LauraApril 17, 2012 at 1:38 PM

      :D

      Also, it happens to me too! Mainly on nail polish boards but it still freaks me out to see my own hands pop up occasionally :D

      Delete

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