Candy Cane Tips and all the shimmer

I just love this manicure! The first version was stripes over the whole nail which was an epic fail. I am not experienced enough to stripe with my non-writing hand. I could hear my striping brush laughing at me it was so bad. But this version is fun (could it be more perfect? why yes, but I don't care)

Step 1: Tips. You can use tape or stickers or a french tip dip kit (which is what I used). I had my tips on in about a minute and half for both hands with it. SUPER handy and no wasted tape. Happy, happy.
Step 2: Stripes. I used two different sizes of stripe brushes from my kit I bought here. It's an ebay store - shipping is slow but it's dirt cheap and has free shipping. You could also just use the tip of a toothpick and a safety pin for two different sizes.
Step 3: Paint on set of colors first diagonally. I started in the center of the nail to try to get my designs about even on all nails. Colors I used were Julep Emilie and Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Red Carpet.
Step 4: Apply Essie Pure Pearlfection. I LOVE THIS EFFECT TOP COAT! It's amazing and gives a gorgeous pearl effect (perfect for a candy cane like luster).

 Step 5: Stamp on desired designs. For the holly I used a dotting tool to go back over the berries. On the tree I put a tiny bit of Julep Olivia in the stump and Julep Emilie for the tree part. I brush a layer of Essie Luxeffects for the lights on the tree and topped with a holographic large hex glitter I extracted from LA Colors Goddess. Instant bling!
Step 6: Top with favorite top coat. I'm rockin' the 3 minute topcoat from French Tip Dip and it's got gorgeous shine to it! Super glossy.
Total time: 20 minutes. Fast, easy, and great results!

Have a wonderful day - I am. Kids are all being so good, most of the Christmas shopping is done, and there is coffee and macaroons waiting for me in the kitchen. Life is so good ;)