OPI Fifty Shades of Grey Nail Art Inspired by Lupita Nyong’o at the SAG Awards
SAG Awards Nail Art – Lupita Nyong’o in Elie Saab
Award shows are my idea of sports. I would much rather watch the red carpet action than the Cavs play, even with LeBron back in town. Between the E! red carpet coverage, Fashion Police recaps and the shows themselves, my DVR is a flurry of activity.
This past Sunday, the actor-centric SAG Awards aired and, per usual, I was live-tweeting the red carpet, waiting for my favorite film and tv show casts to win, and they did. Yay Birdman!
When Lupita Nyong’o stepped out on the carpet in this floral Elie Saab, I swear I could hear an actual gasp on Twitter. Her gorgeous gown stuck in my head and I just had to recreate it as nail art. And it just so happens that the OPI Fifty Shades of Grey collection was perfect for the task.
Nail Polishes Used
The moody greys, silvery backdrop and bold red splashes in Lupita’s Elie Saab dress brought the OPI Fifty Shades of Grey collection to mind. Throw in Jade is the New Black and I was set. In addition to the main nail colors, I also used a black striper polish, glossy top coat and matte top coat.
OPI Dark Side of the Mood, My Silk Tie, Romantically Involved, Jade Is The New Black
Floral Watercolor Nail Art
Floral Watercolor Nail Art using OPI Fifty Shades of Grey
Get The Look
- Begin with a solid base of OPI My Silk Tie. I used two coats. Wait for it to dry.
- Apply OPI Jade Is The New Black using the “Dry Brush Technique.” Wipe the brush to remove all excess polish and use whatever is left to make dragging strokes on the nail.
- Apply OPI Romantically Involved in the same manner, applying a bit more color.
- Dry brush OPI Dark Side of the Mood over the entire nail, greying all the previous colors.
- Use a nail art brush dipped in black polish or a black nail art striper polish to draw vertical lines down the nail. I used Nubar Nail Art Pen ($5.97, Amazon.com).
- Apply a glossy top coat to seal the design and avoid dragging. I used HK Girl.
- Finish with a matte top coat. I used Essie Matte About You.
Floral Watercolor Nail Art using OPI Fifty Shades of Grey
Floral Watercolor Nail Art using OPI Fifty Shades of Grey
Floral Watercolor Nail Art using OPI Fifty Shades of Grey
SAG Awards – Lupita Nyong’o in Elie Saab
OPI Fifty Shades of Grey is available now at salons and mass retailers nationwide. You can pick it up online at LoxaBeauty.com, SallyBeauty.com and ULTA.com. OPI nail polish retails for $9.50/ea.
Did you watch the SAG Awards red carpet? Who wore your favorite look? Do you like my recreation?
Are you an awards show junkie too? What is your favorite film of the year? I’ve seen 7 of the 8 Best Picture nominees and Whiplash is still at the top of my list. So good!
Disclosure: Product samples were provided by reps for OPI. Affiliate links appear in this post. When you purchase through an affiliate link, you help support this site. For more info view my Disclosure Policy.
Lisa N.
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That is perfect! Very creative. Emmy Rossum wore my favorite dress, followed by this dress. Most were boring I thought, but of course Lupita brings it. She always does!
Awesome nails these are that was inspired by her dress.
This would normally not be “my” kind of mani…but I really like it! You did a great job of getting the effect of the dress onto the nails.
This looks really cool! I loved her dress too.
Thanks Jennifer! She looked beautiful. And the braids in her, amazing.
Aw, I love this! It looks amazing!
Thanks chica!
This is beautiful! Great job with this.
Thank you Jessica!
Perfect perfect perfect!
Thanks doll!
I love your interpretation of her dress! Beautiful!
Thank you! It was fun and easy to do.
These look AMAZING, Michelle! You complemented the dress SO WELL. Those look stunning side by side. GREAT JOB!!!
Thank you so much Bonnie!
I’d really like to try the Dry Brush Technique. Do you wait long for the coats of Jade is the New Black and Romantically Involved to dry before applying Dark Side of the Mood?
Hi Mary! I wait maybe one minute before applying the next color. Because you applying it so thin, it doesn’t take long to dry.
Thanks! I’ll let you know how it turns out.
Ha, that’s so funny, I ended up getting the mini pack of this set (plus a full size Shine for Me because I love it so) and I was just pondering what nail art to do with it! I like what you did, but you know what the red part on your middle finger makes me think of? A heart!! I think I want to recreate yours with a heart instead of florals, but still gray it up like you did! Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh, I love that idea Amanda! If you end up trying that, I would love to see.
Wow, you did a great job! I know it would probably be too much, but I’d love to see that mani on her while she wore the dress.
Thanks Susanna! You’re right, it might be too much, but it would be fun to see.
Just gorgeous hon!!! Love it…I have 2 of the OPI gray shades & have really been loving those, her dress & your nail creation is amazing!!!! Hugs..Deb:) xox