Inspired by Bria's Love for Tattoos

*Please note:  I was contacted by Hillary from Mentality Polish and notified that this is not Raucous.  We are trying to figure out what exactly is, possibly a mislabeled Foxy or maybe even a one-off unique polish.  I will let you know as soon as I know.  In the meantime, don't purchase Mentality Raucous and expect this.  


 From the moment I saw the list of prompts for The Crumpet Nail Tarts 33 Day Challenge, I knew what I was going to do for the prompt Indian.  Why?  Because every year Bria saves her money so she can get a henna tattoo at the state fair.  When I think of India, I think of Bollywood, the women in their beautiful saris and intricate henna tattoos.  By the manis posted in the challenge, it looks like I am not the only one!  Here are my nail tattoos.

I love how these turned out, so there are several pics :)

    Source: Cheers Beauty
 
If you don't know what henna tattoos are, they are "temporary tattoos" made using a paste of  a botanical dye used to draw intricate designs on the skin.  The paste is applied, dried and left on the skin for at least 4 hours causing a deep reddish brown staining.  The longer you leave it on, the darker the staining.  Traditionally it is an Eastern "feminine art" applied and worn by women on their hands and/or feet during ceremonial and celebratory occasions such as weddings and religious festivals.

I started with two coats of Julep Jennifer, a lovely sheer, pale nude that still has enough coverage in two coats to hide all the hideous nail stains (tee hee).  This is more opaque and has a more delicate pink tone than my favorite nude, Avon Ballerina.

Artificial Light

The next challenge was to find a polish to match that distinctive henna color.  When I received my Mentality polishes I knew that Raucous would be perfect!  Make sure you check back on Saturday for my Mentality haul/swatches.  You don't want to miss it, as these are my new favorite indie polishes.

Flash

 Mentality Raucous is a gorgeous MATTE satin/semi gloss reddish brown HOLO.  Really, don't neglect coming back on Saturday to see this unique lovely in all it's glory!

Now, I certainly couldn't get as intricate as the sample above, but I did try to get a lot of detail on those little canvas'.  I went with a more traditional design that I found online....but I am not going to show it to you because I am pretty proud of this and don't want you making comparisons (tee hee). 

I haven't been this happy with my nail art in awhile!  I am always most pleased when I have succeeded (in my eyes) with my freehand skills.

 I love how it not only has the right shade, but also, because of the matte quality, looks like the paste used.  Alright, I will stop gushing!

Tell me what you think.  Did I succeed, or do I have to high an opinion of these (tee hee).  I love hearing your thoughts!  And don't forget to check out all the different interpretations of "Indian".