Llama Nails - 3D

I am a day behind in my challenges, so you get two posts today!  I will try to keep it short and sweet.

The prompt today for Llama Nails technique challenge is 3D.  

I have recently been on a 3D kick with studs, micro beads and more adorning my tips, so I was happy to give it another go.  I have had these studs for over a year and I don't think I have used them once in all that time.

With Flash

Artificial Light

I started with three coats of SpaRitual Introspective.  This is such a pretty pastel spring green with a very subtle gold shimmer.  I mean, REALLY subtle.  I wish it was more noticeable, but as it is, it gives a nice depth to distinguish it from a pure creme.  This was patchy on the first coat, still sheer on the second, but fully opaque at three.  If I was smart, I would have used Orly Ridge Filler (a milky base coat).  I might have been able to get away with only two coats?    

Next I saran wrapped with Mentality Prim, a gorgeous matte brown holo, and added the studs.  I love these matte brown studs from KKCenter.  I wasn't really happy with this, however, so decided to take it a step further.

  
What to do but add more studs!  I used my cuticle nippers (which I rarely use anymore) to snip off one end of the diamond.  Then I made the mistake of adding top coat over everything.  Yeah, this secured the studs, but it also removed that lovely matte finish.  I suppose I could have added a matte top coat, but at this point I was DONE.  You can see the holo in Prim really well in this pic.

There you have it!  What do you think?  Do you like it with one stud or three?  Matte or shiny?  Let me know in the comments!  And don't forget to check out all the other 3D nails!  Thanks for visiting!