Autism Awareness

Monday, April 2nd is Autism Awareness day so to show my support, I painted my nails blue. This cause was brought to my attention by Pointless Cafe blog. I have a close friend with a son who has Autism so this cause is close to my heart. I would like to ask any of you who can, to paint your nails blue in support as well. Even if your work doesn't allow it, paint your toes! Where there's a will, there's a way! ;)

I decided to use several shades of blue and turn it into a gradient mani. I added the accent nail puzzle piece after thinking it needed that extra touch to take it one step further. Now on to the pics. I added several to show you the process. If you check out my St Paddy's Day mani, I list the steps on how to do a gradient mani.

For this mani I used China Glaze Secret Peri-wink-le, A England Order of the Garter, Julep Marisa and Lynnderella Mlle Violette de Bleu.

To apply the gradient, I used a cosmetic sponge and put a small puddle of polish on a paper plate and dipped my sponge in the polish and dabbed it off on the paper plate so I didn't get too much polish. It's much better to add several layers of the same color so it's a subtle shift between the shades of blue.

 A England Order of the Garter...

After sponging on Order of the Garter...

Mlle Violette de Bleu...

After sponging, before clean-up and top coat...

 With the Autism puzzle piece symbol...

For more information on Autism, please visit Autism Speaks.