You know what? I am SO GLAD I finally gave a Ruffian manicure a try. It’s been something I’ve wanted to try for a long time but it kept getting pushed down my “nail art ideas” list. One reason for that was because I didn’t have a gold polish that was reflective or yellow enough. And then OPI GoldenEye came along. It seemed like a sign. So I just have to give it a try.
This is very easy to do as long as you have the right polishes. Along with GoldenEye I used Maybelline Express Finish in Black Onyx (just a basic black creme) and a matte top coat.
First I applied 3 to 4 coats of GoldenEye focusing on getting the color opaque at the cuticles. Once that dried I applied 3 coats of Black Onyx (it was opaque after 2 but I knew I was going to be using a matte top coat which can cause the color to bald) and simply free handed the edges. Once the black polish dried I topped it off with butter LONDON Matte Finish Shine Free Topcoat and that was it.
Truthfully, I wasn’t sure I’d like this manicure so I only did it on one hand at first. I ended up loving it and completed the manicure so I could wear it for a couple days. So many people commented on my nails and thought I used nail stickers. No need for nail stickers when it’s so easy to achieve on your own 
I’d love to know if this is something you’ve tried or if you might be giving this a try in the future!
When I think of a classic Ruffian manicure I think yellow gold and black ala the Ruffian MAC collection. But the color possibilities are endless! I really want to try silver and a dark purple next.
As always, there are (many) more swatches below the jump including what my nails looked like prior to adding the matte top coat.
Alli
Katie
It’s a gorgeous manicure Alli! Although I kinda prefer the one without the matte top coat. Either way, they look great and I can’t wait to try them!
I quite liked it without the matte top coat as well but really wanted to give a full blown Ruffian mani a try. I do like that the matte top coat gives even more contrast between the gold and black.
I love this look and haven’t worn it in ages. I always veer off towards complicated nail art but simplicity is beautiful. I might do one again with silver & navy.
I fall into the same trap. Sometimes I forget how great simple can look
The black and gold looks so classy together!
I agree! I love the combo.
That is such a beautful, classy manicure.
Thank you!
Gorgeous Alli! I think I will have to try this!
You should! Make sure to tweet me a picture
That is gorgeous! I want to try this too. No pics of Goldeneye on its own?
I just got it and am wearing it as a pedi, I love it. Also wanted to give a shout out to an NC girl. I live in SoCal now but I went to Carolina undergrad and NCSU vet school (I grew up in Charlotte). 
Love your blog!
I did a post on GoldenEye here.
A fellow Charlottean! We’re so hard to find nowadays!
Hahaha, I forgot… I think YOUR post was the one that made me pick up Goldeneye.
Lol. All the nail polish gets jumbled in my head too!
Stunning! I was inspired by you to try one too, but I used Revlon Royal instead of black. Mine doesn’t look nearly as clean as this, but I like the color combination a lot.
I’m so glad you gave it a try! I have Royal…maybe I’ll try your color combo
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