October 01, 2024

Gemstone Nail Art Tutorial

Unleash your creativity with this stunning Gemstone Nail Art Tutorial from the talented @ellesgelsandbeauty! Join Eloise as she shares her expert tips and tricks for achieving a gorgeous gemstone nail art look. Get ready to elevate your nail artistry and let your imagination shine!

Check out the tutorial here:

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What you need:

Step By Step:

Step 1

Using the large round brush, apply a thin coat of Tortie gel polish (or your chosen base colour) over the entire nail and cure for 60 seconds.
Tip: Keep the layer thin to prevent bulkiness.

Step 2

On a palette, mix Tortie Detail Paint with Peachy Juicy Gel to create a custom amber shade.
Adjust Ratio: More Peachy for a lighter shade, more Tortie for a deeper hue.

Apply a thin layer of your custom Tortie-Peachy mix over the cured base. (leave uncured for now)

Step 3

Using the large round brush, pick up Tortie Detail Paint.

Randomly dab, streak, or drag the colour onto the wet second layer and cure.

Tip: Create organic patterns—blobs, lines, or swirls. The randomness mimics natural gemstone textures.

Step 4

Dilute Cherry Detail Paint:
- Mix a small amount of Cherry Detail Paint with SuperShine or clear gel to thin it out.
Apply Cherry Mixture:
- Randomly apply this diluted Cherry onto the nail, blending it with the Tortie areas.
- Tip: This adds warmth and dimension. Adjust the amount based on your desired intensity.

Step 5

Add Flakes:

Use Leo and Ecliptic flakes (or flakes of your choice).
While the gel is still wet, use a detail brush to pick up flakes.
Randomly place them onto the nail, concentrating on areas you want to catch light.
Cure for 60 seconds

Tip: Mixing different flakes creates depth and colour variation

Step 6

Apply Translucent Color:

Apply a thin coat of Peachy Juicy Gel on its own over the entire nail and leave uncured.

Step 7

Add Tortie Detail Paint:
- Randomly apply Tortie Detail Paint onto the wet layer, focusing on creating depth over previous patterns.
Add Cherry Detail Paint:
- Apply more of the diluted Cherry mixture as desired.
Tip: Layering builds complexity. Be mindful of keeping layers thin.

Step 8

Create Dark Mix:
- Mix a small amount of Black Gel Polish with Tortie Detail Paint to get a darker shade.
Apply Dark Accents:
- Using the large round brush or detail brush, add small amounts of this dark mix to areas needing more depth.
- Technique: Drag the color to form streaks or veins resembling natural stone inclusions.
Tip: Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the design.

Step 9

Apply Flakes:
- Place additional flakes onto the wet layer as desired.
Tip: Focus on balance—don't cover the entire nail unless that's your desired effect.
Cure for 60 seconds.

Step 10

Float Top Coat:

Generously apply top coat over the nail, floating it to avoid disturbing the design.
Technique: Use the liner brush to help spread the top coat evenly if needed.

Self-Level:

Hold the nail upside down for a few seconds to allow the top coat to self-level and smooth out any bumps.
Cure for 60 seconds.

Step 11

Once cured, gently buff the nail surface with a nail buffer to remove any unevenness or protruding flakes.
Tip: Be gentle to avoid removing layers of your design.
Use a lint-free wipe and cleanser or alcohol to remove any dust from buffing.
Apply topcoat and cure for 60 seconds.

Alternate Color Suggestions

Purple Gemstone:
- Juicy Gel: Use Grape Soda.
- Detail Paints: Violet and mix with Black for depth.
- Flakes: Use purple or iridescent flakes.
Green Gemstone:
- Juicy Gel: Use Apple Spritz.
- Detail Paints: Green detail paint, mixed with White for lighter accents and Black for depth.
- Flakes: Use green, gold, or holographic flakes.
Customise: Feel free to experiment with different colour combinations to mimic various gemstones like sapphires, emeralds, or rubies.