Spring 2014

MasterTechnique

Next Article >>
Birds of a Feather

Birds of a Feather

This spring, let your imagination take flight with this look that incorporates acrylics and Gelish for a fanciful look.

BY Sandy Borges Combs
Sandy Borges Combs West Coast Regional Manager of Education for Nail Alliance

01

Before applying the enhancement, prepare the natural nail. Apply one coat of pH Bond, one coat of Pro Bond Acid Free Primer and apply a Perfetto Nail Form - customizing the fit as needed. Using Harmony Pro 9 Acrylic brush for the first application, pick up a small bead of Sheen, Bispectrum and Speckle from Reflections of Harmony to create a 3-color fade.

02

Using the Maestro brush, first dip the brush into Vivid White and then into Wavelengths to create a two-toned acrylic bead for the floral design. Repeat this step, but use Rhythm and Zeus to create the leaves. Cap nail in clear to build structure.

03

Remove the Perfetto Nail Form, mold C-curve with the C-curve Sticks, and file the nail to desired shape, using the Harmony 180-grit file.

04

Apply Top It Off and cure in Gelish 18G LED Light for 30 seconds or 2 minutes in a 36 watt UV light. Use a mini striper brush and Arctic Freeze to create a bird shape. Cure in a Gelish 18G LED Light for 30 seconds or 2 minutes in a 36 watt
UV light.

05

Using a clean mini striper brush, apply colors from the Candy Land and All About the Glow collections to create the details of the bird. Outline using Black Shadow and cure in a Gelish 18G LED Light for 30 seconds or 2 minutes in a 36 watt UV light.

06

Apply Top It Off to the entire nail and cap the free edge. Cure in a 18G LED Light for 30 seconds or 2 minutes in a 36 watt UV light. Apply Nail Surface Cleanse to a lint-free wipe to remove the tacky surface. Massage Gelish Nourish Cuticle Oil into the surrounding skin.

Next Article >>