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:

• Juicy Gel’s
• Flakes
• Detail paint (similar colour to chosen juicy gel)
• Black Gel Polish
• SuperShine Topcoat 
• Detail Brush
• Long Liner Brush
• Large Round Full Coverage Brush

Step By Step: 

Step 1

• Using the large round brush, apply a thin coat of Tortie Detail Paint (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.