Nail Art Inspired by a Visit to the Circus

Sept 18 Circus Nailspiratoncircus nail art

A visit to the circus can bring about show-stopping inspiration.

Ring Leader Nail Art 9/18 Nailspirationcircus nail art

Circus Nailspiration 9/18circus image

Step 1: Apply two coats of red gel polish. Follow with a thin coat of clear gel and place a gold ring at the center of the nail. Encapsulate with gel top coat.
Step 2: Remove the inhibition layer and apply white gel paint to the center of the gold ring. Use a medium dotting tool to place a light blue dot in the center of the white gel. Use a small dotting tool to place a black dot in the center of the light blue.
Step 3: Adhere gems and metal embellishments to the bottom of the gold ring using a gel top coat or resin. Seal the design with a gel top coat.

Related: Nail Art Inspired by Desert Sunsets

Circus Nailspiration 9/18circus nail art

9/18 Circus Nailpsirationcircus poster

Step 1: Apply two coats of cream gel polish. Then, use a detail brush to paint a red star at the base of the nail.
Step 2: Use a detail brush to paint a thin line of light blue gel from the tip of the star down to the free edge, flaring it out. Continue to paint elongated triangles in blue along one side of the nail.
Step 3: Continue painting light blue triangles on the other side of the nail.
Step 4: Outline the star with yellow gel polish, blending it out so the star appears to be glowing. Seal with gel top coat.

Related: Nail Art Inspired by India’s Spice Markets

Circus Nail Art Nailspiration 9/18circus nail art

9/18 Nailspirationcircus art

Step 1: Apply two coats of cream gel polish. Apply a thin coat of clear gel and place matte glitter dots down the center of the nail.
Step 2: Apply a second coat of clear gel. Place a row of matte glitter dots to the right and left of the center row. Apply another coat of clear gel to encapsulate the design.
Step 3: Wipe off the inhibition layer and use a detail brush to paint small dark gray plus signs between the dots. Seal with gel top coat.

Guest Artists:

Donne & Ginny Geer (@heynicenails)

“We were inspired by all of the senses that are invoked at the circus: the muted colors found on faded posters combined with the sparkles, shine and patterns of the makeup and costumes, as well as the food from the concession stands.”

Donne & Ginny Geerguest artists

[Images: Circus Images Courtesy of Getty Images]

This article was first published in the September 2018 issue of NAILPRO

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