Behind the Cover: A Wondrous Winterland Affair

Meet our November/December 2024 cover artist Mercedes Buck (@richnailsrva), a dedicated nail artist and owner of RICH Nail Lounge & Suites in Richmond, Virginia. Buck is also a winner of Nailpro's first 30 Over 30 cohort. A native of New York, Buck received a degree in mass communication before attending the International School of Skin, Nailcare, and Massage Therapy. Aside of owning her salon, Buck also works for the public schools system as an instructional specialist where she is able to make an impact on cosmetology programs throughout the city.

Nailpro [NP]: How did you get into the nail industry?

Mercedes Buck [MB]: I’ve loved doing nails since I was a child, so it was always a hobby. After graduating from college, I decided to attend nail school to get licensed. 

NP: What do you consider your specialty and why?

MB: Natural nail services (manis, gel manis, and pedicures) is my specialty because it comes easy to me and the finished product always gives me the most satisfaction. 

NP: What is your favorite design to do?

MB: Anything with bling!

NP: Where do you get your inspiration for your creations?

MB: I get my inspiration from reality tv shows such as The Real Housewives. I love a simple classy and chic look with a pop of art.

NP: Where did you get the inspiration for this look?

MB: When I think of winter, I think of snow, Christmas, and joy! The team of nail techs at RICH Nail Lounge wanted to all be involved, so we decided to keep my nails simple with no art and to use a snow globe to create the illusion of me seeing all of the wonderful winter nail art concepts.

NP: What are you hoping for in the future of the nail industry?

MB: More diversity in salon ownership. RICH Nail Lounge is the only black-owned full-service nail salon in Richmond, VA and I hope to see that number grow in the near future.

Mercedes' 5 Salon Must-Haves

• RICH sugar scrub
• Valentino cover powders
• DND gel polishes
• Not Polish monomer
• Rhinestones

How-To: Snowy Winter

Snowy Winter

Nail tech: Jaeden Smith

1. Apply the base colors of your choice (icy blues, whites, or silver for a winter theme).
2. Apply chrome powders for a metallic winter look.
3. Add intricate line work and snowflakes.
4. Seal the chrome nails with a matte top coat for a frosty effect.
5. Create a white icy border around the whole nail for extra winter vibes.
6. Incorporate white stripes and sprinkle loose white glitter for a snowy look.
7. Add charms, rhinestones, and a snowman figure for a fun touch!
8. Finish with some loose glitter lines to add a final shimmer to the design.

How-To: Winter Blues

Winter Blues

Nail tech: Tilayha Brutley

1. After applying The Gel Bottle rubber base and curing, paint each nail with one of the following colors: white, brown, and nude (then cure).
2. Outline your design using a small detail brush with the polish of your choice (do not cure).
3. Load your brush with polish and fill in the design outline.
4. Use dotting tools to help with tiny details, such as the buttons on the gingerbread figure.
5. Apply a glossy top coat (then cure).

How-To: Santa Jack

Santa Jack

Nail tech: Arianna Rivas

1. Polish full nail with red glitter gel and cure. Use a dotting tool and a liner brush to create snowflakes and cure. Add top coat and cure.
2. Draw Jack Skellington with white gel polish and liner brush and cure. Outline with black gel liner and fill the hat and jacket with red gel polish and cure. Add top coat and cure.
3. Use a white gel polish to create the French tip. Draw lines with black gel and liner brush on top of the French and outline the white French tip with black polish. Use the dotting tool with red polish for cranberries and green polish for leaves, then outline with white gel polish and cure. Add top coat and cure.
4. Polish full nail with black gel. Top coat and cure. Then use a black liner to draw a sweater design. Do not cure. Sprinkle clear acrylic on top of the sweater design and cure.