How-To: Stuck In Love

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Lindsay Walters

Lindsay Walters (Nails_by_Lindsay_) shares a tutorial for her "stuck in love" design inspired by Valentine's Day. 

Products Used:

  • Ana Does Nails “Love Bomb” Glitter Acrylic
  • Tones Clear Acrylic to encapsulate the glitter
  • Kiara Sky “Dark Pink” All-in-One Powder for the base color 
  • Madam Glam No Wipe Top Coat   
  • Makartt Rhinestone Glue to secure the rhinestones   

Step 1: Prep the natural nails for acrylic application. TIP: A great prep duo is Babe Nails Nail Prep Dehydrator and Mega Bond. 

Step 2: Apply the color and glitter acrylic. This process varies by nail; they are broken out below:  

  • Thumb Glitter Ombre: Start by applying the dark pink acrylic where the nail tip meets the natural nail and drag your brush lightly toward the tip. Continue building the apex and filling in the cuticle with dark pink making sure to use less product the farther down the nail to achieve the ombre. Next come in with the glitter (Love Bomb). Fill in the clear tip and drag the glitter toward the dark pink, taking care to ensure only smaller glitters are pulled closer to the cuticle.  
  • Pointer Acrylic French: Begin with the first bead where the tip meets the natural nail and drag the acrylic down the center until the French is as deep as desired. From here, add additional beads on top to shape the acrylic into the French tip shape; in this instance a wide U. Build the apex and around the cuticle as normal. If needed, file the French so it is perfectly symmetrical. Come in next with the glitter acrylic and fill in the tip and around the hardened acrylic French.  
  • Middle Glitter Ombre with Dark Pink Base: Apply dark pink acrylic throughout the entire nail, however starting where the tip meets the natural nail, keep the acrylic thin to leave room for the glitter on top. Next go in with the glitter (Love Bomb) over the entire extended tip. Drag only small glitters up past tip.  
  • Ring Dark Pink: This nail is entirely dark pinkno need for encapsulation so this acrylic can be applied as desired. 
  • Pinky Glitter Ombre with Dark Pink Base: Duplicate technique used for the middle finger. 

Step 3: Encapsulate the entire thumb, pointer, middle and pink nail with clear acrylic. Build up the apex and shape where needed. 

Step 4: File and shape the nailsdo not forget to seal the cuticle!  

  • Optional: Drill a hole in the pinky nail to affix a charm when finished. 

Step 5: Apply the rhinestonesthe best part! There are two methods used to apply the rhinestones depending on the desired look:  

  • If placing rhinestones intentionally, such as the thumb, pointer, middle and pinky, squeeze a dab of glue onto a palette plate. One by one, dip grab rhinestones with tweezers and dip the flat side into the glue before placing them on the nail. Set in the lamp for 30 seconds when satisfied with the design. 
  • TIP: for larger rhinestones, apply these first and set them before going in with smaller ones to avoid the bigger ones sliding.
  • For a French tip such as the one pictured, before applying glue to the entire nail, utilize the first technique to outline the French tip, set that in the lamp, and then come in with a thin layer of rhinestone glue over the tip to fill in the rest of the rhinestones. Take care to ensure the ones on or near the edges of the nail are secure with additional glue if needed. Set in the lamp for 30 seconds when satisfied with the design. 

Step 6: Top coat all five nails (around the rhinestones, not on top of them). 

Step 7: Optional: Select the desired charm and a loop connector and attach that with pliers through the hole in the pinky. 

Step 8: Apply cuticle oil and go dazzle the world with your new set! 

Lindsay Walters is a 26-year-old nail influencer currently living in Atlanta, Georgia with her two senior cats, Sushi and Tybee. She started her nail career when she was 18 after being gifted a gel nail lamp for her birthday from her mom. Lindsay has always been passionate about helping others feel comfortable in their skin, be heard and seen, and of course shine beautifully inside and out. She focuses now on providing inspiration for the nail community through her various social media platforms. 

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