NAILSPIRATION: Vamos a la Playa

Miami, Florida-based Vanity Projects nail artist Claudia Rosario (@_thenailgenie) celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with a set of festive tips. “My own cultural background inspired this set,” says Rosario. “I sourced my favorite elements from the Dominican Republic like beautiful beaches, traditional music and dancing.”

Step 1 Apply two coats of light blue gel polish to the entire nail. Use the techniques above to create an ombré effect and add clouds. Then, paint a white rectangle at the free edge of the nail.

Step 2 Paint dark blue and red squares on the corners of the rectangle to symbolize the Dominican Republic flag.

Step 3 Paint the rim of the drum with brown gel polish. Create dimension by adding darker brown accents.

Step 4 Paint crisscross lines along the drum with off-white gel polish. Paint white musical notes on top of the drum. Finish with gel top coat.

*Cure after every gel application unless otherwise noted.

Step 1 Apply two coats of light blue gel polish to the entire nail.

Step 2 Use a sponge to apply darker blue gel polish to the base of the nail, creating an ombré effect. Repeat two to three times until you achieve the desired look.

Step 3 Paint clouds with sheer white gel polish. Use tan gel polish to create the look of sand at the free edge. Dot it with darker brown or add sheer glitter to create dimension.

Step 4 Accent the clouds and sand with a true white polish. Finish with gel top coat.