Learn how to create multiple looks with one simple nail art technique.
The marble mani is one of the hottest nail art trends, and there are a variety of products on the market that make it easier than ever to blend away. From blooming gels to tinted lacquers, they all have one thing in common: A drop of the product immediately turns your traditional color palette into a watercolor effect. Love the technique, but bored with the execution? Fear not; we provide you with three ways to use the marbleizing technique that will inspire you and your clients to create more.
Look One: The Classic Marble Mani
Step 1: Prep the nail, and apply two coats of off-white gel polish, curing after each.
Step 2: Remove the tacky layer, and then dot pink and purple watercolor polish or gel polish onto the nail in a “Y” shape. (If working with a watercolor gel, apply the product before adding the dots of gel color).
Step 3: When working with a watercolor polish, lightly dip a flat gel brush into acetone or alcohol and spread the watercolor polish around the nail to create imperfect lines. If using watercolor gel, use the product to manipulate the design. Cure if necessary.
Step 4: Paint a thin line at the cuticle with gold glitter gel polish. Finish the design with gel top coat and cure.
Related: Up Your Nail Art with Shadow and Dimension
Look Two: Blooming Blossoms
Step 1: Prep the nail, and apply two coats of nude gel polish, curing after each.
Step 2: Remove the tacky layer, and then create flower petals at the free edge with dark red watercolor polish or gel polish. Use a lighter red on the inside of the petals to create dimension. (If working with a watercolor gel, apply the product before adding the dots of gel color). Cure if necessary.
Step 3: Outline the petals with black gel paint and place small dots at the center of the flower; cure.
Step 4: Repeat the process to create green leaves. Then outline the leaves and add detail with black gel paint; cure. Seal with gel top coat and cure.
Related: Vanity Projects Helps Your Marble Mani
Look Three: True Turquoise
Step 1: Prep the nail, and then apply one coat of sheer turquoise gel polish and cure.
Step 2: Remove the tacky layer and drop green and blue watercolor polish or gel polish onto the nail. (If working with a watercolor gel, apply the product before adding the dots of gel color). Cure if necessary.
Step 3: Paint black veins across the nail with gel paint; do not cure. While the paint is still wet, use a dry brush to blur the black lines.
Step 4: Paint a thin line at the cuticle with gold glitter gel polish and cure. Seal the design with gel top coat and cure.
Note: All watercolor-effect products work slightly differently. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the product you have.
This article was first published in the October 2018 issue of NAILPRO
