Mermaid magic

Finished Pic

Step by Step

Scratch Stars award-winning nail blogger, Natasha Lee, reveals how to create this magical iridescent mermaid nail look. Discover more at www.natashalee.info

Step 1
After performing prep, apply a layer of white gel polish and cure.
Step 2
Select a variety of pastel gel polish shades and apply a pale blue hue down the centre of the nail in a thick line using a tripping brush. Do not cure.
Step 3
Apply a pastel lilac stripe either side of the blue, followed by pastel pink and pastel yellow. Do not cure.
Step 4
Using a clean, dry striping brush, feather the colours together where they meet to create a soft pastel rainbow gradient, then cure.
Step 5
Apply a No Cleanse gel polish top coat and cure.
Step 6
Using a flat edged silicone tool, firmly rub a unicorn-style dust or pigment onto each nail. Continue until the whole nail is covered and has a mirror shine.
Step 7
Apply two coats of gel polish top coat, curing between each layer. Cap the free edge to avoid chipping.
Step 8
Apply a clear builder or strengthening gel towards the cuticle area. Do not cure.
Step 9
Place chrome shells, crystals, pearls and iridescent caviar beads into the gel. Cure and remove the sticky layer.