NEW global nail art competition

The first World's Star Nail Artist competition has come to a close - and what a wild ride it's been!

We've seen nail products used in astounding ways to create artistry that has kept the judges wowed, inspired and entertained all season.

The competition kicked off in April with a 21-strong shortlist of international nail pros, who were whittled down to a top 12 following a preliminary challenge. These contenders were then tasked with a series of challenges, which saw some fall into the Wild Card deck, clawing for an all-important place in the final via a series of smaller tasks.

The results of four core challenges saw the UK's Katy Pottle and Monika Kupień shoot into the final. With such varied talent shown across the Wild Card deck, and every participant demonstrating the skill, passion and progression required of a winner, the judges couldn't just choose one name to join the duo. The UK's Gemma Dawson and Kamila Borowiec and China's Laiying Liu saw their gameplay extended, and the final challenge was set.

Our top five's final mission was to create nail art that celebrated all things bizarre and surreal across 10 nail tips, inspired by CND's Bizarre Beauty collection. It was then down to the judges to assess this challenge, and the progress of contestants across the competition, to determine who would take home the title - and a wealth of opportunities.