Acrylic nails - Goddess nails

god·dess  (gds)

n.

1. A female being of supernatural powers or attributes, believed in and worshiped by a people.

2. often Goddess A female being believed to be the source of life and being and worshiped as the principal deity in various religions. Used with the.

3. An image of a female supernatural being; an idol.

4. Something, such as fame or wealth, that is worshiped or idealized.

5. A woman of great beauty or grace.

Sometimes, wearing beautiful nails makes us feel like a goddess. So why not goddess inspired nails.

The symbol of a goddess usually is a full moon with two crescent moons on each side. But I thought it would be fun to do it with a star, resembling a pentacle.

Ever since I was a little girl I was fascinated by mythical beings. A goddess being one of them is the inspiration for this nail design.

Enjoy!

Gel overlay

Sometimes we don't want a french nail, bling or a complex design. Sometimes we want it simple. A gel overlay is great to give strength, it's a good base for nail polish and it has an amazing shine.

This woman still has her uv polish from 2 weeks ago. It's grown out quite a bit. So I am going to be removing the color, but not the existing gel that is underneath. I am going to use that existing gel in my advantage so that I don't need to add that much more later on when I fill the nails.

As with any nail service, I push back the cuticles.
Removing the color by simply filing it off with a 180 grit file. Also reshape the free edge and if needed make them shorter. If for some reason there is a bit of lifting near the cuticle, also remove that. Also removing the shine of the new nail growth for better adhesion.
I removed all the dust and sprayed the nails with IBD prep, this will dehydrate the nail and get rid of any oils on the nail bed.

With NSI superbond, I prime her natural nail only.
I applied a thin layer of IBD builder gel clear to the entire nail. Then I fill in the nails with the string technique . I went around the cuticle area with a rosewood stick and let it cure for 3 minutes. Repeat on all the nails.

I removed the tacky layer with a lint free wipe and none acetone nail polish remover, reshaped the side walls and free edge and applied a high gloss topcoat. And as always, use some cuticle oil to finish off your service.

If doing a gel overlay on a natural nail, the steps are as followed: push back cuticles, remove shine from natural nail, prep and prime, coat of clear gel with strings, cure, remove tacky layer, reshape side walls and free edge, clear nail polish and finish.

This overlay can be left like this, or you can apply nailpolish, which will last you for weeks without chipping.

Dazzling Emeralds

Prior to the video I already removed the old design and prepped the nails with NSI superbond. Superbond is a great primer for those who suffer from lifting, myself and my mother included. Since I started using this, I rarely have lifting, and the lifting on my mums nails are not as severe as they used to be.

(The reason of our lifting problems is genetic, also very thin natural nails)

First off I start by brushing on a thin coat of IBD builder gel in clear and let that cure for 2 minutes.

This is my base layer.

vivalanails was so kind to send me this emerald glitter, crushed shells and dazzling butterflies.

Thank you.

I mixed some emerald glitter with gel and with a gel brush, I brushed on some glitter to give it a gradient look. With a dotting tool I placed more glitter on the free edge to add more coverage.

With a rosewood stick I picked up the crushed shell and placed that randomly on the uncured gel.

The reason I did not cure the gel is : I now can push the crushed shell in the gel. If I were to cure the gel and then add the crushed shells, it would be on top of the nail, and that makes it unnecessary thick.

I let this cure for 2 minutes.

On the ringfinger I brushed on a thin coat of IBD builder gel clear and added 3 dazzling butterflies, and let that cure for 30-ish seconds, just long enough to lock them in place.

Then I brushed on the final coat of gel and filled the nail up with strings. These will land on the nails, exactly where I want them to be, and it will merge together leaving a smooth area.

I let this layer cure for at least 3 minutes, to make sure everything is hardened.

With a lint free wipe and none acetone nail polish remover, I removed the tacky layer and reshaped the free edge and sidewalls.

Lastly I put on some clear nailpolish, this one is Glosser from Orly, just to give it that bit extra shine.

I hope you like this design.

Summer Sorbet

Summer is coming!

When I think of summer I think of sorbet (sherbet for some?)

Allright, lets get it cracking.

After 5 and a half weeks, it's time for a new design.

In the video I start off by sanitizing and pushing back the cuticles.

She has much cuticles growth so I cut that off.

With an electric drill and a coarse drill bit, I drilled off the old design.

Being careful because a coarse drill bit is very sharp.

After that I went over it with a 100/180 file (used 180) to smooth out any bumps and also to remove the shine from natural nails. And I also reshaped and shortened the nails.

With IBD prep and a lint free wipe, I took away any left over dust and that also dehydrates.

With IBD natural nail primer, I primed the nails.

With IBD builder gel clear and a gel brush, I brushed on a thin coat and let that cure for 2 minutes.

On the free edge, I brush on a thin coat of IBD builder gel clear and start patting on the neon yellow glitter.

Then I pat on hot pink and formed a smile line, letting that cure for 2 minutes.

Camera made the colors less vibrant, and dull looking.

(pictures are true color)

Then I brushed on a thin coat of IBD builder gel clear and started filling up the nail with strings of gel.

Letting that cure for 3 minutes to make sure everything is hardened.

It is important to do each nail separately (one nails, cure, other nail, cure,...)

Or else the gel will run off.

When all 10 are done, I removed the tacky layer with none acetone and a lint free wipe.

With the soft side of a 100/180 file I file the sidewalls and free edge.

I did a stamp on ringfinger and thumb.

With a final coat of gel (only on ringfinger and thumb) I seal in the design, letting that cure for 2-3 minutes. 

I normally would have used regular nailpolish to seal in the design, but this person comes in contact with erosive products from time to time.

Removed tacky layer, applied topcoat and cuticle oil.

Took some pictures and I'm done.

How to do nails on a nailbiter

Why do people bite their nails?

Are they nervous?

Are they scared?

Is it a habit or does it taste good?

All I know is, it doesn't look nice.

Woman's nails are our business card and also shows how well we take care after ourselves.

We can enhance the way our nails look, even with a simple french look.

Whether you use tips, a form or on their own nails, that is up to you and your client.

I am going to do gel nails on her own natural nails, because she asked for it.

If I was to elongate her nails, I would have personally used her own skin as a form.

(her skin is slightly higher than her nails, so putting a form "underneath" her nail won't work, and a tip is too big)

As always start with sanitizing and prep

In the video, I sprayed her hands with IBD prep, this sanitizes her fingers.

I pushed back her cuticles and trimmed off the excess.

(nail biters are more likely to have a larger cuticle growth)

With a 100/180 grit file, I used the 180 side to take away the shine of the natural nail.

When all 10 are done, I removed the dust with a kabuki brush, sprayed her nails with IBD prep and wiped her nails with a lint free wipe. This removes any excess dust and oils and also dehydrates.

In the video I only showed one coat of NSI superbond primer, but I applied 2 coats to promote optimal bonding.

Then with IBD builder gel clear and a gel brush, I brushed on a thin coat.

Nail biters have super tiny nailbeds, so it is best not to use a large brush.

With a rosewood stick I went around the cuticle and sidewalls.

I let that cure for 2 minutes.

With a dotting tool and Jean Marin builder gel white, I start forming her free edge.

I only take a small amount of gel on the dotter and add more when it is needed.

We can't go too thick or else the nail will look unnatural when it is finished.

Don't worry if you touch her skin with gel, just clean it with a rosewood stick.

It is inevitable to make a mess.

Remember: The end result is what counts.

Keep the free edge thin, do not go over 1/3 of the nail or else it won't look good.

(1/3 white, 2/3pink)

With a clean gel brush I cleaned up the smile line and let that cure for 2 minutes.

After all 10 are done, I brushed on a thin layer of IBD builder gel clear with a clean gel brush.

Then with short strings of gel, I build up the nail to get an even and smooth surface.

I went around the cuticle and side walls with a rosewood stick and let that cure for 3 minutes.

When all 10 are done, I removed the tacky layer with non-acetone nailpolish remover and a lint free wipe.

With my file I clean up the sidewalls and free edge.

Removed dust and applied Orly Glosser

(high gloss nail polish)

With cuticle oil, I pampered the cuticles.

Took some pictures and finish!

Nicki Minaj Nail Art

My lovely mom never really went all out with her nails, but lately I can convince her to go a bit more wild and colorful.

And I sure do take advantage of that.

In the videoI start off by pushing back her cuticles for then to remove her old design with a drill and file. I also took away the shine of the natural nail.

When all 10 are done, I dust off the nails and hands. With a nailwipe and IBD prep I dehydrate the nails and that also removes any excess dust and oils.

Then I primed the nails with NSI superbond, because my mom is prone to lifting.

With a gel brush, I brush on a layer of IBD builder gel clear and go around the cuticles with a rosewood stick and let that cure for 2 minutes.

With the same gel, I brushed on a thing layer on the free edge only(except the ringfinger) and put some neon-ish pink on it. With a clean brush I cleaned up the smile line, and let that cure for about 2 minutes.

On her ringfinger I put a layer of gel on the entire nail because I was planning on doing a two color fade, but my mom loved the way it looked with just the purple glitter. Anyways, I let that cure for about 2 minutes.

Then I brush on a thin layer of gel and then did the string technique to fill up and build up the nail, going around the cuticles with a rosewood stick, then letting it cure for 3 minutes.

(This process needs to be done, ONE finger at a time, or else your gel will run off the nail, leaving a complete mess, so when one hand is in the UV lamp, you can work on the other.)

With a nail wipe and nailpolish remover, I removed the tacky layer, and with a file I filed the sidewalls and the free edge.

In the nail of her ringfinger on her left hand, I drilled a hole with a Nail piercer, and then I put on some ORLY Glosser, which is a clear nail polish.

When that was completely dry, I put in the handmade Swarovski dangle.

Then some cuticle oil and some pictures and I'm done.

I hope you like this design.

X

Glitter Toes - Dragonfly

Summer is on it's way and what better way to celebrate that with sparkly toe nails!

As always I start clean and disinfect my tools and nails.

Prep has already been done prior to filming.

In the video I start off by dehydrating the nails with IBD prep, this also removes any excess dust.

Then I prime the natural nail and go ahead with my first coat of IBD builder gel in clear.

I let that cure for 2 minutes.

Then I brush on a thin layer of clear gel and start patting on neon pink glitter, for then to fade it with blue glitter, letting that cure for about 2 minutes.

When all 10 toenails are done, I go ahead with my last coat of gel, so I brush on a thin layer and then I smooth out the surface.

The nails don't need to be thick, just smooth.

And I let that cure for at least 2 minutes.

I removed tacky layer with non-acetone nailpolish remover and filed the sidewalls and free edge.

Then I did some stamping nail art on the big toes, put some clear nail polish on all 10 and let that dry.

When dry, I put on some cuticle oil to the cuticles and took some pictures.

I hope you like the design, and getting in the mood for summer! Joy!!

☆★Leopard print + dangle ☆★

I am completely obsessed with leopard print.

Clothes, scarfs, bathrobe, umbrella, socks, bracelet, arm pillows and nails!

Leopard print is hot, it's sexy, very feminine and yet classic.

Some might think it is ordinary, or even over the top.

But you know what? I do not care at all. I've gotten to a stage in my life where I stopped worrying about what other people think of me.

 I am who I am, I wear what I want.

And only now I dare to show it.

My close friend Karen wanted the same design on her nails like me, so let's go ahead and get started.

Perfect opportunity to film a video.

In the video I start off by sanitizing her nails and pushing back the cuticles.

With a coarse drill bit I took off her previous design  (she thought she'd make it easier for me and already removed her glaze 'n go and design. Thank you lol)

I forgot to press record after drilling away the previous design. But all I did was file with a 100/180 file (180 side), file away any bumps and removed the shine from the natural nail at the cuticles where the nail has grown out.

I removed dust with a kabuki and also with a nail wipe and IBD prep

Then I took NSI prep dx and dehydrated the natural nail.

On her index finger I placed a form and rebuild the nail with NSI clear powder (she broke one because a horse bit her nail, hooray for fake nails!)

Then I start forming the smile line with gold glitter(mixed with clear powder) and with a clean brush I clean up the smile line.

With NSI superbond I primed the natural nail only and starting filling up the nail with NSI attraction totally clear.

When all 10 nails are completely dry, I shaped and filed the nails, removed dust and let Karen wash her hands with warm water and soap to remove dust and excess chemicals.

With a stamper, stamping polish and an image plate, I did the leopard print.

Then I put on a UV activated topcoat : Glaze 'n go and let that cure for 3 minutes.

With a nail piercer I drilled a hole in her nail on her ring finger.

I put a dangle trough and closed it with pliers.

On her other ring finger, I made a 3D bow with NSI white powder and a no.2 acrylic brush.

With some cuticle oil, I massaged her cuticles and then took some pictures.

I hope you like this design.

x

Easter Nail Art

So now Easter is on it's way, and to me Easter is:

Pastel colors, eggs, bunnies,...

I did this set on my mum, and I really like how the yellow and the purple shells came out.

Prior to filming I already removed the old design with a 100/180 grit file.

In the video I dehydrate her nails with IBD prep, this also removes any excess dust.

Then I prime her nails with NSI superbond nail primer.

I brush on a thin coat of IBD builder gel clear as a base, and let that cure for 2 minutes.

ThenI brush a thin layer of clear gel on the free edge (DO NOT CURE)

Then I start patting on a neon yellow glitter.

This glitter is from Viva la nails.

With a clean brush I start forming a smile line, and let that cure for 2 minutes

On the ring finger I brush on a thin layer of clear gel and start placing purple crushed shells

to resemble egg shells

I let that cure only for a minute.

The next step is the same on all nails (one at a time)

Brush on a thin layer of gel and start building your thickness and strength.

Let each nail cure for at least 3 minutes.

With none acetone nail polish remover and a lint free wipe I take away the tacky layer.

Then file the sidewalls and free edge.

With white-ish acrylic powder I formed the bunny.

First the head, then the ears, and when that's dry I put some eyes on and a pink nose.

I put on Orly Glosser as a topcoat, let that dry and then massage some cuticle oil into the cuticles and surrounding skin.

Pictures and done.

I hope you enjoy this simple Easter nail art.

☆★ ROCKSTAR TOE NAILS ★☆

Meet my litte piggies!

It was about time I redid my toenails, and now since it is getting warmer and almost spring, I thought it would be a great idea to so.

In the video I start off by sanitizing the toes. Then I push back my cuticles.

With a 100/180 file I take away the shine of the toenails. (180 side)

Then I dust away any dust.

Then I prime the toenails with natural nail primer from IBD.

I apply my first coat of clear builder gel from IBD, going around the cuticles area with a rosewood stick

and let that cure in the U.V. light for 2 minutes

Then I shake out some neon pink glitter and purple glitter onto a tray.

I put on a thin coat of clear builder gel from IBD and then with a clean brush I start patting on the pink glitter at the free edge fading it up.

With another clean brush I pick up some of that gorgeous sparkling purple glitter and place that on the cuticle area, fading it downwards, towards the free edge.

Going around the cuticle are with a rosewood stick and letting that cure for 2 minutes.

Did that to all 10 toes.

Then I go in with my last coat of clear builder gel from IBD.

The first coat goes on thin, and the second coat (without curing in between) goes on a bit thicker to creat a smooth surface.

We don't need a nice arch or curve on the toenails, just a shiny even surface.

Going around the cuticle area with a rosewood stick one more time, and letting that cure for 3 minutes.

When all 10 are done, I take a lint free wipe with non acetone nail polish remover

 and remove the tacky layer.

Then I'm filing the sidewalls and the free edge, remove dust and apply ORLY glosser (clear nail polish)

And that's it!

☆★ Acrylic nails - Mystical Wings ★☆

It seems that I am staying in the "fantasy" range here.

Previous one "witches brew" and now "mystical wings"

Oooh never mind, I love fantasy.

I have already removed the old design: Cupcake nails

and pushed back cuticles and removed the shine from the natural nails.

In the video  I started by cleaning off any oils and dust with IBD prep and a lint free wipe.

Then I use NSI prep DX to dehydrate the nail.

That dries to a chalky white (on natural nails)

Then I go in with NSI superbond nail primer.

Next, I pick up a ball of neon pink glitter acrylic and place that on the free edge, fading up towards the cuticle. I had to take a bit more for a nice coverage.

On the ringfinger I put a coat of primer and then a small ball of clear acrylic so that the glitter is not going to stain the nailbed(or that the nailbed isn't going to be damaged while removing the old design later on)

Then I do the same with the neon pink and at the cuticle area I placed down a ball of purple acrylic glitter and fade that down towards the free edge and at this point my hair gets in the frame.

When all fingers are done, I am going to encapsulate the design with clear acrylic.

On all fingers, except the ringfinger, I put a coat of primer(natural nail only) and encapsulate the design.

On the ringfinger, I wet the design with a bit of monomer, to make sure there won't be any cloudiness

and then encapsulate with clear.

When all are dry, I file and shape the nails.

Then I let my friend wash her hands with soap and water to remove any dust and leftover chemicals.

When all is dry I am going to do some art with butterfly stamps.

Fairly simple: polish it, scrap it, stamp it, finish it.

Then I use Glaze 'n go to finish off the nails, letting that cure for 2-3 minutes.

Cuticle oil and pictures and I'm done 

☆★ Witches Brew★☆

Witches Brew seemed a great name for these gel nails.

With the black and silver, thought it would be fun.

I already removed the old design and pushed back cuticles and all that good stuff, the nails were prepped and ready to go.

So in the video I start off by dehydrating the nails, with IBD prep and a lint free wipe.

Then I take my primer, wipe the excess on a paper towel and put it on the natural nail only.

The primer I am using is from IBD "natural nail primer"

Then I take IBD bonder and dab some on every nail, then I take a synthetic brush and brush it on the nail in a up and down motion(rubbing it in)

Let that cure in the U.V. light for 1 minute.

Then I take IBD builder gel in clear and put down a base layer on every nail, and then I go around the cuticle area with a rosewood stick.

Let that cure for 2 minutes.

Then I take a bit of IBD builder gel in clear and put that on the free edge.

I did not use a lot.

 I put some glitter in a tray and then with a brush I start patting the silver holo glitter onto the nail, going into the glitter on the nail, back in the glitter,  back on the nail.

Then I take a clean brush and start putting the black glitter on the smile line area.

With a clean brush I perfect my smile line, and once I'm happy with how it looks, I let that cure for 1-2 minutes to make sure the glitter isn't going anywhere and is locked in place.

When all 10 fingers are done, I get a bit of IBD builder gel in clear and put down a thin layer of gel.

Then I dip my brush into the gel to make a nice string.

With that string I start to wiggle left to right on the nail.

That is how I like to build the nail.

As you'll see in the video, the gel self levels and leaves a smooth surface.

Once I got the desired shape and thickness I go around the cuticle area with my rosewood stick and let that cure for at least 3 minutes just to make sure the gel has completely cured.

(if gel is not cured long enough, it can peel away from the nail and starts to lift)

When every nail is done I take none acetone nailpolish remover onto a lint free wipe and take away the tacky layer of the gel.

Then I file the sidewalls and the free edge, remove the dust and apply some nail polish.

I used "glosser" by ORLY

When the nail polish is dry I apply some cuticle oil and rub that in.

Take pictures and you are done :)

☆★ Cherry red gel nails ★☆

So these nails are pretty easy to do, even with nailpolish.

In the video I start off by sanitizing the hands and push back the cuticles.

I did not film how I removed the old design, you can watch that in my previous nail tutorial (dolphin nails)

When the old design is removed, you carefully take away the shine off of the natural nail with a soft file (180 grit or softer)

Dust off and dehydrate.

Apply a coat of primer on the natural nails only

Apply a thin layer of clear gel, go around the cuticles with a rosewood stick and let that cure for 2 minutes

Take a bit of clear gel on your brush and apply that on the free edge where you want your glitter to be

Clean off your brush and pick up the red glitter and pat it on the nail

form a nice smile line and let that cure for 2 minutes

This time pick up some clear gel and go over the entire nail, place the sticker on the nail, you can move it around till you are pleased with the position, let that cure for a little while so ensure the sticker is stuck on the nail

Now pick up a little bit more clear gel and go over the entire nail again, and start building it.

I use the string technique.

Let that cure for at least 3 minutes

When all 10 fingers are done, remove the sticky layer with nail polish remover and a lint free wipe

Then file the sidewalls and the free edge

Remove dust and put on a topcoat, let that dry, apply some cuticle oil and massage that in, and you're done

Products used:

IBD prep

NSI superbond nail primer

IBD builder gel clear

cherry red glitter

nailsticker

nailpolish remover 

★☆Poisonous Princess nails☆★

"Poisonous Princess"

That is how I shall name these nails

The picture and the video does not show the real colors, in real life they are much brighter and prettier.

Too bad you can not see it.

So the color is a very bright green-yellow, that reminds me of a poisonous snake or frog.

And the bow makes it cute and girly, hence Poisonous Princess

So first off I start by disinfecting the are I will be working on, and that are the nails.

Then I gently push back the cuticles.

With my electric drill, I am taking away the UV gel only.

If you lave any gel on the free edge, that's allright, I will be cutting a new smile line anyways.

When that's done, I take my file (100/180) and with the softest side, I smooth out the acrylic that may have been dented from the electric drill.

Then I will make sure that the acrylic is flush to the natural nail, and if you have any lifting, you have to take care of that.

Next, I am gently taking away the shine of the natural nail, and of course shape into your desired shape and length.

Remove dust, I use a kabuki brush.

Then I take a dehydrator and a cotton swap and cleanse the nails from any excess dust and oils.

Next I take my primer and drain the excess on a paper towel, and I do one coat on the natural nails only.

If you need 2 or 3 coats of primer (careful not to use too much) then you go ahead and do so.

When that's done I grab a ball of acrylic powder and start rebuilding the nail again.

When that's completely dry, I take my electric drill again and start carving out the new smile line

and then taking away the color.

Dust off and you're ready to push some color to the new smile line.

I pick up a ball of my poisonous green and push it to the edges and filling in the free edge.

After that, I pick up a ball of clear acrylic to encapsulate the color.

Let that dry completely. You can hear when it is dry, just tap on it with the handle of your brush and if it sounds like "plastic" then it is dry.

If it sound hollow, then it needs to dry a bit more.

Then I use a handfile to shape the nails to the desired thickness and shape.

When that's done, you can go wash your hands(or your client) to get rid off any excess chemicals and dust.

At this point you can put on a topcoat and you're done.

I did a design on them with stamps.

Pick an image plate of your choice, put some polish on it, scrape it and stamp it.

When that's done, I put on a gel sealer to make it nice and shiny.

Let that cure in the light for 2-3 minutes, add some cuticle oil and you are finished.