Combining shades of stone gray and iridescent purple, geode-inspired nail art is one of the hottest trends. Being an iridescent style, there are no right or wrong application techniques, therefore it is perfect for those who do not have a steady hand. The procedure isn't lightning-fast, but the results are worth every effort.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Creating the Base
Step 1. Prepare your nails
Clean them with a manicure brush and remove old nail polish with acetone or a solvent. Cut and file your nails to get the desired shape.
If you don't have a steady hand, apply petroleum jelly to the cuticle area, peeling it off at the end of the procedure
Step 2. Apply a base on each nail
To start, spread it only on the tip, then work on the rest of the nail. This technique helps to better protect the nails and make the manicure last longer.
Step 3. Paint your nails using a light gray nail polish
Since it forms the basis of nail art, make sure it is matte, without any iridescence or shimmer. If it is dense, only one pass is enough, while if it is lightly pigmented, two are needed.
You could create more depth on the outer edges of the nail by applying a darker gray polish
Step 4. Let your nails dry
Once the base is dry, you can start creating the actual nail art, preparing everything you need.
Part 2 of 3: Creating a Shimmer
Step 1. Take a purple nail polish that contains glitter and apply it to the nail in a thick, wavy line
Choose a bright purple, reminiscent of precious stones such as amethyst. Instead, avoid dark or pastel shades. The wavy line does not necessarily have to be drawn in the center: you can also make it sideways.
You don't have to repeat the process on every single nail: you can create a geode-inspired nail art even by painting the nail of a single finger (such as the ring finger) to create a sharp contrast with the others
Step 2. You could create more sparkle by using some glitter
Get a clear nail polish that contains thick, iridescent glitter. Pour it onto a small tray. Add some light and dark purple nail art glitter, mixing everything together with a toothpick. Apply the finished product on the purple wavy line with the help of a brush.
Step 3. Take a thin brush and apply white iridescent polish to the outer edges of the purple wavy line
For a more realistic effect, pour a few drops of clear nail polish on a small tray. Add a few drops of a pearly white nail polish and a pinch of iridescent nail art glitter. Mix the nail polishes with a toothpick, also using it for application on the nail.
Try to apply this mixture to the outer edges of the purple line, rather than the gray part
Step 4. To further decorate your nails you could apply some diamonds with nail art glue
Before putting them on you can do a coat of clear polish on the nails. To get a colorful effect, mix crystals, coarse nail glitter and nail art foil.
Part 3 of 3: Final Touch
Step 1. Outline the space between the gray and purple nail polish using black acrylic paint
Dip a fine-tipped nail art brush into the product. Carefully outline the space between the gray and purple nail polish. Take care of the next step right away, before it dries.
If you have decided to create this nail art on all nails, treat them one at a time: for the next step to be successful, the polish must be fresh
Step 2. Trace the outline with a wet brush before the polish dries
This helps to blur the line and create an iridescent effect.
Step 3. Add white to create highlights
Use the same technique used with black acrylic paint: outline a few spots of white, then blend them with a clean, wet brush. It is not necessary to outline everything in white. Using little of it gives a better effect.
Step 4. If you have created the nail art on only one nail, you can create an effect on the others that resembles stones and rocks
Lightly mix some white, gray, and black nail polish on a small tray, leaving streaks in the mixture. Pick it up with a wedge makeup sponge and dab it on your nails.
This procedure should only be performed on the nails on which you have only extended the gray base
Step 5. Secure the nail art with a clear top coat
Also make sure it is shiny, otherwise the shimmery effect will be matte. If you used diamonds, apply it to them first, then go over the entire nail.
Step 6. If necessary, clean your nails
Observe the final result. If there is any nail polish on your finger or cuticle, remove it using a brush dipped in solvent or acetone. If you applied petroleum jelly before starting, peel it off at the end of the procedure.
Advice
- Geodes don't have to be purple, you can try other trendy colors too, like white.
- Geodes can be made on all nails or on just one (such as that of the ring finger) to create a contrast.
- If you are making geodes on all the nails, create a contrast on the middle or ring finger by drawing a geode that takes up the entire nail.
- See pictures of real geodes for inspiration.
