It’s-Still-Summer Stripes | Nail Art
My creative mind may already be wandering toward fall, but it’s STILL summer. Beach umbrellas, striped textiles, sneakers and woven bags inspired a last hurrah of colorful summer stripes.
Opaline Chrome | Nail Art Tutorial
I created this Opaline Chrome look months ago for the Vacation Nail Shop website and completely forgot to film a tutorial. So naturally, I recreated it from memory without looking at the original. The end result wasn't identical, but I think I like it even better. If you've ever wanted to layer chrome-on-chrome without sacrificing the shine, this tutorial walks you through exactly how I do it.
Sunset Ombré | Nail Art Tutorial
There are so many different ways to build an ombré nail, but sometimes the simplest techniques are the most forgiving. In this tutorial I'll show you how I create a soft sunset ombré using powder pigments, along with the little details that make the blend smoother and the finish last.
Tacky Tiger | Nail Art Tutorial
For me, tacky is not an insult. It’s a maximalist, more-is-more, put-a-bird-on-it type of adjective. Inspired by Megan Moroney’s Tiger Cloud cover art, this glittery tiger nail design combines an orange gradient with stamped black stripes.
Fuzzy Tennis Ball | Nail Art Tutorial
I've been having a lot of fun playing with textures and flocking powder over the past year. While creating a sweater nail look for the holidays, an idea lodged itself in my brain. This fuzzy texture would be perfect for a funky set of tennis ball-inspired nails. The only problem? Where was I going to find neon yellow flocking powder?
Frames Flakes | Nail Art Tutorial
Chrome has a tendency to find every bit of leftover stickiness and make itself at home. In this tutorial, I'm sharing how I created this framed flakes design and the little details that help keep chrome crisp, flakes smooth, and overlays from getting bulky.
Puff Paint Flowers | Nail Art Tutorial
These colorful puff paint flower nails reminded me of The Lizzie McGuire Movie, terrible Starbucks cappuccinos, and the fact that growing up doesn't mean giving up whimsy. Follow along as I show you how to create this textured floral nail art using gel and acrylic powder.
Sketchbook Florals | Nail Art Tutorial
Perfectly imperfect is my kind of style, in art and in life. I love the way the new formula of Kokoist Bleeding Ink flows, and for this look I really wanted to lean into the watercolor vibes of it all. Think artsy, billowy, peony-adjacent blooms with a soft painterly finish.
Inky Abstract | Nail Art Tutorial
Inspired by an abstract image I stumbled across on Pinterest, this layered design combines soft color washes, Bleeding Ink, and unexpected tools to create a moody, inky effect with plenty of depth and dimension.
Nail Thoughts Celebration Collection: Interview with Founder Katie Masters + Swatches
Interview with Nail Thoughts founder Katie Masters on the Celebration Collection, surpassing 100 shades, packaging updates, and full swatches.
Cashmere Snowflakes | Nail Art Tutorial
Subtle has never really been my default setting when it comes to nail art. I love a gaudy, sparkly ugly sweater-inspired set, but sometimes you just need a little J.Lo-in-a-beige-sweater kind of holiday nail art moment. These matte neutral snowflakes prove that winter nail art can feel festive, cozy, and seasonal without relying on traditional holiday colors.
Chaotic Tropical Nail Art | Watch Me Work
I will always prefer getting inspiration from non-nail realted sources; shower curtains, lampshades, art, etc… There’s just something so special about creating something unique that can hopefully inspire other clients and artists to think outside the box.
Abstract Lava Lamp | Nail Art Tutorial
While there are definitely more on-the-nose lava lamp manicures out there, I’m more of a fan of a nod-and-wink approach to inspiration. What better way to modernize the lava lamp vibe than to throw in some #aestheticgirl details and a valentine’s adjacent color palette.
Dapper French | Nail Art Tutorial
As much as I wish I had a super quick french manicure hack, the truth is, it’s a little different for every nail shape and length. I find, for me, the best way is to sketch out the smile line, fill in and then perfect with a tapered clean up brush.
Neon Matisse | Nail Art Tutorial
Modern art has always had a place in my heart and, as I was growing up, the walls of my family home. While I’m not necessarily taken by everything Gen-Z is reviving (sweater vests and low rise jeans are a hard pass for me) the renaissance of respect for Henri Matisse’s cut outs is right up my artistic alley.
Autumn Abstract | Nail Art Tutorial
As a full-time salon owner and manicurist, finding time to create content is equal parts chaotic and intentional. Generally speaking, I keep a list of ideas and just kind of chip away in my spare time. However, sometimes ideas come on the fly and you just gotta go with it. This was one of those ideas.
Dark Marble | Nail Art Tutorial
We’re on cruise control straight into Spooky Season. If you’re looking for something Halloween-y that’s not like skulls and blood, this look is for YOU. I love the way the mica flakes pop through the jelly black, creating an oil-slick rainbow when the light hit’s it just right.
Mocha Swirl | Nail Art Tutorial
The verdict is in, we’re all crazy for browns this season. All shades, all opacities- so long as it’s somewhere on the mocha spectrum.
Natural Accent | Nail Art Tutorial
Do you ever have a nail art concept that you just can’t wrap your head around? Welp, that was me with chrome accents. Thankfully, when chatting with Marissa (one of the artists at Vacation Nail Collective) and she gave me the tip of a lifetime (I’ll share below). Instead of a matte top coat, you need to buff the surface of the nail. MIND BLOWN. All these months I was trying to use matte top coat to try to sequester the chrome zone and it was driving me full bonkers.
Pumpkin Spice Leopard | Nail Art Tutorial
It’s halloween time, y’all! Are you ready to make some magic with a fun spooky-color-themed leopard DIY? Sweet! Me too!