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Rachel Messick

manicurist

  • PORTFOLIO
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Kokoist Terra Magnet Gel Collection (Fall 2025)

This post contains gifted product and/or affiliate commission codes/links . Disclosure statement linked in bio and also available here https://rachelmessick.com/disclosure


It’s undeniable that magnet gels are having a moment. With so many ways to manipulate the velvety fine pigments and particles, how could we not love them?

How do magnet gels work? Are they magic? While the effects are magical, magnet gels are simply iron particles suspended in transparent gel. While the iron particles may appear frosty at first swipe, they “stand up” when manipulated with a magnet and once cured, they stay in place.

Kokoist USA was kind enough to send me their upcoming Terra Magnet collection (launching 10/27/25) and after swatching all twelve nature-inspired shades I am SO excited to get these on my clients.

Use code RACHEL10 when you shop at KokoistUSA.com and save a lil’ somethin’ on your Kokoist faves✨

Without further ado, let’s get on to the SWATCHES….

TM-47 Lavender Haze

TM-48 Stone Mist

TM-49 Bengala Red

TM-50 Pink Horizon

TM-51 Mushroom Stone

TM-52 Sahara Dust

TM-53 Deep Forest

TM-54 Aqua Glow

TM-55 Mossy Stone

TM-56 Terra Blue

TM-57 Foggy Turquoise

TM-58 Navy Earth


tags: kokoist
categories: swatch
Friday 10.17.25
Posted by Rachel Messick
 

Dapper French

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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.

The real show stopper here is the Ultra Diamond No-Wipe Top Coat, it’s such an easy way tp add a nice even layer of glitz for the holidays.

You can save 10% off your Kokoist USA goodies when you shop using code RACHEL10. This is an affiliate link, disclosure statement here.

tags: kokoist
categories: Pro Tutorial
Wednesday 10.27.21
Posted by Rachel Messick
 

Nuance Tortoise Shell Tutorial

In my studio, we go gaga for tortoise shell designs of all kinds. You want a punchy traditional amber tortoise? say no more. You want a blonde tortoise? I got you. The one type of tortoise that was missing from my arsenal was a melty, caramel swishy tortoise. The kind of tortoise that would adorn a vintage compact or music box.

VIntage Tortoise Shell Box for Inspiration

VIntage Tortoise Shell Box for Inspiration

This technique utilizes wet layers, meaning we’re going to me smushing and swirling a a bit before the hand ever goes in to the lamp for a cure. The trick with wet layers, is that you want to give them a moment to settle in and disperse before you cure.

Let those wet layers swirl and twirl, don’t overwork them.

Let those wet layers swirl and twirl, don’t overwork them.


Products Used:

Kokoist Color Gel in E-223 Midnight Chocolate

Kokoist Color Gel in E-239S Giallo Yellow Glass

Vetro No. 19 Gel Pod in #261 Jewel Umber

Nail Labo Gold Foil

Vetro No. 19 Gel Pod in #260 Jewel Topaz

Kokoist Ultra Glossy Non Wipe Top Coat Gel

Kokoist Round Brush

Nail Thoughts x Kokoist Detailer 


tags: tortoise shell, watch me work, Tutorial, pro tutorial, gel, kokoist, vetro, japanese gel
categories: Pro Tutorial
Wednesday 02.10.21
Posted by Rachel Messick
 

Variegated Monstera Nail Art Tutorial

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If you have found yourself on Plant TikTok or Plant Instagram lately, you’ve for SURE seen these rare and coveted mutant monstera plants. I too have spent a bit too much time on Etsy cruising for affordable clippings (FYI the cheapest I’ve found are upwards of $300)- so don’t worry, you’re not alone.

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So, instead of spending an inordinate amount on clippings, let’s create some nail art. Because it’s 2021, we really can have it all. Also, I am fully obsessed with the From the Nail Cereal Glitter gel, it creates the perfect speckled ceramic vibe. I also opted for an easy to draw stylized monstera, that I promise, you’ll be able to recreate with a little bit of practice.


Products:

Luxio Color Gel in Cremelle

Luxio Color Gel in Incognito

Luxio Color Gel in Pure

Nail Thoughts x Kokoist Detailer

Presto Liner L Brush

From The Nail Cereal Glitter Gel

Kokoist Velvet Matte Non Wipe Top Coat Gel

tags: luxio, kokoist, presto, japanese gel, korean gel, from the nail
categories: Pro Tutorial
Wednesday 01.27.21
Posted by Rachel Messick
 

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