Ocean Melt | Watch Me Work
watch me work Rachel Messick watch me work Rachel Messick

Ocean Melt | Watch Me Work

Can't have the blues when you're beach bound. This ocean-inspired marble manicure was created for a beach wedding and captures everything I love about summer: crashing waves, seafoam, and that magical moment when blooming gel does exactly what you hoped it would.

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Luna Blaise for Interview Magazine | On Set
Rachel Messick Rachel Messick

Luna Blaise for Interview Magazine | On Set

A behind-the-scenes look at my work with Luna Blaise for Interview Magazine. Shot around Hollywood motels and back lots, the editorial paired designer fashion with everyday California grit while keeping the manicure natural and understated.

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Teen Vogue x Coach Featuring Iris Apatow | On Set
On Set Rachel Messick On Set Rachel Messick

Teen Vogue x Coach Featuring Iris Apatow | On Set

Problem solving and creative solutions give me a thrill. When the creative team for this Teen Vogue x Coach special issue wanted the iconic Coach "C" incorporated into the nail design, a little outside-the-box thinking, a few pairs of earrings, and some expedited shipping helped bring the look to life.

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Chaotic Tropical Nail Art | Watch Me Work
Rachel Messick Rachel Messick

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.

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ICEGEL Flash On / Off Collection | Review + Swatches
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ICEGEL Flash On / Off Collection | Review + Swatches

When ICEGEL released the first round of Flash On / Off gels I was absolutely smitten. They are a very subtle sparkle in natural light but when you put them under a light or flash they transform into an ultra-reflective finish. The original collection was more on the cool-side, lots of blues, purples, silvers- so I was super psyched to grab the more neutral pink and beige collection.

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Double Moss Arte Palette Ring & Primero Brush Set | Product Review
Product Swatches, Nail Art Tutorials Rachel Messick Product Swatches, Nail Art Tutorials Rachel Messick

Double Moss Arte Palette Ring & Primero Brush Set | Product Review

I’ve been following Betina Goldstein for years now- you probably have too. She’s kind of the queen of the gorgeous DIY manicure videos along with a crazy long list of celeb clients. Long before I put down the makeup brush and picked up the nail file, I was following her on insta. She’s got an effortlessly chic aesthetic, perfect hands and her beautiful videos are absolutely swoon-worthy. She’s also as sweet as pie and gives me those classy cool vibes- like, I firmly believe she is somebody who can wear all white, eat tacos and not spill anything and I’m here for it.

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Neon Matisse | Nail Art Tutorial
Nail Art Tutorials Rachel Messick Nail Art Tutorials Rachel Messick

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.

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Autumn Abstract | Nail Art Tutorial
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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. 

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Dark Marble | Nail Art Tutorial
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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.

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Natural Accent | Nail Art Tutorial
Nail Art Tutorials Rachel Messick Nail Art Tutorials Rachel Messick

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.

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