Cheetah Print Nails with Gold Foil

Difficulty

Moderate

Time required

1 Hour

Salon price

Est. $53+ / Mani

DipWell price

Est. $4.50 / Mani

Cheetah nails are the cat’s meow! 🐆 We’ll show you exactly how to create this cheetah print design on a gorgeous mauvy dip powder base with an accent of shimmery gold.

PRO TIP: Make sure you thoroughly prep nails to ensure adhesion & long-lasting wear! Push back cuticles, create a rough texture on the nail plate by filing, and sanitize thoroughly.

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Gold foil & a square of aluminum foil. You can pick up gold foil online or at your local craft store!

Step 1

Apply a coat of Step 1 Bond. Allow 1-2 minutes for bond to dry completely.

Step 2

Apply a thin coat of Step 2 Base and immediately dip fingernail, at an angle, into dip powder. Here we are using the shade NA-21. The rest of the nails were dipped into NA-10.

PRO TIP: Avoid getting the product onto cuticles, powder will pick up wherever Base is applied.

Step 3

Tap finger to remove loose powder, and use a fluffy brush to sweep off excess powder.

Step 4

Repeat for more coverage.

PRO TIP: Brushes may harden or pick up color powder during application. Simply switch them between Brush Softener for easy cleaning & workability.

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Step 5

On a small piece of foil add a couple drops of Step 2 Base.

Step 6

Use a pointed tool, like an orange wood stick, to apply Step 2 Base in the shape of a spot. Add a gold foil flake to the wet Step 2 Base. Repeat to create more spots, and be sure to work one spot at a time.

Step 7

Use Step 2 Base to outline the gold foil spots. Use a small scoop to pour CL-12 over the wet base. Repeat until all spots are complete, making sure to remove loose powder after each outline by tapping finger.

Step 8

Apply another coat of Step 2 Base and immediately dip fingernail, at an angle, into Base & Finish powder.

Step 9

Apply Step 3 Activator, and allow 3-5 minutes for dip powder to harden.

PRO TIP: If you live in a humid climate, you may need to increase your dry time.

Step 10

File & buff the nails until you’ve achieved the desired shape and smoothness.

Step 11

Wash hands or use a lint-free wipe saturated in alcohol to wipe nails clean.

PRO TIP: Make sure nails are completely dry before moving to the next step!

Step 12

Apply a second coat of Step 3 Activator. Allow 3-5 minutes for nails to dry.