Monet-Inspired Dried Flower
3D Tulip Gel Nails Tutorial

Create an artistic Monet-inspired manicure featuring delicate encapsulated dried flowers, soft blush gradients, and stunning 3D embossed tulip art.

Steps

1. 1Apply first layer of nude gel polish

   

   Apply an initial thin coat of nude gel polish evenly across the artificial nail tip. Ensure smooth coverage from the cuticle area down to the free edge, keeping the layer very thin to prevent bubbling or uneven curing.

   Tip: Applying thin layers is essential for proper curing and a smooth foundation.
2. 2Apply second layer of nude gel polish

   

   Apply a second thin layer of nude gel polish over the first cured coat to deepen the color and achieve a uniform, opaque base. Cap the free edge lightly with the brush to seal the polish.

   Tip: Make sure the first coat is fully cured before applying the second layer.
3. 3Apply matte top coat

   

   Brush a layer of matte top coat across the entire nail surface. Cure under the lamp. This matte finish creates a textured base that makes subsequent detailed artwork and powder applications much easier to control.

   Tip: A matte base prevents liquid colors from spreading too much, giving you better control during blush nail art.
4. 4Dab pink blush color

   

   Using a fine detail brush, dab a pink-toned blush color directly into the center of the nail. Lightly feather the edges outward to create a soft, diffused gradient effect resembling a natural blush.

   Tip: Keep your brush strokes light and use minimal product to avoid harsh lines in the center.
5. 5Build up blush opacity

   

   Apply additional light, thin layers of the pink blush color over the center area to increase the color intensity and depth. Cure briefly between layers if necessary to lock the pigment in place.

   Tip: Building opacity in multiple thin layers creates a more natural and dimensional gradient look.
6. 6Apply adhesive gel for decoration

   

   Using a fine detail tool, place a small drop of adhesive gel onto the specific area of the nail where you plan to attach the dried flowers. This will act as a secure anchor for the embellishments.

   Tip: Use just enough adhesive to hold the flowers without overflowing onto the surrounding nail surface.
7. 7Place dried flowers on the nail

   

   Using a pair of tweezers, carefully pick up small dried flowers and place them onto the uncured adhesive gel dots on the nail surface. Arrange the flowers to create a delicate floral composition along the side of the nail.

   Tip: Work quickly and precisely with the tweezers to place the flowers exactly where you want them before the gel shifts.
8. 8Cover with plastic wrap and press flat

   

   Place a small piece of plastic wrap directly over the freshly placed dried flowers on the nail. Gently press down on the plastic wrap to flatten the flowers completely against the adhesive surface, ensuring there are no lifted edges or air bubbles before curing.

   Tip: Pressing the flowers flat with plastic wrap prevents them from sticking up and ensures a smooth encapsulation layer later.
9. 9Cure with plastic wrap in place

   

   While keeping the plastic wrap pressed firmly over the dried flowers to hold them flat, place the hand under the UV or LED lamp to cure the adhesive gel. This locks the flat position of the flowers in place.

   Tip: Hold the plastic wrap steady while curing to ensure the flowers do not lift or shift under the light.
10. 10Apply builder gel reinforcement

    

    After curing the flowers under the lamp and removing the plastic wrap, apply a layer of builder gel over the entire nail. This step reinforces the nail structure, encapsulates the floral elements securely, and smooths out any surface unevenness.

    Tip: Make sure to cover the edges of the dried flowers completely with builder gel to prevent them from catching or peeling off.
11. 11Apply final glossy top coat

    

    Apply a final layer of glossy top coat over the entire nail to seal the design and provide a brilliant, long-lasting shine. Cap the free edge and cure under the UV or LED lamp according to instructions.

    Tip: Capping the free edge with top coat is crucial to sealing the layers and preventing premature chipping.
12. 12Apply tulip sticker to second nail

    

    On the second nail, after creating the pink blush background effect, take a delicate tulip-shaped sticker and apply it directly to the center of the nail. Press it down firmly to ensure there are no air bubbles or lifted edges.

    Tip: Use a silicone tool or orange wood stick to smooth down the edges of the sticker so it sits completely flat against the blush base.
13. 13Apply and press tulip sticker

    

    Once the blush background is prepared on the second nail, take a delicate tulip-shaped sticker and place it onto the surface. Press the sticker down firmly with a tool or finger to ensure it adheres smoothly without any creases or lifting edges.

    Tip: Smooth out the sticker completely from the center outward to eliminate air bubbles before applying top coats.
14. 14Encapsulate sticker with builder gel

    

    Apply a protective layer of builder gel directly over the applied tulip sticker. This encapsulates the sticker securely within the gel layers, safeguarding the design from wear and preparing the surface for subsequent 3D detailing work.

    Tip: Brush the builder gel evenly over the sticker edges to seal them completely into the gel structure.
15. 15Build 3D tulip details

    

    Using a fine liner brush and hard sculpting gel, carefully build a raised 3D tulip shape directly on top of the existing sticker design. Cure the gel quickly after each individual petal to set the shape and achieve a distinct multi-dimensional effect.

    Tip: Flash cure each petal immediately after painting to prevent the 3D hard gel from sagging or losing its sculpted shape.
16. 16Cure 3D gel elements

    

    Place the nail under the UV or LED lamp to fully cure the 3D sculpted tulip petals and final top coat. Ensure a complete cure cycle so the hard gel is fully hardened and glossy.

    Tip: A thorough final cure ensures the 3D elements remain durable and resistant to chipping or dulling.
17. 17Apply final top coat and cure

    

    Apply a final sealing layer of top coat over the entire nail, covering both the sticker and the 3D elements. Cure under the UV/LED lamp for 60 seconds to lock in the shine, protect the entire artwork, and complete the manicure.

    Tip: Ensure the top coat seals around all 3D edges so the entire design remains glossy and protected against chipping.

Frequently Asked Questions