Mint Crushed Ice Starry Clear Cat Eye Nails — Step-by-Step Tutorial

Create a magical crystal finish with mint cat eye gel and hand-painted blue glitter stars. Follow this step-by-step tutorial for a stunning summer manicure.

Steps

1. 1Apply white tapping gel to the free edge

   

   Take white tapping gel and apply it precisely onto the nail tip to completely cover the free edge. This serves as the foundation for the upcoming gradient and cat eye design, creating a clean boundary at the edge.

   Tip: Apply a thin, even layer so that it doesnt bulk up the tip before the cat eye gels are layered on top.
2. 2Continue applying white tapping gel on adjacent nails

   

   Repeat the application process by continuing to apply the white tapping gel on the adjacent nails, making sure each free edge is neatly covered.

   Tip: Keep the brush strokes light and consistent across all nails for a uniform base.
3. 3Apply coarse cat eye gel layer

   

   Apply a first thick layer of cat eye gel containing coarse magnetic particles directly onto the nail plate over the white tapping base.

   Tip: Ensure the layer is thick enough to allow the magnetic particles to move freely when the magnet is applied.
4. 4Create the glass ball magnetic effect

   

   Hold a magnetic wand closely over the uncured cat eye gel layer to manipulate the coarse magnetic particles, drawing out the signature glass ball effect before curing.

   Tip: Hold the magnet steady for a few seconds until the desired three-dimensional light reflection forms.
5. 5Seal with a top coat layer

   

   Apply a sealing layer of clear gel or top coat over the freshly cured cat eye layer to lock in the glass ball effect and create a smooth surface for the next step.

   Tip: Cure this layer completely under the lamp before moving on to the next application phase.
6. 6Apply fine cat eye gel layer

   

   Apply a second layer of cat eye gel containing fine magnetic particles over all the nails to add depth and a finer shimmer on top of the previous layer.

   Tip: Work efficiently to apply this layer evenly before using the magnet again.
7. 7Cure gel under probe light

   

   Position your hand under the probe light combination to cure the gel layer securely. Ensure the light covers all areas evenly so the product sets properly without wrinkling. Follow the recommended curing time for your specific gel product.

   Tip: Keep your hand steady during curing to prevent the gel from shifting before it hardens.
8. 8Create glass ball cat eye effect

   

   Hold the magnet tool close to the nail surface containing the fine magnetic cat eye gel to concentrate the magnetic particles. Move and adjust the magnet to shape the particles into a defined, glowing glass ball effect. Once the desired dimension appears, immediately cure to lock it in.

   Tip: Hover the magnet very close to the wet gel without touching it to get the sharpest and deepest light reflection.
9. 9Apply clear gel sealant

   

   Take a fine brush and apply a smooth, even layer of clear gel sealant over the nail surface. This seals in the underlying layers and creates a protective barrier for any subsequent nail art details. Ensure complete coverage across the entire nail structure.

   Tip: Brush lightly to avoid disturbing the cat-eye magnetic pattern underneath.
10. 10Cure nails under lamp

    

    Place your hand inside the UV/LED lamp to fully cure the applied gel layers. Allow the nails to cure completely for the full duration specified by your product guidelines to ensure durability. This step hardens the sealant and prepares the surface for the next phase.

    Tip: Ensure your nails face directly toward the light source for uniform curing across all fingers.
11. 11Pick up blue glitter crushed gel

    

    Open the container of blue glitter crushed gel and load a small amount onto the tip of a fine liner detail brush. Make sure the brush point is sharp and clean to allow for precise detailing work. This product will be used to draw sparkling accents on the nails.

    Tip: Gently swirl the brush tip in the gel jar to pick up pigment without overloading the bristles.
12. 12Paint star shapes with blue glitter

    

    Using the fine liner detail brush dipped in blue glitter crushed gel, carefully paint small, intricate star shapes onto each nail surface. Draw delicate lines radiating outward to form crisp star points. This adds a magical, crystal-like finish to your manicure.

    Tip: Use a light touch with the tip of the brush to keep the star lines thin and sharp.
13. 13Add details to the star nail art

    

    Take out the blue glitter crushed gel and use a fine liner brush to draw stars on every nail surface, creating a magical finishing touch that sparkles like crystal.

    Tip: Keep a steady hand and use a minimal amount of glitter gel on the tip of your liner brush to draw crisp, clean star points.
14. 14Cure the star nail art design

    

    Place your hand under the UV or LED lamp to cure the newly painted star nail art designs completely. Proper curing locks the glitter gel in place, ensuring the detailed stars remain crisp and durable before the final top coat layer.

    Tip: Ensure your hand is placed flat inside the lamp so all fingers receive equal light exposure for an even cure.

Frequently Asked Questions