Spring Dopamine Rainbow Candy Nails — 3D Pastel Gel Tutorial

Create playful spring dopamine rainbow candy nails featuring translucent gradient bases, cat-eye glass bead reflections, and cute 3D colorful spheres.

Steps

1. 1Apply second coat of translucent white gel polish

   

   Apply a second thin, even layer of translucent white gel polish to the nail plate to build up smooth, uniform coverage without adding too much bulk. Be sure to cap the free edge properly.

   Tip: Applying two thin layers prevents wrinkling and ensures the gel cures completely all the way through.
2. 2Apply matte top coat

   

   Apply an even layer of matte top coat over the entire surface of the nail plate. This creates a velvety texture that prepares the nail for the subsequent patting process, making application more delicate and controlled.

   Tip: Ensure full coverage up to the cuticle and sidewalls so the entire nail surface has an even matte finish before curing.
3. 3Cure under UV/LED lamp

   

   Place the nail inside the UV or LED lamp and cure for a full 60 seconds to completely set the matte top coat layer.

   Tip: Do not remove your hand early to ensure the top coat is fully hardened and ready for the next design steps.
4. 4Pick up green patting gel

   

   Take out the 9-grid patting gel palette and use a fine tool or brush to pick up a very small amount of green patting gel. For the initial pass, keeping the amount minimal is key.

   Tip: Always start with a tiny amount of product on your tool to prevent overloading and keep your design delicate.
5. 5Dot green patting gel on the nail

   

   Lightly place or dot the small amount of green patting gel near the center of the prepped and matte nail plate as the starting point for blending.

   Tip: Placing the gel near the center allows you to easily diffuse it outward toward the edges using a sponge.
6. 6Pat green gel for a diffused gradient

   

   Take a tiny amount of green gel and use a small makeup sponge to gently and evenly pat it across the entire nail surface. This builds a soft, translucent, and diffused base color layer.

   Tip: Always start with a very small amount of product on the sponge to avoid heavy patches.
7. 7Apply clear white cat-eye gel

   

   Apply an even coat of clear white cat-eye gel over the cured green gradient nail surface. This layer will provide the base needed to create the dimensional cat-eye light effect before magnetizing.

   Tip: Ensure the cat-eye gel layer is applied smoothly to prevent uneven light reflection.
8. 8Magnetize the cat-eye gel

   

   Hold a magnetic stick close to the wet cat-eye gel to guide the magnetic particles. Adjust the position until the light effect concentrates into a large, glowing glass bead reflection in the center of the nail, then cure immediately.

   Tip: Keep the magnet steady and close to the nail without touching the surface to achieve a crisp glass bead effect.
9. 9Wipe the inhibition layer

   

   Take a cotton cleansing pad dampened with cleanser and gently wipe the surface of the cured nail to remove any sticky inhibition layer left behind by the gel.

   Tip: Wipe firmly in one direction to ensure the surface is completely clean and ready for the next layer of art.
10. 10Apply green patting gel to the center

    

    Take a slightly larger amount of green patting gel on a dotting pen or tool and place it directly in the center of the nail surface to build up the color intensity for a blush effect.

    Tip: Use a small, controlled amount so you can build up the blush gradient smoothly over multiple layers.
11. 11Create a concentrated blush nail effect

    

    Take slightly more green gel and apply it precisely to the center of the nail. Use the sponge to pat out a concentrated blush effect, building the color up in thin layers.

    Tip: Build the color intensity gradually using multiple light layers rather than one heavy application.
12. 12Place small detail dots with oil gel

    

    Dip a fine dotting pen into oil gel and carefully place two small accent dots onto the nail surface. These tiny details add depth and intricate contrast to the design.

    Tip: Keep the dotting pen perpendicular to the nail surface for clean, uniform dots.
13. 13Fill silicone mold cavities with colored gel

    

    Take a small sphere silicone mold tray and fill the cavities with your pre-mixed colored gels using a detailing tool. Make sure to fill them carefully to prepare for 3D embellishments.

    Tip: Work carefully with small amounts of gel to avoid overfilling the mold cavities.
14. 14Pop air bubbles in the mold cavities

    

    Tap the palette on the table a few times to float any air bubbles to the surface, then use a disposable toothpick to carefully pop them. Flip the mold over to inspect before curing under the lamp for 60 seconds.

    Tip: Checking the underside of the mold helps ensure there are no hidden air pockets before curing.
15. 15Cure the filled resin mold

    

    Place the mold filled with the colored gel mixture into the UV or LED lamp and cure for 60 seconds. Ensure the gel is fully set and hardened before attempting to remove it from the mold.

    Tip: Make sure your lamp has enough power to cure through the silicone mold completely.
16. 16Demold the cured pieces

    

    Gently flex and press the flexible silicone mold to release the cured colored spheres. Take your time to avoid tearing the mold or distorting the fresh resin shapes.

    Tip: Gently push from the backside of the mold to pop the small spheres out smoothly.
17. 17Apply rhinestone adhesive glue

    

    Using a fine detail brush, dab a small amount of rhinestone adhesive gel onto the pre-designed nail surface where you want the 3D decoration to sit.

    Tip: Do not apply too much glue, or the decoration will slide around before you can cure it.
18. 18Place and adjust the 3D sphere

    

    Pick up the demolded colored sphere using a wax picker or dotting tool, and carefully place it onto the glue dot on the nail. Adjust its position until it looks perfectly balanced.

    Tip: Double-check the placement from different angles before curing to ensure it sits nicely.
19. 19Flash cure the decoration

    

    Hold a mini handheld UV flashlight close to the nail to flash cure the adhesive for a few seconds. This locks the 3D sphere in place so it wont shift before a full cure.

    Tip: Keep the handheld light steady so the piece doesnt slip while the gel begins to set.
20. 20Apply final glossy top coat

    

    Finish the manicure by applying a layer of glossy top coat across the entire nail surface, carefully sealing around the base of the 3D sphere to secure it. Cure fully under the lamp.

    Tip: Seal all around the edges of the 3D sphere to prevent hair or dust from catching underneath.

Frequently Asked Questions