Classical Baroque Cat Eye
3D Gold Relief Nails — Step-by-Step Tutorial

Master the art of luxurious baroque nail design with rich cat eye effects, 3D gold chrome relief, and glittering gemstone accents.

Steps

1. 1Apply dark red base coat

   

   Brush a rich dark red base coat evenly across the entire surface of the nail plate, ensuring complete coverage from cuticle to free edge using the bottles built-in brush. Cap the edge neatly to prevent chipping and cure under the lamp as recommended.

   Tip: Keep strokes smooth and even to avoid streaking, which can show through translucent gel layers.
2. 2Apply matte anti-powder top coat

   

   Apply a uniform layer of matte anti-powder top coat over the cured base. This special formula creates the necessary texture and prevents stray chrome powder from sticking everywhere except where desired during the upcoming rubbing step.

   Tip: Ensure the matte layer is fully cured and streak-free before moving on to chrome application.
3. 3Draw curving swirl patterns

   

   Dip a fine liner brush into clear top coat and carefully trace thick, irregular, curving swirl lines along the surface of the matte nail. Make sure the lines are applied with enough dimension to create a raised effect after curing.

   Tip: Apply slightly thicker lines so they stand out clearly in high relief once the powder is rubbed on.
4. 4Rub on 18K gold magic mirror powder

   

   Using a small silicone tool or applicator, gently rub 18K gold magic mirror powder directly onto the cured, raised top-coat swirls. The powder will adhere exclusively to the tacky or cured raised areas, creating a brilliant metallic contrast.

   Tip: Use light, sweeping motions to burnish the powder until it achieves a smooth, mirror-like metallic finish.
5. 5Trace with clear 3D rhinestone gel

   

   Carefully trace directly over the existing gold swirls using clear 3D rhinestone gel and a fine brush. This builds extra height and dimension, transforming the flat chrome lines into a striking 3D sculpted relief effect.

   Tip: Work slowly and use a steady hand to follow the exact contours of the underlying design.
6. 6Apply second layer of gold powder

   

   Take an eyeshadow sponge applicator and buff additional 18K gold powder over the freshly cured 3D gel lines. This ensures the newly raised structures catch the metallic finish completely and match the rest of the baroque ornamentation.

   Tip: Gently tap and rub to pack the pigment tightly onto all exposed tacky surfaces of the 3D gel.
7. 7Remove Excess Gold Powder

   

   Take a clean, fluffy dusting brush and gently sweep across the nail surface to remove any loose or unrubbed gold powder resting on the matte red background. Ensuring the background is clean will make the subsequent glossy details pop and keep your design looking sharp.

   Tip: Use a very light touch so you do not smudge the magic mirror powder settled in the textured recessed grooves.
8. 8Encapsulate the Gold Lines

   

   Using a fine liner brush, meticulously apply a layer of glossy top coat directly over the raised golden lines. This encapsulation step locks in the 18K gold magic mirror powder, protecting it from chipping or wearing off over time while keeping the surrounding areas matte.

   Tip: Keep your hand steady and wipe excess gel from your brush to avoid spilling over onto the matte background.
9. 9Add red droplet accents into recessed areas

   

   Using a fine liner brush, carefully dot small drops of darker red gel into the recessed, matte pockets located between the raised gold borders. This adds depth and a rich jewel-toned contrast to the overall baroque design.

   Tip: Keep the gel drops controlled and contained within the recesses so they do not spill over onto the metallic borders.
10. 10Blend Shaded Watercolor Effect

    

    Using your fine brush, lightly drag and feather the small dark red dots outward into the surrounding space. This technique blends the pigment smoothly to achieve a translucent, watercolor-like depth inside the recessed compartments before curing under the lamp.

    Tip: Clean your brush between strokes if necessary to keep the gradient soft and seamless.
11. 11Apply Blue Rhinestones

    

    Using precision tweezers, pick up tiny blue crushed diamonds and place them strategically along the curved gold textured borders where designated. Press them gently into a small dab of rhinestone glue to secure their placement before curing.

    Tip: Place gems along asymmetrical anchor points to maintain the classic baroque aesthetic.
12. 12Apply Final Protective Top Coat

    

    Brush a final overall layer of silky top coat across the entire nail surface to secure all embellishments, protect the embedded gems, and unify the overall finish. Cure thoroughly under the lamp to complete this baroque design.

    Tip: Ensure all edges of the gems and stones are properly sealed to prevent snagging or premature loss.
13. 13Apply milky pink gel base

    

    Begin the second nail by brushing an even layer of milky pink gel base coat over the prepped nail surface. Cure under the lamp to set the translucent foundation before layering on the cat eye effects.

    Tip: Ensure the milky pink layer is applied smoothly to provide an even, translucent background for the cat eye polish.
14. 14Apply caramel warm brown cat eye gel

    

    Apply a full, even layer of caramel warm brown cat eye gel over the base coat, covering the entire nail surface smoothly without streaks.

    Tip: An even coat ensures the magnetic particles disperse uniformly before you apply the magnet.
15. 15Create glowing central cat eye highlight

    

    Hover a cylindrical magnet in circular motions over the wet cat eye gel to pull the magnetic particles inward, creating a glowing central highlight with deep dimension.

    Tip: Keep the magnet close to the surface without touching the wet gel to achieve a sharp, bright magnetic effect.
16. 16Paint cat eye rhombus pattern

    

    Use a fine liner brush to paint a distinct diamond or rhombus shape near the cuticle area using a darker brown cat eye gel.

    Tip: Maintain steady hands to keep the edges of the painted rhombus clean and symmetrical.
17. 17Activate single diamond cat eye glow

    

    Hold a magnet closely over the single painted diamond to activate its independent cat eye glow, making the shape stand out sharply against the background.

    Tip: Cure each element individually after magnet activation to lock the distinct glow into place.
18. 18Paint and activate rhombus pattern

    

    Using a fine detail brush, paint additional diamond shapes with the caramel warm brown gel polish to build a complete rhombus pattern across the nail. Cure each shape and activate its cat eye effect individually with a magnet to ensure the brilliant glass bead effect stands out prominently.

    Tip: Working on one diamond at a time prevents the magnetic effect from dissipating before you can cure it.
19. 19Apply matte anti-powder top coat

    

    Apply a complete layer of matte, anti-powder top coat over the entire nail to cover the finished cat eye diamond pattern. This protects the intricate nail art and prepares the surface for the next stage of outlining.

    Tip: Ensure full coverage so the mirror powder does not stick to unwanted areas during the upcoming steps.
20. 20Outline diamond borders with 3D gel

    

    Dip a fine liner brush into clear 3D rhinestone gel and carefully trace along the borders of every individual diamond shape. This creates a raised barrier that will capture the upcoming mirror powder.

    Tip: Keep your hand steady and apply a consistent, thin bead of gel to maintain clean, crisp outlines.
21. 21Apply 18K gold mirror powder

    

    Using an eyeshadow sponge applicator, gently rub 18K gold mirror powder over the raised rhinestone glue outlines surrounding the diamonds. Ensure the powder adheres smoothly to the raised lines for a metallic finish, then sweep away any excess floating powder.

    Tip: Make sure your anti-powder top coat underneath is fully cured so the mirror powder only sticks to the raised gel lines.
22. 22Sweep away excess gold powder

    

    Use a large, fluffy dusting brush to gently sweep away all remaining loose gold powder particles from the matte background areas. This reveals a clean contrast between the matte base and the shiny metallic gold lines.

    Tip: Make sure all stray glitter particles are completely removed before applying any top coats.
23. 23Seal with a glossy top coat

    

    Brush a smooth, even layer of glossy top coat over the entire nail surface to encapsulate and protect the golden grid and underlying designs. Cure under the lamp to lock in the final finish.

    Tip: Capping the free edge with top coat prevents chipping and prolongs the life of your detailed nail art.
24. 24Place blue rhinestones

    

    Using precision tweezers, carefully pick up tiny blue rhinestones and place them precisely at the intersections of the gold grid lines. Secure them firmly into the tacky layer or uncured gel before final curing to ensure long-lasting placement.

    Tip: Work with a wax pencil or fine-tipped tweezers to pick up micro-rhinestones quickly and accurately without misplacing them.
25. 25Add tiny gold steel beads

    

    Dip a fine liner brush into a small amount of top coat or gel glue, then pick up tiny gold steel beads and place them right next to the blue rhinestones. This creates a balanced, ornate cluster effect that complements the royal aesthetic.

    Tip: Picking up steel beads with a slightly damp brush tip helps them adhere temporarily so you can position them neatly.
26. 26Apply 3D bulging gel for quilted effect

    

    Apply thick, controlled drops of clear 3D bulging styling gel specifically over each diamond center. This builds dimension, giving the surface a raised, padded, quilted glass effect that catches the light from every angle.

    Tip: Flash-cure each drop for a few seconds immediately after placement to prevent the high-viscosity gel from flattening out before it goes into the lamp.
27. 27Apply anti-powder top coat on third nail

    

    Start the third nail by brushing a layer of anti-powder top coat over the fully cured milky pink base. This specialized top coat ensures that chrome powder only sticks where intended and wont cling to the surrounding cured surface.

    Tip: Ensure the anti-powder coat is applied smoothly and edge-to-edge to keep your chrome lines clean and sharp.
28. 28Draw continuous figure-8 outline

    

    Using a fine liner brush dipped in top coat or clear gel, draw a large, continuous figure-8 outline that spans across most of the nail plate. Cure this raised outline under the UV/LED lamp for 30 seconds to set its shape before applying powder.

    Tip: Keep your hand steady and draw with a smooth, flowing motion to ensure the figure-8 outline looks graceful and symmetrical.
29. 29Rub 18K gold powder on figure-8

    

    Take an eyeshadow sponge applicator and gently rub 18K gold magic mirror powder directly over the cured figure-8 outline. The powder will adhere exclusively to the cured gel lines, transforming them into a brilliant metallic gold frame.

    Tip: Buff the powder gently using circular motions for maximum metallic sheen, then sweep away any stray particles with a soft dusting brush.
30. 30Trace Outline with 3D Clear Rhinestone Gel

    

    Take 3D clear rhinestone gel and carefully trace directly over the existing golden figure-8 outline. This application adds significant height and creates a sharp, pronounced relief profile that elevates the overall 3D texture of the nail art.

    Tip: Apply the gel steadily with a fine liner brush, keeping the width uniform to maintain a clean and professional relief edge.

Frequently Asked Questions