Japanese Style Rose Gold Foil Shell Tea Apricot Gel Nails — Step-by-Step Tutorial

Create an exquisite Japanese-inspired gel manicure featuring rich tea-apricot beige, iridescent mother-of-pearl shell slices, and sparkling rhinestones.

Steps

1. 1Apply first coat of beige gel

   

   Using a flat brush, apply a smooth and thin first coat of SNE-008 tea-apricot beige gel color evenly onto the nail tip or nail plate. Ensure the application is even without pooling near the cuticles or edges. This initial layer creates the foundation color for the manicure.

   Tip: Keep the first coat thin to prevent wrinkling during the curing process.
2. 2Apply second coat of beige gel

   

   Apply a second coat of SNE-008 beige gel color over the first layer to achieve complete coverage and rich color opacity. Smooth out any streaks using gentle brush strokes across the nail surface. Cure the gel under the UV or LED lamp for 60 seconds once finished.

   Tip: A second coat ensures the color is solid and free of patchy areas.
3. 3Apply matte top coat

   

   Apply a layer of matte top coat evenly over the fully cured tea-apricot gel base. Make sure to cover the entire surface smoothly to create a uniform matte finish. Cure under the UV or LED lamp for 60 seconds.

   Tip: Ensure every part of the nail is covered with the matte top coat to avoid glossy patches.
4. 4Apply clear multi-function gel

   

   Apply a small amount of clear multi-function gel over the center of the nail plate where you plan to place your nail decorations. Do not cure this gel yet, as it will act as an adhesive base for the foil and charms. Keep the gel centered and contained.

   Tip: Use just enough multi-function gel to anchor the decorations without spilling over the edges.
5. 5Place gold foil onto the nail

   

   Using a pair of fine tweezers, pick up a piece of decorative gold foil and gently press it onto the wet multi-function gel at the center of the nail. Arrange the foil to sit nicely within the gel adhesive area. Make sure it adheres well to the surface.

   Tip: Handle the delicate gold foil carefully with tweezers to avoid tearing it into undesired pieces.
6. 6Brush multi-function gel over gold foil

   

   Brush a layer of multi-function gel directly over the gold foil surface without curing it yet. This uncured layer will serve as the sticking agent for the upcoming rhinestone charm placement. Ensure the foil is fully covered and sealed by the gel.

   Tip: Apply the gel gently so the lightweight gold foil does not shift out of place.
7. 7Place the mother-of-pearl shell piece

   

   Using tweezers, carefully pick up a mother-of-pearl shell piece and place it directly onto the center of the gold foil cluster. Adjust its position to create a natural, organic centerpiece for your textured nail art design.

   Tip: Make sure the shell piece sits flat against the gel base so it stays secure when encapsulated.
8. 8Arrange rhinestones and gold studs

   

   Use your tweezers to pick up small iridescent rhinestones and a tiny gold metal stud, arranging them artfully around the edges of the shell slice. This adds dimension, sparkle, and intricate detail to the cluster.

   Tip: Group smaller stones close to the larger shell piece to keep the design composition tight and balanced.
9. 9Apply glossy sealing top coat

   

   Brush a glossy sealing top coat evenly over the entire nail art cluster and the surrounding nail body to seal the gems and foil in place. Ensure complete coverage around the edges of the embellishments to prevent snagging and give a smooth, protected finish. Cure under the lamp for 60 seconds.

   Tip: Be sure to encapsulate the edges of the charms and gold foil completely with top coat to prevent them from catching on clothes or hair.

Frequently Asked Questions