Moonlit Rose Pressed Flower
Cat Eye Gel Nail Art Tutorial

Create an enchanting encapsulation design featuring milky pink cat eye gel, dried red flowers, pearls, and sparkling crystals.

Steps

1. 1Apply French Guide Stickers

   

   Take french tip guide stickers and apply them onto the nail surface to mark your design lines. Use precision tweezers to handle the stickers carefully and position them accurately.

   Tip: Press down firmly along the edges of the sticker to prevent any gel from bleeding underneath.
2. 2Select Dried Flowers

   

   Using a fine pair of tweezers, pick up several small dried flowers that will be used for the encapsulated floral nail design.

   Tip: Handle the dried flowers gently to avoid tearing or crushing their delicate petals.
3. 3Apply Hard Base Gel

   

   Using a nail brush, apply a layer of hard base gel onto the back surface of the clear nail tip where the dried flowers will be embedded.

   Tip: Ensure an even layer of hard base gel is distributed so the flowers can adhere properly.
4. 4Place Dried Flowers Face Down

   

   Carefully pick up the dried flowers with tweezers and place them onto the wet hard base gel layer with the flower face pointing downwards.

   Tip: Placing them face down ensures the best visual effect when viewed from the front of the clear nail tip.
5. 5Inspect Flower Placement

   

   Flip the nail tip or check the front side from time to time to inspect the arrangement and overall effect of the embedded dried flowers.

   Tip: Checking early allows you to adjust the flower positions before curing the gel.
6. 6Press Flowers to Bloom

   

   If you want the flowers to look more open and bloom further, press down on them multiple times using your tool to spread out the petals.

   Tip: Gently press until the petals flatten out nicely into the gel layer.
7. 7Cure to set flowers

   

   Place your hand under a purple UV or LED lamp to cure the hard base gel, locking the arranged dried flowers securely in place.

   Tip: Ensure the flowers are completely flattened before curing so they do not create uneven bumps underneath your encapsulating layers.
8. 8Encapsulate with hard gel

   

   Apply another layer of hard gel directly over the embedded flowers using a brush to completely encapsulate them and smooth out the nail surface.

   Tip: Check that the gel covers all edges of the flowers entirely to prevent lifting or air pockets.
9. 9Add extra petals and pearls

   

   Use tweezers to place additional flower petals and tiny pearls into the wet gel layer to add depth and texture, then cure under the lamp.

   Tip: Place pearls strategically near the centers of the floral clusters for a balanced, detailed design.
10. 10Apply and cure top coat

    

    Apply a layer of top coat gel across the front side of the nail to seal the design and create a glossy shine, then cure under the lamp.

    Tip: Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly to protect both the encapsulated elements and the glossy finish.
11. 11Outline cat eye french tip

    

    Using a fine liner brush and spider gel, carefully outline the position for the cat eye french style, and cure under the lamp.

    Tip: Keep a steady hand and draw thin, precise lines to maintain a clean french tip border.
12. 12Adorn with crystals and pearls

    

    Apply rhinestone glue along the french tip line and use a precision tool to set sparkling crystals and pearls into place as an embellishment.

    Tip: Secure all edges with a final sealant to ensure the rhinestones do not snag on clothing.
13. 13Seal edges with top coat

    

    Apply a clear sealing top coat around the edges of the nail to fully encapsulate your design. Carefully brush the top coat around the base of the rhinestones and pearls to secure them firmly in place. This prevents the embellishments from snagging and ensures a durable, long-lasting finish.

    Tip: Avoid applying top coat directly over the top of the rhinestones, as the clear gel will fill in their facets and dull their sparkle.

Frequently Asked Questions