“They are such a fun splash of bold eye catching color perfect for any beach destination or a just fun summer look,” he says. What’s more, Avery notes, is by pairing a set of seashell nails with a wet hair look, you have a super-simple to DIY “mermaid moment.” And who doesn’t want that? Exactly. Here’s how to DIY.
For an ombré look, Avery suggests choosing two colors, applying one on the base, and using the second color to ombré from the tip using a brush or sponge. “Once done, apply
Daily Charme Aurora Unicorn Nail Chrome Powder, and voila! You have the perfect summer mermaid nails.”
If rainbow multichrome seashell nails feel like too much, you can also opt for a different nail polish on each hand or every other finger. Alternatively, you can use a chrome top coat over a simple shade of pink, purple, or blue.
Basically, the world is your oyster when it comes to nails like these.
For a rainbow chrome look like Jenner’s, Russell recommends investing in a multi-chrome polish. “They’re easily identifiable with their jewel-like tone and color-shifting effect,” she says. “The ‘Deviantly Daring Nail Lacquer’ from China Glaze available at Sally Beauty is a great option because it shifts from a midnight navy to deep teal with a seafoam green flash. Very mermaidy!”
There’s also no need for any special tools, powders, or top coats. “Apply the polish as you would a traditional polish—base coat, two coats of color, and finish with top coat,” she says. “A smooth finish is crucial to getting that multi-chrome effect to pop, so keep your coats thin in order to prevent air-bubbles in your manicure.”
Also of note? “A baby blue shade of polish paired with Izzy Wizzy Let’s Get Busy from the Mini Soak of Gel Polish line by Gelish is perfect as a Gel topper for a multi-dimensional chromatic mermaid effect,” she says.
If you’d like to go all out for that chrome-feel, you can also use this as an opportunity to familiarize yourself with chrome powder. “It’s much easier than it looks,” Russell says.
“Grab a selection of your favorite sea-themed shades in gel polish. I like ASP Soak Off Gel Polish. Apply and cure two coats with a gel lamp, then top with Mini Mani Moo No Wipe Chrome Top & Base Coat, and Mini Mani Moo Magic Mirror Chrome Powder,” she says. “I like white to make a shade pop, but you can also boost an existing shade by picking a complimentary tone!”
Alternatively, you can always throw a shimmer top coat over your favorite pastel polish. (My favorite? Olive & June’s Sparkle Fairy Effect Top Coat.)
Finally, Russell admits that “sometimes, you just don’t have time to do a full on manicure.” Russell’s suggestion? “This Cyber City Gel Nail Kit features a gorgeous, mermaid purple multi-chrome with other coordinating accent designs, so you can make your manicure totally custom,” she says.
