Nail Art Tutorial: The Caviar Manicure

Posted by Alexandra C. | Tuesday May 8, 201259 comments


A while back, we posted a few photos of a sushi manicure hot off the runway and we could all pretty much agree that it wasn't for us. The newest craze in nail art, while not being sushi is certainly close to it. It's called the caviar manicure; so named for the little beads on the nail that imitate the look of caviar. 

For warning, while this look is kind of kooky-fun, it certainly isn't for everyone. We also take issue with the practicality of this mani. We're definitely wondering what will happen when we shampoo our hair. Hopefully we won't be pulling 'caviar' out of our hair for days on end! 

Ciate is the genius company behind the look. We thought this extravagant mani was definitely something different and we wanted to test out. Though, we weren't in love with the price of their kits: C$28.00. With a little snooping at our local dollar store, we found some comparable items and decided to DIY it!  


It's really easy, albeit messy to complete this nail art. All you need is a few coats of polish, some beads and top coat. We found that the smaller the beads, the better it worked. The beads we are using are about the size of sprinkles you would use on a cupcake.

Step 1: Polish 


After applying a base coat, apply 2-3 layers of the coloured polish of your choice. 
 
Step 2: Lay on the caviar
 

Here comes the tricky part; while your polish is still tacky, pour the beads over your entire nail. You'll want to lay something down underneath to catch all the excess beads.

Step 3: Touch-ups  


Gentle tap the edges of your nail to get rid of extra beads. You'll also want to clean up the edges and fill in any missing spots with a few beads. 

Step 4: Top coat


After apply the beads, you'll need to paint on two or more layers of top coat so that the beads hold in place and are strong. 

Tip: Top coat may remove some of the dye from the beads, but don't worry, call it a 'gradient' look and you're set! 

Final Manicure
 

Mandy rocks a steely blue caviar manicure. Love the iridescent quality to it!


Miranda goes for gold with her caviar nail art. P.S. Would you believe it if I told you that those are her real nails? It's true!
 
So, what do you think of the caviar manicure? Do you think we're pulling it off? Is it something you would try or have you already tried it?
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52 Comments

on December 06, 2012  thepinksimsboard  2,344 said:


If you really want to try this trend, I found a GREAT deal on caviar bead - $14 for 12 varieties!!

http://www.dealfind.com/products/edmonton/nail-art-caviar-beads-in-a-variety-of-colours-tgc000007?a=d67d508cfcf0

on September 12, 2012  laulau21  534 said:

Wow that looks amazing!! Especially if you use more than one color and mix it together, you get a unique look that no one else will have.

on June 26, 2012  smiley_gen  9,832 said:

This is so much fun! I wonder how annoying it gets after a while....and to remove but I would give it a try for sure!

on May 30, 2012  KatelynRose1984  20,704 said:

I think this is a really cool style, but definitely nothing for a mother with a toddler to wear! Lol.

on May 30, 2012  bubbles77  28,057 said:

This is very unique, and crafty look and ides. Sort of makes me think outside the box. Definitely will try this, but it looks easy enough, wonder how hard those beads will stay on. I'd say the nail polish to complete the look, may also act at the glue that hols tit together. Can't wait to try this with my daughter who is all about her nails. I also love the fact that this project includes some valuable bonding time with my daughter, yet another score... We will check back once we have put this idea to the test. EXCITED !!

on May 29, 2012  ra143  4,092 said:

not practical but pretty :)

on May 29, 2012  Karilu  275 said:

I'm gonna try it soon. Looks fun.

on May 22, 2012  Albug15  623 said:

LOL...looks like a kindergarden kids art project!!!
Maybe if you only did a design through the nail it would be better?!?

on May 22, 2012  Karabana  14,827 said:

Georg nails Miranda. I'd only try this for a special occasion where it would really add to a look (like Caribana! :-D), it's not for everyday, I doubt it would last more than a day.

on May 22, 2012  moonbaby  1,036 said:

Wow neat Idea

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