Nail Art Tutorial: The Crystal Manicure

Posted by Alexandra C. | Thursday August 16, 2012

Remember the caviar manicure we played around with a few months ago? Well, now it's time to welcome in it's new cousin - the crystal manicure! Sounds intriguing, right? Well it gets even more interesting when I tell you what we're used to create this mani. The secret ingredient is...salt! The salt combined with the nail polish creates a clear, light attracting and 3D effect. Of course, we just had to test this out to see how and if it worked. Plus, we had one burning questions on our minds as well; as weird as it seems, all of us Chick staffers couldn't help but wonder if the manicure would taste like anything! Believe it or not, we found out the answer and we'll let you in on it after the tutorial, so read on!

What you'll need:

Table Salt
White Polish
Note: This nail art really only works well with light, preferably white, polishes (trust us on this one)
Top/Base Coat

How to:

Step 1: Apply a base coat and one layer of white polish and let dry. Next, paint on your second layer of white polish.
Step 2: While still wet, roll, dip or sprinkle on salt, let sit for a few seconds.
Step 3: Apply top coat layers (you'll probably need more than one) and let dry.

Final product

A similar look to the caviar but not quite the same. We almost think that this one has a 'winter wonderland' feel to it. What do you think chicks? Maybe not so practical but kind of cool in a weird, experimental way?

Now, to our burning yet bizarre question. Miranda accidentally (totally by accident, she swears!) licked her nails and yes, they did indeed taste salty! So, if you happen to be at the movies and need some extra salt on that popcorn and you have this mani on, you're in luck!

Let us know, is something you'd ever try?

More by Alexandra C.
More on Hands & Feet

Pin It

Interpreting the Runway: Dolce and...

We Love Fridays: 10 Fabulous Fall...

24 Comments

	on September 17, 2012 smiley_gen 9,832 said: Hahaha! It's have to agree with @KatelynRose 1984, pefect nails for tequila!
	on September 13, 2012 Icyblackkat 545 said: Winter's probably the best time to try this look, and I look forward to doing so at least once.
	on September 12, 2012 laulau21 534 said: This looks really cool, but would be a pain to maintain. Chunks might chip off, get caught on your sweaters, etc. Definitely worth at least one try.
	on August 23, 2012 crysrob 1,881 said: I think in the picture it looks pretty, but the texture of the nails would drive me nuts. Likely would catch on your sweater or something. Plus, I imagine it starts to flake off fast. For a one time thing, It would be worth a try, but certainly not for all day everyday.
	on August 22, 2012 Racenhawk 2,704 said: not for me
	on August 22, 2012 cole said: This looks a little sloppy, but I can see premise. Think the white would look good on a blue base.. but I'd never get it to look half this good.
	on August 22, 2012 abcder 810 said: Not something I would try. It looks like it would chip too easily
	on August 22, 2012 chicky82 2,625 said: It's really pretty but it looks like it would come off easily. Eww with the licking the nails part, she'd be licking the topcoat too. Might be fun to try for a Christmas party though,
	on August 19, 2012 farouknabela 3,469 said: This looks awesome in theory but wouldnt this snag on everything?
	on August 19, 2012 KatelynRose1984 20,704 said: This would be the perfect manicure to have while drinking tequila shots!