DIY Nails with Mariana Lopez @nails.by.mana
Follow step-by-step guides to create your own DIY nails in the comfort of your own home. From red tips to tie-dye that matches your iets frans... set, Mariana Lopez A.K.A @nails.by.mana shows us how.
Red Tip: Using Le Mini Macaron Glam On The Go Gel Nail Polish Travel Kit
STEP 1
Using the cuticle pusher, gently push back your cuticles. If you have a cuticle cutter you can remove some of the excess skin to give your manicure a clean, flawless finish.
Using the cuticle pusher, gently push back your cuticles. If you have a cuticle cutter you can remove some of the excess skin to give your manicure a clean, flawless finish.
STEP 2
Using the nail file provided, shape nails to your preference.
Using the nail file provided, shape nails to your preference.
STEP 3
Using the file once again, buff your nails to remove the shine. This will help the gel polish adhere to your nail so the design lasts longer.
Using the file once again, buff your nails to remove the shine. This will help the gel polish adhere to your nail so the design lasts longer.
STEP 4
Using a super fine brush, outline the french tip. This step helps give you a clean, sharp finish.
Using a super fine brush, outline the french tip. This step helps give you a clean, sharp finish.
STEP 5
Using the brush provided with the polish, fill in the empty space.
Using the brush provided with the polish, fill in the empty space.
STEP 6
You can go back in with your fine brush to fill in any empty spaces particularly towards the sides of the nail.
You can go back in with your fine brush to fill in any empty spaces particularly towards the sides of the nail.
STEP 7
Pop your finger into the lamp and let the nail cure until the light turns off and VOILA, your nails are dry in seconds and ready to go!
Pop your finger into the lamp and let the nail cure until the light turns off and VOILA, your nails are dry in seconds and ready to go!
STEP 8
These nails are destined for the gram!
These nails are destined for the gram!
Tie-Dye Nails: Inspired by iets frans...
STEP 1
Apply a thin layer of base coat.
Apply a thin layer of base coat.
STEP 2
Cure in the Bauer Professional UV lamp.
Cure in the Bauer Professional UV lamp.
STEP 3
Apply two coats of your chosen base colour. Make sure you cure your nails under the UV lamp between coats.
Apply two coats of your chosen base colour. Make sure you cure your nails under the UV lamp between coats.
STEP 4
Using your second colour, add random dots onto your nail. Don’t worry about this being perfect!
Using your second colour, add random dots onto your nail. Don’t worry about this being perfect!
STEP 5
Using some form of plastic, put your nail onto a flat surface and place the plastic on top to smudge the product around. Again this doesn’t have to be perfect as tie dye isn’t perfect!
Using some form of plastic, put your nail onto a flat surface and place the plastic on top to smudge the product around. Again this doesn’t have to be perfect as tie dye isn’t perfect!
STEP 6
Cure in the lamp again!
Cure in the lamp again!
STEP 7
Apply a no wipe top coat and cure nails for the last time. Perfect!
Apply a no wipe top coat and cure nails for the last time. Perfect!
STEP 8
Put on your matching iets frans... and you're good to go!
Put on your matching iets frans... and you're good to go!
Get to know @marianapezzz...
What inspires your nail designs and how long does it take to perfect?
I find nailspiration everywhere really, particularly other nail artists, trending colour palettes and Pinterest. There is so much to learn and interpret from other forms of art, nature and people you love. As a beginner, I’ve come to understand that practice makes perfect and as a perfectionist, I won’t be satisfied until my work is up to standard. I think patience is a must when starting something new, whatever it is, and when you are doing something you love, it feels good to fail to get it right.
What 3 nail colours are you feeling this season?
Brown, any pastel shade and a true, blue-toned red! Think of a Lana Del Rey lippie!
Match your talons with your outfit: yes or no?
100000% before doing nails myself, I always viewed my nails as an extra accessory. Nothing is more satisfying than matching your spicy nails with your outfit and make up!
Who are your nail art icons?
@anouskaanastasia and @nailedbycarolina are my two fave nail techs ever! Both do top tier work, absolute perfection and I am in awe whenever I see a new set being posted on the ‘gram. I aspire to be just like them, super cheesy but 100% true.
Give us your top tips for creating salon standard nails at home... PREP PREP PREP!!! Push those cuticles back and trim if needed. Get that shape as sharp and symmetrical as possible and make sure to add a super shiny top coat to finish off and seal those bad boy nails.
I find nailspiration everywhere really, particularly other nail artists, trending colour palettes and Pinterest. There is so much to learn and interpret from other forms of art, nature and people you love. As a beginner, I’ve come to understand that practice makes perfect and as a perfectionist, I won’t be satisfied until my work is up to standard. I think patience is a must when starting something new, whatever it is, and when you are doing something you love, it feels good to fail to get it right.
What 3 nail colours are you feeling this season?
Brown, any pastel shade and a true, blue-toned red! Think of a Lana Del Rey lippie!
Match your talons with your outfit: yes or no?
100000% before doing nails myself, I always viewed my nails as an extra accessory. Nothing is more satisfying than matching your spicy nails with your outfit and make up!
Who are your nail art icons?
@anouskaanastasia and @nailedbycarolina are my two fave nail techs ever! Both do top tier work, absolute perfection and I am in awe whenever I see a new set being posted on the ‘gram. I aspire to be just like them, super cheesy but 100% true.
Give us your top tips for creating salon standard nails at home... PREP PREP PREP!!! Push those cuticles back and trim if needed. Get that shape as sharp and symmetrical as possible and make sure to add a super shiny top coat to finish off and seal those bad boy nails.