Seven Steps to Faux Caviar Nails
Photo: courtesy of Stefanie Lee1/7Step One
Cuticle work, shaping, buffing, and a good base coat are essential steps prior to starting the design. I used a Planet Nails base coat, which I like because it's super thin and dries incredibly fast, but any good base coat will do.
Apply the first layer of caviar by dotting the color randomly using a fine artist brush, available at any art supply store. The dots don't need to be exactly the same size. The order of the colors is entirely up to you, but I usually save white for last because it brings the surrounding colors to life.
Photo: courtesy of Stefanie Lee2/7Step Three
Apply the third color. You can use the same brush throughout as long as you wipe it clean with non-acetone remover between every color.
Photo: courtesy of Stefanie Lee3/7Step Two
Apply the second color between the first dots without getting too close. If you want a uniform look, pair up the dots from the start.
Photo: courtesy of Stefanie Lee4/7Step Five
Apply the fifth color. At this point, almost every gap should be filled in. Don't neglect the sides of your nails!
Photo: courtesy of Stefanie Lee5/7Step Four
Apply the fourth color. By now, the colors should be slightly overlapping and you'll find less space to apply too many of the same color dots.
Photo: courtesy of Stefanie Lee6/7Step Six
Apply the final color. The last color fills the very few gaps still left. I used white because my palette is bright.
Photo: courtesy of Stefanie Lee7/7Step Seven
Lastly, apply two layers of topcoat. Use three strokes per nail, covering the middle first and then either side. I applied a matte topcoat by Essence because I'm obsessed with the chalky appearance, however, a glossy topcoat looks amazing and adds more dimension. Voilà!
