How to create a manicure with two-tone flames

As one of the four elements necessary for life, fire is among the most widely depicted images in tattooing and art. Flames represent power, passion, destruction and desire.

If you're a take-charge kind of person, or just want to show off your edgy side, these multicolored flames are perfect for spring. The two-tone manicure gets its intense colors from a layering process with a white base coat.

When painting flames, you'll discover it helps to keep the style consistent. The primary design is comprised of a large "U" shape with another smaller "u" in the middle. It's similar to the shape of a tulip, and the individual flames curve inward and outward as if dancing in the wind.

Practicing on a piece of paper before attempting the design will also help you develop the style.

Are you ready to add some heat to your manicure?

Materials
- Glitter gel polish (not shown)
- UV or LED lamp
- Fine detail brush
- White gel paint
- Green jelly polish
- Pink gel polish
- Extreme Post-it notes
- No-wipe gel top coat

Instructions
1. Apply two coats of glitter gel polish to the nails, curing them between coats with the UV or LED lamp.

2. Dip the fine detail brush into the white gel paint, then draw the flames. Tip: Draw the flames thin initially, then add more paint once you’re happy with the shape. Cure the paint with the lamp.

3. Apply separate dots of green jelly polish and pink gel polish to the Extreme Post-it note, then dip the detail brush into the green paint. Layer the color over the white flames, but don’t paint the tip yet.

4. Wipe the brush on a clean portion of the Post-it note, then dip the bristles in the pink paint. Layer the paint over the remaining white nail tip, down the center of the flame and along the outside edges. Cure the wet paint with the lamp.

5. Apply a single layer of no-wipe gel top coat to the nails, then cure the gel with the lamp.

This design is hot! Stay pretty, and please share this nail tutorial on Facebook.