Learn to create translucent tortoiseshell nails

A work-appropriate manicure need not be boring, but nudes and neutral shades can get tiresome. If you’re looking for a trendy way to upgrade your nails but still want to stick to tried-and-true colors, it’s time to turn to some of your favorite accessories for inspiration. Tortoiseshell patterns have long been a staple in jewelry and even eyeglasses, and lately, those translucent patterns are everywhere.

Creating a tortoiseshell manicure is as simple as layering opaque and translucent polish. Start with a honey-colored base and build up shades of caramel, brown and black. Since every manicure deserves a little bling, apply gold transfer foil for a hint of sparkle.

Materials
- Oval brush
- Honey-colored gel (Ageha, 511)
- UV or LED lamp (Lumcrissy, not shown)
- Caramel-colored gel (Ageha, 510)
- Brown gel paint (Mission Control, Clutch)
- Black gel paint (Mission Control, Over Drive)
- Small dotting tool
- Gold transfer foil
- No-wipe top coat (Cheri)

Instructions
1. Use the oval brush to coat your nails with honey-colored gel, then cure it with the UV or LED lamp.

2. Apply a second coat of honey-colored gel, then swirl caramel-colored gel on top as well. The colors should be slightly mottled. Cure the gel with the lamp once more.

3. Darken the caramel areas with a small amount of brown gel paint, and cure it with the lamp.

4. Create abstract patches by applying black nail gel with the round brush and the dotting tool. Vary the size and number of patches for the best result. Cure the gel before proceeding to the next step.

5. Press a square of gold transfer foil against the tacky surface of the nail two or three times, as desired.

6. Seal your design with a layer of no-wipe top coat, and cure it with the lamp.

Stay pretty!