From The Straits Times    |

Photo: boutique_nails18 and jennifernyuyen0121/Instagram 

If you think you’ve done everything you could possibly do to your nails, you need to try this nail trend beauty enthusiasts have been obsessed with – chrome nails. This manicure gives you a smooth, high-shine finish that has such an intense sheen, it’s almost like you’ve got mirrors on your fingertips.

Of course, achieving this million dollar look requires more than a coat of metallic nail varnish and could easily cost you more than $60 at the nail salon. Here are two ways you can recreate this head-turning look in the comfort of your own home. It can be tricky to achieve but it can be done.

 

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With chrome powder

 

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For this look, you want to start with clean nails. So take your time to cut, file and shape your nails. Once that is done, use a cuticle stick to push back any skin off your nail plate. Apply your base coat and two coats of nail polish of any colour of your choice.

You can use any colour you want, but the reflective chrome powder tends to show up better against a black base. Next, with the little applicator (usually comes with the chrome pigment), wipe the chrome powder across the nail. Dust off any excess powder with a fan brush. To make clean-up easier, apply a thin layer of school craft glue on the skin around your nails. Seal it all in with a layer of top coat.

Try: Sally Hansen Salon Chrome Kit Gunmetal ($27.90), available from Watsons.

 

With a nail foil

Start off with a base coat and a nail colour of your choice. If you are new to nail art, opt for silver as your base colour. That way, if your foil tears during the application process, the gaps wouldn’t be as noticeable. Cut your foil down to little pieces that will fit your nails.

They don’t have to be perfect but try your best to get them as close to the right size as possible. Paint on a layer of top coat and wait for around 10 to 15 minutes for it to get tacky. Press the foil onto your nail and gently smooth the foil down with a wooden stick. If your nail foil is thin enough, you can tear off any excess of overhang, otherwise use a pair of nail clippers to trim off any excess. Finish it off with a layer of top coat.

Try: Bluelans Holographic Nail Foils ($2), available from Lazada.

 

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If you want to skip these steps and leave your mani to the hands of your trusted nail salon, we won’t blame you. Besides, that way you can request intricate designs like this.

ALSO READ: WHAT’S IN K-POP STAR SUZY’S MAKEUP POUCH?

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