It’s the season of y-o-u! Make your special day (or month, let’s be honest) uniquely you with birthday-approved nail looks. Whether you’re going all out party mode, looking to treat yourself to some glitter and glam, or just want to feel like your best self, find inspo and step-by-step directions on how to achieve your dream birthday nail look right here.

 

Nails by LaTonya Brown @t.ariellee

For all the 2000s babies! These Y2K hot pink high-impact stiletto tips feature 3D flower details, rhinestones, and ultra-fierce animal print French tips.

Directions

 

Step 1 

Thoroughly prep nails to get rid of any dead skin and oil from the natural nail plate.

 

Step 2

Clean the nail beds with a manicure brush and 99% isopropyl alcohol before going in with the Aprés pH Bonder and Acid-Free Gel Primer on all 10 fingers.

 

Step 3

Prep and apply your Long Sculpted Stiletto Gel-X tips using the Non-Wipe Extend Gel or the Extend Gel Sensitive. 

 

Step 4

Fully cure both hands for 60 seconds, then seal the cuticle area with your method of choice. Clean all nail dust using the manicure brush and alcohol from Step 2.

 

Step 5

For the base colors, use the shades 709 I Vow to You from the Light & Shadow Collection and a pink shade like 269 Spring Blossom.

 

Step 6

Using the picture as a reference, draw your French tips on the middle finger and the thumb using a slightly lighter pink, like the shade 271 Tutu Together. Be sure to fully cure in between these steps!

Feel free to remix the placement of the designs on one hand – you can keep them the same on both hands to follow the breakdown!

 

Step 7

Airbrush the white in the middle of the pointer and ring finger to create an aura effect. If you don't have an airbrush machine, white eyeshadow can help you to achieve a similar look.

 

Step 8

Using a similar pink shade to 709 I Vow to You, airbrush some hints of pink onto the French tips for added dimension.

 

Step 9

Once you've completed all the airbrushing, fully cure both hands for a full 60 seconds. Then outline the middle finger with your favorite white Gel Couleur – like the shade 323 Cloud Nine – and draw the zebra print using a black Gel Couleur like the shade 344 Birnam Wood and fully cure.

 

Step 10

Get creative – add 3D flowers and gems wherever you’d like to! Once this step is complete, apply an Aprés Top Gelcoat and fully cure.

 

Step 11

Rub in your Cuticle Serum of choice. You’re done!

Product Breakdown:

  • pH Bonder 

  • Acid-Free Gel Primer

  • Extend Gel 

  • Long Sculpted Stiletto Gel-X® Tips

  • Non-Wipe Top Gelcoat

  • 709 I Vow to You

  • 269 Spring Blossom

  • 271 Tutu Together

  • 323 Cloud Nine

  • 344 Birnam Wood

 

Nails by Olivia Collins @jayseenails

Not like other girls. These exaggerated square tips are gemmed-out with lots of 3D texture for a look that fantasies are made of.

Directions

 

Step 1

Apply your tips with Aprés Extend Gel.


Step 2

Apply two coats of Liquid Mask around the cuticles of the nails you intend to airbrush.


Step 3

Using 323 Cloud Nine, paint your white French tips.


Step 4

Using proper PPE and ventilation, mix equal parts 215 Suck It Up and acetone into an airbrush and spray the tips. Do the same with any other colours you prefer.


Step 5

Using a Long Liner Brush, swoop some swirls onto your French tips in varying colours.


Step 6

Use AB-137 Two Lips to create asymmetrical dots from the tips of some nails to create an orchid effect. Similarly, use 215 Suck It Up and French Black to create a swirling leopard print.


Step 7

Add any decor to your liking – such as flowers or pearls – and seal with Extend Gel.


Step 8

Use the Extend Gel to create 3D bubbles and shapes on some of the nails for added dimension.


Step 9

Seal with Aprés Top Gelcoat – you're done!


Product Breakdown:

  • Extend Gel 

  • 215 Suck It Up

  • 323 Cloud Nine

  • AB-137 Two Lips

  • French Black

  • Top Gelcoat

  • Liquid Mask