Lux Croco Gel-Polish Manicure

Merrick Fisher of Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Merricures lives and works steps away from Rodeo Drive, making run-ins with luxurious animal print fashion accessories a daily occurrence. Inspired by this enduring trend, Fisher created a nail art look that allows clients to take home the same lavish prints but for a fraction of the price. Fisher’s lux croco manicure incorporates glamour and multi-dimensional texture with a combination of black and gold gel-polish and matte and glossy finishes.

“Remember that as in nature, animal skin takes on different appearances and shapes, so by all means have fun with the design — use any colors you prefer,” says Fisher. “And most importantly, no animals are harmed in this process.”

1. Apply two coats of gold glitter gel-polish and cure after each coat. (Fisher used INM’s Gelavish Northern Lights in Gold.)

2. Remove the inhibition layer with a clean, dry brush.

3. Apply a thin but solid coat of black gel-polish over the gold and don’t cure. (Fisher used Vetro’s Nero.)

4. Using a dotting tool or thin brush, carve lines into the uncured black gel-polish making sure to continuously wipe after each stroke. All corners should be rounded with no sharp angles. Cure once your desired design is achieved.

5. Apply top coat and cure. (Fisher used INM’s Gelavish Dual It as the base and top coat.)

6. Wipe off the inhibition layer and gently buff the entire surface of the nail with a 180-grit buffer to remove the shine.

7. Go over the gold lines with a shiny gel top coat using a thin brush. If some gets onto the black, don’t worry, it’ll add dimension to the design. Lastly, cure your design. (Fisher used Artgenic Glossy Shine Brush-on Top Gel.)