For those of you who want to take it one step further, resident Dashing Diva nail artist Young Kim has come out with a clever new way of cutting up and blending these appliqués to give nail techs even more freedom to let their creativity shine with the fun patterns.

Here’s how you can create your own custom nails by cutting and mixing different DesignFX appliqués.

1. Create a color base by using Dashing Diva Gelife Pure Gel.

a. Apply one layer of Gelife Base Gel. Cure.

b. Apply two layers of Gelife Color Gel. Cure after each layer.

c. Apply one layer of Gelife Top Gel. Cure.

d. Remove tacky inhibition layer with at least 90% pure alcohol.

2. Carefully cut the first piece of DesignFX appliqué into the desired shape and size. Use a craft knife blade for more controlled and precise cuts.

3. Using tweezers, peel and place the cut appliqué onto the nail. Smooth it out completely while firmly securing the edges.

4. Either trim or file the overhanging appliqué to make it flush with the edges of the nail bed. When filing, first use a 100-grit file then switch to smooth the edge with a fine 180-grit file.

5. Repeat steps 2–4 until the desired design is achieved.

6. Seal and finish with Dashing Diva Gelife Pure Gel. Cure for 30 seconds under a 40-watt LED light or two minutes under a ­36-watt UV lamp:

a. Apply one layer of Gelife Base Gel. Cure.

b. Apply one layer of Gelife Top Gel. Cure.

c. Remove tacky inhibition layer with at least 90% pure alcohol.

 

Helpful Hints:

> Begin with a sketch of the final nail design.

> For a simple alternative without a color base, ­apply cut appliqués to natural nails, then add a layer of ­Gelife Base Gel followed by a layer of ­Gelife Top Gel, curing in between each gel layer.

> Use your imagination. You can combine pieces from ­several different appliqué patterns or stick to one for a simpler look.

 

VIDEO: A quick and easy way to remove DesignFX using non-acetone polish remover

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