Decade Decadence: The Top 3 and the Bottom 3
Challenge 5 sponsored by Akzéntz, asked our Top 8 to take us back to their favorite decade with nail art. Contestants were required to incorporate 3-D gel art on at least six nails; no acrylic was allowed. Gel-polish and acrylic paints were allowed, but not lacquer. Embellishments were also acceptable, but could not make up more than 10% of the design. Tips had to remain individual and graduated in size (as if fitting from finger to finger). A Nail Art Gallery tutorial was also required. This week’s guest judge was Yuriko Hoshina of Akzéntz.
In alphabetical order, the Top 3 are:
Deanna White: You won the judges over with your Furby art. Perhaps a little less text would make the design stronger. The judges loved the nostalgia of this set and the whole particular pop culture references. We recommend condensing your tutorial a bit though.
Jonny Diep Pham: The judges thank you for stepping out of your comfort zone. We can tell you really listened to your previous critique and boy did it pay off! Plus, you made nail fringe! The judges adored the car as well. Your nail art is lively, yet has a wonderful dark side, just like the roaring ʼ20s. Your nail tip size made it difficult to tell if they were graduated in size though.
Tracey Lee: Tracey, we were all truly touched by your piece this week. We knew the story without even reading your explanation. The dripping rainbow, Nelson Mandela, the movement of the flags, the Coke can and its significance are all mesmerizing. For added polish, consider making your tutorial an outline for easier learning.
The following techs can breathe again. They are in the middle of this week’s pack and are safe. Congratulations to:
Cate Widemire: Glow-in-the-dark was a groovy choice! The judges got on board with your VW bus. We were left wanting a bit more though. Your bus was so beautiful and we wish the remainder of your set had packed the same punch.
Liina Leino: The judges recommend better lighting in your demos. They also wonder if the sculpting was a bit unbalanced. Maybe spreading the sculpted pieces apart some more would create more impact. Your tutorial was lacking a bit, which made us sad, because we want to learn from you! Your marshmallow man was good enough to eat and your Madonna was very much in vogue. We had fun looking at these and love your creativity!
Unfortunately, there always has to be a bottom group. The bottom 3, in alphabetical order, are:
Amber Dunson: The judges thought your design was playful and definitely popped in terms of color. They also applaud your use of unconventional materials. The curls and strawberry were the hero pieces of this set. However, the judges think the scope of these nails may be too narrow to adequately represent a decade of time. Watch your precision when it comes to your technique, as we are nearly halfway through the competition.
Dana Cecil: This set was very cute, but the judges felt there was too much going on and not enough cohesion to bring it all together. The copy in your tutorial was more narrative than instructional. We appreciate you sharing so much with us, but both your tutorial and nail tips need a major WOW factor.
Tracy Vinson: Custom flocking powder was a brilliant idea. Your unconventional choices prove you are resourceful and inventive. However, the judges feel that they have seen this design from you before. More sculpting would have made your cherry not feel so lonesome. We know you are an exceptional artist and would like to see you push outside your box a bit more.
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