Trillion Diamond
"Let me introduce you to the TRILLION DIAMOND nail! I’m obsessed with triangles and geometry, I had to make these whimsical yet futuristic gem-shaped nails."
Photo courtesy of
Britt Higgins
"These were achieved using Polygel to sculpt, then attaching Mylar pieces to every facet, using chrome on top of the entire surface and outlining the facets.
I took a huge risk by not decorating these elaborately; every time I added more layers or dimension to them it really took away from the overall sharp crisp look."
Photo courtesy of
Britt Higgins
Fuego
"This was probably one of the most challenging nails I’ve done. I probably started over from scratch about three times, it was definitely a challenge against time. I want to call this the Fuego shape, inspired by one of last year’s popular designs—flames!"
Photo courtesy of
Chau Tran
"I wanted these to not only be wearable but also functioning. Hope these were spicy enough!"
Photo courtesy of
Chau Tran
The Extreme Tidal Wave
"For those who think nails can never be long enough, I would like to introduce a new nail shape: 'The Extreme Tidal Wave'. These wearable fantasy nails are suitable for your next Cosplay event or fashion show. They will be all the rage in 2023, and all the top recording artists will be wearing a version of these in this year’s hottest music videos!"
Photo courtesy of
Jacqueline McClement
"Created on extra-long nail forms, using both gel for the clarity and acrylic for strength. Encapsulated beads and silver sea shape nail decorations, interior white coral accents created using sculpting gel. The shell and sea horses are sculpted from acrylic then carved with an e-file. I then painted with alcohol inks and pearl pigments. Surface textures created using non wipe topcoat and soap bubble technique. The octopus and mermaid are hand-painted with gel paints then 3D elements are added with sculpting gel. Swarovski bubbles, pearls. and silver sea shape decorations accents on top."
Photo courtesy of
Jacqueline McClement
Trapedge
"If I weren’t a nail designer, I would definitely work in the gemstone industry. I wanted to create a shape that reminds me of emeralds that naturally are formed hexagonally. A hexagon split in half gives you a trapezoid.
I created an ultra-sleek design to complement the shape of the nails. I designed a structure to be very sturdy for everyday use, yet still slim and short enough to wear.
This shape is a new take on my favorite shape edge, but a sculpted trapezoid instead of the triangular edge. There does exist a completely cubic nail shape, but not like this one. Emerald Green is slated to become the hottest color trend of 2023."
Photo courtesy of
Jenna Jupin
"Using clear gel, I sculpted the Trapedge shape folding the nail form 4 times. I made an emerald design by curing small cut pieces of green foil in topcoat and after curing peeling the top film of the foil off and encapsulating with clear gel to mimic facets inside the nails. In the thumb nail I encapsulated a subtle amount of 24k gold leaf. To finish the nails I polished them with a high shine buffer instead of applying a topcoat, to not remove the final shape.
Photo courtesy of
Jenna Jupin
The Spinal Square
"After rigorously searching the Internet to help me create a shape that has not been done but is wearable, I have created what I am calling 'The Spinal Square'. I combined the edge nail with a square. This gives the nail a beautiful spine with a straight free edge."
Photo courtesy of
Josette Hambleton
"I chose yellow as the color as I feel this screams ‘summer vibes’, and I wanted to show even pale skin tones can wear yellow as many people avoid this color. This year I feel simple but bold colors for this year's trend."
Photo courtesy of
Josette Hambleton
Geomex
"I have created a nail shape that is for special occasions. I wanted to up my game and created three different shapes. They are different but they follow the theme."
Photo courtesy of
Kamila Borowiec
"The name of the shape is Geomex (consists of different geometric shapes); I have decided to combine geometry with a jungle look. I wanted to show my sculpting skills and also different technique of painting. Everything was made with acrylic and hand painted. No airbrush was used."
Photo courtesy of
Kamila Borowiec
Cloud Almond
"I love the almond shape and it was clear for me to go with it and transform it into something different!"
Photo courtesy of
Marie Henchoz
Everything was sculpted with gel and forms. I made a few reverse French as well as a double one to create a negative space in between. For me, a new trending shape should be used in all styles so this is why I made one shorter and some longer so all styles can be considered! As well as the more simple nude looks or French manicures which is very popular and classy for this year-and anyone can wear it!"
Photo courtesy of
Marie Henchoz
GeoMeTricks
"The inspiration for my shape is fashion. Looking at interior design, in 2023 we will notice soft geometric shapes in interiors. Sofas, chests of drawers with ploughed corners will definitely be in demand. When choosing the color palette of my design, I was inspired by the Pantone Color Institute and the colors proposed for New York Fashion Week.
'We strive forward with a color palette that celebrates a newfound freedom and the excitement of trying something new. Colors and color combinations that lend themselves to experimentation and quirky contrasts highlight our desire for individualism encouraging us to express ourselves in unexpected ways.'"
Photo courtesy of
Monika Kupien
"My nails are sculpted with hard gel. Additional shapes are made of acrygel, decorated with studs and painted using colour gel."
Photo courtesy of
Monika Kupien
Trillion Diamond
"Let me introduce you to the TRILLION DIAMOND nail! I’m obsessed with triangles and geometry, I had to make these whimsical yet futuristic gem-shaped nails."
Photo courtesy of
Britt Higgins
"These were achieved using Polygel to sculpt, then attaching Mylar pieces to every facet, using chrome on top of the entire surface and outlining the facets.
I took a huge risk by not decorating these elaborately; every time I added more layers or dimension to them it really took away from the overall sharp crisp look."
Photo courtesy of
Britt Higgins
Fuego
"This was probably one of the most challenging nails I’ve done. I probably started over from scratch about three times, it was definitely a challenge against time. I want to call this the Fuego shape, inspired by one of last year’s popular designs—flames!"
Photo courtesy of
Chau Tran
"I wanted these to not only be wearable but also functioning. Hope these were spicy enough!"
Photo courtesy of
Chau Tran
The Extreme Tidal Wave
"For those who think nails can never be long enough, I would like to introduce a new nail shape: 'The Extreme Tidal Wave'. These wearable fantasy nails are suitable for your next Cosplay event or fashion show. They will be all the rage in 2023, and all the top recording artists will be wearing a version of these in this year’s hottest music videos!"
Photo courtesy of
Jacqueline McClement
"Created on extra-long nail forms, using both gel for the clarity and acrylic for strength. Encapsulated beads and silver sea shape nail decorations, interior white coral accents created using sculpting gel. The shell and sea horses are sculpted from acrylic then carved with an e-file. I then painted with alcohol inks and pearl pigments. Surface textures created using non wipe topcoat and soap bubble technique. The octopus and mermaid are hand-painted with gel paints then 3D elements are added with sculpting gel. Swarovski bubbles, pearls. and silver sea shape decorations accents on top."
Photo courtesy of
Jacqueline McClement
Trapedge
"If I weren’t a nail designer, I would definitely work in the gemstone industry. I wanted to create a shape that reminds me of emeralds that naturally are formed hexagonally. A hexagon split in half gives you a trapezoid.
I created an ultra-sleek design to complement the shape of the nails. I designed a structure to be very sturdy for everyday use, yet still slim and short enough to wear.
This shape is a new take on my favorite shape edge, but a sculpted trapezoid instead of the triangular edge. There does exist a completely cubic nail shape, but not like this one. Emerald Green is slated to become the hottest color trend of 2023."
Photo courtesy of
Jenna Jupin
"Using clear gel, I sculpted the Trapedge shape folding the nail form 4 times. I made an emerald design by curing small cut pieces of green foil in topcoat and after curing peeling the top film of the foil off and encapsulating with clear gel to mimic facets inside the nails. In the thumb nail I encapsulated a subtle amount of 24k gold leaf. To finish the nails I polished them with a high shine buffer instead of applying a topcoat, to not remove the final shape.
Photo courtesy of
Jenna Jupin
The Spinal Square
"After rigorously searching the Internet to help me create a shape that has not been done but is wearable, I have created what I am calling 'The Spinal Square'. I combined the edge nail with a square. This gives the nail a beautiful spine with a straight free edge."
Photo courtesy of
Josette Hambleton
"I chose yellow as the color as I feel this screams ‘summer vibes’, and I wanted to show even pale skin tones can wear yellow as many people avoid this color. This year I feel simple but bold colors for this year's trend."
Photo courtesy of
Josette Hambleton
Geomex
"I have created a nail shape that is for special occasions. I wanted to up my game and created three different shapes. They are different but they follow the theme."
Photo courtesy of
Kamila Borowiec
"The name of the shape is Geomex (consists of different geometric shapes); I have decided to combine geometry with a jungle look. I wanted to show my sculpting skills and also different technique of painting. Everything was made with acrylic and hand painted. No airbrush was used."
Photo courtesy of
Kamila Borowiec
Cloud Almond
"I love the almond shape and it was clear for me to go with it and transform it into something different!"
Photo courtesy of
Marie Henchoz
Everything was sculpted with gel and forms. I made a few reverse French as well as a double one to create a negative space in between. For me, a new trending shape should be used in all styles so this is why I made one shorter and some longer so all styles can be considered! As well as the more simple nude looks or French manicures which is very popular and classy for this year-and anyone can wear it!"
Photo courtesy of
Marie Henchoz
GeoMeTricks
"The inspiration for my shape is fashion. Looking at interior design, in 2023 we will notice soft geometric shapes in interiors. Sofas, chests of drawers with ploughed corners will definitely be in demand. When choosing the color palette of my design, I was inspired by the Pantone Color Institute and the colors proposed for New York Fashion Week.
'We strive forward with a color palette that celebrates a newfound freedom and the excitement of trying something new. Colors and color combinations that lend themselves to experimentation and quirky contrasts highlight our desire for individualism encouraging us to express ourselves in unexpected ways.'"
Photo courtesy of
Monika Kupien
"My nails are sculpted with hard gel. Additional shapes are made of acrygel, decorated with studs and painted using colour gel."
Photo courtesy of
Monika Kupien
Welcome to Challenge #3 of Next Top Nail Artist: Season 10. Our nine finalists showed off their skills sculpting and shaping skills.
They were asked to design a shape that they think will be trending in 2023 on a hand or practice hand and to make the shape on each finger; decorate, color, and embellish these nails in any way.
Flip through the slideshow above to see the finalist's entries and what they named their amazing designs!
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