MENU
SEARCHLast year’s NAILS’ Next Top Nail Artist second runner up, Danielle Costantino, has a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to mixed-media nail design.
Danielle Costantino (right), with model Ciara Pisa says the cover shoot was “probably one of the best days of my life!”
Last year’s NAILS’ Next Top Nail Artist second runner up, Danielle Costantino, has a few tricks up her sleeve when it comes to mixed-media nail design. Actually, she has a few million. The Cranston, R.I. nail artist showed her phenomenal skills in competition after competition, wowing the judges with intricate renderings of steampunk design, “Frozen”-inspired art, and L.A. street scenes.
After winning her place in the Top 3, Costantino came to the NAILS studio to work on her cover. The challenge this time? Capture the spirit of the ancient Aztec civilization on nails. “Working on the NAILS cover shoot was surreal,” Costantino says. “But everyone was so kind and welcoming, I felt like part of the family.”
Formerly the owner of two tanning salons, Costantino fell in love with nail artistry and sold the salons so that she could devote herself to nails. She works at Gina Silvestro’s Gel Essentialz Salon and is an educator for Gel Essentialz and a contributor to Akzentz’ blog. It was clear to the NAILS staff that Costantino didn’t need a lot of guidelines to create an amazing tribal-inspired cover look.
Here's how you can get this month's cover look:
1. Choose a neutral color palette with a pop of color. Starting with a prepped nail, apply a coat of Akzentz Luxio in Base and cure for 30 seconds. Next, polish the nail with two coats of base color, Akzentz Luxio in Neutral, curing in between coats.
2. Using a flat oval brush, fade Akzentz Luxio in Hypnotic Coral from tip to cuticle. Pat the uncured product with the flat side of the brush, pulling towards the cuticle. Eventually, you’ll create an ombre. When satisfied, cure for 30 seconds.
3. Using a small #2 detail brush, begin creating the Aztec pattern using Akzentz Gel Play in Black.
4. When creating your pattern, try to stay very symmetrical yet vary the width of your lines for an added dimensional element. When the lines are to your liking, cure for 30 seconds.
5. Add Akzentz Luxio in Tiffany in the lower center section of the design and cure for 30 seconds.
6. Fill in the two center sections of the design with Orly Gel Fx in Luxe and cure for 30 seconds.
7. Apply a top coat using Akzentz Luxio in Gloss and cure for 30 seconds.
8. To create the rest of the set, use various techniques for nails that are unique. Some have a mixture of Swarovski crystals and spikes, others have bold lines, colors, and dimensional aspects. The variety should be complementary and flow well.
Marine-exclusive antioxidants act as a natural biological shield for the feet to help protect skin, smooth cracks, hydrate roughness, calm inflammation and disrupt bacterial and fungal activity, leaving feet feeling softer, smoother, more hydrated and healthier.
The MelodySusie P-PLUS30GT UV/LED Rechargeable Nail Lamp represents an upgrade in curing technology, designed to address several challenges through improved light reflection, intelligent heat management, and cordless operation.
Meet Luminary Nail Systems, the innovative professional nail brand founded by a husband-and-wife team that is dedicated to strength and longevity.
Elevate your tip service with the OPI GELevate™ Extension System, featuring tailor-made Soft Gel Tips, GELevate 4-in-1 Builder with Intelli-Builder Technology and the Lightening Flash Cure Gel Lamp. This new system from OPI allows for flawless tips in no time.
Nail technicians are embracing the Medical Pedicure as a service and placing it on their menus. But what is it? What training is required? Is it within our scope of practice as licensed nail technicians?
MelodySusie introduces the Fleurwee Gel Nail Polish series—a revolutionary gel polish that is HEMA/HPMA- and TPO-free, plant-based gel polish for a high-quality nail care experience.
Americanails' Original Base and Top Coat Gels are universal, reliable, affordable, and all you'll ever need to ensure a long-lasting gel manicure.
Get the look: Cynthia Erivo's 3D Blooming Mani at the 2024 Tony Awards featured 3D elements and crystals completed with OPI.
Check out these new launches from The GelBottle, including new BIAB shades and a line of body care products for a luxurious spa experience.
Kim Kardashian's manicure created for GQ’s annual 'Man Of The Year' event are the perfect understated, yet edgy look for fall or even the holiday party season.
Are your salon procedures safe for the health-sensitive community? Beauty industry expert Joy Johnson shares her tips for a safe salon and spa.
When the weight of the body lands on a swollen nerve, it can be debilitating. Learn the symptoms and alert clients to this common problem that develops in the nerves of the foot.
With the PC1 Nail Drill Pen, achieving healthy nails and a flawless manicure has never been easier. This user-friendly nail drill pen covers all your nail care needs.
Meet the new MelodySusie portable nail drill that offers customizable speed options.
Attending a presentation by Doug Schoon is an opportunity not to be missed for anyone in the nail care industry. His extensive expertise, commitment to accurate information, and engaging presentation style make for an enlightening experience.
Ski jump nails can be corrected with liquid-and-powder acrylic and an accurately sized tip.
What's really so smart about a smart e-file? A lot! Hear from celebrated nail artist Sarah Grimes about why she loves Gelish's smart new Go File IQ.
Sponsored by Gelish
