Get your clients ready for St. Patrick’s Day with an unconventional yet festive and chic look. This step-by-step offered by NAILS Next Top Nail Artist contestant, Winnie Huang will show you how to execute a gem stone effect.

 1. Prep, buff, and shape the nail as desired.

2. Apply two coats of an iridescent gray gel-polish color. Huang used Bio Seaweed Gel in Mother of Pearl. 

3. Apply a thin coat of clear gel. Do not cure. Place Mylar flakes randomly onto the uncured surface. Once you are satisfied with the placement, cure for 30 seconds in an LED light. Buff the nail until the surface appears smooth.

4. Apply Bio Seaweed Gel in Kiwi and Evergreen to the tip in random spots. Using a flat brush, lightly blend the two colors together. Try to avoid going over the Mylar flakes and remember to leave a few spots so the gray isn’t completely covered. Once you’ve achieved the desired look, cure.

5. With a thin liner brush, apply lines using Bio Seaweed Gel in black. Proceed to blend and soften the lines using a flat brush to enhance the marble effect.

6. Outline the nail with gold and cure. Huang used Orly Luxe. 

7. Apply builder gel to secure embellishments. Once you are happy with the placement, cure.

8. Apply gel top coat. Cure and wipe off the dispersion layer to complete the look.

To keep up with Huang’s work make sure you follow her on Instagram @winnieisawesome.