The Swan: Who Won and Who’s Packing Up Their Brushes

This week’s winner is Lexi. The judges loved your “Black Swan”-inspired design. Many of our judges, including INM’s Juli Miller and Gelish’s Danny Haile, commented on how unique your interpretation of the swan theme was for this week’s challenge. Staying true to yourself, your nail style, and your obvious love of fashion really helped you “fly” away with this week’s top spot. (Click here to see her inspiration video on how she created the winning look.)

Here are just a few more of the great comments you earned:

NAILS’ graphic designer Yuiko: I LOVE the fact that Lexi took on the black swan! Her whole piece depicts an incredibly strong and dominant swan figure, and her fashion inspiration does great justice to her overall design!

NAILS’ managing editor Sree: I love the “huge obnoxious feather.” I like how Lexi made this challenge her own. She is really developing her own style.

NAILS’ assistant editor Brittni: Lexi might have had the best video this week! I loved watching her assemble this manicure. The feathers and layered rhinestones gave it a great heavy, embellished ballet costume look. Fabric textures, like fishnet, tulle, or lace, would have enhanced it.

NAILS’ editor Hannah: Absolutely love your “Black Swan” inspiration. And of course, you found a way to tie it into fashion with the costumes from the movie. Way to stay true to your style. Gorgeous nails! Very unique take on the swan theme.

NAILS’ graphic designer Kim:  I love Lexi’s love for fashion. These nails reinforce that bold statement of hers! Awesome, dark take on the beautiful swan.

NAILS’ production manager Carla: This “Black Swan” design is FIERCE! The 3-D elements are nicely sculpted and the large, pluming feather is pure drama! I would only have liked to see a few more variations on the two nails that are mostly adorned with crystals but overall, the design is killer.

Read more comments about Lexi’s winning look in our Top 3 & Bottom 3 article.

Lexi will receive will receive the following from INM (a $750 value):

•   A gift certificate for $750 (salon value) to purchase her choice of INM professional nail products.
•  She will also have the opportunity to have her artwork featured in an INM ad in 2014.

In addition, Lauren will receive a gift certificate for $400 and Buddy will receive a gift certificate for $250, as this week’s 2nd and 3rd place finishers, respectively, to purchase INM professional nail products.

 

The nail tech who is packing up her paintbrushes this week is…Temeka Jackson. Temeka, your beautifully sculpted, abstract art is what originally attracted the judges to your designs. Your passion for your craft and your business acumen are a fierce combination. We enjoyed having you in this competition and are so excited to see more from you in the future!

You can follow Temeka at the following social media outlets: Custom Nails by Temeka, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter.

 

Tune in later today to vote for the Week 5 challenge. Good luck to Buddy, Christian, Jane, Julie, Lauren, Lexi, Ryoko, and Winnie, who will all continue in the competition.