Pure Diva: The Top 3 and the Bottom 3

 

Challenge 1 sponsored by Dashing Diva asked our contestants to select a favorite diva and create the perfect set of nails custom designed just for them. They also had to make a video diary and a Pinterest board charting their inspiration.

 

This week’s guest judge was Margaret Pak of Dashing Diva. Permanent judges include CND’s Jan Arnold, NAILS NTNA season 2 winner Lavette Cephus, NAILS editor Erika Kotite, NAILS senior editor Beth Livesay, and the rest of the team at NAILS Magazine.

 

 

In alphabetical order, the top 3 are:

 

Celina Rydén: The judges went gaga for your nails, the bubble one in particular. Yes, this is a set with a lot going on, but hey, that’s Lady Gaga. These nails wouldn’t suit any other diva. Like Gaga herself, you entertained us in your video, although we would recommend making it a bit shorter next time. Overall, we appreciate your tedious work of incorporating a memorable costume into each and every nail. Extraordinary work!

 

Torie Bastian: The colors on your nails and overall design scream Cher! The judges especially loved hearing your explanation of the nail shape, but wish you had explained a bit more about your technique as well. We see a true connection between this set, your diva, and Bob Mackie’s style. The use of unconventional items was equally loved. Details like the feather and butterfly wing really won the judges over. Watch the volume shifts on your video for better continuity. Oh, and your own nails were just as stunning as the Cher set. Well done!

 

Winnie Huang: Technique-wise this was one of the best videos of the week, as we got to see how you sculpted this amazingly ambitious set for big, bad Ursula. The judges love the detail and technical ability you showed us. Aquarium nails are so popular right now, so this set was a fun and topical choice. We just wish we knew how you made that glorious crystal ball. You know as well as the judges that the sound on the video was too low, but your fun personality and sparkling nails definitely made up for it.

 

 

  

The following techs can breathe again. They are in the middle of this week’s pack and are safe. Congratulations to:

 

Alecia Mounixay: The judges thought your demo was spectacular. It was full of tight nail shots, thorough explanations, and it captured your inspiration perfectly by showing the nails alongside RuPaul’s outfits. The finished set as a whole is bold, cohesive, glamorous, and strong. However, we wonder if these nails could have been even more eccentric to show off your diva’s fierce attitude. Also, never admit to a broken nail. Either fix it or don’t share.

 

Halley Fortenberry:  There’s no doubt you’re a beautiful sculptor. The judges thought your overall design was detailed and coherent with the perfect island palette. Judge favorites included the flower and portrait. While Rihanna loves nail art, the judges felt this set could have been even bolder or badder to reflect your diva’s coolness.

 

Lauren Boyd: The judges went wild for your cage nails and clean lines. We can think of no better representation of Grace Jones than this gorgeous set, which directly correlates with your Pinterest inspiration. Your video was solid, and we were even a bit distracted (in the best way possible) by your own glamorous nails. Keep up the great work!

 

Sarah Elmaz: Polished and precise are how the judges describe your nails. We have no doubt Barbie would love this neat and clean set. Your video production needs some improvement though. The judges are dying to see more of your fabulous techniques. The decision to interview little girls about Barbie definitely made your research stand out creatively, and we think you successfully incorporated your findings into a sleek final design.

 

Tan Nguyen: The judges agree that your finished nails are neat, clean, and go together beautifully despite being different designs. The piano keys in particular were loved, as was your choice of diva. The feathers and bling also evoke Las Vegas and Liberace nicely. We wish your Pinterest board had a bit more inspiration on it. Watch the camera angle on your video and make sure your own nails are ready to catch some camera time as well. The final result is gorgeous though!

 

Victoria Zegarelli: The judges think you really captured your diva, the incomparable Holly Golightly, by using a variety of mediums that show off your skills. Your Pinterest board was as fabulous as your theme. The video was a bit shadowy and blurry in parts, which made it harder for us to see your nails. We did see the sketch of your set in the background and loved that added bit of detail.

 

  

Unfortunately, there always had to be a bottom group. The bottom 3, in alphabetical order, are:

 

April Ryan: The judges thought your design was elegant and loved the roses and detail on Marilyn’s face. We appreciate your wide use of techniques, but wish there had been more on your video about how you made your designs. The subtitles were difficult to read while watching your demo. Parts of the video are also a bit too dark, obscuring the technique on the nails.

 

Sherri Traweek: The judges appreciate your out of the box thinking and love the tentacles wrapping around the nails. The undersides were also a hit with the judges. You are known for your consistently charming and delightful work, but this set was too safe. Being the diva Ursula is, we are sure she would have wanted to make an appearance on these nails. We were left wondering where she was. Still, your narrative was clear. Your video personality is always so cute, but we think your video could have been even better if it showed more of your brilliant technique.

 

Szilvia Egerszegi:  A great Pinterest board combined with rich, wearable nails make Beyoncé a fitting choice for your diva. However, the darkness of the video combined with the dark colors on the nails made your process hard to see. The volume combined with the music also made it tough to hear. Overall, this is an elegant set and we are crazy in love with the ring you made to go along with it.