Passport Perfection: The Top 2 and the Bottom 2

Challenge 9, sponsored by KUPA, asked the Top 4 to carve nail art inspired by a KUPA MANIPro Passport.

In alphabetical order, the Top 2 are:

Kadee: The judges agree that your eye for color and texture creation are brilliant! Your mermaid tail and turtle were so memorable! When it comes to showing off and teaching about the e-file you did the best this week! Little things like wearing gloves, teaching more in place of telling, and adding more professionalism to your video (pro tips, stronger intro), and in this case, adding more mermaid elements to your underwater design would give you an even higher score. But overall, we were wowed, congrats!

Stella:  You gave us another magical creation, and we applaud you for doing so despite setbacks with your product. Your unicorn captivated all of our imaginations and we loved the wings! When it comes to carving, you bested the competition this week. Consider that when you have a strong focal point (the unicorn) you can add even more to the whole design by keeping details in mind (the horn) and mixing up the adjoining elements (stars). But really, these are small areas of critique, as we were once again in awe of your work.

Since there are only four contestants remaining, no one is safe this week. 

Ally: The judges appreciate your risk-taking this week when it came to the challenge theme. However, that risk wasn’t pushed far enough in terms of artistry and cohesion. The judges agree that this set is too safe for so late in the competition. Your videos and photography are perfection, so just give yourself some added push with your technique and final design to make it to the finals.

Kelsey: Your unique approach to this challenge paid off with the judges. We loved your twist on the frog prince and think your carving of him and his crown were spectacular. Your color way this week was also on-point! Outside of the frog nail, the judges don’t see the theme or carving as strongly. Mixing up the carving techniques for more variety would have made this princely set even more pleasing. When it comes to video, you’ve mastered the craft! More refinement in the artwork itself will give you a score as high as your video marks, and possibly take you into the final three.