Fashion Fanatic: The Top 3 and the Bottom 3

Challenge #6, Fashion Fanatic, asked the finalists to take their inspiration from the show- stopping nail looks CND has created that have graced runways all over the world.

Contestants were to choose a 3-D runway nail look from CND and create a ready to wear version on a single hand, using Vinylux ONLY for the artwork.

The Guest Judge for this week was manicurist and nail expert, Ashton Harlan

In alphabetical order, the Top 3 are:

Jessica: Your pastel color palette was a bold choice that paid off.  One judge said, “I cannot believe the additional challenge you imposed on yourself with the color palette – it does update this look so I applaud you for going there.” The all-female royal flush adds a cute twist. Your final design definitely gives a nod to your inspiration and then you put your own touch to it.  Consider playing your video from a different device to check the audio/video quality prior to uploading and adjust if necessary, remember that this is such a big part of the competition and will help elevate your submissions. Well done!

Silvia: Your clean, precise work continues to wow the judges. “Obviously the Joker nail is the focal point. It is clean precise and full of depth,100% fantastic! But what I absolutely love is the contrast of the jelly green nail with the rest being solid. It’s an unexpected twist, that in my opinion elevates the design as a whole.” Another said, “Your attention to detail in your free hand artwork is mesmerizing. I could watch you create that Joker’s face again and again and again.” Your artwork epitomizes the challenge and judges noticed. One judge did say that it would be great to see some texture… Your video also received high marks for narration and details provided. Keep those pro tips coming.  Great work!

Stephanie:  These nails are so fun and oh-so Libertine.  Judges really enjoyed that you created so much detail and so many little elements. One comment is that there’s few non-Vinylux embellishments incorporated into the design and one requirement was to use only Vinylux.  Wonderful choice for the color palette and graphic style. Check that you are always in frame in videos and shoot from the viewer’s POV.

And this artist is safe for this week: 

Emily: The amount of depth and detail in your design are certainly eye catching and hold interest. Judges loved your highlights and shadowing. One judge especially loved the coffin shape as a fun play on the theme. The sculpted nails help elevate your creation. One wish would have been to make the look a bit more unique and less aligned with the original design, meaning, judges encourage you to put your own spin on it. Watch the speed of the video…it is very fast and difficult to follow the actual process of you creating all that detail. Great work!

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

Eileen: Your submission is eye catching and choice of color is bright and vibrant.  It was felt that more attention to hand painting detail would have raised your score.  The graphic elements got a little lost and competed with the size of the 3D elements rather than complementing them.  Remember videos should be more instructional and showcasing the techniques used. Please consider the viewer’s POV when shooting and editing.

Jodie: You created beautifully shaped nails and did a great job highlighting the products you used throughout the tutorial. One judge said,” These are incredibly gorgeous and so wearable! I think you could offer this set at your salon and make a pretty penny from these.” But another thought they could have been more extravagant and over-the-top, like The Blonds designs and brand. The roses are gorgeous and painting lace is not easy, but more opportunities to take advantage of using lacquer to show us your skills would have upped this entry more. Consider the viewer’s POV when shooting. Keep upping your game!

Kristen: While you use of Plexigel was well done, this was a Vinylux-only challenge.  Your 3-D elements were not made with Vinylux. Another opportunity missed was to show off more hand painting. The concept alone without the added embellishments is beautiful but a bit simple. Being thoughtful of the challenge requirements will definitely serve to your advantage.