Solar Power: The Top 3 and the Bottom 3

Challenge #3, Solar Power, took our finalists to the outer limits, and was inspired by CND’s Solar Oil, a legend within the nail industry. This challenge celebrates all things solar…and lunar. Finalists were asked to create celestial-inspired nail art on two hands. Because Solar Oil is cuticle oil, the judges wanted to see this section of the nail represented in the artwork.

The celestial nail art must contain artwork at the lunula of all 10 nails. To create the nail design, finalists were asked to harness the power of CND Brisa Gel for all nail enhancements and 3-D artwork. They could add color with Shellac, Vinylux, or embellishments but no L&P or Plexi-Gel was to be used for this challenge. Then, they were to create a 5-7 minute video showing how they used Brisa along with their inspiration for this design.

The Guest Judge for this week was Season 7 NTNA 1^st Runner Up Stella Sampson (@nailart.stella).

In alphabetical order, the Top 3 are:

Jessica:  Words like “stunning,” “mesmerizing” and “magic”  were used to describe your submission. One judge said, “I believe the way you painted the features on your planets was the most accurate and detailed, out of this world!”  They appreciated that you really paid attention to detail, and that you went 3D with Brisa.   For your videos, remember to make them instructional, not just conversational.  Overall, the judges agreed—they’re obsessed with this set. Four stars!

Silvia: Watching you paint is a real treat for the judges. They love your detail and your exceptional shadowing. They also love the length and shape of your nails.  Also, one judge shared, “Love the photo styling with the embellishments on the hands!” Going forward, step out of your comfort zone and really push your design.

Stephanie:  It was obvious to the judges that you pushed yourself on this challenge. Your use of pigments is—no pun intended–stellar.  Also, your video diary got high marks and was much improved.  The one general comment about the 3D components is that the judges would have like to see these sculpted by you instead of coming out of a mold.  But really lovely work!

And these artists are safe for this week.  Here they are in no specific order…

Kristen:  Your little piece captured so much great detail. Do be cautious about color application as it looked a little bit muddy.  You’re doing great with your videos, just remember to keep it at a pace where we don’t lose any details of your process.

Asia: Your 3D elements were so grand that judges think your your line work could have have been a bit more refined. It got a bit messy on the lunula art. Great job with your video and continue to share those great tips.

Emily: Thank you for showing us different ways to work with Brisa Gel. Considering the length of the nail, judges think you could have added more small detail or perhaps sculpted longer nails.

Eileen: Your movable elements in the lunula area were so clever. Your video is very good, and clever use of Solar Oil to help you create the movable eyes.

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

Elena: You have amazing sculpting skills and do beautiful, detailed work. The guidelines of the challenge included creating art at the lunula area, and judges were disappointed not to see it there.  Also, your video submissions are problematic. The orientation continues to be off (this should be shot horizontally) and subtitles were too fast to follow.

Jodie: Judges think you played it a bit safe for this challenge.  The nails were not quite competition level. They’d love to see more intricate art and they wished you’d added more 3D elements. A comment on your video: “Nice tight demo but please keep the nails vertical to frame, from the Nail Professional perspective.”

LaTara: The judges agree this is a beautiful set but they crave more complexity. “Your lunula art could be mixed up to show more of your skillset.”  Great job on your video, though it was suggested that you use—and mention—professional products used in your designs, and not crafting or consumer items.