Abstract Color Swipe Nails

This is a fun and dramatic look for fall and winter. It is versatile, in that you can use a variety of color combinations. I recommend starting with a darker color— maybe black or navy blue. That way, no matter what other color swatches you add to the textural design seem as though they are on the same “canvas.” I like using black with at least two colors on top, and maybe a sheer metallic in there for a flash of fun. Feel free to experiment with different combinations!

• Coat your nails in the base color and let dry.
• Select your accent colors and have them all out and ready.
• Take your first accent color brush out of the bottle and scrape most of the polish off the brush. This is so you can gently swipe the accent color on without putting an entire blob of paint on top of the base color. You can also take a paper towel and fold it into a nice little flat square to dry off the polish brush a bit more if needed. What you’re looking for is a wispy brush stroke effect.
• You can decide between vertical or horizontal strokes. Repeat the strokes on each nail, switching up the location of each color and layering as desired.
• Be sure to allow for drying time between layers, and once finished, wait as long as you can before applying the top coat.
• Finally—the most satisfying step—carefully apply the top coat (Seche Vite is the best!) and be patient with the drying time.

KATHERINE ST. HILL rose to fame as a cake designer on Food Network’s Ace of Cakes before becoming a nail artist extraordinaire given her love for the world of fashion and her keen eye for shape and color. Katherine has done nails for TNT’s show Claws and magazines such as Elle, Interview, Teen Vogue, Lucky, Vogue Mexico, and Vogue Japan. Some of her celebrity clients include Kristen Stewart, Megan Fox, Mindy Kaling, and Kate Bosworth. Katherine loves helping ladies feel extra beautiful.