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Nail Art Tutorial: The Caviar Manicure

Posted by Alexandra C. | Tuesday May 8, 201259 comments


A while back, we posted a few photos of a sushi manicure hot off the runway and we could all pretty much agree that it wasn't for us. The newest craze in nail art, while not being sushi is certainly close to it. It's called the caviar manicure; so named for the little beads on the nail that imitate the look of caviar. 

For warning, while this look is kind of kooky-fun, it certainly isn't for everyone. We also take issue with the practicality of this mani. We're definitely wondering what will happen when we shampoo our hair. Hopefully we won't be pulling 'caviar' out of our hair for days on end! 

Ciate is the genius company behind the look. We thought this extravagant mani was definitely something different and we wanted to test out. Though, we weren't in love with the price of their kits: C$28.00. With a little snooping at our local dollar store, we found some comparable items and decided to DIY it!  


It's really easy, albeit messy to complete this nail art. All you need is a few coats of polish, some beads and top coat. We found that the smaller the beads, the better it worked. The beads we are using are about the size of sprinkles you would use on a cupcake.

Step 1: Polish 


After applying a base coat, apply 2-3 layers of the coloured polish of your choice. 
 
Step 2: Lay on the caviar
 

Here comes the tricky part; while your polish is still tacky, pour the beads over your entire nail. You'll want to lay something down underneath to catch all the excess beads.

Step 3: Touch-ups  


Gentle tap the edges of your nail to get rid of extra beads. You'll also want to clean up the edges and fill in any missing spots with a few beads. 

Step 4: Top coat


After apply the beads, you'll need to paint on two or more layers of top coat so that the beads hold in place and are strong. 

Tip: Top coat may remove some of the dye from the beads, but don't worry, call it a 'gradient' look and you're set! 

Final Manicure
 

Mandy rocks a steely blue caviar manicure. Love the iridescent quality to it!


Miranda goes for gold with her caviar nail art. P.S. Would you believe it if I told you that those are her real nails? It's true!
 
So, what do you think of the caviar manicure? Do you think we're pulling it off? Is it something you would try or have you already tried it?
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52 Comments

on May 10, 2012  busymomof2  428 said:

As a cashier...this would not last long at all!!

on May 10, 2012  Belletrist  2,442 said:

My sister tried this using tiny beads she bought at Michael's. The look was cute, but as others have stated, rather impractical. Within a couple of hours a bead would fall off here and there and it was a bother to keep replacing them.

on May 09, 2012  GoneBatty  3,196 said:

I'd never do it. I think it looks mega tacky! Reminds me of Fran Dreschar in 'The Nanny' or the Janis character in 'Friends'

on May 09, 2012  cole said:

Looked good in the cove photo, but that's it

on May 09, 2012  Loyalt  3,381 said:

It would work best on acrylic or gel nails. Or someone with strong nails. My nails are thin and bend and I always have my nail polish peeling in a day! So this wouldn't work so great on me but it looks fun.

on May 09, 2012  megababy said:

They'd work well as gel nails!

on May 09, 2012  Steffikah  9,295 said:

I'd never try it. Looks interesting enough, but I have a hard time keeping my regular manis chip-free! Wouldn't work so well on me.

I have to ask, what does Mandy do to keep her nails so long and nice? Does she take something, or she's just blessed with strong nails?

on May 09, 2012  Charmheart16  3,985 said:

This is definitely something unique and very cool. I love the blue caviar manicure. I'm not sure about doing all my nails like this but it would be great as an accent nail. :)

on May 09, 2012  LisaDrew  2,288 said:

Looks like fun, but I'm wondering how long it lasts for? It would be great for a night out!

on May 09, 2012  pammy1309  2,623 said:

This is really cool!! I love the makeup too... As a makeup artist, I'd LOVE to recreate this look!! I could totally DIY this one... That is as soon as the kids go to sleep!! ;)

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