Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to embrace the holiday of love’s most romantic nail trends. Whether you’re creating swoonworthy nail art for your clients or perfecting your own Valentine’s Day mani, look no further—we have the perfect look to recreate this season.
With a soft pink base, dainty red mini hearts, and a gorgeous chrome finish, this Valentine’s nail design by SalonCentric #ItTakesAPro Team Artist Karina Andrade (@glossy.studios) checks all the boxes. It’s understated yet effortlessly chic and oh-so-dreamy, making it perfect for a glam date night or a casual Galentine’s Day with your besties.
Ahead, learn how to recreate this Cupid-inspired manicure, and get ready to fall in love with your nails this Valentine’s Day.
PRODUCTS USED
- KUPA Nail Drill
- Builder Gel (Like KUPA EnrichRX Builder Gel)
- OPI GelColor in Bubble Bath
- OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can
- Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish in Hot Rod Red
- Artistic Chrome Gloss No Wipe Gel Coat
- OPI Stay Shiny Top Coat
- KUPA Gelfinity Gel Top Topcoat Gloss Finish
- CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner
Credit: Instagram/@glossy.studios
STEP-BY-STEP
- Prep: Begin by thoroughly prepping the natural nail—push back cuticles, cleanse the nail plate, and shape to your desired style.
- Strengthen: Apply your favorite builder gel to promote strong natural nails.
- Base: Apply two coats of OPI GelColor in Bubble Bath, curing for 60 seconds after each layer. This sheer, sweet candy pink shade provides the perfect soft, romantic base.
- Chrome Effect: Apply one coat of Artistic Chrome Gloss and cure for 60 seconds. Then, using a small sponge or mini makeup applicator, rub on OPI Chrome Effects in Tin Man Can. Gently dust off any excess chrome.
- Mini Hearts: Using Gelish Soak-Off Gel Polish in Hot Rod Red and a dotting tool, place two small dots next to each other. With a thin liner brush, connect the dots into a “V” shape and fill in to create a small heart. Repeat this step on each nail, adding two to three hearts per nail. Once you’re satisfied with your design, cure for 60 seconds.
- Seal and Shine: Apply one coat of OPI Stay Shiny Top Coat to seal in the chrome, followed by KUPA Gelfinity Gel Top Topcoat Gloss Finish for extra shine. Cure for 60 seconds.
- Hydrate: Finish the look by massaging CND Solar Oil into the cuticles and applying your favorite hand lotion to rehydrate.
PRO TIP
- Lock In Your Chrome: Applying OPI Stay Shiny Top Coat directly after the chrome step can help prevent the chrome from rubbing off, especially if any mistakes are made while painting the hearts.
- Double Up on Top Coat: Applying two layers of top coat will help ensure a long-lasting chrome finish with no chips. Just remember to cap the free edge.
- Perfect the Shape: To create a flawless nail shape, lightly file the sidewalls at the end (in case any gel has seeped over). Karina's go-to is the Light Elegance Finish File in 100/180 grit, but anything with a finer grit works for a clean, professional result.
