Sometimes one nail is all you need to make a statement. This week, Meg created a tortoiseshell print nail with a twist - adding a bold, colourful ombré flame over the top. The result? A design that’s rich, eye-catching, and perfect for mixing into a set or wearing as a full look with different coloured flames.
Here’s how Meg created the design using Naio Nails and Urban Graffiti products.
The products you’ll need
xxxxx Fierce Flame Tortoise Shell
Step 1. Prep the nail
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Place your practice nail on the Crystal Nail Tip Holder.
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Lightly buff the surface with a Sanding Block for smooth application.
Step 2. Creating the tortie base
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Apply a thin coat of Autumn Days as the base and cure.
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Apply a layer of Blooming Gel, but don’t cure yet.
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Using a Dotting Tool, drop in spots of Valencia Orange Jelly, Coffee Bean, and Serious Black.
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Watch the colours spread naturally in the blooming gel to create the classic tortoiseshell look.
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Cure once you’re happy with the blend.
Step 3. Painting the flame
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With a Detail Brush, paint the outline of a flame in Snow White over the tortie background.
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Cure to lock in the shape.
Step 4. Adding the ombré effect
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Using your Cosmopolitan, Uber Carrot, and Wild Strawberry powders as pigments, gently blend them over the flame in layers to create a fiery ombré effect.
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Start with the lighter shade at the base of the flame and build into the deeper tones at the tips.
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Brush away any excess pigment once you’re happy with the blend.
Step 5. Seal and finish
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Apply a generous coat of Urban Graffiti Top Coat to seal in the pigments and add shine.
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Cure for a smooth, glossy finish.
The final reveal
The combination of a moody tortoiseshell print and a vibrant ombré flame makes this nail design bold, unique, and versatile. It’s the perfect accent for a mix-and-match set - or go all in and create a full set with different coloured ombré flames for maximum impact.
