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Back to Reality-Ready Nail Art

Valley Nails shows us how.

Nails
Back to Reality-Ready Nail Art
Alec Kugler

While we're fully aware that “summer’s not over yet” (and totally agree that the tail end of it is the best time to soak up every last drop), it’s still technically Get Your Shit Together Week over here on The Cov. Only because we’re trying to be prepared for when it’s actually time to face reality again—and a good way to dip your toes (or...fingers...) in the water is with a fresh new manicure to start the work week. And while we know nail art sometimes gets a bad rap, we’re still big fans—you just have to do it right. And, guys, Valley Nails knows exactly how, all thanks to founder Nina Werman, who opened the first Valley salon a decade ago and is pretty much the authority on collaborative, high-quality, one-of-a-kind nail looks. Case in point: after a bit of brainstorming together, Nina sketched up the designs below for us with actual pen and paper, and they were made a reality all of 10 minutes later. Pretty cool, right? We promise they’re totally work appropriate and won’t get any side glances from your boss in the morning meeting. If you’ve had enough of your go-to shade and are pretty much Cajun Shrimp-ed out, try these instead.

 


Look 1

 

— You'll Need —

— Step-by-Step —

1. Wipe nails thoroughly with cotton and acetone to ensure they're free of oil.

2. Apply base coat, and let cure for 30 seconds.

3. Using the striper brush, draw a line in Arctic Freeze along the side, and let cure for 30 seconds.

4. Apply a top free edge in Plum and Done, and let cure for 30 seconds.

5. Apply top coat, and let cure for 30 seconds.

6. Apply cuticle oil and wipe nails with alcohol once they're totally dry.

Look 2

 

— You'll Need —

— Step-by-Step —

1. Wipe nails thoroughly with cotton and acetone to ensure they’re free of oil.

2. Apply base coat, and let cure for 30 seconds.

3. Using the striper brush, draw a line across the top in Java Java, and let cure for 30 seconds.

4. Apply a strip of black striping tape along the length of your nail. Then apply a second strip along the side. Tip: Apply extra tape, then use nippers to cut just shy of the edge of the nail.

5. Apply structure gel, and let cure for 30 seconds.

6. Apply matte top coat, and let cure for 30 seconds.

7. Apply cuticle oil and wipe nails with alcohol once they're dry.

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