Halloween Chrome Nails: Black Mirror, Blood Red and Silver

Chrome · Halloween · 6 steps

A black ground makes chrome powder look deep and wet. Pick a spooky shade, buff it on, and seal it. The powder step needs no lamp.

1. 1

   Prep and base

   File, buff and wipe the nail, then dehydrate with pH Bond. Apply and cure a thin coat of base coat.

   TipPrep matters more under chrome, because the finish shows every flaw.

2. 2

   Lay a dark ground

   Cure a coat of Super Black, or use Chrome Base Natural Black as the ground. It pushes chrome toward a darker, richer reflection.

   TipAny dark shade works. Deep purple and wine give moody chrome.

3. 3

   Make the surface smooth

   Apply a smooth no wipe top coat and cure it. This is the surface the powder rides on. If your ground is Chrome Base Natural Black, follow its label for the next step.

   TipA smooth, fully cured surface gives the most mirror-like finish.

4. 4

   Pat on the pigment

   Pick up a very small amount of chrome powder on a sponge or silicone applicator. Pat or buff it over the cured surface. This step needs no lamp.

   TipA little goes a long way. One or two passes is usually enough.

5. 5

   Seal the chrome

   Brush on Chrome Top to lock in the powder and cure it.

   TipChrome Top is made to seal chrome, mirror and pigment powders.

6. 6

   Finish with shine

   Add a final glossy no wipe top coat if you want extra shine, cure, and finish with cuticle oil.

   TipKeep the top coat thin so the mirror stays crisp.

Chrome powders, base and top

Chrome Nail Art Effect, 36 shadesMSRP $504.00

Chameleon Chrome Kit, 18 shadesMSRP $245.20

Cat Eye Chrome, 10 shadesMSRP $145.00

Chrome Base Natural Black 0.5ozMSRP $10.95

Chrome TopMSRP $10.95

Soak Off Gel - Super BlackMSRP from $9.00

Prep and finish

Nail Prep PH BondMSRP from $8.25

Soak Off Gel - Base Coat 0.5ozMSRP $7.25

Diamond Soak Off Gel No Wipe Top Coat 0.5ozMSRP $7.25