Abtract nail art in gold
I love using loose gold leaf on my nails and for any kind of nail designs. It’s not only quick to apply, but it’s also unpredictable with each placement, which makes it looks like abstract art in the best possible way. Bonus: With abstract nail art, there is no ‘right’ way to do it, so even if you’re not a professional, you can DIY this mani and it will still look fantastic.
gold nail art on nude

With a matte or satin top coat, gold nail designs are toned down a bit and won’t shine too bright. That means these gilded nails will easily dress up a simple black outfit, but they won’t steal the show from a sequin dress, either. I love them as a holiday manicure, a special occasion look (prom?), or even as bridal or bridesmaid nails. As I said, with this abstract nail art, there’s really no wrong way to go!

gold nail designs
Want to turn your nails into your own personal masterpiece? Scroll on for instructions on how to create a work of (nail) art!

Gold Abstract Nail Art

abstract nail art in nude and gold

Supplies:

  • Sheer nail polish (I used Nails.Inc ‘s Get Discovered from the Seeing Stars duo)
  • Loose gold foil (try these)
  • Wooden stick or tweezers
  • Matte top coat (I love Jin Soon’s Matte Maker)

Instructions:

  1. Using the sheer polish, apply as many coats as you like, depending on how opaque you’d like your base shade. I used three coats for this look and let each coat dry for about three minutes after applying.
  2. You’ll want to apply your gold foil on a semi-wet, sticky nail, so do not immediately apply the foil–but also do not wait more than two minutes after applying your last sheer polish shade to move onto Step 3.
  3. Apply small pieces of loose gold foil (found at most craft stores or online) with a wooden stick or tweezers. Sometimes getting the application tool a little bit wet will help the loose foil stick to the tool. Add as much or as little foil as you want to achieve the desired effect in the look as shown. The loose gold foil will wrinkle a bit as it settles onto the semi-wet nail– that is expected!
  4. For an ultra-chic effect, apply a matte top coat.
Did you try these gold nail designs? Show us your gilded abstract manis on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus, and shop more metallic pieces here!

Cassandre Banel is a Seattle-based nail artist and beauty photographer. 

(Images via Cassandre Banel. Additional copy by Rachel Aschenbrand-Robinson)