brushed gold nails

Trying to decide on a modern bridal manicure? Whether you’re planning a small backyard wedding or a big bash later, foil nails are always a chic option. Doing your own nails? Using the dry brush technique with a “gold chrome” polish is a great way to fake the look!

brushed gold nail art

While gold foil is beautiful, it requires placement using foil sheets and UV gel or nail glue. This easy hack makes for a simple-yet-fancy fake-out! To add additional shine to your abstract swipes of chrome, cover just the gold design in a clear, glossy top coat after the final matte top coat is dry. This glam look is sure to add sparkle to any bride’s look!

bridal gold nails

Brushed Gold “Foil” Nails

faux foil nails using dry brush technique

Supplies:

  • Sheer base coat (I used Butter London Nail Foundation)
  • Gold chrome nail polish (I used Model’s Own Gold Chrome)

Instructions:

Step 1: Paint clean, filed nails, with one coat of your favorite sheer base coat.
Step 2: Let dry for five minutes and paint another coat if you want to add opacity.
Step 3: Take the brush out of your gold chrome bottle and wipe a few times on a dry paper towel, to remove any excess polish. Swipe on the left side of the nail to create a ‘dry brush’ effect as shown. The drier your brush the better, as you can build up more and more of the gold with each swipe (rather than accidentally brushing on too much at once).
Step 4: Optionally, use a dot of clear polish on the nail to act as adhesive for a small round nail charm, placed randomly on the gold brush design, as shown. These metal studs can be found in nail charm kits online or at beauty supply stores.
Step 5: To finish, use a matte top coat and seal your nail art design!

Did you try this dry brush technique? Show us your faux foil nails on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus–and check out our Bridal shop for all things wedding-related!

Cassandre Banel is a Seattle-based nail artist.