New year, new nails
Dazed Beauty Contributing Editor Kro Vargas (@krocaine) is a nail juggernaut. A love that began in the nail salons of Queens, where she would spend the day with her grandmother as a kid, grew into a full-time career and an Instagram fanbase of over 50K. A psychedelic collage of everything from Sailor Moon to the creation of Adam, Fiji water to fashion monograms - her work is always kitsch and always fabulous. In her monthly column, Kro will shine a spotlight on the nail artists she is loving and the trends we should be following.
January. New year, new me, new nails. You've already given up booze, you're surviving on detox miso broth and you're seriously considering investing in a Human Charger, because let's face it, December was a write-off. But there's no reason you can't go ham when it comes to your nails. Why not opt for some bubble gum pink reptile talons? Or a touch of cheetah print? "This month we’re focusing one of the hottest trends in nail art at the moment: animal print," says Kro. "With so many different prints to choose from so the possibilities are endless. Here are some of my favourite animal print manicures."
Tiger, tiger
Bay area artist @nailjerks uses her amazing airbrush skills to create this perfectly sexy turquoise tiger print look. A new twist on the classic orange tone which can be switched up in any way you’d like!
Get the look: OPI Nail Lacquer in Super Trop-i-cal-i-fiji-istic and OPI Nail Lacquer in Lady in Black
See you later, alligator
NYC-based artist @tiny.luxury uses gentle pink tones to soften this beautiful 3D crocodile print manicure. Topped off with gold nail piercings this manicure is sure to catch your eye.
Get the look: Barry M Classic Nail Paint in Bubblegum and Barry M Crackle Effect Nail Paint
The leopard
Press-on specialist @tres.she uses every colour you could ever love to spice up these leopard tips. Switching it up so you can match this set with any outfit.
Get the look: Essie Nail Polish in 98 Turquoise & Caicos Mint Green and Essie Nail Polish in 20 Lovie Dovie Pink
Snake Eyes
Miami artist @rosebnails added snake print tips with neon green highlights to create the sexiest manicure you could ever have. Neutral tones make this manicure easy to match.
Get the look: Snake Skin Nail Wraps
Once a cheetah, always a cheetah
Miami artist @veedidem brightens up the classic cheetah print with subtle rose gold accents. This print can be made into any colour to fit your mood.
Get the look: Animal Print False Nails