Warm autumn colours, shimmering cat-eye gel and layers of metallic ink come together in this abstract nail art design. For this set, I started with an orange cat-eye gel base, layering brown and metallic gold inks over the top to create a rich, painterly finish.
Creating depth with cat-eye gel and metallic inks
The cat-eye gel gives the design a beautiful shimmer beneath the translucent layers of ink. By allowing the brown and gold tones to overlap and blend, I created an abstract finish with plenty of depth and movement. Each nail has its own slightly different pattern, while the warm colour palette ties the whole set together. These nails were particularly difficult to photograph! The camera doesn’t quite capture the way the shimmer catches the light beneath the layers of ink.
Autumn colours and wedding henna
My client was attending a wedding and had beautiful henna designs on her hands. The warm orange, brown and gold tones of her nails complemented the henna perfectly. I love how the finished combination feels autumnal without relying on traditional seasonal motifs.
Explore Nail Art Education
If you’re a nail technician looking to develop your skills with cat-eye gels, layering techniques and creative nail art, explore Paintbrush Nails education, including in-person training and online workshops.
Cat Eye Tools & Magnets
If you’d like to experiment with different cat eye effects, I’ve put together a selection of the magnets, tools and accessories I use and recommend for creating different cat eye techniques.
Shop my Cat Eye Techniques Kit & Tool Recommendations →
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About the Author
Kirsty Brown is the founder of Paintbrush Nails, an independent nail artist and educator based in Scotland. A Glasgow School of Art graduate and qualified Art & Design teacher, she combines professional nail education with a creative approach to nail art and design.