COPIED

3 mins

UNICORN enchanted forest

The final North America’s Star Nail Artist: Season One challenge saw the top 10 showcase their prowess with multiple nail systems to create a mystical, unicorn-themed nail design. Explore the dazzling entries that will see three techs scoop places in the final

It’s a contest that has tested the creative boundaries of its entrants, encouraging them to try unfamiliar techniques, use products from a variety of brands and elevate their imaginations. Now, 40 shortlisted nail artists from the USA, Canada and Mexico have been whittled down to just 10: each giving their skills a final push to win a place in the top three.

The techs have been competing in monthly challenges since October 2024, set by nail brand sponsors and scored by an elite global judging panel. After each challenge, pros with the lowest scores have entered a Wild Card deck, where they have taken part in an additional challenge. These tasks have determined whether contestants have been eliminated, or retained their competition place.

For challenge six, sponsor company, Glitterbels, used its brand symbol: the unicorn, as inspiration for the task. The team sent a generous package of its products to the top 10 contestants, featuring a assortment of coloured acrylic powders, Unbelievabel Gels and Hema Free Gel Polishes, alongside builder gel, loose glitters, chrome pigment, sculpting forms and nail art tools. Contestants were required to showcase their skills using all mediums to create a ‘unicorn enchanted forest’ design across five nails, and submit an accompanying demo video and write-up, including details of a magical career moment.

Every point counts, as the accumulated scores across all six monthly challenges determine the top three contestants. They will be invited to the Scratch Social event on June 1 at the Premiere Orlando trade exhibition, where the season one champion will be revealed.

Scan to watch a video brief of the challenge by Glitterbels co-founder, Annabel Maginnis, and head of education, Charli Jepson.

Annabel Maginnis

Charli Jepson

Challenge six:

Unicorn Enchanted Forest

The unicorn enchanted forest is a world where vibrant unicorns roam beneath towering, luminous trees and mystical plants with shimmering petals. Magic and nature collide in a swirl of colour and creativity, and details like twinkling stars, glowing flowers and magical fog bring this enchanted world to life.

Sponsored by

The brief

Create an enchanting forest across five nails, filled with mythical unicorns, glowing mushrooms, sparkling streams and mystical creatures. This challenge will test mastery with acrylic, builder gel, gel paints and chrome finishes.

The nail design should be cohesive across five nails: either individual to each nail or flowing across all five. Feature sculpted elements using Glitterbels acrylic and builder gel, and hand-painted details created using Unbelievabel Gels. The nail style should incorporate at least two different techniques, such as 3D work and chrome accents, or a mix Unbelievabel Gel and builder gel to create depth.

Add an unexpected twist: use chrome in a creative way to enhance the magical feeling. Whether it’s a unicorn’s glowing mane or the shimmering leaves of the trees, show how chrome can bring the enchanted forest to life. Add materials (lights, fabric etc.) to the design if desired, however they should not make up or mask more than 20% of the final look.

THE ENTRIES

Amberley Robinson

Anastasia Totty

Elizabeth Citalan

Aura Aponte-Flores

Hirsch Hunty

Jane Tuttle

THE JUDGING PANEL:

• Helena Biggs, editorial & partnerships director at Scratch

• Jan Arnold, nail industry expert & CND™ co-founder

• Elaine Watson, global education director at Light Elegance

• Vu Nguyen, dean of education at Nail Alliance

• Annabel Maginnis, co-founder at Glitterbels

• Mr. Luis, celebrity nail artist & educator at LeChat Nails

• Giorgia Cappella, head of education & spa at The GelBottle Inc UK

• Beth Livesay, nail aficionado & editor-at-large

• Charli Jepson, head of education at Glitterbels

• Guin Deadman, master educator at LeChat Nails

• Katy Pottle, The World’s Star Nail Artist 2023

Kelsey Waldo

Hope Jung

Michelle Soto

Jessica Vero

WINNER REVEAL

The winner of North America’s Star Nail Artist : Season One will be announced at the Scratch Social event in Orlando on June 1. Scan to purchase a ticket