TECH-NIQUE
Styling with THE STARS
Let your skills sparkle with technical & artistic step-by-steps from Scratch Stars Awards finalists & champions
Scratch Star
spotlight
Who: Leila Monroy
What:
Scratch Stars Pedicurist of the Year 2025, finalist for 2026 and Polish & Paint Nail Artist of the Year finalist 2018 and 2019.
Why: A dedicated nail pro and pedicure specialist, Leila has over 11 years’ industry experience. She combines advanced foot health knowledge with nail education and is currently completing a podiatry degree. Alongside her studies, Leila co-owns and manages LE UK Nails & Education.
How: Committed to promoting safe practices and raising industry standards, Leila supports techs at every stage of their careers through education, advocacy and a passion for fabulous feet.
Follow Leila: @leilamonroyle / @thegellybar /leila.monroylopez @tutis20 Light Elegance products are available in the UK via www.lightelegance.co.uk
Leila in 2025 with the
Scratch Stars Pedicurist of the Year
trophy.
PEDICURE PERFECTION
Elevate pedicures with floral nail art details and luxe chrome accents, for a style that is sure to stun.
Step 1 Prep the toenails and lightly remove shine using a 180-grit nail file.
Step 2 Apply a thin layer of Light Elegance P+ QDbase Soak-Off Base Coat to all toenails, and cure under the LEDdot Lamp for 60 seconds.
Step 3 Apply two thin layers of Light Elegance P+ Gel Polish in Why So Sweet? to each toenail. Cure for 60 seconds after each coat.
Step 4 Use a fine liner brush and Light Elegance ButterCream in Whimsical Whiskers to paint long petal shapes onto the big toenail only. Cure for 60 seconds. Note: ButterCream is a hard gel product and will require file-off removal.
Step 5 Apply P+ Flat Matte Top Coat to the big toenail and cure for 60 seconds. Then, scrub the surface of the nail with LEpro Cleanser.
Step 6 Using a small dotting tool and Light Elegance Gel Paint in Primary Black, paint a slightly curved line of dots horizontally across the big toenail. Cure for 60 seconds.
Step 7 Burnish gold chrome into the black dots, and dust away any excess.
Step 8 Apply P+ High Shine Top Coat to the big toenail, cure for 60 seconds and remove the inhibition layer with LEpro Cleanser.
Step 9 Add French tips to the other toenails using ButterCream in Whimsical Whiskers. Cure for 60 seconds, then apply P+ High Shine Top Coat, cure and wipe the nails with LEpro Cleanser.
You will need the following Light Elegance products:
• P+ QDbase Soak-Off Base Coat.
• LEDdot Lamp.
• P+ Gel Polish in Why So Sweet?.
• ButterCream in Whimsical Whiskers.
• P+ Flat Matte Top Coat.
• LEpro Cleanser.
• Gel Paint in Primary Black.
• P+ High Shine Top Coat.
You will also need:
• 180-grit nail file.
• Fine liner brush.
• Small dotting tool.
• Gold chrome powder.
TOP TIP To apply product close to the cuticle, use a thin liner brush and flash cure as soon as you have finished application.
WINNING WISDOM
The energy, creativity and sense of community throughout the Scratch Stars Awards make it a truly unforgettable experience. Being surrounded by talented competitors who share the same passion for the industry is an incredible feeling.
The friendships formed along the way, alongside the valuable feedback from judges, inspire me to continue developing my skills and refining my work. I enjoy the challenge of thinking on my feet, adapting to unexpected situations and making last-minute adjustments when needed.
My advice for anyone wanting to make their mark in the nail industry is to perfect prep work, as it will determine the success of your finished looks. Choose safe products, invest in high-quality education and enjoy what you do.