How-To: 2 Balletcore Nail Tutorials from CND

The past few years have brought about a number of minimalist mani trends, from glazed donuts to “rich girl nails,” milk bath nails, lip gloss nails, micro French manicure and more.

The latest minimalist nail look making waves in the industry is balletcore. Simply put, this trend takes the ballet pink we all know and love (a peach/pink hybrid) and finds ways to amp it up.

Sultry Slipper

This past fall, CND partnered with nail artist Leanne Woodley (@she.nails.it) to deliver ballet slipper nails on the the Mirror Palais SS24 Runway. This nail look featured nails shades of pink and a light layer of chrome finish to elevate the look. See how Woodley achieved this look here.

This past fall, CND partnered with nail artist Leanne Woodley (@she.nails.it) to deliver ballet slipper nails on the the Mirror Palais SS24 Runway.Courtesy of CND

Prep: If not using nail tips, begin with P.E.P.

Step 1. Apply a layer of CND Plexigel Bonder and cure in the CND LED Lamp using preset button 1.

Step 2. Using CND Future Forms with CND Plexigel Builder, build desired nail length, shape and architecture.

Step 3. Cure using button 2B. Clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol.

Step 4. Shape and refine the nail using a 180 grit file and buffer. Clean with 99% isopropyl alcohol.

Step 5. Apply two layers of CND Shellac in Quartz Correct, Soft Peony and Sweet Cider. Cure each layer using preset button 2S.

Step 6. Apply a layer of CND Shellac No-Wipe+ Top Coat and cure using preset button 3.

Step 7. Using a sponge applicator burnish in CND Over The Top Effects in Pearl Obsession evenly to the surface of the nail.

Step 8. Apply a layer of CND Shellac No-Wipe+ Top Coat to seal the effect and cure using preset button 3.

Step 9. Apply a drop of CND SolarOil to condition the nail and cuticles.

Step 10. Finish with CND Scentsations to moisturize hands.

Ballerina Bow French

Taking a more contemporary twist on the balletcore trend was Tamara Di Lullo @tamaradilullo from the CND Global team. Di Lullo took the classic French up a notch with sculpted bows, pearls and rhinestones.

Taking a more contemporary twist on the balletcore trend was Tamara Di Lullo @tamaradilullo from the CND Global team. Di Lullo took the classic French up a notch with sculpted bows, pearls and rhinestones.Courtesy of CND

Step 1. Apply two thin layers of CND Shellac in Backyard Nuptials, and cure.

Step 2. Apply one thin layer or CND Shellac No-Wipe+ Top Coat, and cure using CND LED Lamp (preset button 3).

Step 3. Use a cosmetic sponge to rub in a layer of OTTE in Lightning Bolt into the cured top coat.

Step 4. Apply another layer of CND Shellac No-Wipe+ Top Coat to seal in the OTTE pigments, and cure.

Step 5. OPTIONAL: Add one layer of CND Shellac Matte Top Coat, cure and wipe with 99% IPA.

Step 6. Use a long-haired detail brush to paint in the French manicure and criss-cross pattern using CND Shellac in Cream Puff, and cure.

Step 7. Delicately apply one layer of CND Shellac No-Wipe+ Top Coat to the French and criss-cross designs, and cure.

Step 8. OPTIONAL: Add some shiny texture using CND Brisa Glass with a detail brush and placing droplets. Flash cure to lock in place, using preset button 1. When happy with placement, proceed to a full cure using preset button 2B and wipe with 99% isopropyl alcohol.

Step 9. Lightly file the spot on the finished nail where you would like to add your bow. Add a drop of CND Brisa Glass, place your bow using tweezers and carefully cure using CND LED lamp.

Step 10. Apply a pearl at center using the same technique.

Step 11.Gently wipe around bow and embellishment with 99% isopropyl alcohol and a detail cotton pad or swab.

Mini Bow With CND Shellac Gel Polish

A closer look at the mini-bow balletcore nail art from Tamara Di Lullo.Courtesy of CND

Step 1. Cut a 1/8” strip from the back of a nail form with scissors (you can choose the width of your pieces).

Step 2. Apply two layers of CND Shellac in Studio White to one side of the strip, and cure.

Step 3. Apply one layer of CND No-Wipe+ Top Coat, and cure.

Step 4. Peel the strip from the form and bend into shape using tweezers. You can tack the bow in place with a drop of CND Brisa Glass and cure in steps.