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There are easy ways to do micro fruit designs, like using a dotting tool or round-shaped rhinestones to create cherries, grapes, and blueberries. And then there are the ways to add depth and complexity that require more patience, a steady hand, and maybe a magnifying glass. “The most challenging part is getting the details on there when they are so tiny,” says nail artist Alyx Lippiat. “It takes a lot of precision, which is why I often paint only one or two designs per set, instead of painting all 10 fingers.”
If you decide to freehand it, you’ll have more success using the right brushes. “I always use my Biosculpture Upper Arch Liner Brush for nail art,” says Lippiat. “As a general rule, the longer the liner brush, the better. Shorter brush tips don’t have as much movement, so you can’t be as fluid with your designs. Longer ones give you that bend you need to create different shapes, which are mostly round for fruits.”
Kim always keeps two thin liner brushes on hand when painting micro fruit: one with extra-long bristles (to create the outlines of your designs) and one with slightly shorter bristles (for adding tiny details). When it comes to a long liner brush, we recommend either the Nails-Luxe Liner Brush K or the Doublemoss Arte 4 Long Striper Brush (designed by Goldstein, micro nail artist extraordinaire), which features 19 mm-long tip bristles. As for a short brush, Kim prefers the Ricca Gel Universal Liner Brush, which is the perfect length for creating the tiny seeds and speckles on kiwis and strawberries.
Another crucial element for fruit nail art is your topcoat, as in you want it to look extra glossy, says Knight. “You need to use something that looks as plump and juicy as the fruit itself; it really brings the look together.” When it comes to regular polish, Knight uses the Essie Gel Setter or the Essie Gel Couture Topcoat. For gel, she prefers a non-wipe topcoat like Kokoist’s Ultra Glossy Non-Wipe Top Coat Gel.