Braving freezing temperatures in a completely different nail art style is our winter mood this year. And while this winter forest-themed nail art may look very complex or intricate at first glance (almost like a tiny painting, right?), don’t let it intimidate you. With this wonderful guide by your side, you can follow each step easily and recreate the look at your own pace! As you move through this tutorial, you’ll learn to appreciate how every layer adds depth and how every stroke brings the snowy night scene to life. Let’s push our creativity further this season! 1. Apply LB100 Black Diamond Gel For our very base, we need a black canvas that perfectly captures the twinkling night. Apply LB - LB100 Black Diamond in 2-3 thin, even layers until you achieve your desired opacity. Refrain from curing the base at this time, as it must remain wet for the nail art. Tip: An iGel Gel Base Coat 0.5 oz can be applied on the nail before the base color to improve adhesion and extend wear time. 2. Spread white gel liner on the sponge, then dab it on the nail Onto the second layer of colors, use the sponge technique for a faded watercolor art style. Grab your 01 White on White from the Line Art Gel Kit, then apply thick layers near the end of the sponge. Dab the sponge in the upper and lower sections to create a cloud and snow-like effect. Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect! All you need to do is mimic a winter forest. 3. Spread blue liner next on the sponge, then dab on the nail Same as the previous step, apply 18 Beautiful Blue of the Line Art Gel Kit at the same end of the sponge. For the upper section, dab the sponge directly onto the white sponge art. For the lower section, cover only half of the white sponge art (towards the middle section). This blue sponge art creates a misty snow effect, adding more visual layers to the nail art. 4. Paint tiny black trees around the nail Now that we’re done setting the base colors, it’s time to move on to the details of our nail art. Using 02 Black on Black from the Line Art Gel Kit and a thin line brush, we’ll start painting tiny black trees around the nail. Start with the triangle-shaped top part of the tree, then follow with longer lines to create a tree shape. Do not apply too much pressure or grip, as the line brush already helps make precise details and flowing lines. 5. Add thin white accents to the black trees To add depth and contrast to the black trees, pick up 01 White on White from the Line Art Gel Kit and use your thin line brush. With these white accents, a more delicate stroke and angle are needed to avoid blocking out the initial form of the tree. 6. Add more snow and sparkle effects using a white liner Let’s emphasize the powdery snow with 01 White on White once again. Directly using the gel liner, follow the form of the lines or shapes of the trees. When doing the tiny snow and sparkle effects, work with your line brush for a more controlled application. It’s important to space them out to avoid the design looking cluttered. 7. Seal your nail art with a no-wipe top coat Lastly, apply your PRO-X No Cleanse Top Coat (HEMA FREE) or iGel No Cleanse Top Coat to lock in the nail art and ensure its longevity. Your nails will absolutely look like a snowglobe with its glass-like shine that resists dulling and discoloration for weeks! Frosty fun and adventure right at your fingertips! Take a moment to admire what you created and how fearless you were in trying something new. This nail design isn’t just beautiful; it’s surprisingly simple to recreate! BTW, for a limited time only, you can get the Line Art Gel Kit FOR FREE once you spend over $300. Here are our 2025 Holiday Deals you shouldn’t miss. If you’re looking for more winter-themed nail ideas, stop by our official Instagram page to get nail inspos that are breathtakingly unique and easy to follow. Enjoy the holidays, iGel Beauties! Have snow much fun this winter season! ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on December 10, 2025 Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With a diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the latest trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
