• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • PRICE LISTS
    • PRICE LIST: NAILS
    • PRICE LIST: MAKE-UP
  • CONTACT
  • SHOP
  • TESTIMONIALS
  • FAQ
    • Nails FAQ
    • Make-up FAQ
  • T&Cs
    • Refund and Returns Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  •  

Rambling Rose

  • Price Lists
    • Nails
    • Make-up
  • Shop
  • Blog
    • Articles
    • How to … & Tutorials
    • Make-up brushes & tools
    • Nails
    • Product Reviews
  • Contact
  • T&Cs
    • Refund and Returns Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Press

Gold Leaf Nail Art Tutorial

February 20, 2017 | How to ... & Tutorials, Nails | Leave a Comment

Gold Leaf Foil Nail ArtThis Gold Leaf Nail Art Tutorial is created using gold leaf foil and is fairly simple, so it may be possible for it to be recreated at home using traditional nail polish (if you have the patience to wait for the coats to dry), even though I did this using gel. I’ll do the steps below for both types of polish.

You’ll need the following:

* Nail polish remover
* lint-free wipes or cotton pads
* an orangewood cuticle stick or cuticle pusher
* 180-grit buffer or a buffing block (the ones with 4 different sides)
* a nail file
* base coat
* two contrasting nail polish colours of your choice
* gold leaf foil
* top coat
* a mini striping brush (small paintbrush or clean eyeliner brush)
* a pair of tweezers
* cuticle oil and hand cream.

When painting your nails, the correct preparation of your nails is key to getting perfect polish. Begin by removing any old nail polish and then cleanse your nails well with a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover to remove any natural oils on the nail plate. Don’t soak your nails in water before painting them, as they will absorb water and this will compromise your polish, possibly causing it to crack once they start to dry out. (To read more about this, see “Maintaining your Manicure”)

Shape your nails to the desired shape with a nail file and brush away any excess dust. Gently push back your cuticles using a cuticle pusher or orangewood stick (orangewood sticks are available from Dollar stores or in beauty section of your local department store) and use the sharp or pointy end to gently remove any cuticle residue left over on the nail.

Lightly buff the entire nail surface with a 180 grit buffer (this is usually the rough side on a buffing block). Do not use a nail file as its too rough and it will damage your nail. Brush away any excess dust.

If you’re using gel polish, skip this next step. A smooth, shiny surface is the perfect canvas for traditional polish, so use the other sides of the buffing block to buff your nails to a shine.
Applying base coat
Cleanse your nails again with nail polish remover to remove any natural oils that will have come to the surface of the nail. Apply a thin layer of base coat and cure it according to the instructions on your lamp (for gel) or wait for it to dry.
First Colour
Apply a thin coat of your chosen base colour (I’m using grey) and make sure to cap the free edge (paint along the very tip of your nails). Cure or wait for it to dry.
Second coat
Apply a second, thin coat of your chosen base colour and cure or wait for it to dry.
Adding white lines
Using a mini striping brush, small paintbrush or clean eyeliner brush, dip the brush into your second chosen nail polish colour and paint thin, random squiggly lines across your feature nails. Cure or wait for it to dry.
Adding gold foil
Make sure all the doors and windows are closed and slowly open the pot of gold leaf foil. The slightest hint of a breeze will send this stuff flying everywhere! Take the tweezers and gently pull out small pieces of foil and stick them randomly into the sticky inhibition layer of your gel polish. If you’re using traditional polish, you’ll need to apply a very thin layer of top coat and stick the foil onto that while it’s still tacky but not wet.
with top coat
Apply your top coat over the foil (capping the free edges) and cure or wait for it to dry. Finish off your manicure by rubbing cuticle oil onto your nails, cuticles and skin around your nails. Cuticle oil applied daily will nourish your nails and help your polish to last longer by keeping it flexible. Apply hand cream and you’re done!

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

ramblingrosenails

💅 By appointment only.
🚫 No under 16s.
Closed on Wednesday & Sunday.
Book online:

"Sunset" Ombré manicure (gel polish mani with nai "Sunset" Ombré manicure
(gel polish mani with nail art = $85)

👩‍💻 Book online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

📍 Mangawhai Heads
📖 By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
🎓 Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 

 #pinkandpurplenails #sunsetnails #ombrenails #ombrenails💅
Dry hands and uneven cuticles can be unattractive, Dry hands and uneven cuticles can be unattractive, uncomfortable and sometimes even painful, especially in winter when extremely dry skin can snag, crack and bleed. Looking after your hands and cuticles with a few simple tips can help to keep them soft, supple and nourished and make them look years younger!

Read more:  https://www.ramblingrose.co.nz/looking-after-your-hands/

Reniu (by Pure Fiji) sugar rub, body lotion and Dadi cuticle oil are available through the online store:  https://www.ramblingrose.co.nz/product-category/body/
Or pick them up at your next manicure appointment. 

Please do not arrive to purchase product without an appointment.  A time can be booked for product collection (or to browse) via the online booking system:  https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #dryhands #reniu #reniubypurefiji #purefiji #purefijinz
Anyone keen for a set like this? They can be any Anyone keen for a set like this? 
They can be any colour you like.

$73 for a gel polish mani with this glitter design over natural nails, or
$93 for soft gel extensions with gel polish and glitter.

Book online:  https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #glitternails #blackandsilver #blackandsilvernails
Booking a manicure and/or pedicure appointment at Booking a manicure and/or pedicure appointment at Rambling Rose is simple, just head over to Fresha (the online booking system) and do it all online:

https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

Saturday morning appointments do fill up fast, so remember to book in advance - especially if you have a special occasion coming up.

 #nailsbyappointment #mangawhainailtech #mangawhainailsalon #ramblingrosenails
Gel polish manicure with four feature nails = $73. Gel polish manicure with four feature nails = $73.

👩‍💻 Book online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

📍 Mangawhai Heads
📖 By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
🎓 Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 

 #autumnnails #winternails #browngreenmustard
Lip liners define the lips and help prevent lipsti Lip liners define the lips and help prevent lipstick from “bleeding” into cracks and fine lines, while helping your lipstick last longer. 

Did you know there are at least five different ways to wear lip liner? 
Read the full article on the website:  https://www.ramblingrose.co.nz/lip-liner/

 #lipliner #liplinerhack #fivewaystowear
'Sovereign' (royal blue) with a marbled feature na 'Sovereign' (royal blue) with a marbled feature nail and gold foil

👩‍💻 Book online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955
📍 Mangawhai Heads
📖 By appointment only
🧴 Strict hygiene routine
🎓 Fully qualified nail tech with over 10 years experience 
🌹 Tranquil location 

 #bluenails #goldfoilnails #blueandgoldmani
Revitalize your skin with Reniu Virgin Coconut Oil Revitalize your skin with Reniu Virgin Coconut Oil Lotion – the ultimate tropical indulgence. Crafted from pure, cold-pressed Virgin Coconut Oil, this lotion is your key to nourished, hydrated, and protected skin. Its fast-absorbing formula not only locks in moisture but also delivers a wealth of essential nutrients precisely where your skin craves them most. Experience the bliss of smooth, revitalised, and refreshed skin with every application.

Shop online: https://www.ramblingrose.co.nz/product-category/body/

Available in the following scent infusions:
- Bamboo Lychee
- Coconut
- Frangipani
- Hibiscus

The Reniu range (by Pure Fiji) is available from Rambling Rose. Order online and have it delivered, or arrange a time to collect (please don't arrive without an appointment, even if it's just for collection).

KEY INGREDIENTS
Cold pressed virgin coconut oil and fresh coconut milk

BENEFITS
• Repairs, soothes and restores the moisture level of the skin
• Protects the skin from free radicals
• Low molecular structure that absorbs quickly into the skin
• Light texture moisturizer
• High in anti-oxidants, vitamins A,B,C,E
• Omega 3,6,7

 #reniubypurefiji #purefijinz #purefiji  #purefijiproducts
Can't decide between two colours? Have one on eac Can't decide between two colours? 
Have one on each hand.

Gel polish manicure with nail art = $85

📖 By appointment only
👩‍💻 Book online: https://www.fresha.com/a/rambling-rose-nails-and-make-up-mangawhai-thelma-road-north-i1d1r1d4/booking?menu=true&dppub=true&employeeId=450913&pId=142955

 #goldmarblenails #goldglitter #goldglitternails #goldenwhiteglitter
Please don't be late for your nail appointment. F Please don't be late for your nail appointment. 
Full T&Cs can be found on the Rambling Rose website:  https://www.ramblingrose.co.nz/tcs-2/tcs/

BOOKING & RESCHEDULING
- All appointments require a booking. No “walk-ins” accepted.
- Appointments can be booked via the online booking system. Appointments can also be rescheduled or cancelled (prior to 24 hours before start time) via the same online booking system.
- If you are sick, please cancel or reschedule your appointment.
- If you are running a few minutes late, please send me a text and let me know.
- If you arrive 15 minutes (or more) late for an appointment, you will have to reschedule your appointment and the late notice fee (mentioned below) will apply.

CANCELLATIONS & NO SHOWS
- Cancellations or rescheduling must be done at least 24 hours in advance.
- Any cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will incur a fee of 50% of the booked service, which must be paid before you can book your next appointment.
- If you do not show up for an appointment (and do not cancel or reschedule in time), you will be liable for the full amount due for service/s booked. This will need to be paid in full before you can book your next appointment. 

 #salontermsandconditions #dontbelate #latefeesapply
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · Rambling Rose