Getting Ready: Your "Nail Salon" Toolkit

• Soft Pastels: Choose shades of pink, orange, or flesh-tones that are slightly darker than the doll's skin.
• Brushes: A soft blending brush for large areas and a small detail brush for joints.
• Matte Sealant (Mr. Super Clear - MSC): An absolute must-have for priming and sealing.
• An Ultra-Fine Brush (Liner Brush): For painting the nails.
• Acrylic Paints or Water-based Hobby Paints: Prepare white, pink, or flesh tones.
• Gloss Varnish (e.g., Tamiya X-22 Clear): The finishing touch for creating a shiny nail effect.
• Safety Gear: A mask and gloves.

Part 1: Hand Blushing

1. Priming is a Must: On the clean hand parts, spray a thin, even layer of matte sealant. Let it dry completely.
2. Apply the Base Blush: Use a soft blending brush to pick up a small amount of pink or flesh-toned pastel. Lightly sweep it across the back of the hand and knuckles to create a faint base color.
3. Add Depth and Definition: Switch to a smaller detail brush and a slightly darker pastel (like a rosy-orange). Concentrate on deepening the color in the creases of each knuckle, between the fingers, and along the lines of the palm. This makes the hand's structure look more defined.
4. Seal Your Work: Once you are happy with the blushing, spray another layer of matte sealant to fix the pastels in place. Let it dry thoroughly before moving on.

Part 2: The Delicate Manicure

1. Paint the Nail Bed: Using your liner brush, dip it in pink or flesh-toned acrylic paint and carefully paint the nail shape on each fingertip.
2. Add the Lunula (Half-Moon): Switch to white paint and add a tiny, white semi-circle at the base of the nail. This is the lunula, or "half-moon," a key detail for realism!
3. (Optional) French Tips: If you want a French manicure look, use the white paint to draw a very fine line across the tip of the nail.
4. Apply Gloss Varnish: Ensure the paint is completely dry. Take a clean liner brush, dip it in a small amount of gloss varnish, and apply it only over the painted nail area. When the varnish dries, it will create a beautiful, glossy shine that contrasts sharply with the matte skin, resulting in a fantastic texture!

Pro-Tips

• Use Your Own Hands as Reference: When blushing, look at the color variations on your own hands. They are the best reference you can find.
• Less is More: Whether applying pastels or paint, always follow the principle of using a small amount and building up layers. This prevents you from going too heavy-handed.
• Patience is Everything: Hand details are tiny and require a great deal of patience and care. Take your time and enjoy the creative process.