If you know Jonathan Van Ness, you know the man is all about speaking your truth and being your most authentic self. The international celebrity exploded onto the scene upon the release of the Netflix reboot of Queer Eye, a television show where gay men give advice on fashion, grooming, interior design, culture, and more to straight men. Since the show’s release three seasons ago, Van Ness has become an icon in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond for his advocacy and message. Which is why for Pride Month this year, cult nail brand Essie decided to partner with the star to promote inclusivity in the nail industry.
Essie teamed up with Van Ness to create a colorful, fun manicure that encourages and reminds people everywhere to be themselves, and to own their individuality loud and proud. Rita Remark, Essie’s global lead educator, created a rainbow mosaic nail art look specifically for Van Ness, that the duo hopes people of all genders will rock with pride.
In an Instagram post, Van Ness commented, “I’m so honored to announce I’ve teamed up with Essie as their first non-female ambassador in celebration of Pride! For me, polish has always been a form of self-expression. Right now, that means this mosaic rainbow mani moment. Wearing it proud!”
Celebrate Pride with your clients this month by giving them the colorful manicure using the steps below:
- After manicuring the nails, being by applying Smooth-E base coat to prime each nail.
- Per Van Ness’s signature manicure style, a few nails were polished with color as opposed to his whole hand. For this look, use the shades Butler Please, In the Cab-Ana, Come Here!, Chillato, Play Date, Geranium, and Tart Deco, to create the abstract rainbow nail art.
- To recreate, apply each shade one at a time, using the polish brush to blend, creating a marble effect as if all the colors are melting into one another. Repeat on desired number of nails.
- Once the design is complete, top each nail with Gel.Setter top coat for a high-shine finish.
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