NAIL ART: Pastel Galaxy Space Cats Nails

by - April 04, 2022


So for today's mani, I did a design that has always intimidated the heck out of me - a Galaxy. As soon as I saw the new Whats Up Nails B068 Totally Spaced Out Stamping Plate*, I knew that there was a galaxy mani in my future and I would have to push through. I mean, honestly, how could I have this plate in my hands and not finally try out a galaxy design. Here's what I will say about how it went... I don't think it's perfect, though on my first try I feel like that's pretty standard, and it's most definitely the type of design where you really have to trust the process because in the middle it sort of looks like an insane mess and I was absolutely tempted to take it off and try again (or abandon the plan entirely) but I pushed through and I'm sort of obsessed with the result.

Keep reading for more!


I knew from the outset that I wanted to do a pastel galaxy design because my brain has shifted distinctly into spring vibes at this point and a traditional dark galaxy just felt too heavy for my mood, so I started out by choosing the polishes to built the design. (Actually, I started out by watching a tutorial from Kelli Marissa before anything just so that I could garner some confidence to try this out...) Anyway, I decided to start with a soft sort of periwinkle blue as my base and then build the sponging part of the design with a white, a neon pink, and what I think of as a nearly neon orchid purple. I also wanted to add some texture, so I grabbed for a topper that's a combination of fine metallic blue flakes and larger iridescent shifting flakes because I felt like it would really add the right vibe to the design.


I started by applying two coats of my base polish for opacity to all of my nails and let that dry down until it wouldn't be disrupted when I sponged on top of it - this is important, because if you lift your base polish while creating your design you could have to start all over. Next, I ripped small bits off a makeup sponge so that I could do really precise, buildable sponging of my design. I started by doing a diagonal line of white sponging down the center of the nail, adding a little bit of a wiggle on a couple of nails to keep it a little dimensional. Next, I slowly added the pink and purple sponging on either side of the white, building up carefully until I was happy with the saturation. Finally, I went in with my topper and applied an even coat over the sponging. 

Like I said, this was definitely a trust the process situation and it wasn't until I added my stamping that the whole thing came together the way I had hoped, so if you're going to try to recreate it I definitely recommend operating a little bit on faith. 


For my stamping, I knew I wanted to keep the two middle nails unique, so I started by applying the sort of angle-y with dots image to my pinkie, first finger and thumb. I don't know what you call that type of design, but it definitely immediately evokes the galaxy theme. For my middle finger, I wanted to add one of the text images from the plate, so I used the "Give Me Some Space" image and applied it at an angle at the center of my nail and then went in with the swirly star image at the base and tip to fill in the rest of the nail because it looked sort of... sparse. Finally, I knew I wanted to use the Space Cats image - because of course I did - so I went in with that on my ring finger. I will admit that I do a little bit wish that I had layered a darker color underneath the white to pop the stamping a little, but I still love how it turned out.

Once I was happy with my stamping, I sealed it in with a nail art top coat and then finished with a generous layer of quick dry glossy top coat and voila!


All Products Used
Color Club - Holy Chic!
Color Club - Salt Water Taffy
Color Club - Pucci-Licious
OPI - Alpine Snow
Sassy Cats Lacquer - Break The Spell
Whats Up Nails - Blanc My Mind*
Apipila Smudge Free Top Coat
Cuticula Limitless Quick Dry Top Coat
Whats Up Nails B068 Totally Spaced Out Stamping Plate*
Whats Up Nails Magnified Clear Stamper
Pueen Latex Tape Liquid Peel Off Cuticle Guard

* = PR Gifted


Am I currently doing the thing where suddenly I want to do 900 versions of the thing I was scared to try for years? Yep - sure am! I think there might be another galaxy mani coming soon (I have an idea I think I might want to employ using this same plate and perhaps a darker galaxy designs, so maybe...) Anyway, if you're reading this then this is your sign to try out something you've been intimidated by because you just might fall in love with it!

Be sure to head over to Cosmetic Proof and See The World In PINK for more Pastel themed nails for #CBBxManiMonday!

Thanks for reading!


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