10 Utterly Chic Black Coffin Nail Designs You Need to Try (DIY Tips Included!)

7. Encapsulated Gold Flake & French Outlines

This design takes the smoky marble effect up a notch by incorporating delicate gold flakes ☍ that look encapsulated within the nail. Paired with glossy black nails and a sharp black French outline on the clear/smoky base, it’s incredibly detailed and luxurious. This style often looks best when done with gel or acrylic to truly encapsulate the flakes.

• How to Recreate (Simplified for home):
  1. Apply base coat. Paint some nails glossy black.
  2. For the accent nails: Create the smoky black effect on a clear or sheer nude base as described before (look 6). While a layer is still tacky (or use a bit of nail glue/wet top coat), carefully place small gold flakes.
  3. Using a fine nail art brush ☍ and black polish, draw a thin outline around the free edge, mimicking a French tip shape but just the line.
  4. Seal thoroughly with a couple of layers of glossy top coat ☍ to smooth out the flakes. For a true encapsulated look, gel polish works best.