hey guys its me Natalie!

Hey fellow fans! You might have seen glimpses of my KOTLC nails, and yes, they are indeed my real nails, beautifully adorned with designs straight from the Keeper of the Lost Cities universe! As Natalie Jemini, a huge enthusiast of Shannon Messenger's incredible series, I absolutely love expressing my fandom through unique and personal ways, and what better canvas than my own fingertips? For those who might be new to the magic, KOTLC, or Keeper of the Lost Cities, is a phenomenal young adult fantasy series centered around Sophie Foster, a telepathic elf adjusting to a hidden world of elves, magic, and intricate mysteries. It's filled with unforgettable characters, thrilling adventures, and a rich, imaginative world that just begs for creative interpretation. So, why KOTLC nails? For me, it's about celebrating the series I adore and carrying a little piece of that world with me every day. It's a subtle nod to the fandom, and honestly, it’s a fantastic conversation starter! Designing these nails allows me to delve deeper into the visual aspects of the books, thinking about character aesthetics, symbolic elements, and iconic locations. If you're thinking of trying your own KOTLC-inspired nail art, here are some ideas and tips from my own experience: Getting Started with KOTLC Nail Designs: Character Colors & Symbols: Think about your favorite characters! Sophie's vibrant teal, Fitz's striking blues, Keefe's silver and gold accents, Biana's shimmering glitter, or even Dex's gadget-inspired metallic shades. The KOTLC eye symbol is a classic, instantly recognizable motif that looks amazing as an accent nail. You could also incorporate the crests of different families or the symbols for different abilities. Location Inspiration: Imagine the beauty of Havenfield with its lush greenery, the grandeur of Everglen with its sparkling crystals, or the mysterious vibe of Exile. These settings can inspire color palettes and even tiny landscape designs. Iconic Objects: What about tiny mallowmelt swirls, or even the subtle glint of a Beguiler's necklace? These small details can make a huge impact. My Process for "Real" KOTLC Nails: It definitely takes patience! First, I always make sure my nails are prepped – clean, filed, and with a good base coat. This protects my natural nails and helps the polish adhere better. Then comes the fun part: sketching out my ideas. Sometimes I freehand directly onto my nails, using very fine nail art brushes for precision. Other times, I'll use a dotting tool for smaller details or even a toothpick in a pinch! I love experimenting with different polish types. Regular polish is great for quick changes, but gel polish offers more durability, which is essential for detailed designs you want to last. Don't be afraid to layer! Often, a design looks best with a base color, then the main elements, and finally, tiny highlights to make it pop. A good quality top coat is non-negotiable – it seals in your art and adds a beautiful, long-lasting shine. Maintaining these themed nails is also key. I try to wear gloves when doing chores that involve water or harsh chemicals, and I always keep a good cuticle oil handy to keep my nails and cuticles healthy. It makes a huge difference in how long the manicure lasts and how good it looks. I truly hope this gives you some inspiration to create your own Keeper of the Lost Cities nail art! It's such a fun and creative way to show your love for the series. What KOTLC designs would you try? Let me know in the comments!