behind the brush: crystal sloan

Name: Crystal Sloan

City: Sacramento 

Known for her crisp and glossy manicures, sloan (better known as @lovefreshpaint on Instagram) shares her secrets for healthy, hydrated nails and a pro-level paint job.

Her favorite essie shade: “bahama mama is my absolute favorite essie color. it was one of the first shades i owned. it’s chic and goes with everything.”

Her artistic approach: “my nail style is geared toward simple, clean manicures with an emphasis on nail care and color.”

her nail journey: “i started learning to do my own nails in 2015 and decided to create an instagram account to share my passion. fast-forward a few years and now i am a full-time content creator. i get to share what I’ve learned with people all over the world. it’s incredibly rewarding to receive messages from people who say I've inspired them to start taking care of their own nails!” 

her top nail tip: “my favorite nail tip is to clean up the lines of your manicure with acetone and a small brush. it’s an easy way to take your at-home mani to the next level by giving it a polished, professional look.”

her most frequently asked question: “i get asked about my cuticles often. the trick to having great cuticles is to have a consistent nail care routine that focuses on hydration. i recommend pushing them back regularly, using a cuticle oil like essie’s apricot cuticle oil a few times a day, and applying a thicker balm or cream in the evening while you’re catching up on your favorite tv show.”