From runway inspirations to one-of-a-kind designs, our picks are sure to keep you up on your nail game while giving you the 411 on how to recreate many of the looks yourself. This week we got the scoop on not one but two trends, courtesy of nail aficionado Spifster Sutton of Shervan Salon in Chicago.

The Trend: “We got the swag sauce, she drippin' Swagu!”  Kanye West. That’s what your friends will be singing once they see you rocking this fierce dripping nail art. Prabal Gurung caused the stir during Spring 2013 NYFW show season when he sent a striking blood-drip style down the runway. Now nail girls everywhere have gone wild creating various renditions of the vampire-inspired design. To offset the gore, nail artist Spifter Sutton created a sophisticated version, pairing fine nail drips using the equally trendy dry brush technique as the backdrop. The result was nothing less than a nail art masterpiece.

EBONY: How did you create this design?

Spifster Sutton: For this design, I used the dry stroke technique (meaning painting with a nearly dry brush) for a cool brush stroke effect. To recreate this design, begin by choosing your first color—we suggest Sephora by OPI in Is It Pay Day Yet ($9.50). When taking your brush out of the bottle, swipe the brush against the opening so that you remove most of the polish. Your brush should be nearly dry yet have just enough left over to apply color to the nail. [Editor’s Note: Practice makes perfect for this technique. Apply the polish to your nail starting from the top, gently sweeping the brush downwards to about half way down the nail.]

Next, apply your second color, M.A.C. Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Mean and Green ($16.00), using the same dry brush technique but starting where your pastel shade left off. This time sweep the color all the way down to the cuticle. For the dripping effect, use a fine brush dipped in black polish. We recommend Kiss Nail Artist Paint & Stencil Kit in Gala ($6.99).

Create freehand lines with little drops where the line ends. Don’t go for perfection! The more random it looks, the more realistic your drips will look.

EBONY: What is your favorite nail trend right now?

SS: I like the invisible space trend, because the creative possibilities are endless. I like the option of using your natural nail color as the base and being able to create any design. It’s truly a cult favorite amongst nail girls.

Minajiah Scott