It's nice to have friends connected with reptiles.

I read about the 'snakeskin' manicure when I was in Hong Kong last November. No harm is done to the snakes for those who care about the slithering creatures; it's the slough - the outer layer of the skin of a snake that is shed as it grows.

This, I have to say, still gave me the heebee jeebees... but... anything for a beauty shoot. [watch this space]

Simples steps to your slough manicure:

Get some snakeskin cast off. The slough I used above is from a milk snake.

NARS Nail Polish- Jungle Red    $18.00 USD at Barneys New York

First apply a base coat followed by a colour if desired. You could choose anything from a nude to an intense colour. I chose NARS Jungle Red.

While your polish is still wet apply the skin and pat gently. The colour will blend as the skin is very delicate and porus. Snip away the excess skin. You can also gently file the extra skin with a less abrasive emery board.

Finish with a top coat to seal the skin to the nail - I used China Glaze Patent Leather top coat  for extra shine.

et voila! Badass behind the seams manicure I did on our shoot today that you can easily do at home... if you have a snake...