There are few things I love more than a trip to the nail salon. I love to leave it to the pros to care for and shape my nails while I just worry about what colour to go for next. However, after stumbling across a fair few easy nail art looks, I think I’m ready to try and emulate a few designs at-home.
Designs like French tips and cute dots are pretty straightforward to replicate with a bit of patience and a very steady hand. Load up your nail tool kit if you don’t already have remover for pesky smudges and orange sticks to clean up the nail as tidily as possible. Oh, and check in with these tips from nail experts to avoid common mistakes. Here are the easiest nail art designs that have inspired my DIY manicures lately.
1. Little Gems
The base of this is bold but simple. Stick to a deep colour palette for the most impactful look.
2. Eye See You
Cheat an intricate nail design with fun stickers. Keeping your nail colour nude will help the designs stand out.
3. Yellow Pop
Is there a better way to channel summer with a neon-hued tip?
4. Random Rainbow
Don't overthink it, instead line up some mismatched nail paints for this look—the more random, the better.
5. Shining Star
You’ll need an extra small nail brush with this one and a steady hair but it looks so stunning on a few accent nails.
6. Aqua Barbie
These neon contrasting colours make this simple design really stand out.
7. Blue Me Away
Cool blues are a sophisticated twist on the negative space nail trend and using a matte polish elevates this design.
8. Candy-striped
The contrast of the glossy colour and bare nail is so sweet and definitely going to be a fun take on the fresh neutrals trend.
9. Dot To Dot
This attention-grabbing design looks more standout with the teal polish shade. If you want something more subtle you could go nude/pink with black spots.
10. Polka Dotty
Fun and romantic, a good blue-toned red is flattering for all skin tones.
11. Line ‘em Up
Dots are no doubt the easiest nail design so switching up the way you place them will give your nail art a new vibe.
12. Pop Art
Pops of colour in nails, makeup or fashion will never go out of style. So, pick out your boldest hues for this super fun design.
13. Mint Tips
Use a super skinny brush and follow the natural curve of your nails using a pastel pop of colour (like this mint green) for a switch up to the norm.
14. Little Line
Probably the easiest nail design you could ever do, yet so chic and luxe-looking. Use the thinnest nail brush and start a bit above the cuticle so you don’t flood it and make it look messy.
15. Evil Eye
Layer a jewel-toned blue with a dab of silver and a dot of black for this pretty and simple design.
16. Pastel Dreams
Just looking at this design makes me feel more spring-like. Layer on at least three coats to make sure these light colours are opaque.
17. Morse Coding
An acid green is the perfect way to make easy design look impactful and vibrant.
18. Over, Under
Who says that French tips have to be for the tips only? Cuticle lining is the new way to play with nail colour.
19. Micro Hearts
You'll need a steady hand and a skinny brush to ensure each heart looks as similar as possible, but the final look will be well worth the patience and perseverance.
Shop The Best Nail Art Products:
Essie nail polishes are long-lasting, super-pigmented, and available in a full spectrum of shades. This kit is a great starting point.
You don't need to be a pro nail artist to attempt nail art, but you will need the right tools. This kit features a brush, dotting tool, mixing plate, builder gel, and jewels.
A dotting tool and a brush are the basics you'll need if you want to experiment with nail art.
Everything you need to add sparkle, shimmer, and iridescence to your manicure design.
Super skinny nail art brushes aren't always easy to get hold of, but eyeliner brushes sure are. This one is perfect for precision application.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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