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How to Get Halloween Nails in Seven Steps or Less

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter.

We all know there are two central aspects to Halloween: eating candy and picking out a costume. For those of us who are a little more amped up for this time of year, why not look for other ways to celebrate the season? There is no better way to show off your Halloween pride than to rock some killer nails!

Dark Colors (Deep purples, blood reds, sparkling blacks, etc.)
This one is a little more basic, but very versatile for class the next day.
1. Start off by applying a layer of clear base coat.
2. Next, apply a light layer of whichever color you choose.
3. After this layer is dry, apply a thicker layer of the same color in order to ensure a long lasting fix.
4. Finally, once the color layer is completely dry, add a shiny top coat, and you’re good to go!

Tip: If you’re using nail polish with sparkles, be sure to add an extra base coat. This helps so that when you want to take your nail polish off, the sparkles won’t be too stubborn!

Stripes
This is a simple, yet complicated looking, style that will be sure to catch a lot of attention!
1. Once again, start off with a clear base coat.
2. Next, paint your whole nail the lightest of the colors you will be working with.
3. When that color has dried, cut a piece of tape that fits on your nail, so that only the bottom third of your nail is completely covered.
4. Now take the lighter of the two remaining colors and paint the part of your nail that is showing. Don’t worry if you get a little on the tape – once you peel it off, the bottom layer should be clean.
5. Once that layer is dry, peel off the tape, and cut another piece, this time large enough so that only the top third of your nail is showing.
6. Now paint the top part of your nail with the darkest color.
7. Finish this all off with a thick top coat, and get ready for the compliments to start pouring in!

Tip: Add a sweet twist by choosing orange, yellow, and white nail polishes to look like candy corn!

French Nails
Put a seasonal twist on the classic favorite by subbing out the white tips for black or orange!
1. Coat your nails in a clear base coat and allow this layer to dry.
2. Next, paint the whole nail in a light coat of a neutral color, so that you barely notice that it is there.
3. Once that layer is dry, it’s time to add some flare. Once again, you’re going to want to cut out a piece of tape, so that only the portions of your nails that you want color on are showing. When you have pressed that layer of tape down, you’re ready to start painting!
4. When that has dried, you’re ready to peel off the tape and add a top coat for a finishing touch.

Tip: If your color looks a little clumsy, grab an old paint brush, dip it in nail polish remover, and clean off the extra nail polish that way. It is much more precise than a cotton ball, and it’s super quick!

Skulls
This look’s great for showing some edge while still looking cute and girly!
1. Apply an extra thin, but thorough, layer of base coat.
2. Next, coat your nail in white polish.
3. Once that has completely dried, use a black paint pen to add two dots at the base of your nail.
4. In the center of your nail, add one more dot.
5. Finally, draw four parallel lines going towards the tip of your nail.
6. Once that has dried, apply a thick top coat to ensure that your little friends won’t be chipping off any time soon!

Tip: Feeling a little bit more adventurous? Frankenstein is an awesome, yet slightly more complicated, possibility for this one!

Stickers
All of this seeming like a little bit too much effort? No worries, we’ve all been there. Before throwing in the towel, be sure to check out options for sticker nail polish. These designs are so realistic, no one even needs to know you didn’t do them yourself!

Photo Sources:
http://favim.com/orig/201107/24/black-nails-glitter-nail-polish-nails-Favim.com-113267.jpg
http://cdn-ugc.cafemom.com/gen/constrain/500/500/80/2011/10/27/09/b0/7a/pot7iz7t44.jpg
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l9uqlcN9CQ1qbf4qb.jpg
http://www.swatchandlearn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Halloween-Nail-Art-Skull-Nails-Tutorial.jpg
http://cdn2.blogs.babble.com/family-style/files/halloween-nails/05.jpg
 

Meghan Keefe is a senior associate on the integrated marketing team at Her Campus Media. While she was a student at Boston College, she was on the HC BC team and led as a Campus Correspondent for two semesters. After graduating and working for three years in public relations, she decided it was time to rejoin the Her Campus team. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Boston and traveling - anything that gets her outside.