Nail polish is the new lipstick. Inexpensive and low maintenance, it’s the perfect way to try out fall’s hottest colors like oxblood and gold without the commitment or price tag. Having cute and creative nails is a great way to let your personal style and originality shine through. What’s even better than the latest shade on your digits? Taking monochrome to the next level with DIY nail art, of course! Think you don’t have the time? These DIY tips are easy to master and only look like they took hours.
The Basics:
Before beginning, shape your nail edges using a file. The shape that is most flattering to your fingers can generally be found by following your basic cuticle shape- whether that’s oval, square, or the softer “squoval.” Then, run a cotton ball soaked in nail polish removal over the nail surface to remove any oils that could cause bubbles in your polish. Apply a clear base coat to your nails and wait a minute or so for it to dry. This will make the whole look much smoother. Many collegiettes skip these steps, but they really do make a huge difference in the outcome of your manicure! Overall, it makes any manicure look far more professionally done.
Polka Dot Nails:
Polka dot, retro-inspired nails were seen all over spring runways, and while they look super hard this trend is extremely easy to recreate. First, pick whatever base color you want. It’s more striking if you go for one end of the color spectrum, making the base dark and the dots light or vice versa. For example, white dots on a navy background are a classic combo that looks surprisingly business-like. Paint the base on and wait for it to dry completely. For the next step, find a mechanical pencil that you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Alternatively, you can use the head of a straight pin for your dotting tool. Dip the very tip into your dot nail polish, but make sure you get enough to leave a substantial amount on the nail. The easiest way to do this is to pour a little of your nail polish onto a piece of foil. Once you get the hang of it, be creative! Vary the size and placement of the dots or make them all uniform for a more restrained look- it’s up to you! Finish with a clear topcoat- I like Sally Hansen’s “Diamond Flash” which will make your manicure last at least a week without chipping.
Half Moon Mani:
This one has been in style for a while but it’s certainly not going anywhere. Sometimes called a reverse French manicure, it’s a unique take on a timeless look that can be adjusted to fit your tastes. First, pick two colors that go together well. Black and white is good but you can step out of the box as much as you like on this one. Paint the entire nail whatever color you want to be the smaller half-moon at the bottom of your nail. Then- and this one takes some patience- wait for your nails to dry completely. Once you are sure they’re completely dry, it’s time to break out the school supplies once again! For this I like to use notebook paper hole reinforcers because they’re cheap and you get hundreds in a single pack. Put the reinforcer on your nails where you want the moon to be, making it as small or large as you want. Then, paint over the rest of the nail in your top color, getting the paint over the top edge of the reinforcer. When that coat is dry, peel off the reinforcer to reveal a crisp, clean curve and two toned nails! Finish with a clear topcoat.
Multi-tone French Mani:
This style is very much like the half moon. Pick your two colors, but this time the base will be the more visible one. Paint the entire nail, wait for it to dry, and get out the reinforcers again. Place them on the top of the nail, with the area above the top of the circle becoming the tip of your French manicure. Paint, wait for them to dry again, peel off, and voila! This manicure can be fun when you pick two unexpected colors instead of the traditional clear and white, so feel free to experiment. Try Carolina blue and white for game days! As always, finish with a clear topcoat.
One accent nail:
One of the easier DIY manicures, this one centers all the drama around one nail on each hand, conventionally the ring finger. Pick a color for the rest of your nails and paint as usual. When picking the type of accent nail you want, it can range from basic, such as a color in a complementary shade, to more glamorous, such as a few coats of glitter polish on that one nail. You can even try one polka dot nail to get yourself started! Accent nails should be simple yet eye catching.
Top coats:
For the truly rushed collegiettes out there who still want a little extra something in their manicure, a special top coat can make all the difference. Simply pick your base color and let dry, then swipe on something else for a fancy finish. Any kind of top coat imaginable is now easy to find in any beauty aisle, ranging from fine glitter to larger hexagons to a mix of both. Some topcoats even consist of tiny foil hearts or irregular multicolored pieces. It’s up to you, but adding a topcoat essentially doubles your existing selection of polishes and can spice up old ones you don’t wear anymore. As an added bonus, they disguise small cracks and chips in your nail color. My favorite is Sephora by OPI’s “Only Gold for Me Top Coat.” It instantly makes any nail color downright dazzling.
What’s your favorite way to dress up your nails? Customize your set to show off your personal style!