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Collegiette Beauty: Easy At Home Nail Designs

Sarah Pentecost Student Contributor, Virginia Commonwealth University
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Chelsea Kubo Student Contributor, Virginia Commonwealth University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at VCU chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Next
time you’re bored on a Sunday afternoon, need to take a study break, or need an activity for a girls’ night, look no further than here! These nail art ideas will have your friends ooh-ing and ah-ing over your artsy designs for days.

Always start out with a clear coat because that will help save your nails from discoloration and staining. Also, always try to finish with a clear coat because it gives an extra shine and prevents your nails from chipping.

Accent Nail
If you’re looking for a simple and quick painting session, use a solid color that suits your taste, but leave your ring fingers out. A hot new trend is the “accent nail,” where your paint one of your nails a different color. Pick another color to compliment or contrast the main color, use that on your ring fingers and BAM – you have yourself a fancy new manicure. If you’re feeling creative, paint a design on one nail (or more) on each hand for a complete look. You can even buy nail polishes with thin brushes at the dollar store to create these designs.

French Manicure
If you have a little more time and are feeling artistic, try a French manicure. Pick a color of your choosing – be bold. Carefully swipe the brush from one side of your nail to the other making sure to cover the entirety of the tip of your nail. It’s easier than you think! For the accent nail, paint your entire ring finger nail the color you used for your tips. Don’t forget the clear coat!

Triangle
If you’re feeling daring, try what I call the “triangle.” Pick two colors that contrast but also complement each other. Pick one color as the base, preferably the thinner or lighter color, and paint every nail that color – even your ring finger. After letting it dry, using the second color, carefully create a triangular design with a brush stroke from the bottom corner of your nail to the opposite top corner. Make the triangles on either hand go opposite directions to make a geometric look. Finally, use a thin brush to paint a “line of symmetry” on your nails between the two colors to really enhance the triangular shapes and use the same color to draw a simple design on your accent nail.

To add even more intensity to your nails, use glitter, crackle, or thin brushes to paint more designs and put a glitzy touch on your already fabulous nails!

Sarah is from Lynchburg, Virginia but has lived in Richmond since attending Virginia Commonwealth University in 2012 where she studied Mass Communications with a concentration in print journalism. She began contributing to Her Campus at VCU as a freshman and was developed to lead the chapter as Campus Correspondent for two years where she increased membership by 65% and brought the chapter ranking from bronze level to platinum level. She enjoyed attending both the mid-atlantic conferences held with the chapter at the College of William & Mary and Her Conferences held in NYC. 

Sarah currently works in the tech industry in marketing. She has a background in communications, hospitality and nonprofit consulting. She still loves attending VCU basketball games and also loves live music. In her free time, she likes going on long walks with her dog, tending to her house plants and cycling around downtown. Fun fact: she has never owned a car and is a community advocate for public transit.

Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn.
Chelsea is a Her Campus alumnae and the Cofounder and former President and Editor-In-Chief of Virginia Commonwealth University's Her Campus chapter. Chelsea has diverse professional experience thanks to her many internships in college. Her experience includes working in the research department at Viacom's MTV, assisting the CEO of a boutique jewelry brand in NYC, and working at an English tourist magazine in Japan. Beyond her professional life, Chelsea is inspired by fashion, finance, all things Harry Potter, her dream of working for a company she loves, and her travels. Chelsea turns to Sailor Moon episodes and Harry Potter soundtracks when life gets tough. Also a good amount of shopping, traveling, and making memories with loved ones will maintain her status quo.Connect!LinkedIn Instagram: @chelsskubo