Tired of the one-tone nails or the same boring patterns? You don't have to be a master artist to make your nails look like a masterpiece! Try out some of these simple but amazing nail art ideas and people will be asking you "What's the occasion?"
Easy DIY Dots
Applying dots can be stressful and shaky, but you can do it with precision by using a bobby pin. Simple dip the round part of the bobby pin in the paint and start dotting it!
Blinged-Out Graffiti
This edgy look combines street style with glam. Start with a dark base coat, and then add light swipes of silver and gold paint. Be sure to wipe the metallic paints on the top of the bottle a few times before using them so that you can see the bristles when you apply.
Grade-A Gradient
Getting a gradient for your nails may seem nearly impossible without professional help, but you can do it yourself with just two polish colors, a toothpick, and a sponge! Paint your nails with the lighter color first. Next, pour the two polishes next to one another, and begin swirling them together with the toothpick where they meet. Finally, dab the sponge directly down onto the paint a few times, and then dab it on your nail, moving up and down very slightly.
No-Hassle Patterns
Invest in some patterned scissors and you will have no problems creating any of those edges perfectly on your nails. Simply use the scissors to cut a piece of tape, attach the tape to your nail, and paint away.
Mad Splatter
What could be easier than just throwing the paint on your nails haphazardly? Get your base coat on, and then cover the area around your nails with tape. Now, use straws to splatter different colors of paint onto your nails.
Loofah Lattice
The fabric that makes up a loofah is the perfect stencil to use for a fishnet-style two-tone look. Simple paint your nails one color and let them dry, and then hold a piece of the loofah over your nails as you paint over them again with another color.
Stone Cold
Make your nails looks like precious stones easily with just some crumpled up plastic. Paint portions of a crumpled up ball of plastic with a metallic color, and then dab it onto your nails.
Just One Swipe
Adding a single swipe of white to a dark colored nail is a great and easy way to accent the color.
Creative Crescent
You can easily make a crescent shape by using reinforcement stickers. Stick them your fingers so that just the top portion covers the base of your nail, and paint away.
DIY Matte
You can make your own matte nail polish simply by mixing your nail polish with some eye shadow! Experiment with color combinations until you find the perfect shade.
Just Swatch Me
For the artistically minded, this cute Pantone look lets everyone know exactly what colors you are wearing. The writing is made with a thin Sharpie marker.
Looky Here
This super simple design will have everyone looking, and it'll look right back! Simply paint a curved line on each of your nails and fill them in with black nail polish.
Look Sharpie
Not everything you put on your nails has to be nail polish! Sharpies are an easy way to add very precise designs, and they come in a bunch of great colors!
Tape It
Get creative with how you use your tape on your nails. Cut the strips into intricate patterns and stick them onto your nails after the base coat has dried, then apply the top coat for a worry-free amazing design.
Striking Lightning
To really make a statement, paint your nails black and then lightly sponge on some purple, white blue, and white accents to create the look of a night sky. Then, use a very thin dotting tool or micro-tipped pen to paint on white in lightning shapes.
Time to Polka
Need a break from the classic french tip? Add a touch of fun to your nails with an upgraded polka-dot tip! All you need to create the perfect dot is the head of a pin or a bobby pin.
Tape It: Part 2
Sometimes less is more. Create a super cool and minimalistic design with a piece of tape. Stick the tape diagonally over your nail and paint. When the polish is tacky remove the tape and let it dry a little more.
All That Glitters
When in doubt, choose glitter. Pump up your polish by adding a glitter gradient over a color. Paint the base color coat and allow it to dry. Then paint a clear top coat on half of your nail. While the top coat is still wet sprinkle on a little glitter for a look that is sure to please.
Dots All, Folks
Prepare to have your mind blown. Sometimes, one simple dot can look adorably chic! But really.