All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors.
However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through links in this article.
And that’s a big bummer when you get a big kick out of having elaborate nails.
Nicola Dall’Asen/Allure
sans years of experience and training.
“Bobby pins are cool, but they only do tiny dots,” says Miss Pop.
“This will give you a real polka.”
Nicola Dall’Asen/Allure
Donotget impatient when waiting for those dots to dry, by the way.
When they’re finished, just glue them on and go.
Turns out those little stickies are a very valuable nail-art tool when making theseFrench manicure-inspired neon tips.
Instagram/@nailpolishedlife
You might already have some lying around if you are or live with a student.
Otherwise, you might pick them up for a few bucks at your local office supply store.
To create these bright neon nails, start off with a set of neutral-colored press-ons.
Instagram/@nailpolishedlife
“It doesn’t leave a sticky residue and you might cut it into shapes,” she says.
“Apply it directly to the nail, then add your base and color coats around it.
Lift the tape when the polish isn’t completely dry but also isn’t wet to the touch.”
Nicola Dall’Asen/Allure
Nails-Luxe
Nails-Luxe Brush H
There’s nothing that a pop of color can’t fix, right?
Bring some vivacity to your nails by recreating this look created by nail artistNataszija Moore.
In a nutshell, this design requires a very thin brush.
Instagram/@katebonarnails
This design proves that an elaborate pattern is definitely not necessary when upping your at-home manicure abilities.
You’ve probably seenabstract swirl nailsfrequent your Instagram feed, but don’t get things twisted (get it?
Gladney-Hatcher says that it applies to the nails seamlessly in a matter of two coats.
Instagram/@katebonarnails
Once she’s gathered all the colors she needs, Thompson “swipes the polish on randomly.”
“I love how each nail turns out differently,” she says.
Each nail was practically painted in every color of the rainbow with nail polishes fromDimension Nails.
Instagram/@julyninetysix
Her biggest tip to getting the design down?
Dip your chosen tool just enough that it doesn’t drip," she says.
After the transfer gel has been applied, you’re all set to add the foil to your nails.
Instagram/@julyninetysix
Like with any nail design, verify to seal it all in with a gel topcoat.
Instead of using traditional polish, nail artistRoveenatellsAllurethat she used black acrylic paint to make the faces.
In fact, Roveena admits that she always uses paint for small, detailed designs.
Instagram/@n_a_i_l_it
“The small brush gives you the ability to paint thin lines,” she says.
Bring the beaming brightness of sunflowers to your nails with this design by nail artistKrista Lockwood.
We recommendDeborah Lippmann’s Gel Lab Pro Colorin Naked for a beautiful, neutral base.
Nicola Dall’Asen/Allure
When it comes to the flowers, she begins with their center by making a small dot.
“Do this around the whole dot to create the sunflower petals.”
Deborah Lippmann
Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Color in Naked
Sephora
Sally Hansen Good.
Nicola Dall’Asen/Allure
She’ll take a thin brush and coat its tip in a brown polish.
Nail Colorin Raw Cocoa for a similar color.
“Lightly tap in the center of the flower,” she says.
“This technique will give you a ‘seedy’ look!
Instagram/@caitlinswatches
Instagram/@grapefizznails
Instagram/@grapefizznails
Instagram/@bycheznails
Instagram/@nailsbyjamie_x
Instagram/@nailartfairy
Instagram/@nailartfairy
Instagram/@nailsbyroveena
Instagram/@nailsbykristaa