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And that’s a big bummer when you get a big kick out of having elaborate nails.

DIY nail art with household object hacks — editor review

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.”

how to do polka dot nail art with a bobby pin — editor review

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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.

Essie Neturals Nail Polish in Licorice against a white background.

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.

Watercolorpainted nails painted in pink purple white and gold nail polish against a white background.

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.”

how to do french manicure nail art with binder reinforcements — editor review

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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.

KB Shimmer Easy Glowing Nail Polish on white background

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.

Black nails with doodles of smiley faces a heart and a thunderbolt painted in white nail polish.

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.

Nails Luxe Brush H against a white background.

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.

Two manicured hands featuring brightlypainted stripes.

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.

Pinkpainted nails in front of a white background.

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.

Sally Hansen Salon Pro Tool Nail Kit against a white background.

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.

how to do marbled nail art with a toothpick — editor review

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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.

OPI Big Apple Red nail polish against a white background.

“This technique will give you a ‘seedy’ look!

OPI Black Onyx Nail Polish against a white background.

Yellow holographicpainted nails in front of a dark background.

Instagram/@caitlinswatches

Cirque Colors 24K Affair gold nail polish against a white background.

Instagram/@grapefizznails

Manicured nails painted with abstract shapes painted with pink purple and white nail polish placed against a greywhite…

Instagram/@grapefizznails

Red orange yellow green and dark blue painted nails against a grey background.

Instagram/@bycheznails

Manicured glitter nail tips placed above a grey surface.

Instagram/@nailsbyjamie_x

Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer in All You Need Is Love on white background with Best of Beauty Award Winner Seal

Instagram/@nailartfairy

Translucent foil nails against a grey background.

Instagram/@nailartfairy

OPI Gel Color in Put It IN Neutral against a white background.

A white bottle of Daily Charme Foil Transfer Gel against a white background.

Manicured hand with illustrations of faces painted on each nail.

Instagram/@nailsbyroveena

Manicured hand featuring sunflowers painted on a translucent background.

Instagram/@nailsbykristaa

Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Color in Naked on a white background

Sally Hansen Good. Kind. Pure. Nail Color in Raw Coco on a white background