The days of traditional manicures are over. Going with a solid color can be great, but what if you want to jazz up your nails with a little something extra? For anyone who wants to know how to manicure their own nails and give them an edge, you're in luck! These days, there are plenty of resources to help you get the bold manicure you desire without spending a fortune. If you're in need of a stylish home manicure, skip the nail salon and check out these three fresh approaches.
Half moon manicure
Learning how to give yourself a half moon manicure is not as hard as you might think. When it comes to simple nail designs like this one, it's all a matter of being creative about your manicure tools. Grab two different colored nail polishes (similar colors in contrasting shades yield the best results) and a sheet of binder reinforcement stickers.
Start by painting 1-2 coats of the lighter nail polish over your entire nail and allow it to dry completely. Then place one sticker over each nail, with the hole about center with your lower cuticles. This should place the top half the sticker over the lower half of your nail. Using the darker color, carefully paint only what is visible of your nail above the sticker. Start with one coat and allow it to dry completely before adding another. Finish off your manicure with a shiny clear topcoat, and your half moon manicure is complete!
Ombre nails
Ombre everything is all the rage these days, and who wouldn't like the chic sunset look that an ombre gradient provides? If you're wondering how to paint ombre nails, you will need two different color nail polishes, a clear topcoat, a makeup sponge (cut small), a toothpick, and a small sheet of waxed paper.
Begin by painting your nails with the lighter colored polish and allow time for it to dry completely. Then place the waxed paper on the flat surface, and pour a small dab of both colors onto the waxed paper right next to each other. Be sure that the colors are just barely touching at their edges. Using your toothpick, swirl the colors together only where they meet until they are blended; this determines how your ombre gradient will appear. Now, take your makeup sponge and stamp it directly into the nail polish a few times, then lightly dab the sponge onto your nail, moving it up and down your nail very slightly. Finally, add two layers of your clear topcoat and say hello to your freshly finished ombre manicure!
Accent nail design
Let your creativity shine through with a single accent nail to an otherwise simple manicure. An accent nail design can be as simple or intricate as you like. A friend of mine recently showed up to our weekly get together sporting a penguin on her ring-finger nail-too cute!
Using household manicure tools such as toothpicks, clear tape, makeup sponges, old toothbrushes and old fishnet stockings can help you add just a pop of excitement to your manicure. Accent nails are fantastic for anyone who needs to keep their nail colors neutral for work, or even for serial polish experimenters! Make your accent nail as bold or as safe as you want it to be.
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