4 Must-Try DIY Nail Designs from the Experts

Just when you thought cool nail art was best left to the pros, Marie Claire asked the world's top experts to create exclusive looks you can do at home (really). By Jennifer Goldstein

Jessica Tong
Jessica Tong

1. Nails By: Jessica Tong

@jestongnailart

The Look: This fierce, tribal-inspired design is the handiwork of New York City-based artist Tong, who showcases her work behind the scenes at photo shoots and fashion shows on her Tumblr (jessicatongnailart.tumblr.com).

How-To: Apply two coats of (1). Let dry. Paint a V-shape on the tip of each nail using (2), and allow to dry. Lay down an inverted V-stripe of (3) on each nail where the two base shades intersect, and allow to dry. Finish by using (4) to outline the white stripe and draw a zigzag through it, then fill in half the zigzag with tiny stripes.

1. CIRQUE Nail Lacquer in Erda, $13. 2. CIRQUE Nail Lacquer in Bejeweled, $15. 3. BUTTER LONDON Nail Lacquer in Cotton Buds, $15. 4. SALLY HANSEN Nail Art Pen in Black, $7.

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Britney Tokyo
Britney Tokyo

2. Nails By: Britney Tokyo

@britneytokyo

The Look: The elaborate artwork this Los Angeles-based nail artist posts on her Tumblr (britneytokyo.tumblr.com) is often hard to replicate, but this matte, denim-inspired design is surprisingly easy for a nail-art novice.

How-To: Apply two coats of (1). Dip a sponge-tip eyeshadow applicator in (2), then lightly dab the color onto your nail a few times to create the stonewashed pattern. Repeat the technique using a clean applicator dipped in (3). Finish with a coat of (4).

1. ORLY Nail Lacquer in Snowcone, $9. 2. DIOR Vernis Nail Lacquer in Electric Blue, $24. 3. LAKUR BY LONDONTOWN Polish in Chelsea Porcelain, $22. 4. OPI Matte Top Coat, $9.

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Jenna Hipp
Jenna Hipp

3. Nails By: Jenna Hipp

@jennahipp

The Look: Hipp, known as the "green celebrity manicurist" for her all-natural red-carpet manicures (Michelle Williams and Emma Stone are fans), created this curvy, color-blocked look using predesigned nail wraps and just one shade of polish.

How-To: Apply the nail wraps (1) according to instructions, but do not top with clear polish as the package directs. Instead, apply a half-moon of (2), starting on one side of the nail and sweeping sideways around the white moons that are part of the wrap's design. Create another sideways stroke three-quarters of the way to the tip, keeping the curve parallel to the curved edge of your nail tip. Fill in the area between the two lines with (2).

1. NCLA x NAILING HOLLYWOOD Nail Wrap Kit in Jenna's Nude Moon, $16. 2. RESCUE BEAUTY LOUNGE Nail Polish in Smile, $20.

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Tracylee
Tracylee

4. Nails By: Tracylee

@luxebytracylee

The Look: A regular presence backstage at fashion shows (Prabal Gurung, Marchesa), Tracylee has plenty of inspiration for her designs. This marbleized mani replicates a pattern on one of her favorite fall looks, a sexy dress from Balenciaga.

How-To: Apply a coat of (1). Next, use a crumpled plastic baggie as a sponge to apply the black flecks: Place a few drops of (2) on a piece of paper, crumple the baggie and dip it into the polish, dab off excess, then gently press the baggie once onto the nail to create a marbled effect. Finish with a coat of (3).

1. SALLY HANSEN Hard as Nails Xtreme Wear Nail Color in White On, $3. 2. OPI Nail Lacquer in Black Onyx, $9. 3. SALLY HANSEN Complete Salon Manicure in Sheer Bliss, $7.

Check out 5 more DIY nail designs from the pros at Marie Claire

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