DIY nail art: 7 trends to try

The Glitter Fade

Nails by Rita Remark, lead nail artist for Essie

1. Apply two coats of Essie Blanc to nails.
2. Using Essie Ignite the Night, begin to brush around the circumference of the nail, allowing the brush to drag slightly into the middle, but leaving the centre bare.
3. Using Essie Hors D’Oeuvres, repeat the previous step, allowing the polish to drag just slightly closer to the centre.
4. Seal with Essie Good To Go Top Coat.

Masquerade Sparkle

Nails by Melissa Forrest, nail expert for Sally Hansen

1. Apply two coats of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Gilty Party to nails.
2. Using the dotting tool from the Sally Hansen I Heart Nail Art Tool Kit, apply small dots of Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Black Out over the entire nail.
3. While dots are still wet, use the small detail brush from the tool kit to “whisk” the colour in each dot, creating little tails.
4. Apply two coats of Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Twinkle Toes-ty to finish.

“Stand-out nails are a great complement to a little black dress,” says Forrest. “Embellish one or two, or all 10; cover the whole nail, or just the tips. This is the season to get creative with your manicure.”

The Heart of Darkness

Nails by Leeanne Colley, nail expert for Revlon

1. Apply one coat of Revlon Nail Enamel in Trendy to nails and allow to dry for three to five minutes.
2. Using Revlon Nail Enamel in Elusive, create a heart shape by swiping the brush from one side of your nail toward the centre. Repeat on the other side of the nail. Then fill the area in with the same shade.
3. Seal with Revlon Quick Dry Top Coat for a glossy finish.

Ice & Snow

Nails by Rita Remark, lead nail artist for Essie

1. Apply two coats of Essie Mind Your Mittens to nails and allow to dry completely.
2. Using Essie Sleek Sticks in Steel the Show, choose the sticker size appropriate for each fingernail and, using small straight-edged scissors, cut the appliqué in half lengthwise. Gently press the stickers onto the right or left side of each nail.
3. Seal with Essie Good To Go Top Coat.

The Prada-Inspired Daisy

Nails by Rita Remark, lead nail artist for Essie

1. Apply two coats of Essie Licorice to nails.
2. Using the larger end of a double-sided dotting tool (like Essence Duo Stylist, shown) dipped in Essie Blanc, begin to make eight-petal flowers; make a little dot between each flower.
3. Using the smaller end of the dotting tool dipped in Toggle To The Top, add glimmering red centres to each flower and dot. (To get a very small dot, use a toothpick.)
4. Seal with Essie Good To Go Top Coat.

Go for Baroque

Nails by Leeanne Colley, nail expert for Revlon

1. Using a small pair of scissors, cut a decorative section out of a Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliqué sticker in Jeweled Noir; set aside.
2. Apply Revlon ColorStay Gel-Smooth Base Coat to nails, followed by two coats of Revlon Color­Stay Longwear Nail Enamel in Bare Bones, and allow to dry completely.
3. Peel the backing off the cut-out appliqué, and gently press onto the nail.
4. Seal the nail with Revlon ColorStay Gel-Shine Top Coat.

Acid Wash Jeans

Nails by Rita Remark, lead nail artist for Essie

1. Allowing time to dry in between coats, apply one coat each of Essie After School Boy Blazer, followed by Mind Your Mittens, and finally Blanc. Allow to dry completely before the next step.
2. Dip a cotton swab in nail polish remover and, using a light touch, begin to rub the polish away to reveal the colours. Vary your pressure to allow the three shades to show more or less is some areas, keeping the finished look random and natural.
3. Apply one coat of Essie Good To Go Top Coat, and while still wet, press metal nail jewelry onto the “moon” area of the nail. Apply a second layer of topcoat directly over of the studs to seal.

(Try Essence Nail Art Decoration Kit in Fantastic Metallics, shown, for a similar look to Rita’s studs)

Related:
• 11 hints for stronger nails
• Is your manicure safe?
• How to stay healthy at the salon