I have to admit that I’ve never been the girl that’s really into nail art. In fact, if there was a “skip” button on Pinterest, the same way you can skip a song on Pandora, I would probably have skipped the entire category all together. However, I have been noticing lately that there are some simple nail ideas that I not only like, but that I would actually do myself at home. I’ve also been noticing the really cool nail decal patterns that are around now, and this is a simple way to use them to make a custom look without a trip to the salon.
Supplies:
-nail file and buffer
-base coat nail color (I used this)
-patterned nail decals (like these)
-clear top coat (I used this)
-small scissors
1. Trim and file your nails to your desired shape and smoothness. Paint 1-2 coats of your base color with adequate dry time between coats.
2. Lay the corresponding size of nail decal strip next to your finger and line up the beginning of the strip with your cuticle. Flip the strip over to the blank side and mark with a pen where the tip of your nail ends. Use your scissors to cut the nail strip into a triangle shape that comes to a point at that mark.
3. Peel the top and bottom backing off the nail decal triangle and stick the tip of the triangle onto the end of your scissors. Position the rounded bottom of the triangle just above your cuticle and press the bottom of the triangle in place. Slowly peel the scissors away from the tip of the triangle and smooth out the rest of the decal (you could also use tweezers to position the decal as well).
4. Finish your look with a quick-dry topcoat, and your new mani is done!
If you like to keep your nails on the shorter side like I do, you can actually get two manis out of one set of decals. Just cut your triangles from one end of the strips for the first manicure, and then use the opposite end as the widest part of your triangle next time. I think this look is really fun, and I like that it feels simple and modern as well. I guess there’s a whole new world of nail designs out there, ladies, and I don’t know about you, but I think I’m going to get on board! xo. Laura
Credits // Author: Laura Gummerman, Photography: Sarah Rhodes. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.
48 Comments
I have to admit that I’m everything other than skilled in nail design. But what you show here looks so simply that even I must be able to manage it 🙂 Thank you!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Such a cute tutorial!
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Looks great! I`m not a big nail designer but this DIY is so easy that even I could make it. Maybe I would choose some other colors. Nice post.
Have a great weekend!
mtrjschk.blogspot.de
ohhh em gee!! That is an adorable idea! I often see cute prints but find them to be just a tad over bearing…like non work appropriate even. This is such a perfect idea to get that little print on your nails without annoying the boss 😉 Thanks for sharing!!
wow these look fabulous. i have never tried nail wraps but I have a pair and am somehow kind of too scared to try them out. I really like this idea though – mixing them with a normal paintjob to create something individual.
rae of love from berlin
I never paint my nails-they end up becoming what I call “mommy nails” and look like a hot mess within a few minutes of the application. BUT…this looks so fun I might have to try it!
Wow the manicure looks so cool. I can’t wait to try it!
xx
Looks great! And fairly easy to do, thank you!
http://www.julialundin.com
Love this idea for using nail wraps in a creative way. This is also a great way to use those extra little pieces of the nail wrap left over from a previous manicure!
xoxo,
Jessica
This is amazing and will come in perfect for the festive season! Very unique and pretty http://www.krystelcouture.com | Chi Chi Giveaway ♥
Lovely and I love the pink color as well 🙂
http://inspiremeland.com
i’m on the other side of the spectrum, i love nails and nail art. i collect nail polishes lol. this is another great way to use nail wraps 🙂
xo
Love it so much!
http://mykitschworld.blogspot.com.es
genius. pure genius. definitely trying this soon!
This nail art is so pretty. Very apt for the season
http://imyownmuse.blogspot.com
I’m not a nail type of person too. But your tutorial is so cute!))
BarbarianMe Blog
This is such an awesome idea!!
Laura, where are your rings from?? Beautiful! And I love the nail design idea.
Girl, you need to be getting some Jamberry Wraps on your nails. If you love those wraps, you’ll love that Jams are non-toxic and will last up to and over two weeks! And, they’re just as easy to use. Email me at exquisitedigits@gmail.com or check out my website! Happy to give you a same to try! http://exquisitedigits.jamberrynails.net
This is so cute, such a pretty design x
holljc.blogspot.co.uk
Genius. Love this idea!
– Christina
http://www.cityloveee.blogspot.com
Love the nails!
Fashion latte with vanilla
Badass. way to go laura 😀
Great idea! More of that please 😉
these are awesome!! love!
xx nikki
http://www.dream-in-neon.com
I dont do nail arts either…but this looks fun…love the base color, really makes the decal pop…
xo
Hems
agoldentulip.blogspot.com
You could do cat cut outs Laura! How cool would that be? Check out http://www.youtube.com/user/MissJenFABULOUS I love her easy beginner nail art tutorials.
Jamberry has some really fabulous nail decals, too: http://www.sarahhannon.jamberrynails.net/category/fashionably-festive
They also do buy 3 get 1 free deals.
These nails look so pretty! Such a good tutorial!:-)
SBW-D.blogspot.com x
Thank you for showing me how this design is possible!!!!!
Ha! What a great nail art hack! Long are the days of gummed up nails and sticky tape.
xoxo, Laura
http://www.theaccidentalmama.com
Love that manicure, very pretty! And you have such pretty hands Laura! 😉
xoxo
I wish I could have pretty nails… oh the troubles of working with your hands everyday, sigh. Looks like fun though!
http://www.brittanyleighjewelry.com
How long did this nail design last for you?
It lasts as long as my regular home manis would, of course the nail polish at the tips would give out before the decals would, but I can usually get 5 days out of a home mani before it gets too bad 🙂
Laura
This is brilliant! I have a set of nail wraps that is just too busy to do an all-over manicure, but this would be a perfect way to use them.
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Wow I love this idea! It’s pretty easy to do too even if at first glance it appears that you’ve invested so much time and hard work to accomplish it.
https://annescribblesanddoodles.blogspot.com/
This nails are great!
Love the colour and the design!:D
Konstantina| TALES OF A FASHION SKETCHBOOK
Beautiful! Very nice
Xo
Diary Of A Mua
So in love with this! I’m def going to try this out, buying the nail decals now 🙂
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I normally love to rock nail polish and switch everything up every week but with the busy season I haven’t been able to and my nails remained sadly bare for a few weeks, but this is definitely motivating me to play with nail art again!
Thanks Laura!
These are so pretty! They look much easier to make than I expected.
Wow, this is what I was searching for. Thanks for sharing this.
Nice Tutorial.
I love the design. Super pretty!
What an AMAZING idea!!! I love to doing cool stuff with my nails, but I usually end up with paint all over my hands haha. Cute design, too!
Ohhhh so pretty!! Love the mix of color and pattern.