Nail Art made easy...

So I know it's winter and no one dares to go out in sandals but I still want my toes looking cute when I'm wearing a pair of peep toes. I actually cant go without nail polish on my toes, I feel somewhat naked. So here are some tips on how to do some fun nail art on your nails..

Paint Simple Objects and Designs

1. Draw simple designs or objects. Use a brush with a very thin tip to paint an outline of the object or design you’re painting. A nail art pen will work well for this too. You could also use items around your home, such as a toothpick.

2. Fill it in your outline. You can use the same brush or a slightly thicker one to fill in your outline, either with the same color or with a new one. Apply one color at a time, and if your outline is a different color than the fill, allow the outline to dry first. Reapply paint to the brush as needed, and let each color dry before adding a new one. Add other colors to make new designs or add good highlights. Once your first color is dry, you can add other colors either on top of the first or in other places on the nail.

3. Go easy on yourself and do simple dots. Never underestimate the power of a simple dot of nail polish. The most gorgeous designs are sometimes made with a multitude of dots varying in colours and sizes. Dip a striper brush, toothpick, or pin into the desired color. You can create dots of varying sizes by using thinner or thicker-tipped implements. Lightly touch the implement to the nail.

4. Manipulate dots as desired. You can use dots to make abstract designs or any pictures you would like to add. To make trailing dots, dip the implement in the paint once and apply several dots with it without reapplying paint. The dots will get smaller with each dot since less paint will remain on the implement. To make a simple flower, arrange five dots of one color in a circle with a dot of another color in the center. You can add a stem by painting a thin, curved, green line leading to the flower. You can also use your fine-tipped implement to drag the paint out from the wet dot to create rays, swirls, and other designs. You can also create your own designs to your fashion. All designs look great


Make Floral Designs

1. To make leaves or flowers, take a tiny 'square' tipped brush and dip one corner into -for example- dark green, and the other corner of the brush into a lighter green.

2. Make a Nike swish-like stroke onto the nail. You will see that it makes what resembles leaves, depending on how you angle the brush.

3. Practice it on a piece of paper. If you use other colors, it will make what looks like flower petals. Practice so you know how to do it.

4. Try changing the angle you hold the brush. You can get the 'feel' for it this way. Just make a small quick stroke with the two colors loaded onto the brush. Then you can use a tiny pointy-tipped brush to add the division between leaves or outline of a flower.

Blend Colors on the Nail

1. Apply a dot of one colour.

2. Use a clean toothpick to apply a dot of another colour on top of the first dot while the first dot is still wet.

3. Use a clean toothpick, striper brush, or other implement to drag the colors outward together, or to swirl the dots together. You can also create a marble effect by randomly placing several dots of one colour on the nail, then placing several dots of another colour around and on top of the first set of dots, and finally swirling the dots around and together by moving your implement in a criss-cross, S-shaped, or figure 8 pattern.

Water Marbling

1. Fill a shallow, wide-mouthed cup or bowl about 90% full with water.

2. Add desired colors of paint to the water. Have your paints open and ready to go, as they will harden quickly on the surface of the water. Drop a drop or two of the colors you want to use on top of the water. A high-quality nail polish works best for this method.

3.Create the marbled design in the water. Repeatedly drag a pin or toothpick through the surface.

4. Use a cotton swab to remove the excess polish from the surface while your nail is still submerged in the water.

5. Remove nail from water and use a cotton swab (with acetone if necessary), to clean up the edges and remove polish from the finger

Apply Jewels or Stickers

1. Use tweezers or a special applicator to dip small jewel or sticker into a drop of nail gel or nail glue. You can buy specially-made jewels and stickers from nail art supply stores, or you can use your own — just make sure they are small and have flat bottoms

2. Place jewel or sticker flat onto the nail. Press down gently and allow to dry

3. Cover nail (and jewel or sticker) with clear gloss top coat. This will ensure that your jewel/sticker stays on longer before falling/chipping off

Apply Glitter (3 methods)

Method 1: Mix glitter with nail gel or paint. Dip brush into mixture and brush the mixture onto the nail in desired shape or pattern. Let dry and apply top coat

Method 2: Apply nail gel on nail only where you want to apply glitter. Dust the nail with glitter and lightly shake to remove excess. Allow the gel and glitter to dry, and use a small implement to remove any glitter that you don’t want. Apply top coat

Method 3: Cover entire nail with nail gel or polish. Dust with glitter. Allow to dry and apply top coat

Extra tips to make your art last:

1. Give your nails a base coat. Before you begin your nail art you need to create your canvas. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can paint your nails a neutral color, such as clear, white, pale beige or pale pink, or you can paint them any other color you desire. You may also wish to divide the nail into two or three different colors. Do two coats, as it strengthens the nail and gives a better finish. Make sure your “canvas” is neat and even, and allow it to dry thoroughly before proceeding.

2.Apply a top coat. Once all your nail art is dry, paint over it with a clear protective acrylic top coat to seal and protect your nail and your hard work.

3. Care for your art. Reapply a clear top coat every two or three days to protect your art and keep your nails looking shiny. Apply cuticle oil daily. Treat your nails with care — wear gloves when gardening or doing other work, and exercise caution when performing tasks such as opening soda cans, as they may damage your nails.