Nail Art Tutorial: Polka Dot Manicure

Posted by Alexandra C. | Tuesday February 28, 201216 comments


This lace design may look a bit complicated but don't run away just yet, I promise that with the right tools, this nail design is simple to achieve and too cute!

This design was inspired by this photo, we love the doily-esque look and because you can customize the design to make it simpler (check out this) or more complicated. 

For this design, we're using the following: 
 
2 Nail polishes- one colour should be lighter than the other 
White nail polish
Dotting Tool- you can also use a bobby pin or small paintbrush (check out this DIY dotting tool tutorial
A small paintbrush, eyeshadow brush or nail polish pen


Step 1: Start by painting the light colour of nail polish as a base all over the nail. For this, we're using Essie in Cocktail Bling

Step 2: Next, using a paintbrush, nail polish pen or just the bottom of an eyeshadow brush, draw an outline of an angled semi circle about halfway up the nail. Fill in the shape, either with the nail polish brush or the same tool you used for the outline. For the next layer, we're using O.P.I. in Arm Candy

Step 3: Do the same thing on the other side of the nail so that you create a heart or V shape

Step 4: You can outline the shape using a paint brush or pen in white or use your dotting tool. The white polish we're using is Sally Hansen Hard As Nails in White Tip. 

Style 1 + 2: Play around with the style! We love the idea of using the dots to create a doily or lace like effect but you can also take some inspiration from the Tuxedo Mani Tutorial and create cute little buttons! To create a doily effect, first dot in white and once that layer is dry, go over with smaller dots in the same base colour shade. 


What do you think of the manicure? Would you try this one out?

 
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16 Comments

on May 30, 2012  bubbles77  28,057 said:

Love this..creative, unique and you can make it your very own...cute:)

on May 22, 2012  Karabana  14,827 said:

Cute colours!

on May 07, 2012  sirenstarlight  7,239 said:


This looks great! I love your colour choices! :)
Polka Dots is my go to for nails! The Sally Hanson Nail Art Pens make polka dots a breeze! :)

on May 07, 2012  mimi8801  15,057 said:

Great idea Will have to try but i think i might have to redo many times to get perfect

on March 28, 2012  diane18  602 said:

I like these nail. Going to try this

on March 08, 2012  LadyChick234234  3,701 said:

Cute but I'm too lazy and like going to the salon. :)

on March 07, 2012  staceb  1,174 said:


Doesn't look to complicated to do. Thanks for the steps.

on March 02, 2012  bdeyell86  2,033 said:


Awesome!

on February 29, 2012  assia  1,578 said:

Like the colors.

on February 29, 2012  Becky  13,128 said:

You make it look easy! I found an easy tutorial for ombre nails that (hopefully) even I can do. I'm thinking I'll ombre all my nails except for 1 finger on each hand, and I'll do this one that finger. Funky enough?

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