Nail polish techniques and tips
Some helpful tips when trying nail art on your own include:
- Use a bobby pin tip to make polka dots. Or use something that has a rounded end, says Maribeth Santiago.
"There are a lot of tools that work in the art section of craft stores," Santiago says.
When making polka dots, load up the tool with polish, but tap off on a surface first. Make varying sizes of polka dots by tapping off several times before dipping in the polish again.
- Stickers or household tape can be used to mask areas and are easily removed
- Apply petroleum jelly to the skin around the nail. This will help the polish not stick to the area if you go off of the nail bed.
- Any clean up can be done with a cotton swab dipped in polish remover.
- If using a neon color, apply a white or silver base before you apply the polish. Neons are known for being very sheer and streaky and can stain the nail.
- Bubbles in your finished polish can be hidden with rhinestones.
- If creating a marbled effect, use a slower-drying polish, says Santiago. "You can drag color around if it's already drying," Santiago says. "It won't look good and will clump.
- Clean polish tools in between colors.
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