Whether you like polka dots or not (like me), this easy nail art design is a great alternative to hearts. You can twist this polka dot mani as you like because it’s easier than you think… I show you how!
A dot closes a sentence, many dots do a super easy nail art. Take two colours and a pin for this sweet polka dot mani.
Sweet polka dot mani at home
Polka dots come in handy when a lack of inspiration strikes you when you finally decide to do your nails. They’re also brilliant to cover up a flaw or refresh your mani effortlessly. The simplest dotted nail art just needs one base colour and one contrasting shade to make your nails happier.
What you need for a DIY dotted nail art
Polka dots are also fantastic for newbies because they don’t need great skills or experience but one simple tool and a table because calm is key with polka dots!
You’ll need:
- your favourite base coat
- a base colour
- a contrasting nail polish
- a pin with a rounded head
- your favourite glossy top coat
- a strip of tin foil.
Here you can play with your imagination: you can pick a skin or pink nail polish for your base and a dark or neon nail lacquer to drop your dots. Here I played with a crème nude pink randomly found at Sainsbury’s and my favourite blue of all time. Rimmel London 60 Second Super Shine in 828 Danny Boy, Blue! I think this inky blue made the trick and it’s a dream: it doesn’t stain my nails.
DIY polka dots: how-to and tips
Place a couple of drops of your contrasting nail polish on a strip of tin foil and dip the head of a pin which will be your cheap, yet effective dotting tool. To secure a good and safe grip, insert the pointy end into the eraser of a pencil. For each nail, apply fresh drops on the tin foil and proceed for a smooth dot.
Surprisingly or not, one pin is enough to paint dots of different diameters! The keys are how close/how delicate you place your “dotting tool” and how much nail polish you pick with your DIY tool.
Wait for your polka dots to dry and seal your nails, including the edges, with a glossy top coat. 3D gel toppers like Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Plumpy Top Coat makes any nail art look thick and professional. I love the end results minus the main flaw of this top coat: it cracks like hell on almost any nail polish including those from the same brand.
Smooth hands are a must, a hydrating hand cream. Here I used brightening Dr Botanicals Lemon Superfood all-in-one Rescue Butter but great options for dry skin are L’Occitane en Provence Almond Delicious Hands or Prep Repairing Hand Cream.
Once you start dotting you can’t stop it!
Valentina Chirico aka Valens
