DIY Drippy Nails

We were immediately inspired the moment we saw bare nails with blood-like, drippy polish accompany Prabal Gurung‘s spring collection at New York Fashion Week. Halloween is one of our favorite holidays and thus, the timing couldn’t have been better to recreate this deliciously daring DIY for our phalanges. Though a more vampy, burgundy color went down the runway, I went for more vibrant red . . . but the best part about this tutorial is that you can make it your own with just about any color, for any season!

You’ll need:

Dip the toothpick into the nail polish bottle so that the tip collects a round bead of polish.

Place the bead of polish on a bare nail and drag it upwards, creating a tapered line.

Create two to three more tapered lines, re-dipping the toothpick into the polish each time.

Reload the toothpick with polish and drag a line across the tip of the nail. Go back and soften the curves between the tops of each “drip” with the toothpick.

Repeat the steps on the other nine fingers and voila, you’re done!!

(all images by HonestlyWTF)

Leave a Comment

165 Comments

  1. This so cool!!! And i thought it was going to be harder!! I am so doing this too!! 🙂
    http://bonnieclydemarni.blogspot.gr/

    10.2.12
    Reply
  2. I love it!!! it’s very fun!!

    http://thestelstyle.com/

    10.2.12
    Reply
  3. Awesome DIY!

    xoxo
    Fashion Agony blog

    10.2.12
    Reply
  4. rachael wrote:

    it looks so simple! what if you did GLITTER :O

    rachael

    10.2.12
    Reply
  5. Daria wrote:

    WOW!! Cool idea. Absolutely gonna try.
    🙂

    http://laschiumadelcappuccino.wordpress.com/

    10.2.12
    Reply
  6. Jurgita wrote:

    Nice, but I really fall in love with these http://pinterest.com/pin/89509111315344188/
    Any idea how to make them? 🙂

    http://www.afterout.com/

    10.2.12
    Reply
  7. Ashley K wrote:

    AMAZING! I can not wait to try doing this for Halloween! Thanks so much for always inspiring!

    10.2.12
    Reply
  8. Yes!! This is perrrrfect. Italians don’t celebrate Halloween and they might look at me strangely, but “honestly wtf”, I don’t care!
    http://www.whenwewander.blogspot.com

    10.2.12
    Reply
  9. Jules wrote:

    thanks for sharing honey!
    sooo gonna do this for Halloween!

    xoxo, sundaesins.blogspot.com

    10.2.12
    Reply
  10. Love that you did this – so clever.

    10.2.12
    Reply
  11. EUGENIA wrote:

    LOL YOU MADE ME LAUGH. THESE ARE SO GREAT..I AM A NAIL POLISH FAN BUT IM SO LAZY FOR THESE:)))

    PERSONAL STYLE | FASHION NEWS | COOL HUNTING | RUSSIAN FASHION SCENE :

    http://www.diamondsandspikes.com/
    http://facebook.com/diamondsandspikes

    10.2.12
    Reply
  12. Ambyr wrote:

    This is cute and perfect timing for Halloween. I’m going to try it.

    xoxo
    http://www.thewrittenrunway.com

    10.2.12
    Reply
  13. Amy wrote:

    These look great, very halloween! x

    srslylou.blogspot.co.uk

    10.2.12
    Reply
  14. Brittany wrote:

    I’m not the only one to think this totally perfect for Halloween – can’t wait to try this look! And I love love love the look of the rings on your middle finger!

    10.2.12
    Reply
  15. Christi wrote:

    It looks so easy! Trying this for Halloween.

    10.2.12
    Reply
  16. Sophie wrote:

    I tried this a couple of months ago using white as the top colour for a wet paint french manicure look which looks great too!

    10.2.12
    Reply
  17. nathalie wrote:

    will try this for sure!
    http://www.curlsandbags.com

    10.2.12
    Reply
  18. Carol wrote:

    Really beautiful !!
    I’m posting accessories from Los Angeles on my blog!
    Take a look!

    http://www.thegavlaks.com

    10.2.12
    Reply
  19. Aubree wrote:

    I Love these! And they look super simple, thanks for a fun diy! 🙂 I might just have to try these for Halloween
    xo

    10.2.12
    Reply
  20. 10.2.12
    Reply
  21. Domonique wrote:

    I saw this nail art in the latest issue for ASOS magazine, but they used pens, so I’m so pleased you explained how to do it with toothpicks…love it!

    http://lilylovelock.blogspot.co.uk/

    x

    10.2.12
    Reply
  22. Natalie wrote:
    10.2.12
    Reply
  23. christin wrote:

    this is the most amazing thing i have ever seen.

    10.2.12
    Reply
  24. Michele wrote:

    That is GREAT and looks so easy!! Thanks for the fun tip!

    10.2.12
    Reply
  25. Cristina wrote:

    I used to do this in high school and most of the kids thought that it was freaky…guess i was just waaaay ahead of my time 😉 Love your rings btw!

    http://www.mostlyclothes.com/

    10.2.12
    Reply
  26. Trish wrote:

    These are SO freakin awesome! I will definitely be doing these for the end of the month. 🙂
    Trish

    http://www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com

    10.2.12
    Reply
  27. Nomadic D wrote:

    Yikes. Really? Halloween maybe, but every day nails? Me thinks not.

    http://nomadic-d.blogspot.com/

    10.2.12
    Reply
  28. Bijou wrote:

    Really cool and original, i’m gonna try it for sure!!!

    10.2.12
    Reply
  29. Beleigh wrote:

    I love this! I will have to try it for Halloween for sure! 😀

    Beleigh, Hearing Aids Colorado

    10.2.12
    Reply
  30. Michaela wrote:

    Your engagement ring is stunning! That is my dream ring. The nails are awesome too.
    Xox
    Fashion415

    10.2.12
    Reply
  31. Denysia wrote:

    This looks great! I’m going to try this out! 🙂

    10.2.12
    Reply
  32. Sweet wrote:

    Really cool! I love it!

    10.2.12
    Reply
  33. Awsome 🙂

    10.2.12
    Reply
  34. lexi wrote:

    i have the perfect shade of red! can’t wait to try it out!

    10.2.12
    Reply
  35. Luana wrote:

    So creative, I will try iiiiit !!
    I’m posting accessories from Los Angeles on my blog!
    Take a look!

    http://www.thegavlaks.com

    10.2.12
    Reply
  36. Sletnin wrote:

    Sorry, honey, it should be drippin’ from the cuticles. You got it upside down.

    10.2.12
    Reply
  37. Sophie wrote:

    Been dreaming about the look.. can’t wait to do it myself! Thanks for the motivation boost!

    10.2.12
    Reply
  38. Otay wrote:

    cant wait to try it!

    10.2.12
    Reply
  39. Nita wrote:

    These are kinda awesome — I bet they’d look even creepier with a pale pink base. The red would REALLY stand out.

    Funny enough, I did a lazier/simplified version of this last week:
    http://quasionstilts.wordpress.com/2012/09/30/spilling-the-oxblood-nails-diy-mani/

    10.2.12
    Reply
  40. Nadja wrote:

    omg so cool! always was wondering how that works! thank you!!! i think i’ll try it with black and orange for halloween 🙂

    http://www.violetfleur.com

    10.2.12
    Reply
  41. Mira wrote:

    That so cool!!! Will definitely try that 😀
    xo

    glamDevils

    10.3.12
    Reply
  42. ella wrote:

    holy guacamole! i’m definitely trying this one out. the simplicity of it will hopefully bypass my clumsiness when it comes to doing my nails 🙂

    http://sincerelyella.blogspot.com/

    10.3.12
    Reply
  43. mama wrote:

    where can i get those rings?

    10.3.12
    Reply
  44. What a great diy. Perfect for halloween! 🙂

    10.3.12
    Reply
  45. Sooooo funny!! Must try this!

    http://www.9lla.it
    fashion – trends – DIYs

    10.3.12
    Reply
  46. Holy mack! The best Halloween manicure ever!

    My jewelry blog: joliejouel.blogspot.com

    10.3.12
    Reply
  47. lena wrote:

    That looks really cool!

    http://joyfuldiary.blogspot.de/

    10.3.12
    Reply
  48. Lisa wrote:

    Haha that’s an awesome Halloween nailairt 🙂 It almost looks real haha !

    10.3.12
    Reply
  49. Floortje wrote:

    Looks fun!

    10.3.12
    Reply
  50. Love the ideia (onde more ideia :D)

    Beejus

    *Senra

    Usado reciclado/facebook page

    10.3.12
    Reply
  51. Wow, these are awesome! x

    10.3.12
    Reply
  52. Kirbybee wrote:

    Ok that is so cool, definitely trying that!

    xx

    http://thekirbybee.blogspot.com.au/

    10.4.12
    Reply
  53. Betsy wrote:
    10.5.12
    Reply
  54. meixi wrote:

    Such a smart and pretty idea!! Will be trying that out like, now.

    http://thiscache.blogspot.com

    10.6.12
    Reply
  55. Kay wrote:

    Just tried it with a deep red. Super easy, a great look. I’m going to try it in black next week and a bright pink after that. Think I’ll sprinkle some glitter on the pink!

    10.6.12
    Reply
  56. ummm this is amazing.

    Collections

    10.6.12
    Reply
  57. minnie wrote:

    i love it

    10.6.12
    Reply
  58. Güler wrote:

    my DIYs ——-> http://www.facebook.com/doneGK

    like plz:)

    10.7.12
    Reply
  59. Ces wrote:

    very nice!

    10.7.12
    Reply
  60. I’m never really a nail polish person, but I tried this and I love it!

    xx
    http://www.naturally-christina.blogspot.com

    10.7.12
    Reply
  61. Jade wrote:

    I tried your nail tutorial this weekend and posted a picture of it on my blog!

    http://jsmatterings.blogspot.com/2012/10/notw-drip-drop.html

    10.8.12
    Reply
  62. HairWord wrote:

    Really impressive yet so simple! Thats what makes it unique i suppose.

    Ill be trying this one!

    Vic x

    10.9.12
    Reply
  63. Здорово, я обязательно попробую))

    10.9.12
    Reply
  64. kinkin wrote:

    Wow gothic 😀 I like it.

    another tips for nails http://www.healthyaround.com/2012/07/nail-care-tips.html

    10.9.12
    Reply
  65. That is brilliant! Totally trying this!

    http://www.inherentstylela.com/

    10.9.12
    Reply
  66. This DIY tutorial is easy to learn. I’ve tried this nail art before but I had a hard time. Hope I get it this time. Thanks for this! 🙂

    10.10.12
    Reply
  67. Great tutorial! I’ll remember this next time I want to get creative with my nails.. maybe for Halloween.

    >> http://www.ArcticSummer.se <<

    10.10.12
    Reply
  68. Carol wrote:

    Gorgeous, it looks very cute and I would like to have a try, thank you for sharing:)

    Find your favourite products here:

    http://www.ccchinachic.com/products/5-coupon-gifts/c-161/

    10.10.12
    Reply
  69. really cool but how?

    10.14.12
    Reply
  70. Jen wrote:

    OMG i am sooooo gonna wear this for this coming halloween! i am totally obsessed!
    Follow me: chiccupcake1.blogspot.com

    10.16.12
    Reply
  71. Kona Katie wrote:

    Sooooooooo love this!! I’m re-posting into my blog 😀

    http://konatanningcompany.blogspot.com

    10.19.12
    Reply
  72. What a great idea! I tried it myself in black but I think yours turned out better.

    10.25.12
    Reply
  73. Cari wrote:

    Just wanted to post my version 🙂
    Thanks for the tutorial!
    http://i50.tinypic.com/2mhart0.jpg

    10.25.12
    Reply
  74. Stella wrote:

    Good one. Will try to make it today with different shades.

    10.27.12
    Reply
  75. Iffath wrote:
    11.1.12
    Reply
  76. Bar wrote:

    amazing !! and your rings too !

    11.3.12
    Reply
  77. Kezia wrote:

    Sooo cool! 🙂

    11.13.12
    Reply
  78. Maggie wrote:

    I love your site! I think I have told you that before but your post are so interesting… Your on my blog-lovers list. Okay, back on to topic….. the nails are awesome! I wish I would have seen it BEFORE halloween though! Darn it! Take a peek at my place, http://www.borntobeblonde.com!

    11.19.12
    Reply
  79. Taylor wrote:

    Its Sorta cool

    12.2.12
    Reply
  80. Noemi wrote:

    Nice! I think I’l try this. I love your ring with the tiny heart, it’s so cute!

    12.3.12
    Reply
  81. pauline wrote:

    do someone know where did you get this heartring from ?

    12.9.12
    Reply
  82. My nails are becoming yellowish. Need good suggestions.

    12.17.12
    Reply
  83. Auria wrote:

    Super cute! This actually makes me think of popsicles on a summers day haha! Check out more fun nail art ideas on Socialbliss 🙂

    http://www.socialbliss.com/auriahorne/chic-manicures-HAYDGMBS

    xoxo Auria

    1.4.13
    Reply
  84. Wow! They’re so cool and super cute! Never thought that they’d be that easy to do!

    1.5.13
    Reply
  85. Mikki wrote:

    Stumbled upon this had to try it right away! Very cute and so simple! I love that it looks like it took a ton of effort haha!

    1.20.13
    Reply
  86. Very clever idea ! I love everything that is creative …

    1.22.13
    Reply
  87. Cocomaja wrote:

    your blog ist wonderful….an the nails a very nice….and i discovered your rings…. I see for 2 years the small ring (whith heart) in vienna, (i hope that is the same manufacturer) where can i buy this rings? Do you have the name of the company?

    1.29.13
    Reply
  88. Cocomaja wrote:

    @ Erica.. thank you very much…..and sorry for my bad english…

    1.30.13
    Reply
  89. aziajs wrote:

    Fantastic step-by-step. Great pictures.

    2.17.13
    Reply
  90. juju wrote:

    that’s awesome i love it

    3.14.13
    Reply
  91. Simple and easy steps for attractive nail polish

    simple guide nail art designs beginners

    3.23.13
    Reply
  92. haha thats so dope!!!

    4.23.13
    Reply
  93. Sallie wrote:

    I’m going to try this…like right now

    4.28.13
    Reply
  94. Maheen Ali wrote:

    Very nice nails collections

    6.12.13
    Reply
  95. Lintang Kathleen Donovan wrote:

    Can you please try teach us how to do basic french nails? Please

    6.18.13
    Reply
  96. christina wrote:

    ok i’m a nail blogger and never bothered to figure out how to do this. every time i saw it, i would actually wonder how these girls did it!! my friend just sent me your link – love the tutorial. thanks for posting!!!

    8.29.13
    Reply
  97. TOO COOL. The red would be so perfect for halloween. Seems easy enough too! Thanks for sharing <3

    9.7.13
    Reply
  98. naji wrote:

    Oh!so cooooool
    I like it..tnx so much.

    9.9.13
    Reply
  99. ellen wrote:

    I tried this and failed horribly. Thank god for nail polish remover.

    10.11.13
    Reply
  100. Destiny wrote:

    My daughter is being a zombie from walking dead for halloween next week n these are are perfect for her nails . I was wondering what I was going to do and now I know.ty

    10.21.13
    Reply
  101. Megan wrote:

    I really love this idea, it’s simple and easy to do, and gets you in the spirit for Halloween. It’s all about the details! These bat crusader contacts are a nice, simple touch as well http://mdy.lv/BatCrusaderContacts

    10.28.13
    Reply
  102. Jess wrote:

    I used a bright pink for the drip and white for the base coat and it looks amazing!!! Thanks sooo much for this DIY ❤❤❤

    11.8.13
    Reply
  103. OMG this is such a cool idea. Going to try it.

    5.30.14
    Reply
  104. My partner and I stumbled over here different web address and
    thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i am following you.
    Look forward to going over your web page repeatedly.

    1.3.15
    Reply
  105. it s creatif say

    1.23.15
    Reply
  106. steve wrote:

    Great ! Really impressive yet so simple! Thats what makes it unique i suppose.ll be trying this one!
    regards
    steve

    6.18.15
    Reply
  107. Amina wrote:

    What a great idea! I tried it myself in black but I think yours turned out better.

    10.24.15
    Reply
  108. Astha wrote:
    10.30.18
    Reply