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DIY Nail Art

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When we saw these nails spotted at Lollapalooza a couple of weeks ago, we literally stopped in our tracks. This technique of using a variety of colors and linear tribal patterns instantly won over our prior skepticism of nail art. Inspired, we went on a mission to find the best nail art pens to doodle on our own nails.

You’ll need:

Start by painting two coats of polish on your nails. Let the polish dry completely.

Shake the nail pen several times, press the tip against a piece of paper to dispense the color, and apply designs to your nails. It helps to first practice on a piece of paper. Don’t worry about making mistakes, as you can wipe the pen marks away with a tissue while they’re still wet. When you’re satisfied with the designs, let it dry and seal it with a layer of top coat.

And . . . you’ve nailed it!! Easy peasy.

(top image via Vogue.com, rest of images by HonestlyWTF)

103 Comments

  1. Michelle    August 16, 2011

    Very pretty! I just bought a kit myself that works as a stamp, but this looks simpler and more portable.

  4. Nikki    August 16, 2011

    I’m not huge into accessories so I’ve found that nail art is the perfect way to add a little bit of spice to everyday life. I never would have thought to do tribal prints though! Love the tutorial, thanks for sharing!

    http://www.cositabella.com

  5. Chelsea    August 16, 2011

    Oh, I love those. Tres chic. I want to learn to do leopard print with a nail art pen…Cool or not? xoxo

  6. Emma    August 16, 2011

    This is so great, I’m gonna try it.
    Nail-art can be so fun, it can really make an ordinary more interesting

  9. Hannah    August 16, 2011

    Love this! I’ve always looked at those nail pens, but had no idea they are so easy to use! I will have to try this out.

  23. emmaly    August 16, 2011

    i would rather use the art deco nail polishes, I don’t like these from sally Hansen at all!

  25. Alexandra    August 16, 2011

    I am surprised (pleasantly surprised) at how clear and how defined the lines are form the nail art pen! I need to pick myself up one of those- usually nail art pens don’t look that good. I love the bold colour on the pastel background too.

  26. Septembre    August 16, 2011

    What did you think of the Sally Hansen nail art pen? I used it before and thought it was absolutely terrible.

  27. Erica    August 16, 2011

    @Septembre, I actually really liked them. The white one was difficult to use since it was streaky and blotchy. I tried the OPI/Sephora nail pens and found the Sally Hansen nail pens to be much better.

  28. meredith    August 16, 2011

    i just went to walmart and got the pink nail pen (i was bummed they didn’t have purple!) and my toes were already mint green…so cute!! thanks for always sharing your inspiration!!

  32. LINNEA -    August 16, 2011

    I LOVE your blog! Honestly, it’s so inspiring go on to this blog. I just gotta ask: whats the name of the font on your blog titels? xoxo

  33. Leah    August 16, 2011

    I’ve noticed nail art popping up all over the place lately.. the crazier the pattern the better!

  35. Collins    August 16, 2011

    i’d love to say i will take the time to do this but i won’t. but i DO love it!

  39. Bonnie    August 16, 2011

    This is such a creative way to play around with nails, thanks for the DIY tutorial. I’ll be sure to try this :)

    xx

  48. Deana    August 17, 2011

    Ooo great idea! I actually have one of these Sally Hansen pens and never knew what to do with it, so now I do!

  49. The Girl    August 17, 2011

    If you are into nail art you HAVE to check out Wah Nails. Its a London based nail salon totally dedicated to customised nail art, but even if you can’t make it in to enjoy its services, the website is a total hub for inspiration. There are even video tutorials to help you on your way..u’ll love it.
    wah-nails.com
    http://www.thegirlisdownunder.com/

  50. jas    August 17, 2011

    this is a going on my “must try” list on my blog….credit will be given! you did a great job!

  51. Ria    August 17, 2011

    I’m so excited to see that someone is doing a DIY for my nail art from the vogue website..ii love to see poeple try out designs on their own..

    If u guys want to try anymore designs and need some inspiration..check out my tumblr..

    Rianailz.tumblr.com

  53. MrAJBx3    August 18, 2011

    OMG your nails are so beautiful i wish i could do that, i always look like a 3 year old haha

  54. Taylor    August 18, 2011

    I love this so hard!! I just wish I could do this more often, but my work doesn’t allow nail polish. Dumb!

  56. Hannah    August 20, 2011

    This is a realy interesting technique. I am not usually a fan of nail art but this is a look I would certainly try out.

  59. Rebecca    August 23, 2011

    Just tried this out after a friend recommended the site. My right hand does look a bit sloppy (and I used a Sharpie paint pen with matte nail polish) but I’ll definitely be doing this again!!!

  64. Kate Wolf    September 26, 2011

    Absolutely LOVE this. I love experimenting with different nail polishes, designs and ideas. Cool nails are a way to add interest to any outfit, from special occasions to everyday. The step by step instructions allows everyone to get a leg up on nail fashion, which in this day and age is a key thing, the same level as jewelry in the accessory department. Its a cute and CHEAP way to update your style, which in this economy is super good! I love it!

  65. Chrysa and Fifie    September 27, 2011

    Those nails are really cute!
    Might try them for our Nail project. I’m experimenting most with animal prints and newspaper echniques but this is also really interesting

    Fifie

  66. lbugz    September 29, 2011

    I love painting my nails so in words. It is AWSOME AWSOME AWSOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  67. Mon    September 30, 2011

    Love the look! What are the names of those Essie pastels that you used? Thanks!

  70. wabi    November 12, 2011

    that’s so cute, but, I don’t have nail pen thing, is there another way I could design my nails like that?? xx

  74. Jessica Liu    January 11, 2012

    Loved this tutorial so much, I decided to feature it on my blog!
    Check it out at do-a-doubletake.blogspot.com :)

  76. Tracey    February 12, 2012

    did you know that if you use top coat over your color and THEN use the pens you can erase mistakes with a damp towel. Then when perfected, use another coat of top coat to seal your design. Too cool!

  77. Heather    March 7, 2012

    Love this look, just tried it out for myself (with the white Sally Hansen nail pen). But does anyone have any tricks they use to make both hands look good? I’m right handed, so my right hand doesn’t look so pretty…

  79. Nawal Alawamleh    April 5, 2012

    Anyone know the name of the colors because the link won’t work for some reason….

  80. Jennifer    May 6, 2012

    I have used the Sally Hansen Art Pens in black and white and find that they don’t dry properly.
    Even after 12 hours they smudged slightly and when I tried to put a top coat on it just made it worse.

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