Lots of the time, I just want my nails painted, but only have an extra minute or two for the nail art aspect. When this happens it seems like I always just throw on some polka dots. Polka-dots add that cute aspect and when they are done right they can look timeless.
Step 1: Prep Nails
View my post on Nail Polish Prep.
Step 2: Paint Nails
Paint the thumb, pointer, middle and pinky nails with TWO coats of pink polish. I used the Shellac color called, Hot Pink Pop.
Paint the ring with TWO coats of white polish. I used the Shellac color, called Cream Puff.
Gel Polish: Apply polish and cure in light (cure after each coat). Cure 2 minutes in the UV light, or 1 minute in an LED light.
Step 3: Polka-dots
Now on my ring fingers I painted medium black polka-dots.
Note: I did the dots with acrylic craft paint. Here is a tutorial on how to paint perfect polka-dots. When hand painting images on your nails use acrylic craft paints, not polish. You will get crisper lines and much more pop than you would with polish. Some polishes can sometimes dry almost transparent which makes the image hazy and you won’t get the wow factor you are going for.
Step 4: Apply Final Top Coat
Now apply your top coat. Make sure the paint is completely dry before adding top coat to help avoid smearing.
Gel Polish: Apply top coat and cure in UV light for 2 minutes or 1 minute in an LED light.
Step 5: Allow to Dry and Apply Cuticle Oil
Allow your polish to dry completely. Apply a cuticle oil just around your nails on the cuticle and rub it into the skin.
Gel Polish: Remove sticky residue on top of nails with a little alcohol or polish remover and apply cuticle oil.
