polishyoupretty

NAIL ART TUTORIAL: TEACH ME HOW TO DOTTIE

Standard · Posted by polishyoupretty on 09/12/2011 · 14 Comments 

We couldn’t help ourselves with the name, our love for polka dots reigns on. Today’s tutorial is featuring an off green and off red, creating a retro coloured Christmas creation. We used OPI – Mermaid Tears for the retro green, a creamy teal from the Pirates of the Caribbean collection. We really loved this whole collection, its muted cool tones made every shade different from anything we already own. For our retro red we used OPI – Miami Beet, this colour is more of a deep pink/red with purple hue, but the contrast against the teal creates a nice deep burgundy. We had seen this nail art design in a fashion magazine using black and white & couldn’t wait to recreate it.

Step 1: After applying a base coat, paint nails with two coats of OPI- Mermaid Tears for full opacity.

Step 2: Once base colour has completely dried, using a large-ended dotting tool dot large polka dots down the center of the nail using OPI – Miami Beet. This design looks great here, and you could definitely stop and have great looking nail art. But we wanted to add a little more to make it look almost like a Christmas sweater.

Step 3: Using a smaller dotting tool, or cut and filed toothpick, paint two rows on the side of your nail. Once you have completed the first row of smaller dots, begin the second row in alternate placement. Repeat the same pattern on the opposite side of the center large dot row. Once all polka dots have completely dried, seal in the design with a top coat.

If you’re a little bored of basic green and red for the holidays, switch it up with different hues and shades for a combination you like. A dotter is a basic nail art tool that can be used for so many designs, if you’re interested in diy nail art we recommend picking one up at your local beauty supply. We really can’t get enough of polka dots, they add just a little something extra to any basic design. This nail art is fairly easy and can be done in an assortment of colours, dotting sizes and placement. Check out more of our daily nail art inspiration on Tumblr!