When it comes to your nails, simple doesn’t have to mean boring! Unique half-moon nails were spotted on the runways of La Perla and Oscar de la Renta Fall 2013 fashion shows. La Perla debuted neutral nails with a black half-moon, a flawless match for the jewel tone trend of fall. Follow these steps for a chic look that is surprisingly easy to do!
You will need:
- A neutral nail polish (I used Essie’s Sand Tropez).
- Any black striping nail polish. I used Art Deco’s black striper, which can be found at most dollar stores. If you don’t have a black striper, you can use any fine tip paintbrush. Another less chic option is a Sharpie if you’re desperate.
- Base and top-coat polishes.
How to:
1. Use nail polish remover, even if you aren’t already wearing nail polish. This removes the oils from your nails, which will help the polish stick and last longer.
2. Apply a strengthening base coat and let dry.
3. Apply the neutral polish evenly. Let it dry then apply a second coat. (Pro tip from my grandma: put your nails into a bowl of ice water for a minute or two to dry them instantly – it really works!)
4. With the black striper, trace the top curve of the half moon.
5. Trace the bottom curve of the half moon, right above the cuticle.
6. Fill in the half moon with your black polish and let it dry (or ice it).
7. Apply your top coat.
If you have trouble drawing your moon, use a circle sticker or reinforcement sticker as a guide. Don’t be afraid to experiment by trying different colors, adding glitter, or filling in your half-moons with rhinestones, polka dots, animal prints or stripes!