I have a confession. I spend hours looking at nail artI write about nail art and talk about nail art, but I’ve never actually tried any of the designs. You see, while I love seeing all the different nail options out there, they always look a little also complicated to try and recreate at home. So I either stick to my usual neutral nail polish or no need to do nails anymore.
However, as I saw more and more people searching for nail art designs for beginners, I realized that I wasn’t the only one who felt like they were missing out on all these fun nail trends. So, I took it upon myself to find some of the easiest designs that I knew I could actually recreate from the comfort of my own couch. Don’t worry, because I’ve shared my top picks below and also included plenty of product recommendations to make DIY nail art easier for you.
So, if you want to try nail art for beginners, keep reading to check out some of the simplest designs that still look super chic…
11 beginner nail art ideas to try at home
1. Polka dots
This nail art is perfect for those who like a minimalist manicure. Simply dab a dot of nail polish in the color of your choice at the base of your nail for a subtle accent.
Get the look:
This polka dot tool will help you recreate this look easily.
2. Watercolor painting tips
How cool is this watercolor design? To do this at home, I would take a few small sponges and apply a different nail color to each one. Just dab the sponge on your nail, let it dry, and then apply the next color.
Get the look:
Kalione
100 pieces of nail sponge
This set comes with 100 sponges and a smart pen that keeps your nails smudge-free.
3. French Tips
I used to think that French Tips It’s really complicated, but in the past few years, more and more brands have come out with handy tools to help you recreate this look at home, from French manicure pens, nail brushes, and even stamps.
Get the look:
Nail Company Limited
French nail stamping tool
This stamp is definitely one of the quickest ways to get this look.
4. Heart
I love accent nails, especially when they have a cute red heart shape. I know it looks complicated, but thanks to nail stickers, you can do this nail art in seconds.
Get the look:
Mini Macaron
Mini nail stickers “Forever Mon Amour”
See? I told you it was easy.
5. Decoration
Here’s another nail art design that looks more difficult than it actually is. All you need is a few rhinestones and a clear top coat.
Get the look:
Mylee
Crown Jewels Nail Kit
This set from Mylee has everything you need for beautiful nails.
6. Waves
How cool is this wavy nail design? This design can be a little more complicated than some of the above, but it just takes a little practice.
Get the look:
Craftsman
Nail art brush
Manucurist’s nail art brush has a fine tip, suitable for creating wavy lines.
7. Multi-colored nails
This multicolored nail design is so cute and you only need a few nail polishes to recreate this look.
Get the look:
Barry M Cosmetics
Nail Polish Gift Set – Pink
8. Half and Half
I love this sleek look. Just use some nail stencils to create a sharp line in the middle or use a thin nail brush.
Get the look:
Channel
Le Vernis nail polish color
This red is so elegant.
9. Sparkle
Glitter nails are one of the easiest nail art styles to do. All you need is a layer of glittery top coat to paint over your chosen nail polish. If you make any mistakes, just grab a cotton swab and some nail polish remover to clean up the edges.
Get the look:
Essie
Original Nail Art Studio Special Effect Nail Polish
Essie is the best nail polish brand.
10. Half Moon
This crescent design never goes out of style and is a great alternative to the French manicure.
Get the look:
Kiko
White French Manicure Pen
Draw your shape with this white nail art pen.
11. Chrome French Tips
If you want to change up your regular French manicure with something fun this summer, why not try a chrome French manicure? This popular nail style is now easier than ever to recreate at home thanks to metallic and chrome nail art pens.
Get the look:
Nail Company Limited
Silver Mani Nail Art Pen
