Negative Space Manicure: 3 Must Try Tutorials

Everyone loves a classy French manicure, but if you want to try out some fresh nail art this year, you should consider these easy negative space manicures that you can do yourself. For most of these designs, you do not need many materials or much technical skill, and you’ll save yourself a bundle by not heading to the salon every other week.  Show off the beauty of your natural nails by leaving some of their surface untouched (except for a top/base coat).

Trendy Triangle

The triangle (or any shape you want) accent nail is great for beginners.  

1. Trim and buff your nails until you are satisfied with the length.
2. Apply a thin layer of clear base coat on your nails and let dry.
3. Choose a nail polish color and apply two coats of the polish on every nail, except your accent nail. You can pick any nail to be the accent, but it is typically the ring finger or thumb.
4. Cut a sticker into a triangle shape and place it on the center of your accent nail. Be sure to press and seal the edges.
5. Paint your accent nail with two coats of the nail polish color of your choice (paint over the sticker) and let dry.
6. Peel the sticker off and apply a thin layer of topcoat.

Fine Lines

This is a very classy look that does not require much time or effort to achieve.

1. Trim and buff your nails until you are satisfied with the length.
2. Apply a thin layer of clear base coat on your nails and let dry.
3. Find or cut very thin, rectangular stickers and apply them to the center of all your nails (from tip to base).
4. Apply two coats of colored polish to each of your nails (paint over the stickers) and let dry. For a sophisticated, neutral look, choose white, gray, or deep red.
5. Remove the sticker and apply a thin layer of topcoat.

Cool Crescents

A dainty style that’s all about the detail (moderate effort and skill).

1. Trim and buff your nails until you are satisfied with the length.
2. Apply a thin layer of clear base coat on your nails and let dry.
3. Paint a small crescent shape over the natural, light-colored crescent at the base of your nails.  Let dry and apply a second coat. (Glittery polish looks great!)
4. If you are having trouble painting this, cut out a small crescent shape from a large sticker.
5. Place the large sticker on your nails, one at a time, and paint the empty crescent-shaped area.
6. Remove the sticker and apply a thin layer of topcoat.