We’ve been exploring beauty trends recently with the help of our production assistant and resident nail artist, Rachel, and she convinced me to try a nail tutorial. We combined the nude nail trend with playful elements — inspired by my DIY dot artwork and a crescent near the cuticle — to create a look that feels modern, whimsical, and a little quirky.
Below is a simple, step-by-step guide so you can recreate this nude crescent nail art at home.
Materials:
- Base coat (choose a reliable base to protect your natural nails)
- Two contrasting nail polish shades — one nude or neutral base and one accent color for the dot
- Top coat to seal and add shine
- Small round stickers (circle labels from an office supply store)
- Toothpick or dotting tool for the accent dot
- Optional: cuticle pusher and cotton swab with nail polish remover for clean-up
Instructions:
- Start with clean, dry nails and apply a layer of base coat. Let it dry fully.
- Cut small circle stickers in half and place a half-circle near each cuticle where you want the negative-space crescent to be. Press the stickers down firmly so polish won’t seep underneath. A cuticle pusher helps press edges flat.
- Paint each nail with your chosen base color. Allow the polish to dry completely before removing the stickers to ensure crisp crescent shapes. Give the polish extra drying time if needed to avoid smudging or rough edges.
- Use a toothpick or dotting tool to add a colorful dot above each crescent. Choose an accent color that contrasts nicely with the nude base for the best visual pop.
- Finish with a top coat once the designs are fully dry to protect your manicure and add shine.
If the sticker edges leave any uneven bits, tidy them up with a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover for a polished finish.
When your nails are finished, you’ll want to show them off — maybe while enjoying your favorite ice cream. This design is playful and easy to customize: try bolder accent dots for a brighter look or keep everything neutral for an understated, elegant manicure.
I admit I was a little jealous that Amelia modeled the hands for this tutorial since I wanted to sport the design too, but my nails were too short for a shoot. I’ll be trying this at home soon.
P.S. If you enjoyed this tutorial, I’d love to hear whether you want more nail how-tos. If not, I’m happy to hear that feedback too.
Nail art by Rachel Brewer
Modeling by Amelia Tatnall
Styling and photography by Brittni Mehlhoff
Will you try this nail art DIY? Consider color combinations like soft pink with a bright coral dot, a cool beige with black accents, or a pale gray base with a neon dot for a modern twist. Which combo will you try?