Do you remember using Wite-Out in middle school to paint your nails and proudly showing off those bright white tips? That nostalgic moment inspired this modern DIY nail art. It’s a playful throwback, but with a fresh, polished twist.
The tiny brush from a Wite-Out bottle made it easy to paint nails between classes — and that tiny brush is the idea behind today’s brushstroke nail design. Instead of relying on a full polish brush, this look uses a small paintbrush to create deliberate, artistic strokes.
Ready for a step-by-step guide? Follow the tutorial below to recreate this easy, creative manicure.
Supplies
Choose three to four nail polish shades for your brushstroke design. For this version we used Essie’s Lilacism, French Pink, Butler Please, and In The Cab-ana. Using three or four colors keeps the result cohesive, but you can use more if you prefer. You will also need nail polish remover poured into a glass jar or dish and a small paintbrush. Do not use a plastic container — acetone or nail polish remover can dissolve some plastics.
Instructions
- Apply a clear base coat to protect your nails, then paint each nail with your chosen base color. For this look, Lilacism was used as the base.
- Dip a small paintbrush into your next polish color and add one or two random brushstrokes to each nail. Keep the marks sparse — no more than two or three strokes of the same color per nail. When you finish with a color, clean the brush by swirling it in the nail polish remover dish so it’s ready for the next shade.
- Repeat the process with the remaining colors, varying the placement and length of the strokes to maintain a random, painterly effect.
- Seal the design with a clear top coat to add shine and protect the layers of polish.
This technique gives a fun, artsy finish that looks deliberate but effortless. It’s perfect when you want a creative manicure without spending a lot of time or effort.
Nail design and hand modeling by Rachel Brewer
Photography by Amelia Tatnall
Art direction by Brittni Mehlhoff
Will you try this brushstroke nail art? It’s an easy, customizable look that works with many color combinations and suits both casual and more polished styles. Share your variations and have fun experimenting with different stroke patterns and color palettes.