3-Step Nail Art Ideas You Can Totally Do Yourself

Pick two contrasting colors — the more different they are, the better this design will show up. Apply one coat of the lighter of the two shades to all your nails, then let it dry. Once it's dry, apply a second coat that's much thicker than the first.

While the second coat of your lighter color is still wet, use a dotter tool to apply your contrasting polish.

Using the dotter tool, swirl your colors together. If your nails start looking a little too blended and you desire higher contrast, you can always add a couple more drops of the lighter shade. Let dry, then add top coat.

Just like that, you've got deliciously swirled nails!

Colors used: Floss Gloss Nail Lacquer in Dinge, Floss Gloss Nail Lacquer in Picnic.

If you have longer nails, you'll love this look. Be sure your nails are smooth and filed evenly to make the most of your nail's natural rounded shape.

Paint your nails with two coats of a metallic shade, then let dry.

Starting about a quarter inch from the cuticle, paint a darker shade in a shape that mimics the curve of your nail. Let dry, then add top coat.

Sexy, feminine, and oh-so-versatile, this design can be created using just about any two shades to fit the season or holiday.

Colors used: Essie Nail Polish in No Place Like Chrome, Essie Nail Polish in Midnight Cami.

Apply striping tape three-quarters of the way down each clean, dry nail.

Apply two coats of your chosen nail polish to the portion of your nail above the tape. Let dry.

Using tweezers, gently remove the tape. Apply a top coat, then let dry.

Ultra-simple and so chic, experiment with this technique using both trendy shades or more classic picks. And for an easy twist, use a contrasting color as the base shade.

Color used: Chanel Le Vernis in Lavanda.