It’s been a while since I’ve done a simple beginner tutorial, so I thought I would take a step back and give a detailed tutorial on how to create this Beginner Blue Nail Art design. This design starts out with a base colour with the addition of an accent nail. It’s one of the easiest designs that can be done as a beginner as any technique can be used for the accent nail design.
If you’re not familiar with nail stamping check out my introduction post: What is Nail Stamping? | The ultimate beginner’s guide
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The Base
Start out by applying a clear base polish. This will protect your nails from staining and help the design last longer.
Once this is dry you can add 2-3 coats of your favourite colour, ensuring each layer is fully dried before applying the next. For this design, I went with a blue theme. Just make sure you have a stamping polish that will go with the base colour. I also applied a different colour to the accent nail to change up the design a little.
Even if the polish is opaque after 1 coat, it’s highly recommended that you apply a second coat. Often the polish will look much nicer. Plus it will help to minimise chipping.
Nail Stamping | Beginner Blue Nail Art
If this is your first-time nail stamping, or you are still getting the hang of it, I highly recommend watching the video below. When I was learning I found watching tutorials to be so helpful in improving my technique and increasing the chances of picking up the design first try.
If you don’t wish to do nail stamping but still want to add some nail art you could try free-hand painting or adding some nail stickers/decals to create the accent nail.
For the nail stamping component, you will need
- Stamping Plate (my favourite brand is Maniology – use my code THENAILCHRONICLE for 10% off)
- Scraper and stamper
- Stamping Polish (yes this is different to regular nail polish)
- Smudge Free Top Coat (I lived without this for a while but it really helps with the final finish of your design as many regular top coats will smudge the design)
Nail Stamping Beginner Steps
- Apply your stamping polish to the plate (make sure you have removed the plastic protector from the plate – this could be blue or clear)
- Scrape the polish across the plate with the plastic scraper. Don’t use the metal ones unless you want a scratched plate. Do this at about a 45degree angle.
- Either press down or roll your stamper across the image
- Quickly check to see that you’re happy with the image and then if you are, place the stamper down on your nail.
Two key issues that can prevent this from working are either too much/too little polish on the plate which prevents a clean image from being picked up. Or the pressure applied when picking up your image isn’t right.
For the first issue, try adjusting the amount of polish you apply and/or the angle that you have your scraper at. Sometimes it will take a few attempts. To fix the second image, try adjusting the technique and pressure applied. If you’re rolling the stamping try pressing or rolling with less/more pressure.
Occasionally the image just won’t pick up. It can help if you have different types of stampers to try another stamper. Otherwise, try a different image or an entirely different plate.
It can be frustrating as a beginner, but with practice, it does get better.
To finish the design apply a smudge-free top coat to your stamped nail (if you have it available). Then once dry apply a regular clear top coat to all nails.
Overall
This beginner blue nail art can be customised to your own style based on what you have on hand. I hope it gives you a base to create some simple designs whether you’re at the beginning of your nail art journey or just want a simple design.
Let me know in the comments if you are unsure of any of the steps or contact me over on my IG: TheNailChronicle
For more easy nail art ideas check out the posts below:
- Spring Nail Design | Easy Nail Art tutorial
- Silver and Black Glamorous Nails | Easy DIY Nail Art
- Owl Nail Art | Nail Stamping Tutorial
