Nail Art Mastery: Create Stunning Designs at Home

Longevity is decided in the first ninety seconds. Prep badly and the prettiest art will lift within four days.

Prep like a technician

• Push back cuticles dry, never cut the eponychium.
• Buff to remove shine only — not to thin the plate.
• Dehydrate, then a thin bonder coat, cap the free edge.

Three designs that always read expensive

A micro French in a tone one shade off your skin, a single chrome accent nail, and a clean negative-space line. All three are forgiving of a slightly unsteady hand.