Negative Space Colorblock Nail Tutorial

Negative Space Colorblock

by Essence Bryant, literary editor

Colorblock is a rising trend, both on the runway and in the nail salon. Couple this with a new trend, called negative space (where there is space on your nail that contains your natural nail color) for an amazing design. In order to get this look, you won’t have to venture out of the comfort of your home, as this design can be easily done by anyone with a few simple steps!

What you’ll need:

- clear tape (if necessary)

- a nail polish without glitter or shimmer

- a glitter nail polish

- a base coat

- a top coat

Step 1:

Start by applying the base coat to all of your nails. If you need to, file or buff your nails appropriately.

The base coat is used to protect your nails from yellowing and will even out any blemishes such as ridges or streaking. I am using Sally Hansens Thicken Up! nail strengthener formula. This can be purchased for $8.95 or less on Amazon

For this design, the base coat will enhance the color of your natural nail, for the negative space look.

Step 2:

Once your nails are completely dry, apply one of the two colors diagonally across your nail. If necessary, use a clear piece of tape diagonally across the bottom of your nail to help shape your color for a perfectly straight line.

Remove the tape once you have painted your nail. For the first color, I am using Keep Me on My Mistletoes by O.P.I. from Sephora. This can be bought for $8.12 on Amazon.

Do this on all 10 nails.

Step 3:

Before you move on, it is crucial that your nails are dry, if you are using the tape method. Using the tape, apply another diagonal piece across the opposite side of your nail, and using the second color, paint across your nail. Be sure the triangle that is made is perfectly centered on your nail. Remove the tape when you are done. For this color, I am using Romper Room by Essie which can be bought on Ulta.com for $8.50.

Step 5:

Repeat the process for all 10 nails.

Step 6:

Add your top coat for a shine and to help protect the design. Allow 10-15 minutes to dry, and you’re done!

Holiday Nail Idea

The color red is not just a popular color for Fall, but the color for the holidays. 

This color is a fun bright festive color. 

Having sparkly bright red nails can top off your entire outfit. 

Having a gold accent nail also puts your nails in not only a Christmas theme, 

but also incorporating New Years with the gold. 

Spook people with your halloween nails

DIY- Spooky Eye Nails

by Yura Shin

Painting spooky eyes on your nails is a perfect and simple way to participate in Halloween spirit without being too dramatic. The design only consists of two colors, making it very calm and subtle.

Materials: Black nail polish, white nail polish, top coat nail polish, dotting tool, and any plastic or cardboard to put the nail polish on.

-Paint all your nails black. Double coat your nails if needed.

-With your white nail polish, pour some out onto any plastic or cardboard. Take your dotting tool and dip it into the poured out white nail polish. Dotting tools can be purchased from any beauty supply store, or you can use the end of a needle and/or use the eraser of a number two mechanical pencil.

-With the dotting tool that is dipped in the white nail polish, make eyeballs on the upper side of each nail. Make sure to have two eyeballs for each nail and make sure to have some space in between the eyeballs. You don’t want your eyeballs to be stuck to each other. Continue this step on both hands.

-After the white is completely dried, take your black nail polish and pour some out on any plastic or cardboard. Then take a smaller dotting tool, or the same one, and dip it in the black nail polish. The black polish is going to be the pupils. With the dotting tool, dot your eyeballs. You can dot it on the inside or on the side of your eye dot. Each eye does not need to look the same. Be creative. You can have cross eyed nails or wacky eyes.

-After your nails are semi dry, apply your top coat.