nail art: portland garden

While exploring my sister’s Portland neighborhood a few days ago, we walked past this storybook-like garden with the most charming foliage-covered steps. I’m not sure what the little lilac flowers are, but they sure were pretty!

For my garden-inspired nails, I started with three coats of China Glaze Gaga for Green, which I know I’ll be wearing a lot this summer.

I used to use a pointed Q-tip for polka dots, but these days I’ve been choosing a paper clip most of the time. I find that the dots are more uniform in size and the paper clip doesn’t soak up polish like a Q-tip does.

I carefully dotted Essie Lilacism in different designs on each nail, re-dipping my paper clip as needed.

Finish it off with a shiny top coat to even out the dotty surface. It’s a fun and cheery look for summer…and boy does it feel like summer in NYC today! It’s 98 degrees out right now, which, well, reminds me of this.