nail art for chipped tips
Chips happen. Even if you use top-of-the-line polish and take the utmost care with your nails, the final day of a manicure isn’t always pretty. But just because you have a chip or two doesn’t mean you need to start from scratch.
On days when I’m running out of the house or don’t feel like taking off all of my polish (especially dark polish or glitter, which can be labor-intensive), I turn to nail art for a quick cure. Today I brought life back to my chipped nails with a simple technique—reinforcement sticker half moons. Here’s how to get the look:
Step 1: Apply a round binder hole reinforcement sticker to the bottom of each nail—you’ll find these in the office supply aisle of the drugstore. I applied them on top of a days-old manicure, but if you are starting fresh, make sure to let your base polish dry completely before applying the stickers. I’m wearing China Glaze Smoke and Ashes, a nearly-black polish with green shimmer.
Step 2: Choose a second polish color. If you’re trying to cover up chipped tips, this polish should have a full-coverage consistency—sheers, jellies, or thin glitters won’t work well here. Apply one or two coats of the polish over the top portion of your nail, leaving the section beneath the sticker untouched. I’m using Zoya Dove, a creamy pale grey with great coverage.
Step 3: While the polish is still wet, carefully remove the reinforcement sticker. (It’s best to work one nail at a time so you can remove the sticker before the polish dries).
Step 4: Clean up any polish that ended up outside the lines with a Q-tip or small brush dipped in nail polish remover, and add a top coat for shine and protection.
I love this geometric look. It’s modern and on-trend without being too wild. And the best part? No one will ever guess that you have chipped nails underneath!
[Cross-posted from the Birchbox Blog. Check them out here!]
I do this all the time and I love this ! Cool pictures!
This is a good idea to extend the life days on a mani. I often use a Stripe Rite brush on polish to do a fatter coordinating (or contrasting) color on the tips to extend the life of a mani. I find the little brushes from Stripe Rite and similar products is good to seal all the way around the edge of the tips even on shorter nails. I also am a zealot about putting on a new clear topper every day. When I skip that, my manis just go even with a great longer lasting polish.
I was just looking at my tip-chipped Essie Smooth Sailing painted nails and wondering what to do without starting over. Your suggestion is timely! Thanks! Now I will look in my office supply cabinet for those little round stickers or improvise.
this is such a great idea ! i will be trying this !!
Such a smart idea! I need this right now, too! Definitely going to give this a try! xx
I love this nail technique! I just posted a nails DIY on my blog too
http://allintheblush.com/
Love the idea! Thanks for sharing