nails I've done the past year as a beginner

Wow, it feels amazing to finally share my nail art journey with you all! After posting about my year of learning and all the different sets I’ve tried, I’ve been thinking about what advice I wish I had when I first started. For anyone out there looking to try their hand at DIY nail designs, especially if you're aiming for something simple yet stylish, I’ve got some tips that might help! First off, don't be afraid to experiment! Like my very first coffin-shaped set with iridescent rhinestones, it wasn't perfect, but it was a start. Or my second set where the shimmer polish was sheer – I learned that layering is key, or sometimes you just embrace the happy accidents! My Halloween set looked crazy when I was doing it, but the end result was so fun. It’s all part of the learning curve, and honestly, the imperfections make them uniquely yours. If you're eyeing simple purple and white nail designs, you're in luck because they are super versatile and quite beginner-friendly. For my aunt's interview set, I did a lovely purple and silver combo with delicate purple polka dots on a white base. To achieve something similar, you don't need fancy tools. A simple dotting tool (or even the end of a bobby pin!) can create perfect polka dots. Start with a solid base color like white or a pale silver, let it dry completely, then use a contrasting purple polish for your dots. You can also play around with just one accent nail or simple stripes. The Beetles polish brand, which I love, has so many great colors that would work perfectly for these kinds of designs. A huge game-changer for me has been understanding my polishes and tools. For instance, those metallic blue or iridescent polishes can look stunning, but sometimes they need a solid base color underneath to truly pop, or multiple thin coats to build opacity. And when it comes to shapes like coffin-shaped nails, taking your time with filing is essential. I'm still perfecting it, but practicing symmetry makes a huge difference. One of my biggest struggles initially was cuticle flooding, as you can see from my earlier photos compared to my most recent metallic blue set where I really focused on cleaner brush strokes. My tip? Don't overload your brush! Wipe off excess polish on the neck of the bottle, and use fewer, more controlled strokes. It takes patience, but it dramatically improves the final look. Also, a good top coat is non-negotiable for longevity and that salon-like shine. Embellishments like rhinestones and glitter can elevate any simple design. For my favorite light blue set, I combined blue glitter with colorful rhinestones and pearls on accent nails. When applying rhinestones, a tiny dab of top coat or nail glue works wonders to secure them. For glitter, I usually dab it on with a sponge or a dedicated glitter brush for better coverage, then seal it all in with a generous layer of top coat. Ultimately, doing your nails at home is more than just saving money; it’s a wonderful form of self-care and a creative outlet. It might take 9 hours for an intricate set like my light blue and black outline comic-style nails, but the feeling of accomplishment is priceless. Whether you're trying a simple design or something more advanced, embrace the process, learn from your experiments, and have fun. Your nails are your canvas!