Nailed it! | Kieran Murphy

Sport the nail designs of everyone’s envy with a little help from Fashion Editor Kieran Murphy.

     Leopard Print Nails

     Leopard print nails are actually much easier to do than you might think! Start with a clear base coat on your nails to prevent staining. Leave them to dry before applying two coats of your preferred base colour. When dry, use a black nail pen (I got mine in Topshop) to draw small 'c' shapes and circles randomly on each nail. Don't worry about not getting them perfect as they actually look better if they’re a bit uneven. After these have dried, use a different coloured nail pen to dot circles around the 'c' shapes and circles.  White is generally the best colour to use for this part but you can experiment and try whatever colours you like! I used a neon pink shade for a more subtle look. To finish off, apply a clear top coat to prevent chipping. Check out Kelly McGrath of BlinkAndYoullMiss.com for more helpful tips and tricks!

     Geometric Patterns

     The first method here is probably the easiest one and all you need for this one is some sell-o-tape.

     Apply a base coat of nail varnish on your nails and leave it to dry for about 20 minutes. When your base coat is dry, cut the sellotape into thin strips and stick them on your nails creating geometrical shapes such as triangles or squares. Cover the entire nail with nail varnish and leave it to dry. When it's all dry gently remove the tape from your nails.

     This second method is quite easy as well. All you need for this one is a sheet of paper, hair spray and a thin paint brush. Apply a base coat onto your nails and leave it to dry. Spray the hair of your paint brush with a tiny bit of hairspray to make it rock solid and very precise. Apply a few drops of nail varnish on the sheet of paper, dip the brush in, and create some crazy shapes on your nails. Remember, the more original and creative the shape and colours, the better! See Margaret Urbanowicz of 4ng2.com for more information and guidelines.

     Galaxy Nails

     To achieve galaxy nails you will be need a navy-coloured polish, white polish, three or four coloured polishes of your choice, a top coat and a sponge.

     Galaxy nails are really easy to do. It's completely random and doesn't have to be neat which is why it's a great nail art design for beginners.

     Paint your nails navy for the base of your galaxy nails. Apply two or three coats and wait until the base is completely dry before you start the next step. Then sponge on white polish around the middle of the nail. When the white is dry, start to sponge on the colour you have chosen in small areas around the nail. I normally use green, lilac, gold and silver. You can keep repeating the process until you are happy with how the colours look. Add more white polish lightly over some areas. After this is dry, add a glitter polish to create stars. To complete the look, add a topcoat and seal the design. Have a peak at the tips at Chantelle Thomas of DollyNails.blogspot.ie.