Looking to elevate your manicure game without spending hours or requiring professional skills? We’ve gathered the most stunning yet simple nail art ideas that anyone can master at home with minimal tools.
From elegant dotted designs to effortless gradient effects, these beginner-friendly nail art techniques will transform your ordinary manicure into something extraordinary. We’ll show you how to create Instagram-worthy nails using items you likely already have around the house. You don’t need steady hands or artistic talent to achieve these eye-catching results—just a little patience and our step-by-step guidance.
10 Simple Nail Art Ideas for Beginners
1. Polka Dots
Polka dots are the perfect starting point for nail art beginners. You’ll need just a few basic tools: a base coat, your favorite polish colors, and a dotting tool (or substitute with a bobby pin or toothpick). First, apply your base color and let it dry completely. Then, dip your dotting tool into a contrasting polish and gently press it onto your nail to create perfect circles. Try creating patterns by varying the dot sizes or arranging them in different formations like flowers or borders.
2. Tape Designs
Tape designs create clean, geometric patterns with minimal effort. Simply apply your base color and allow it to dry thoroughly. Cut thin strips of painter’s tape or use pre-made nail tape to create your desired pattern. Apply the tape firmly to your nail, paint over with a second color, and remove the tape while the polish is still wet. The result is crisp, professional-looking lines that appear much more complicated than they actually are.
3. Ombré Effect
Ombré nails feature a beautiful gradient that transitions from one color to another. Start by applying a light base color and let it dry. Take a makeup sponge and paint horizontal stripes of your chosen colors (usually 2-3 shades) directly onto the sponge. Dab the sponge onto your nail, gently rolling it to transfer the colors. Repeat until you achieve your desired opacity, then finish with a top coat to blend and seal the colors.
4. Simple Stripes
Stripes add instant flair to any manicure without requiring advanced skills. Apply your base color and allow it to dry completely. Use a thin nail art brush or striping tape to create straight lines across your nail. Vertical stripes can elongate short nails, while horizontal stripes create a bold statement. Alternating between thin and thick lines adds dimension, and mixing metallic stripes with matte finishes creates an eye-catching contrast.
5. French Tip Variations
Modern twists on the classic French manicure are both elegant and simple to create. Paint your nails with a neutral base shade and let it dry. Instead of the traditional white tip, try using a glitter polish, a bold color, or even a metallic shade to outline the tips. For a reverse French tip, leave a half-moon shape at the base of your nail unpainted instead of at the tip. These variations maintain the sophistication of a French manicure while adding personal style.
6. Glitter Gradient
Glitter gradients add sparkle and dimension with minimal technique required. Apply your base color and let it dry. Take a glitter polish and start at the tip or base of your nail, applying more pressure initially and gradually lightening your touch to create a fading effect. The concentrated glitter gradually disperses, creating a beautiful fade that catches the light. This technique works wonderfully for special occasions or when you want to add subtle glamour.
7. Negative Space Designs
Negative space nail art uses the natural nail as part of the design, creating modern, minimalist looks. Begin with a clear base coat, then use tape or vinyl stencils to block off sections of your nail. Apply polish to the exposed areas, remove the tape while the polish is still wet, and seal with a top coat. The contrast between your natural nail and the polish creates a sophisticated, contemporary effect that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
8. Easy Florals
Floral designs can be created with simple dotting techniques that even beginners can master. Start with a light-colored base and let it dry completely. Use a dotting tool to create the center of your flower with one color, then add five dots around it in a different color to form petals. Connect the dots with thin lines or add more dots to create fuller flowers. Small green strokes can represent leaves or stems, completing this charming, garden-inspired look.
9. Color Blocking
Color blocking combines bold, geometric shapes for a modern, artistic manicure. Apply a base color and let it dry. Use tape to section off portions of your nail, then fill each section with different complementary colors. This technique creates striking contrasts and allows for endless customization. Bold primaries create dramatic looks, while pastels offer a more subtle take on this artistic style.
10. Marbled Effect
Marbled nails create unique swirls of color that look complex but are surprisingly achievable for beginners. Start with a white or light-colored base. Place drops of different colored polishes close together on your nail, then quickly use a toothpick to swirl the colors together before they dry. Each nail becomes a one-of-a-kind miniature artwork with beautiful color combinations that blend seamlessly together. The random nature of marbling means no two nails will be exactly alike.
Minimalist Dots and Lines for Everyday Elegance
Minimalist nail art offers a sophisticated yet easy approach to elevate your manicure. These simple designs focus on clean lines and subtle dots that create an understated elegance perfect for any occasion.
Dainty Flowers
Dainty flower designs provide a delicate touch to your manicure with minimal effort. Start with a neutral base coat and use a small dotting tool to create simple florals by placing five dots in a circular pattern, then add a contrasting center dot. These tiny blooms work beautifully on accent nails or across your entire manicure for a subtle garden-inspired look. The simplicity of this design makes it perfect for nail art beginners while still delivering professional-looking results.
Little Hearts
Little hearts add a sweet, minimalist charm to otherwise naked nails. Apply a clear or nude base coat, then use a small brush and black polish to create tiny hearts on selected nails. This technique requires a steady hand but creates an elegant, understated design that’s appropriate for both casual and formal settings. For best results, place the hearts asymmetrically across one or two nails rather than covering the entire surface.
Negative Space Stars
Negative space stars create a modern, celestial look with minimal tools. Apply your base color, then place small star-shaped stickers on your nails before painting over them with a contrasting shade. Carefully remove the stickers while the polish is still slightly wet to reveal crisp star shapes in your base color. This technique showcases the beauty of negative space while maintaining a clean, minimalist aesthetic that draws attention without overwhelming your overall look.
Classic Polka Dots Design
Teeny-tiny polka dots offer a timeless design that never goes out of style. Create perfectly uniform dots by dipping a dotting tool or the tip of a bobby pin into your chosen polish and gently pressing it onto your nail. Space the dots evenly for a traditional look, or arrange them in patterns like diagonal lines or crescents for a modern twist. This versatile design works with contrasting colors for bold statements or tone-on-tone combinations for subtle sophistication.
Simple Striping Techniques
Simple striping creates clean, geometric patterns with minimal supplies. Apply a base coat, then place thin strips of nail tape or stickers across your nails in your desired pattern. Paint over the exposed areas with a contrasting color, then carefully remove the tape while the polish is still tacky to reveal crisp, professional-looking lines. Horizontal stripes create a widening effect, while vertical stripes can make your nails appear longer and more slender. For added dimension, try combining multiple colors or incorporating metallic polishes into your striped design.
French Tip Variations to Elevate Your Manicure
The classic French manicure has evolved far beyond its traditional white tips. Modern interpretations offer countless ways to refresh this timeless style while maintaining its elegant essence.
Colorful French Tips
Colorful French tips transform the conventional white-tipped manicure into a vibrant fashion statement. Simply swap the traditional white polish for eye-catching alternatives like pastel shades, bold neons, or sophisticated jewel tones to instantly modernize your look. Celebrity nail artists often recommend creating an ombré effect across your fingertips by using different colors for each nail while maintaining the same French tip style. This versatile technique works beautifully on both short natural nails and longer extensions, making it accessible for everyone regardless of nail length or shape.
Glitter French Manicure
Glitter French manicures add a touch of sparkle to the classic design, creating an effect that celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik calls “glitter liner.” Apply a fine line of glitter polish along your nail tips for a subtle shimmer that catches the light with every movement. For special occasions, try layering chunky glitter over a traditional French tip to create a statement look that transitions beautifully from day to night. The contrast between the clean nail bed and the glittering tip creates a sophisticated yet playful aesthetic that works for both office environments and evening events.
Easy Gradient and Ombré Effects Anyone Can Create
Creating stunning gradient and ombré nail designs doesn’t require professional skills. These techniques produce eye-catching results with minimal tools and are perfect for beginners wanting to elevate their at-home manicure game.
Two-Tone Gradient Nails
Two-tone gradient nails offer a striking look that’s surprisingly simple to achieve. Start by applying a quality base coat to protect your natural nails. Paint the lower half of your nail with one color and the upper half with a complementary or contrasting shade. For precise separation between colors, use clear tape as a guide to create a sharp, clean line. Remove the tape immediately after painting to reveal a crisp edge. Those seeking a softer transition can gently blend where the colors meet using a small brush or toothpick. Alternatively, try using a makeup sponge to dab along the meeting point, creating a more seamless gradient effect that looks professionally done.
Sponge Ombré Technique
The sponge ombré technique delivers beautiful results that mimic salon-quality gradients. Begin by selecting two or three complementary polish colors that will transition nicely on your nails. Paint stripes of your chosen polishes directly onto a makeup sponge, arranging them in the order you want them to appear on your nail. Gently dab the sponge onto your nail, pressing lightly to transfer the colors and create that characteristic fade effect. Repeat the dabbing motion several times until you achieve your desired color intensity and blend. Clean up any excess polish around your cuticles with a small brush dipped in nail polish remover. Finish the look with a clear top coat to seal your design and add shine, making your gradient look smooth and professional.
Using Tape for Gradient Effects
Tape serves as a valuable tool for creating precise gradient designs with clean edges. Apply your base coat and allow it to dry completely before proceeding. Place clear tape on your nail to create your desired shapes or lines, pressing firmly to ensure no polish seeps underneath. Paint over the exposed areas with your chosen colors, working quickly to maintain polish consistency. Remove the tape immediately after applying polish, pulling it straight up to prevent smudging your fresh design. This technique works wonderfully for creating geometric patterns combined with gradient effects, giving your manicure a modern, artistic look.
Negative Space Gradient
Negative space gradients offer a contemporary twist on traditional ombré designs. Begin with clear polish that contains tiny shimmery glitter as your base to add subtle dimension to the negative space. Once dry, apply clear tape to create triangular shapes or other geometric patterns on your nails. Paint a bright color over the exposed areas, ensuring even coverage. Carefully remove the tape while the polish is still slightly wet to reveal crisp lines. The contrast between the painted sections and the clear, negative space creates a stunning visual effect that’s both minimalist and eye-catching. This technique works particularly well on longer nails where the gradient has more space to develop.
Quick Tape Nail Art Designs for Perfect Precision
Tape is one of the most versatile tools for creating clean, professional-looking nail art at home. With just a few strips of clear tape or specialized nail tape, you can achieve salon-quality designs with minimal effort and maximum precision.
Geometric Shapes Using Tape
Creating perfect geometric shapes on your nails becomes effortless with tape as your guide. Start by applying a base coat to your nails and allowing it to dry completely. Next, place pieces of clear tape in your desired geometric pattern—triangles, diamonds, or chevrons work beautifully. Apply your chosen nail polish color over the tape with confident strokes. Remove the tape immediately while the polish is still wet to reveal crisp, clean lines with no bleeding. For best results, use a cotton swab dipped in nail polish remover to tidy up any imperfections along the edges.
Color-Blocking with Tape
Color-blocking delivers a modern, artistic manicure that looks complicated but is surprisingly simple to execute. Begin with a dry base coat, then strategically place tape strips to section off distinct areas of your nail. Press the tape firmly against your nail to prevent any polish from seeping underneath. Apply different polish colors to each sectioned area, working quickly to maintain polish consistency. Pull off the tape right after painting to ensure the cleanest lines possible. Finish with a glossy top coat to seal your design and enhance the contrast between your chosen colors.
Striped Nails
Stripes offer an elegant yet impactful nail design that’s perfect for beginners. Position parallel strips of tape across your nail at even intervals, ensuring they adhere well to the nail surface. Paint over the exposed areas with your favorite polish, then carefully remove the tape to reveal perfectly straight lines. Experiment with different stripe widths and spacing to create unique patterns that complement your style.
Negative Space Design
Negative space designs create a contemporary, artistic look that’s on-trend. Apply a clear glitter polish as your base and let it dry thoroughly. Secure tape in geometric patterns on your nails, covering the areas you want to preserve. Apply a contrasting solid color over the entire nail, then quickly remove the tape to reveal the glittery base coat beneath. This technique creates a stunning interplay between texture and color.
Half Moon Nails
Half moon manicures deliver a vintage-inspired look with modern appeal. Place round bandages or curved tape at the bottom quarter of your nail to create the classic crescent shape. Apply your chosen polish over the entire nail, then remove the tape or bandage while the polish is still slightly wet. The resulting design features an elegant half-moon at the base, creating a sophisticated look that pairs well with any outfit.
Simple Floral Nail Art for a Touch of Nature
Nature-inspired nail art offers a refreshing and timeless aesthetic that’s surprisingly simple to create. Floral designs in particular add a delicate, feminine touch to your manicure without requiring professional skills.
Dainty Flowers
Creating delicate floral accents is perfect for nail art beginners looking for an elegant design. You can achieve this look by using a small dotting tool or nail art brush to paint tiny flowers near the inner and outer corners of your nails. The beauty of this design lies in its minimalism – just a few simple dots arranged in flower patterns create a sophisticated look that’s remarkably easy to achieve. This technique works especially well on a neutral base coat, allowing the dainty flowers to stand out as subtle accents.
Pretty Petals
Abstract floral elements offer a modern twist on traditional flower designs without demanding intricate detailing. Try painting a trio of simple petals on your nails for an artistic, minimalist look that captures the essence of flowers. Position these petal formations near the edges of your nails for a contemporary asymmetrical design. The technique requires just a few careful strokes with your brush, making it accessible even for those with limited nail art experience. These abstract petals work beautifully on both light and dark base colors, allowing for versatile styling options.
Easy Daisy Design
Daisies represent one of the most straightforward flower designs to recreate on nails. Start by painting a small white circle in the center of your nail as the base for your daisy. Apply yellow polish to the center of this white circle to create the flower’s distinctive core. Draw white petals around the yellow center using either a nail art brush or dotting tool, keeping the petals evenly spaced for a realistic effect. Finish the design by adding optional green polish for stems and leaves if desired. This cheerful design works well as an accent nail or across all fingers for a more dramatic floral statement.
Simple Cherry Blossom Pattern
Cherry blossoms offer a delicate, seasonal design that captures the essence of spring with minimal effort. Begin with a light pink or white base coat to create the perfect canvas. Use a small dotting tool or nail art brush to create the distinctive five-petaled cherry blossom shapes across your nails. Arrange these blooms in clusters or scatter them individually across the nail for a natural appearance. Add thin green lines to represent branches and small leaves, connecting the blossoms for a cohesive look. This elegant design evokes the beauty of cherry blossom season without requiring complex nail art skills, making it perfect for special occasions or everyday wear.
Water Marble Made Simple
Water marble nail art creates stunning, swirled patterns that look complex but can be achieved with simplified techniques. We’ve broken down this intimidating method into more manageable approaches that deliver beautiful results without the frustration.
Dry Marble Alternative
Dry marbling offers all the visual impact of traditional water marbling without the mess. Start by applying a base coat and allowing it to dry completely. Place a few small dots of different colored polishes close together on your nail. Use a thin nail art brush or toothpick to swirl the colors together gently, creating a marbled effect. The key is working quickly before the polish begins to dry. Drag the tool through the colors in different directions to create unique patterns and swirls. Finish with a clear top coat to smooth any texture and seal your design. This technique provides more control than traditional water marbling while achieving similar eye-catching results.
Single-Dip Water Marble
The single-dip water marble technique simplifies traditional water marbling by requiring just one quick dip. Fill a small container with room temperature water. Drop different colored polishes onto the water surface, one after another, creating concentric rings. Use a toothpick to drag through the polish and create patterns—straight lines or swirls work beautifully. Once satisfied with your design, dip just one nail into the water at a time, positioning it under your preferred section of the pattern. Hold for a few seconds, then lift your finger straight up. Remove excess polish from around your nail using a cotton swab dipped in polish remover. This approach allows you to create unique designs for each nail while avoiding the complexity of dipping all fingers simultaneously.
One-Stroke Wonders for Instant Style
One-stroke nail art techniques allow you to create stunning designs with minimal effort. These simple yet effective methods can transform your manicure in seconds, making them perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
Squiggly Lines and Diagonal Strokes
Squiggly lines offer an effortless way to add visual interest to your nails. Simply use your nail polish brush to create free-form, wavy lines across each nail in a contrasting color. This technique requires no special tools and can be completed in minutes for a playful, artistic look.
Diagonal strokes create a modern, sleek aesthetic with just one swift movement. Apply a single diagonal line across each nail using a contrasting polish shade. For a more ever-changing effect, try using multiple colors or varying the thickness of your strokes. These angular designs create the illusion of longer nails while keeping the application process incredibly simple.
Single-Color Accent Nails
Single nail accents make a statement without overwhelming your manicure. Choose one nail (typically the ring finger) on each hand to paint in a bold or contrasting color. This technique instantly adds personality to your look while requiring minimal skill or extra time.
Alternate accents offer a subtle yet stylish variation on the standard manicure. Paint every other nail in a different complementary shade for an eye-catching pattern. This approach works beautifully with both subtle color combinations for everyday wear or bold pairings for special occasions.
Metallic Stripe Accents
Thin metallic stripes add instant glamour to any nail design. Apply nail tape or stickers to create precise metallic lines on your nails in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal patterns. These reflective accents catch the light beautifully and elevate even the simplest base color.
Metallic tips provide a modern twist on the classic French manicure. Celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik popularized this “glitter liner” look by replacing traditional white tips with metallic polish. Apply a thin strip of gold, silver, or copper polish along the tips of your nails for a sophisticated finish that transitions seamlessly from day to evening wear.
Seasonal Nail Art That’s Surprisingly Easy
Creating seasonal nail art doesn’t require professional skills or fancy tools. These designs can be adapted throughout the year to match holidays, weather changes, and your personal style while still being attainable for beginners.
Spring and Summer Designs
Dainty Flowers transform plain nails into a garden of beauty with minimal effort. Simply use a dotting tool to create small flower patterns that capture the essence of spring blooms.
Negative-Space Neon designs bring summer vibes to your fingertips. Apply swirls of bright neon polish against a neutral background for an eye-catching contrast that’s perfect for beach days and festivals.
Glitter Tips offer a celebrity-approved look that’s remarkably easy to achieve. Inspired by nail artist Tom Bachik, this technique involves applying glitter polish just to the tips of your nails, creating a sparkling twist on the classic French manicure.
Autumn and Winter Looks
Berry Cute patterns feature small dots and flicks that resemble autumn fruits. Use deep reds and purples to capture fall’s bounty, or adjust the color palette for winter themes.
Negative Space Stars create a celestial winter wonderland on your nails. Place star-shaped stickers on your base coat, apply color around them, then remove the stickers to reveal star shapes that sparkle like a clear winter night.
Holiday-Inspired Simple Designs
Little Hearts offer a minimalist Valentine’s Day option that anyone can create. Apply tiny heart designs on otherwise bare nails using black polish for a sweet yet sophisticated look.
Baby Bugs combined with French tips create a playful Easter design. Kylie Jenner popularized this cute springtime look that pairs perfectly with pastel outfits.
Smiley Faces bring cheerful energy to your manicure and can be adapted for Halloween with spooky twists. Use multicolored lacquer or nail stickers to create these expressive designs that always draw compliments.
Nature-Inspired Seasonal Patterns
Florals work for virtually any season when you adjust the colors. Create simple dot-pattern flowers for spring, bright blooms for summer, or deeper tones for fall arrangements.
Pretty Petals in abstract form offer an artistic take on floral designs. Paint a trio of dainty petals near the inner and outer corners of your nails for a subtle yet effective nature-inspired look.
Spring Florals in pastel hues capture the essence of blooming gardens. These simple flower designs require just a few dots arranged in circular patterns.
Autumn Leaves bring the beauty of fall foliage to your fingertips. Small leaf designs in orange, red, and yellow tones create a seasonal look that pairs perfectly with cozy sweaters.
Winter Snowflakes transform your manicure into a snowy scene. Use white polish with stickers or stencils to create delicate snowflake patterns that celebrate the winter season.
Stamping and Sticker Hacks for Foolproof Nail Art
Beginner-Friendly Stamping Tips
Nail stamping opens up a industry of intricate designs without requiring artistic talent. Start with a quality stamping plate featuring simple patterns before advancing to more complex ones. Apply special stamping polish (which is thicker than regular polish) onto the plate, then scrape excess polish off using a scraper card at a 45-degree angle. Press your stamper firmly but quickly onto the design to pick it up completely. Transfer the design to your nail with a gentle rolling motion from one side to the other. Clean your stamping tools between uses to maintain crisp designs and prevent smudging. Practice makes perfect with stamping, so don’t get discouraged if your first attempts aren’t flawless.
Strategic Placement of Nail Stickers
Nail stickers offer instant art without the steady hand required for freehand designs. Create a perfect French manicure by placing tape or stickers along the edge of your nail, painting over with white polish, then removing the stickers to reveal a clean, crisp tip. Fashion geometric patterns by arranging stickers in various shapes on your nails before applying polish, resulting in precise and symmetrical designs that look professionally done. Try creating mismatched nail designs by applying different stickers on each nail for a fun, personalized look that showcases your creativity. Apply stickers to dry nails for best adhesion, and seal with a top coat to extend their longevity. Position small stickers strategically as accent pieces on just one or two nails for a subtle yet eye-catching effect that won’t overwhelm your overall look.
Essential Tools and Products for Simple Nail Art Success
From minimalist designs to seasonal inspirations we’ve shown that stunning nail art doesn’t require professional skills. Whether you’re creating French tip variations or mastering tape techniques these ideas offer endless ways to express your creativity at home.
Ready to try your hand at nail art? Remember patience is key! Start with simpler designs before advancing to more intricate patterns. Don’t worry if your first attempts aren’t perfect – practice makes progress.
We hope these beginner-friendly ideas have inspired you to transform your regular manicure into something extraordinary. With just a few basic tools and these simple techniques you’ll be showing off Instagram-worthy nails in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
What tools do I need to start creating nail art at home?
You need basic supplies including a base coat, nail polishes, a top coat, and a cleanup brush. For beginner-friendly designs, add a dotting tool (or toothpick), thin brushes, clear tape, and a makeup sponge. Nail art doesn’t require expensive equipment – many designs can be created using common household items. Start with these essentials and gradually add specialized tools as you advance.
How can I create a perfect ombré effect on my nails?
Create a perfect ombré by applying two or more polish colors side by side on a makeup sponge. Dab the sponge gently onto your nail, repeating until you achieve your desired intensity. Seal with a top coat for smoothness. For cleaner results, apply petroleum jelly around your nails before sponging to make cleanup easier.
What’s the easiest nail art design for absolute beginners?
Polka dots are perfect for beginners. Apply your base color and let it dry completely. Use a dotting tool or toothpick to create dots with contrasting polish. Start with simple patterns like dots along the edge or scattered randomly. This design requires minimal coordination and equipment but looks impressively cute. If you make a mistake, simply wipe it away and try again.
How do I use tape for nail art without ruining my base color?
Wait until your base color is completely dry (at least 20 minutes). Stick the tape to your skin first to reduce adhesion. Apply firmly to your nail, ensuring no polish can seep underneath. Paint your second color and remove the tape immediately while the polish is still wet for clean lines. Pull the tape off in one swift motion away from the fresh polish.
How can I make my nail art last longer?
Start with a quality base coat to protect nails and improve polish adhesion. Apply thin layers of polish, allowing each to dry completely. Seal your design with a good top coat, applying it over the free edge to “cap” the nail. Reapply top coat every 2-3 days. Wear gloves for household chores and avoid using nails as tools to prevent chipping.
What are some easy negative space nail art ideas?
Negative space designs leave portions of your natural nail visible. Try geometric designs by placing tape in patterns and painting around it. Create half-moon manicures by placing circular stickers at the base of your nails. Make minimalist designs with simple lines or dots against bare nail. These designs look sophisticated while requiring less polish and precision.
How do I create simple floral nail art without artistic skills?
Create easy flowers using a dotting tool to make 5 dots in a circle (for petals) and one dot in the center. For daisies, use a white dot surrounded by yellow dots. Try abstract florals with small brush strokes radiating from a center point. Start with one accent nail until you gain confidence. These simple techniques create beautiful floral effects without requiring painting skills.
Can I do water marble nail art without making a mess?
Try dry marbling instead of traditional water marbling. Apply a base color, then add small dots of different colors directly on your nail. Use a toothpick to gently swirl the colors together before they dry. This creates similar effects without the water mess. Alternatively, use the single-dip method with just one quick dip into a prepared water container.
What’s the best nail art technique for short nails?
Minimalist designs work wonderfully on short nails. Try thin vertical or horizontal lines, tiny dots, small half-moons, or negative space designs. French tip variations with thin colored tips look elegant on shorter nails. Ombré effects also work well as they don’t require length for impact. Focus on designs that enhance rather than overwhelm the nail bed.
How can I fix mistakes in my nail art without starting over?
For small mistakes, dip a thin brush or wooden toothpick in nail polish remover and carefully clean the error. For larger mistakes on detailed designs, add an intentional element to cover it, like a dot or glitter. If using glitter, apply it strategically to hide imperfections. You can also transform the design into an accent nail if the mistake is too noticeable.
