These are definitely eye-catching (don't they remind you of the squiggles on a lie detector test?), but the dark base color keeps it chic. And while it looks complicated, this design is actually pretty easy to execute. Paint a base coat (you could do a dark shade like this or a more muted one if you want less of a contrast). Then, use a small brush, like the Orly Detailer Brush, $15, to paint squiggly lines across your nail. Vary the size of the squiggles and number of lines to keep the pattern interesting. And don't worry if it doesn't look perfect, that's kind of the point.
Source: The Illustrated Nail blog
Photo 4/14
Newsprint on your fingers
For any news junkies or bookworms out there, this is the ultimate in nail art. It's a little complicated, but there's no drawing required so even non-artsy types can do it. Just paint your nails a nude base shade and let it dry completely. Then take small squares of newspaper (about the size of your nails, but it doesn't have to be exact) and dip them in a small bowl of vodka (yes, vodka). Press the vodka-soaked squares on your nails for about 10 seconds and use a blow dryer to help the print set faster.
Once the newspaper is dry, peel the squares off. If it worked, the print should remain on your nails. Wait for the print to dry completely, then finish with a clear top coat.
Source: BeautyRiot.com
Photo 5/14
Wonder Woman chic
Even super heroes have to go into the office sometimes, but you can still feel powerful with this zigzag design in gold and muted pinks. To get straight lines like this, Michelle Mismas from nail blog AllLacqueredUp.com suggests tape. "Use satin tape or painters tape -- it's a nail artist's best friend," she says. "Tap the tape on your finger to tone down the stickiness a bit, then apply it to the nail in the design you want."
Source: Nailside blog
Photo 6/14
Get geometric
These designs could benefit from painters tape as well, or you can try the Orly Striper Brush, $7, which helps you make controlled lines. Follow the lead of these photos and do slight variations on your nails (like switching the orientation of the design on your pinkie, for example) but keep the polish colors the same so the end result still looks clean.
Source: Prima Creative blog
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Jade camo
This nail art takes some work, but the end result is pretty spectacular. To do it, paint a base coat on your nails, then apply tape all around your nails, covering your cuticles. Then, take a bowl of room temperature water and very quickly drop in droplets of multiple nail polish shades (keep them all in the same color family to get a camo look like this one). Use a toothpick to swirl the droplets of polish around and dip one finger in. Let it sit for a few seconds and use the toothpick to collect the remaining polish off the surface. Remove your finger and repeat the process for each nail. (If you need help, check out this video tutorial.)
Source: OoohShinies blog and Polish and Pearls blog
Love it or hate it, nail art is a full-blown trend. There are literally thousands of blogs devoted to these souped-up manicures, and there are countless nail designs -- more than you could try in a lifetime of trips to the nail salon.
But while we love ogling the creative techniques and the how-did-they-do-that nail designs, let's face it: As adorable as pink glittered bows or neon stripes are, they don't exactly fly after a certain age.
This doesn't mean we're permanently relegated to boring nude or sheer pink manis. With a little digging and some help from a few experts, we found 13 nail designs that are perfect for grown-ups. It's all about "fine art for nails," says Nonie Creme, Founding Creative Director of butter LONDON nail polish.
What does that mean? Think sophisticated color palettes, simple (yet striking) geometric designs, and minimal glitter. But don't worry. Just because these nail designs are mature doesn't mean they're boring. Keep clicking to see the most amazing -- and wearable -- nail designs we could find.
