Nail art goes natural...

How bold do you usually go with your nails? Full-on flouro yellow talons a la Rihanna? Kooky nail art like the lovely Zooey Deschanel? Or do you prefer to keep your digits simple with a classic French manicure?

Whatever your preference, the good news is there’s some middle ground.

If you’re a little wary of bold looks but you’d like to dip a tentative toe into the waters of nail art, we’ve got a more subtle trend to introduce you to. Welcome to the world of natural nail art – the softer, sweeter-looking alternative to daring digit designs.

Think fairy-floss pinks and ice cream hues combined with soft, gold-infused metallics; think simple designs that provide a subtle twist on the traditional mani. Combine all of these things and you’ve got nail art that’s suitable for everyday wear and perfect for spring.

To get you started, we’ve got two so-simple-anyone-can-do-them nail tutorials for you to try at home. No garish colours or novelty themes here (we promise!).

Coral and rose gold sticky tape nails

1) Start by painting your nails in a soft coral. We used Kit Cosmetics Nail Polish in Go Out (www.kitcosmetics.com.au). Apply two coats. For best results leave to dry for a couple of hours (or paint them 30 minutes before bed and start stage two the next day).
2) Get some strips of sticky tape and remove some of the stickiness by pressing them into your hand. Then stick them diagonally across the bottom of your nails leaving the top section of the nail exposed.
3) Take your metallic colour (we used Max Factor Glossfinity in Midnight Bronze) and paint two coats over the exposed half of your nail. Leave to try for three minutes.
4) Slowly peel off the sticky tape to reveal the metallic tips. Apply a top coat to seal your design and voila – you’re good to go.

Pastel pink half-moon manicure

1) Paint your nails in a soft candy pink. We used Barry M Nail paint in Strawberry (www.barrym.com).
2) Get some circular stickers and remove some of the stickiness by pressing them into your hand as above. Next, stick them to the bottom of your nail to form a semi-circle shape.
3) Grab a brighter candy pink nail polish that has a nice glossy finish (we used Rimmel London I ♥ Fruities in Strawberry Fizz)  and paint two coats over the exposed part of the nail. Leave to dry for three minutes.
4) Slowly peel off the stickers for your two-tone pink mani (and don’t forget the top coat!)

Do you like the sound of pastel nail art? Which of the looks above do you prefer?

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