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Steal the Coolest Nail Art Looks From NYFW

Get runway-worthy nails with these simple step-by-step tutorials
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Pop Art
The Look:
Beauty.com's Nonie Crème created the pearl-studded nails at Honor in a bold blue that matched the coordinating cat eyes. We love this fun nail look, but you can also swap out the bright color for something more subdued for your DIY look.

The Technique:
Crème custom mixed different shades of blue polish over false nails to get the exact hue, but we like Butter London Nail Lacquer in Giddy Kipper or Blagger. To finish, she applied pearl nail appliques (you can find them at craft and beauty supply stores) in a star-shaped pattern.

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Touchable Texture
The Look:
The neutral, off-white nails at Tibi were nowhere near boring. The slightly textured look drew us in instantly, and the singular accent nail added just the right touch of trendy.

The Technique:
Runway nail artist favorite Jin Soon created these graphic nails by starting with Jin Soon Power Coat Strengthening Base to protect the nails. Next, Soon applied two coats of the textured polish Georgette from her collection launching in late September (for now try a simple matte nail using Jin Soon Matte Maker. To create the accent nail, apply your polish in quick short strokes vertically down the nail. Soon used Chamonix, another one of her colors launching in late September (Obsidian is a similar color).

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Venetian Manicure
The Look:
Tadashi Shoji's elaborate lace gowns and capes were accented with an equally intricate crisscross nail art design. The glittery and pastel shades were chosen to reflect the beautiful colors of Venice, Italy, but could easily be switched out for any shades you'd like to contrast.

The Technique:
Butter London global color ambassador, Katie Jane Hughes, applied Butter London Nail Foundation mixed with Butter London Nail Lacquer in High Tea (available in 2015 -- try Crumpet to get the look now) for a simple nude base color. Next, Hughes used a striping brush (part of the Butter London Colour Hardwear Nail Art Tool Kit ) to paint the brand's polish in The Full Monty in diagonal lines across each nail. The best part -- no jewelry is required for this sparkly nail look to stand out.

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Double Dip
The Look:
The newest trend in nail art: negative space (or in other words, the space surrounding a design). This negative space nail art with a double French tip design was created to go with the island vibe of Sophie Theallet's spring/summer 2015 collection.

The Technique:
Essie manicurist Julie Kandalec prepped nails with a base coat before applying Essie Nail Polish in Fiji (the lighter shade of the two) in an arc at the tip of the nails. (You can apply the polish in a wider band than it appears; another color will be painted over it.) To clean up any errors, use an angled eyeliner brush to clean along your arc. Next, Kandalec applied two coats of Turquoise and Caicos in an arc at the very tip of the nail, going over the Fiji polish. The look was finished with Essie First Base Base Coat , followed by Essie Good to Go Top Coat to cap the edges.

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Watercolor Dreams
The Look:
The nails at Rebecca Minkoff's New York Fashion week runway show were pure artistry in a lightwashed messy-on-purpose way that fashion experts pull off so well.

The Technique:
The true technique here -- don't be afraid if it doesn't look perfect. Essie manicurist Michelle Saunders started by applying Essie Nail Polish in Blanc for a bright base. Next, beginning at the nail bed, apply one coat of Essie's Bikini So Teeny to half of the nail. On the other half of the nail, apply one coat of Turquoise and Caicos (clearly a must-have shade for spring if you don't already have the cult favorite). Allow the two shades to overlap each other slightly. Then dip a striping brush in the shade Lollipop and draw a thin horizontal line between the two shades. Note: this needs to be done when the polish is still wet to get that bleeding color look.) Finally, blend Essie Good to Go Top Coat over the polishes, sweeping the brush toward the tip of your nail.

Us trend spotters go back and forth on whether nail art is in or out, and whether it should be minimalist or bold and graphic. Regardless of what's in vogue, we'll always be fans of statement-making nail art -- and the nail looks at New York Fashion Week are some of our favorite designs yet. Fashion Week debuted gorgeous nail polish colors we're anxiously waiting for come spring, the new negative space manicure trend and a whole lot of intricate designs we're dying to DIY. Here, 12 Fashion Week nail art ideas to try at home.
BY HAYLEY MASON | SEP 12, 2014 | SHARES
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