Try a Striped Negative Space Manicure to Up Your Nail Game This Season

If you typically go for bold and graphic nail designs, a striped negative space manicure is perfect for the end of summer. In a transitional palette of bold blue, white, and black, this color block mani works for hottest months of the sunny season, as well as the early days of fall.

The graphic, modern design of this negative space manicure lets you have a little fun with your nails while still looking sophisticated. It’ll look chic by the pool (hello, Labor Day), on your next vacation, or as an elevated accent to your date-night LBD.

Ready to leave a blank space, baby? See how to get the look below.

Negative Space Manicure

Supplies:

• Blue nail polish  (I used Veque En Blue)
• White nail polish (I used Veque Fantome)
• Black nail polish (I used Veque Memorie)
• Nail art tape
• Matte top coat (I like Jin Soon Matte Maker)

(Pro tip: Veque polishes are great for this because they are really high pigment and require only 1 coat)

Instructions:

1. Using nail art tape, tape off the bottom half of the nail and paint each nail in the colors as shown, or switch it up with your own favorite palette to mix and match shades. Nail art tape can be purchased at many beauty supply stores, or here.
2. Let the bottom blocks of your nails dry for about 10 minutes.
3. To create the top color blocks, repeat the same process by taping off the top of the nail, using nail art tape horizontally on each nail. Be sure to peel the tape off right after applying your color.
4. If you see any mistakes, you can use any fine detail paintbrush, dipped in pure acetone, to clean up lines and make your design look polished.
5. Let your color block manicure dry for about 10 minutes, and seal the design with a matte top coat.

Did you try this negative space manicure? Show us on Instagram @Lulus using #lovelulus!

Cassandre Banel is a Seattle-based nail artist and beauty photographer.