This Rhinestone French Mani is Like Jewelry for Your Nails–Here’s How to DIY The Year’s Must-Try Trend

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your nails some love. If you’re looking for an alternative to the classic red nails or heart designs, pairing a soft pink nail polish with some sparkly rhinestone accents can take you from date night to Galentine’s Day, not to mention prom and wedding season.

According to Pinterest, accessorizing with jewels is one of the year’s must-have trends, from dermal piercings to tooth gems to rhinestone eye makeup . Call it the Euphoria effect combined with the revival of Y2K fashion, when everything was bedazzled. And, honestly, who doesn’t love a little extra sparkle?

Whether you’re decked out for a lavish night out or getting cozy with a movie night in, this rhinestone nail look is fun, flirty, and easy to achieve at home! Scroll on to see what you’ll need and how to do it.

Rhinestone Nail Art

Supplies:

• Base coat
• Sheer neutral nail polish (I used Essie Ballet Slippers)
• Pale pink nail polish ( I used Essie Air Spun Fun)
• Nail art brush (optional)
• Small nail gems/crystals
• Gem picker or tweezers
• Glossy  top coat (I used Essie Top Coat)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep and file your nails to your desired shape. Taking your time with nail prep ensures a longer-lasting manicure!

Step 2:  Apply a thin layer of base coat.

Step 3: Apply one thin layer of a sheer neutral nail polish.

Step 4: Next, you’ll draw on your french tip with a pale pink nail polish. I prefer to sketch out the shape with a thin nail art liner brush and then fill in with the nail polish brush. You can also just use the nail polish brush to create the shape; it all depends on what you’re comfortable with!

Step 5: Let your french tips dry, and have your nail gems and tool for gem placement ready.

Step 6: Working one finger at a time, apply a top coat and while it’s still wet, place your gems on the nail. I like to place four gems per nail and stagger the placement.

Step 7: If the top coat dries before you can place all your gems, you can also put a bit of top coat on the back of your gem and then place it. Nail glue is also a great option for adhering the gems to your nails.

Step 8: Let the design dry and finish with cuticle oil!

Did you try this rhinestone nail art? Show us your sparkly mani on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus! To shop Valentine’s outfits, date night looks, wedding guest styles, and more in our Cocktail Dresses Shop!

Melanie Graves is a self-taught nail art enthusiast who loves to create colorful, easy DIY designs for the fellow home manicurist.