A month ago when Michelle Saunders from Essie painting my nails for the Rebecca Minkoff’s Spring 2017 show in Los Angeles, she taught me how to paint using negative space. Which means, roughly painting the shape onto your nail, then perfecting the shape of the design by removing unwanted polish with a brush and acetone. It’s much easier for folks with an unsteady hand (like myself!).

So here’s my play using the “negative space” technique.

Pick a color any color! I’m loving RM x Essie B’aha Moment. Next all you need is a nail brush and some acetone. I left my nail kit in NYC so I improvised by using one of my old makeup brushes. You’ll also need some cuticle oil because the acetone dries your skin out.

For this design, I wanted to paint the outline my nail but keep the middle clean of polish. Start by painting along the bottom and side of your nail. Making a “U” shape. It doesn’t need to be pretty because next you’ll take the brush dipped in acetone and erase unwanted polish from the center of the nail.

Once you’re happy with the bottom shape of it, paint the top tip of nail to complete the design.

Clean up any smudges with your wet brush.  

Apply a top coat and some cuticle oil and voilà! You’ve just completed a simple but interesting design. Thanks again for the tip Michelle!