nail art

Forgo the clichéd French manicure in favor of a more dazzling nail art design that's easy to DIY. Topping a sheer pink polish with a glittering tip is a fun update on the classic wedding manicure, and it doesn't require the precision of perfecting a white stripe.

For this bridal look, I started off with Essie First Base ($8) and then swiped on two coats of Chanel Le Vernis in Ballerina ($27). Next, I used Essie Set in Stones ($8) to create the glittering gradient on the tips. Do this by painting a thin layer of the sparkling polish halfway down the nail. Go back and swipe another layer only onto the tips of your nails. If you feel like your tips need even more sparkle, then simply go back and dab the glitter along the edges. For the final touch, I used Essie No Chips Ahead ($8) to seal in the look and ensure a long-lasting finish. The stunning results look a lot more complicated than they really are, giving you all the more reason to show off your wedding jewels.

'Tis the season for neon, but instead of just swiping your favorite electric hue across your nails, why not create a simple nail art design for even more impact? Instead of going for full-on neon yellow on my nails, I decided to create a reverse V-shape nail design, an edgier take on a classic moon manicure.

All you need to create this look is your favorite neon polish, tape, and a base coat (top coat is optional). I chose not to do a base color to make the neon really pop against the natural color of my nails. I started with Butter London Nail Foundation ($18) as a base coat to perfect my natural nails. It only takes a couple of minutes to dry, and then I placed two strips of tape at the tip of my nail to form the V shape. After painting on two thin coats of Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Rare ($14), I pulled off the tape while the paint was still wet. You can leave your nails as is for a matte finish, but I opted for a layer of Butter London Hardwear PD Quick Top Coat ($19) for fast-drying shine.

There are plenty of new pastel polishes available for Spring, and what better time than Easter try a floral design that features these soft-hued shades? This daisy design gives you a pretty look for Spring, and it's a lot easier to create than it seems. After applying a base coat, paint your nails in a pastel green shade. I used two coats of L'Oréal Nail Colour in Pistachio Dream ($6 at drugstores). Next, using the tip of a pencil, dot on a white polish, such as CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Snow Storm ($6), to create the five petals of a daisy. After you've created the five dots, go back and use a pencil tip to dab on the yellow center of the flower. I used Chanel Le Vernis in Mimosa ($27). You can also use different pastel polishes, like L'Oréal Nail Colour in The Palace Life ($6 at drugstores), to form different-colored flowers, too. Not only does the random placement of flowers keep the look fresh, but it also makes it even easier to do.

The moon manicure is a classic, but dotting a contrasting polish into a moon shape is a cool way to freshen up the traditional look. Plus, you don't have to have much dexterity to nail this look. After applying a base coat, I polished my nails with the new By Terry Nail Laque in Vintage Coral ($30) for a warm, vibrant base that's ideal for Spring. Next, I opted for a gold accent using Essie Good as Gold ($8) to create the spotted moon shape.

To do this, pour a little of the gold polish onto a piece of paper, and then use the tip of a pencil or bobby pin to dot the metallic hue onto your nail. You only need a small amount of polish for each dot, or else you might make them too big. Don't forget to seal the look with a high-shine top coat, like Essie Good to Go ($10), for a fast-drying finish.

Chloë Moretz's sweet 16 may not be until Sunday, but that didn't stop the young star from having a party — on her nails. Decked out in a multitoned pastel manicure at her 16th birthday bash, which was thrown by Teen Vogue and Aeropostale in New York City, Chloë accented a few of her fingers with tweed-like designs. These types of texturized nail-art looks are hotter than ever (Creatures of Comfort just did a fabric-inspired manicure at New York Fashion Week), but what do you think of Chloë's trendy, tactile style?

Valentine's Day offers the perfect excuse to have unapologetically girlie, romantic nails, like this dainty pink look accented with a bright pink heart and pretty polka dots. This sweet manicure has different elements happening at once, but it's easy to create and even easier to wear. First, I polished two coats of Deborah Lippmann in Prelude to a Kiss ($18) to form a pink base. Next, I used the Color Club Nail Art Pen Duo in White ($5) to dab on the delicate spots. If you already have a white polish, you can use that and the tip of a pencil to create the tiny dots. Once my ring finger polish was completely dry, I used this tutorial to form a heart-shaped stencil with tape. I finished by painting on MAC Nail Lacquer in Impassioned ($16) to create the bright pink accent. Go ahead and wear your heart on your fingertips!