Blue nails are definitely a bit of a marmite thing! But I, for one, love them. Due to the coolness of the colour, they can add warmth to all skin tones which is always a good thing!
There are so many options for blue acrylic nails, in the last year or so, there has been a real explosion of powder blue nails. I have used a set of powder blue which I did on a client, for main photo of this article. It just creates a such a nice aesthetic!
Blue can be incorporated into a nail design, or it can be the main feature of a nail design. I went through a phase of raiding H&M for this £4 blue nail polish I couldn’t find anywhere else. I just used to wear it on it’s own, for months. I was obsessed with it! I also love splashes of blue or ombre blue. For this article, I have picked some of my favourite blue acrylic nail inspo from some really talented nail techs…
Hints of Blue
As I mentioned, I love when blue is used as a complimentary colour. It really pops when used for a design for blue acrylic nails! It looks amazing in stripes or polka dots, or as a tip or cuticle crown!
I love the abstract pattern created in this set by @iramshelton, its really well done and really pops off the nude background. Also, look at what I mean about highlighting a tan! This girl’s hand looks beaut!
Gradient Blue
A gradient is achieved by moving through different shades of a colour. This can be done either all on the same nail, with an ombre design, or it can be done with a new colour on each nail, as in this amazing set by @agaloreco!
I love this effect, and I love the tones chosen by this artist. They are sort of pastel and muted, its so effective. You could also spruce it up with brighter, bolder blues for Summer or for a holiday abroad! Remember what I said about highlighting a tan (yes I’m obsessed).
Blue Glitter
Come on, we were never going to get through a nail design article without me throwing in some glitter somewhere!
One of the first sets I ever did was in a similar blue glitter to this amazing glitter tip set done by @madeby.kit! This is such a beautiful set, I LOVE the way the artist has pulled the glitter down in a fade. It is stunning. Frankly, I want it. Glitter can also be used on the whole nail, alongside a set like this. BEAUT!
Blue Marble
Marble is the technique of the moment and it is easy to see why! It is so satisfying and the best thing, is it is not even that hard to achieve! There are a few different marbling techniques, I will go through them in an upcoming tutorial!
Blue could be incorporated into a white marble and look amazing – especially if highlighted with gold glitter or golf leaf! I absolutely love the way this artist has used a variety of blues for this marble design by @agaloreco.
Blue Ombre
Another way of doing a gradient, as mentioned above, is the ombre. Displayed perfectly in this gorgeous blue set which reminds me of the ocean by @livinglacquered.
There are a few ways of achieving an ombre nail design, mainly using either a sponge or a brush. I prefer a sponge, although don’t use one with too big holes in it or it ends up creating a bubbled effect which is hard to get rid of.
Lots of love,
S&G x
