While we’re all about bright, solid shades for our summer manis, we like to experiment with graphic nail art too. Nail art is an easy way to switch up your look and can be a great way to use the polishes that rarely make it into your regular rotation. Need inspo for your next look? Enter this fun and festive watermelon manicure. It’s easy to DIY, is playful without being childish and pays homage to this summer’s buzziest fruit: watermelon (sorry pineapple, it was fun while it lasted). Get the look from Essie, ahead: STEP 1: Start by prepping your nails with Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil. It seals in moisture and rehydrates dry nails. STEP 2: Wipe off excess oil with nail polish remover, and apply two thin coats of Essie First Base Base Coat. STEP 3: Next, apply two coats of Essie Skinny Dip, a sheer light peach pink. STEP 4: Paint watermelon slices on each nail using Essie Watermelon. Feel free to switch up the slice on each nail. One watermelon can be half moon while the other is the triangular tip of a watermelon slice — it’s up to you! STEP 5: Using Essie Mojito Madness, draw the rinds of the watermelon on the edge of your watermelon slices. You can even mix it up and add some uncut melons. If you do, try Essie Chillato for those squiggly lines. STEP 6: Use Mojito Madness to draw watermelon leaves — this creates the illusion of a watermelon patch. STEP 7: For the seeds, use Essie Licorice, a true black shade. For this tiny detail, try a dotting tool or a bobby pin to get the look just right. STEP 8: Finally, apply a coat of Essie Gel Setter for a high shine finish.
