5.02.2012

DIY: Beaded Nails for $5




  • You'll need nail polish & microbeads--check your local craft store or online for these. Bead seeds will not work--trust me! ;) Edit: I also found them at the Dollar Tree, so check them out too.
  • I think it looks best if the beads and polish match--so any gaps not filled by the beads will blend right on in. I used Wet N Wild's I Need a Refreshmint and microbeads from Martha Stewart.

  • If your polish has really good coverage, all you'll need is one coat. If not, add a base coat and allow to dry.
  • While polish is still wet, pour the beads on the wet nail over a container. You'll be able to pour the unused beads back into the bottle. Be liberal with the pouring. Go crazy! I used a small bottle and have most of it left.
  • Tap off excess beads on the side of the container, gently pat any beady bumps down, and allow to dry thoroughly.
  • Add a clear coat if desired.

it's like a bubbly mermaid tail! Ok, maybe only to me!
T I P S :
  • Seed beads don't work--while small they're just not small enough. Microbeads are best.
  • I really suggest the matching polish. I tried this on clear nails and it didn't look as good, plus I feel like the polish is thicker (maybe it's just me??).
  • I tried dipping my nails, using a brush, and a couple of other methods, but pouring seemed to work the best.
  • I've averaged around 5-7 days with the beads and didn't have bead fall out for most nails--this is with a clear coat. The clear coat with change the color of the beads, however. I merely peeled the nails off (which I took too much delight in) or put them in acetone for a minute when I was over them.
  • Use caution if washing hair (I've not washed my hair with caviar nails, but I have had my fingers in my hair with no problem), eating with fingers, or if around small children/pets/plants (ok, I just made that last one up) etc. Just use gloves over your nails instead.
  • To get the effect from my original inspiration, just buy different colors of beads and mix!
  • Think of different color combinations. Try different designs, like stripes! Have fun.
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PS: Check out my VELVET NAILS tutorial
It's gonna be big this fall!

46 comments:

  1. That is awesome! I would probably pick it all off in 20 minutes but it would be worth it for the first 15! ;)

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  2. Ah! I've been dying to try this, now I definitely have to!

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  3. okay, those nails are so cool. but i feel like i'd have them on for one day and they'd fall off.

    http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com

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  4. whoaaaa this looks so cool and it looks like I actually could do it!!! I seriously want to try it for the Derby this weekend.

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  5. i am not too crazy about caviar nails, but i really like this diy project -- so cool! :D

    <3, Mimi
    http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/

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  6. I like the idea of this DIY, very creative and you've done it so neatly and perfectly without a flaw. Think I'd prefer sparkles or sequins.

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  7. I LOVE THIS! Is it inappropriate for me to wear this to work as I work in a super conservative industry...commercial insurance. I think not! I may get strange looks but the heart wants, what the heart wants!

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  8. Those tips seem very helpful, like around washing hair and eating with hands and stuff...I would like to try them maybe for a special night and then remove them in the morning because they seem super special.

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  9. Wow, this is so cool!!! And it sounds like a really durable manicure (I love peeling my nail polishes too).


    Courtney ~ http://sartorialsidelines.com

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  10. omg, love this!! so glad you do the research for us :)

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  11. Love, love, love this! You are the beauty queen!!!

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  12. Yeah, I couldn't believe $25! You are so clever Elle for figuring out a DIY

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  13. this is such a great idea. I'm so going to have to try it out.

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  14. my girls are going to love this one!

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  15. How fun! I could do that for girls night out.

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  16. That is so cool! Do they feel weird when you have them on? I love how they look I'm just curious because I think I would feel like I'd have to be extra careful!

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  17. Amazing idea, fabulous nails!
    xoxo
    Jelena

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  18. These are so fabulous! I love that you created the nails for only $5 vs. $25!!

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  19. this is seriously so awesome!

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  20. This is fabulous. I want to try and hope mine come out just as good.

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  21. Do you have to dip your lips in glue to get that on your lips?

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  22. Ok you totally rock my world!!! Love this! I've been dying to try Ciate caviar but haven't picked it up yet. I'd love to try this side by side. What a great savings! :) xoxo

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  23. I've been dying to try Ciate's polish, and am so glad you reviewed caviar polishes. Your nails look great. I am even more excited to try! xo style, she wrote

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  24. This is really cool, and youve sold me by telling me how long these nails lasted! I've always thought caviar nails would fall off in a day! Not sure if i could manage 5-7 days without washing my hair though, it gets so oily :(

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  25. omg those are SO COOL!!! and i love the color.

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  26. I've never heard of this caviar nails, and your DIY is just soooo freaking awesome! Seriously!
    Emmy
    http://scarberianfashionlover.blogspot.com

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  27. What a fun, creative manicure! Love.
    xo Josie
    www.winksmilestyle.com

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  28. You always have the best DIYs!! So cute. I never heard of caviar nails...but now I want to try it!!

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  29. LOVE this tutorial! I've been reading about using microbeads instead but knowing that MS makes some, makes it so much easier to find! Xox <3 hautepinkpretty.com

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  30. Oh how fun and pretty are these?! Would be great for a fancy night out.

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  31. Yow! I love it, though it wouldn't last long, I can just see me picking them off one by one..lol!

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  32. These are adorable.. LOVE them!!

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  33. I love it! and yes it does look like a mermaid tail!

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  34. This is amazing. For some reason I do not have patience for nail art., can you believe it? I wish I could do this. haha! Great job! xo

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  35. Your caviar nails look cool. Do they feel funny when you run your fingers over them?

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  36. I love this look, but I think it might be a bit too high maintenance for me (with the hair washing and eating with your fingers issues). However, I love that you were able to create the look for less.


    *Erin

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  37. this is really fun and seems easy enough! i would like to try this!!

    [oomph.]

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  38. So i was totally inspired by this and went out and got the martha microbead set!

    one piece of advice i have is to absolutely put a top coat on. it'll keep the beads in place. if not, they'll fall out after one day.

    **however, (and maybe it was the top coats i used) it did alter the color of the beads. my pink turned a little more orange. but i put on a clear/white bead last night and it looks fine.

    this is definitely for an accent finger or special occasion.

    if i were to do my whole hand again, i'd do it for a wedding or something fun where it didn't really matter the next day what my polish looked like.

    i've also washed my hair with the top coated beads and it's totally fine.

    if you'd like to check out the two pictures i posted on my instagram, find me at adidaswmmng

    THANKS!

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  39. What type of clear coat is everyone using because I feel all the ones I have are so thick and just really destroy the effect the beads are used for.

    biancatorres1@cox.net

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  40. i have been dying to try this on my blog! i love the way yours turned out! i really wanted the ciate one's and i hear they last much longer but eff that! i am right with you! i aint paying that price! plus, you can do any color caviar you want if you stick with martha stewart! haha!

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  41. This is so cool! I suck at doing my nails. But, this I can do!

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  42. Hii will you send me the link where is can order the beads:) xxx
    thanks. greetss soraya

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