If makeup is a form of wearable art, nail polish is the longer lasting option. You (should!) take off your makeup at the end of the day but the right products and proper care can make your painted tips last for 3 weeks. I love being able to enjoy my vanity project for a little longer, and contrary to what some people think, short nails can rock nail art designs, too!

#1: French-inspired

This old classic actually looks fresh and trendy when worn on short nails! Instead of a thick, solid white band, use a striper nail art brush to paint a thin line right at edge. The contrast between this border and the rest of your nail actually creates the illusion of longer nails. And since we're having fun, don't feel obligated to use white. Pick a bright, eye-catching shade or mix two for even more colorful tips!

If you prefer to use the traditional French tip colors of nude and white, you can update the look and make it work better for short nails by creating a soft gradient. The faded ombre effect allows you to have more pronounced tips without the contrast cutting across your nail.

#2: Color scheme

Is it cheating if you just use a different color of polish for each nail? If you can do a decent DIY manicure but simply cannot with those tiny nail art brushes, this hack is for you. Color scheme nails doesn’t require any fancy techniques or tools, but it does require careful planning. The nail polish shades and the order in which they are placed are guided by the principles of complementary colors. To make it easy, simply use a free online color scheme generator.

Tip: Depending on the salon you go to, this look may not be considered as a nail art service, so you can just get it done as a regular mani!

#3: Cuticle crescents

Are your nails short as a result of a nail-biting habit? There are nail art options for you, too! Focus your design on the base of the nail instead of the usual middle or tips. In this way, you’ll be able to preserve your nail art for a bit longer. Stripes are easy to do but create a nice impact, and two complementary colors on an otherwise bare nail look especially striking.

#4: Sticky situation

Another sort of cheat hack: use nail stickers! Just get your base coat and color done, then relive your childhood by covering them with decals. As someone with very small hands, I usually avoid overly playful nail art looks because I’ll look like I’m 3, but there are more elegant nail sticker designs available now. I’ve seen them in the -so stores and in Landmark’s beauty department, plus there are so many cheap ones on Shopee.

#5: Gold prisms

Forget glitter - gold and glass is where it’s at! This look actually also uses holographic stickers inspired by Unistella’s shattered glass nails, and adds gold foil to make them look like crystals. I’ve spotted “aurora glass paper” on Shopee but haven’t tried them yet. Keep an eye out for them when shopping in South Korea or Japan.

#6: Bejeweled

I spotted this opulent sample on Marc Jacobs’ Instagram feed; he loves getting nail art and regularly shares his manicures. The artist, Mei Kawajiri, meticulously applied each Swarovski crystal to make sure they wouldn’t fall off. Hey, if you’re going over the top, go all the way! Kiyosa Beauty in BGC does this kind of nail art, but you can attempt to DIY with nail gemstones sold in stores. Do make sure to use a safe and reliable nail glue, though.

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