Since I am relatively new to the DIY scene when it comes to nails, I was a bit nervous to make my first attempt with DIY nail art. I have always preferred nail art to be on the understated side. In my opinion, a single embellished nail (for some reason the ring finger just seems best) on each hand presents better than enhancing all ten nails. I recently came across a nail appliqué kit that: (1) matches my personal style, (2) claims to be cohesive with gel nail polish, and (3) touts an application technique that actually seems doable. So, I decided to give Dashing Diva Design FX a try along with my much-awaited bottle of CND Shellac in Cityscape.

Fortunately, the Dashing Diva Design FX appliqués were very doable (even for a newbie), and worked seamlessly with my regular Shellac manicure.

Overall, I’m pleasantly surprised by my success with my first attempt at DIY nail art. Keep reading for photos and the complete tutorial.

1. Apply CND Shellac base coat, color coats, and top coat as directed. Remove tacky inhibition layer with a lint-free pad soaked in 99% isopropyl alcohol.

2. Using cuticle scissors, cut an appropriately sized nail appliqué to match your chosen fingernail’s size (in my case, the ring finger) as closely as possible and set aside. Apply a thin layer of CND Shellac base coat to the ring finger of one hand (making sure the cap the free edge) and cure under a UV light as directed. Repeat on other hand. (I find it’s easier to polish, cure, and cut the appliqué using my non-dominant hand first; e.g. I am right-handed, so I get the tough stuff out of the way first by using my left hand.)

3. Carefully apply the cut-down appliqués to your chosen nails of each hand. Use an orange stick to smooth any uneven areas. If the nail appliqué is longer than your nail, tuck the extra length under the free edge and gently use a coarse nail file to remove the excess. Apply a thin coat of CND Shellac top coat to the nails with an appliqué, making sure to cap the free edges, and cure under a UV light as directed.

*Please note: CND Shellac is a professional only product, to be applied and removed at a salon by a trained professional; I am a licensed cosmetologist.