Coming up with a chic Fourth of July nail art idea [1] can be daunting. If you like to show your Americana spirit on your fingertips, then you'll find an overwhelming number of options out there. You can go with the obvious — stars and stripes [2] — or pick a more unexpected motif: dots.
We're a fan of polka dots since they're preppy, dainty, and eye-catching. Essie celebrity manicurist Michelle Saunders interpreted this idea with a nail design she calls Snap Crackle Pop (featured here) by changing the size of the dots in a gradual way. But she actually turned to fashion as her source of manicure inspiration [3]!
"For Snap Crackle Pop, I was inspired by a sheer white blouse with colorful round beads designed in a unique pattern," she told us. "I thought it would be perfect for nail art." We agree!
Keep reading to learn how to DIY it [4]. Note: Ballet Slippers is used, so you may not even have to buy all new colors.
Step 1
Start by applying First Base Base Coat [5] ($9).
Step 2
Next, apply two coats of Ballet Slippers [6] ($9) to each nail.
Step 3
Using the small end of a dotting tool, start near the cuticle and apply a line of dots up the nail with Midnight Cami [7] ($9), gradually increasing the size of the dots as you go up.
Step 4
Repeat step three with Meet Me at Sunset [8] ($9), Bikini So Teeny [9] ($9), and Viva Antigua [10] ($9) in the same pattern to complete the look.
Step 5
Finish with Essie Gel Setter [11] ($10) topcoat.
Final Look
Final Look
