Variety of nail polish colors
Photo: Good housekeeping
Building your nail art kit requires a lot of items, and it wouldn't be nail art when there are nail polish. The basics would be reds, blues, pinks, nudes, white and black. You can add other colors as you go along so you would have a lot of options, like pastel or dusted colored ones, which are the ones most commonly used colors for kawaii nail art. There are the plain ones and glittered ones, which you should consider of having.
Top coat (glossy and matte)
Photo: Sally beauty, Skincare by Alana
This will serve as your base so you'll be able to paint your nails smoothly and evenly and as a finish so it would protect and would not chip or fade immediately, you wouldn't want your masterpiece to go to waste immediately, right?
Nail polish correction pen
Photo: Pro Impressions
This one is very useful especially if you're having trouble with cleaning the edges of your painted nails, because not all of us really have steady hands (but don't worry, it can get better with practice!), so if ever you are having trouble with even nail polish, you can correct them by just a few swipes from this glorious pen.
Stripping tape
Photo: Amazon
These metallic tapes are used to be pressed on your nails so you can paint over them and when you strip them out, voila! You have a straight line (like a professional!) and it's easy as 1, 2, 3!
Dotting tool
Photo: Wowser
This tool is essential if you want to achieve polka dot designs for your nails, or even tiny flower petals at ease. Just dip 'em and dot 'em!
Striper brush
Photo: Amazon
The name pretty much explains it, this is a thin brush used for drawing fine lines on your nail art creation, like, if you're to create a cartoon character, or draw some details, this would be the best tool for that.
Rhinestones, studs, glitter
Photo: Amazon, Pinterest
This is a must have on your nail art kit, these lovely decorations with be quite helpful to create the cutest nail art you can imagine.
Now that we have the list of all the basics you need to get, you can check out all the kawaii nail art we have compiled for you and maybe you'll be able to choose one and give it a go. Let's start!
1. Kitty paw nail art
Source: nailbees
This nail art is very cute and simple, pastel pink and whites with cute cat paw prints details and a matte finish. Just using few tools like the striper brush, glitter and a matte top coat can help you achieve this kawaii nail art. Watch the tutorial here.
2. Pusheen nail art
Source: cutepolish
A lot of people are very familiar with this kawaii cat named Pusheen. This kawaii kitty is a staple for a lot of kawaii items in the market, and even nail art is no exception. This tutorial will show you how to re-create this popular kitty, don't you just love the pastel colors and that cute little donut that Pusheen is munching on. Watch the tutorial here.
3. Sailor Moon Nail Art
Source: cutepolish
Who's not familiar with this famous Heroine? Sailor Moon has been an epitome of all things kawaii and beautiful even to date, merchandise based on this anime are still one of the best sellers in the kawaii community, you can actually find some cute Sailor Moon items if you click on this link.
This nail art features the two famous cats in the anime named Luna and Artemis but only in their silhouette. The tutorial is easy to follow so go ahead and try it out, watch the tutorial here.
4. Cloud and rainbow nail art
Source: Amy DIY
Just look at those kawaii faces on those clouds, don't worry, this is quite easy to follow. This nail are is perfect if you're a rainbow lover. Watch the tutorial here.
5. Pastel color block nail art
Source: HannahRoxNails
This one can be achieved if you have stripping tapes and pastel colored nail polish. This may seem so complicated as you stare at the photo above but you'll be surprised at how simple this kawaii nail art design is. So go ahead and check it out here at this link.
6. Pastel galaxy nail art
Source: Kelli Marissa
The rise of galaxy designs has been gaining popularity for years up to today, this print has been incorporated to many things, like food, cakes, or even wallpapers for your bedroom. But have you seen a pastel colored galaxy design? Yep, it exists and it is as majestic as the darker version, and the best thing is, you can apply that design on your nails! So don't waste anytime and head over to the tutorial so you can start galaxy-fying your nails.
7. Rilakkuma
Source: notyouraveragenails
Rilakkuma is a popular fictional character in Japan that is mostly featured in stationaries and other kawaii merchandise. Now he can be designed on your nails with this tutorial, who wouldn't want to have this cute, relaxed bear living on your nails, right?
8. 3D candy nail art
Source: BerryWhimsy
3D designs had been an evolution to nail art, these actually require quite some work but don't worry, it will not be that tedious. If you just patiently follow the step by step guide, you'll get there in no time. Candy nail art is perfect for all you sweet lovers out there, so try to give it a go by clicking here.
9. Rainbow Heart nails
Source: notyouraveragenails
This one is quite simple as the others, but definitely cute! You can try experimenting with you dotting tool and stripping tapes while using this kawaii nail art tutorial as a guide. Rainbows, hearts and nude shades nail polish that all go together? What? Believe it or not, it's a great outcome! Check the tutorial here.
10. Simple pastel gradient nails
Source: Ane Li
Who says kawaii and simplicity don't go hand in hand? If you're looking for something which is much more simpler and not too elaborate, gradient pastel nails can be as kawaii as it can get, without any drawings or any rhinestones attached to it. Using a few, easy to find tools and the right colors of nail polish, you can achieve this kawaii nail art in just minutes, with a gorgeous matte finish.
You can watch the tutorial right here.
Conclusion
Nail art can may complicated to some, but your skills can get better in time if you keep on practicing. Keeping steady hands can be tricky and may take a while to be able to master it, but believe yourself that you can do it soon enough so you can start making works of art using your nails as the canvass. Which of the kawaii nail art designs did you liked best? Are you willing to try any of them for yourself? Share with us on the comments below!