Nail Trends for Summer 2012

Nail trends for summer 2012 include gradient manicures, accent nails and bead textured nails. Let's take a look at these three summer nail polish trends. You can use any nail polish to create these fun manicures.

Gradient Manicures

Here is how to get the gradient manicure nail trend for summer:

1.  Choose 2-4 colors of nail polish to use for the gradient. They can be in the same color scheme or contrasting colors.
2. Apply one layer of clear base coat.
3. Let nails air dry for at least one minute
4. Apply 1-2 layers of the palest colored nail polish, until opaque. 
5. Let nails dry completely.
6. Paint the next palest color of nail polish onto a make up sponge. 
7. Gently press the sponge onto a nail. Continue lightly pressing the sponge onto your nail, working from the top of your nail downward. Stop when some of the base color is still showing. Paint the same color polish onto the sponge and repeat on the next nail.
8. Let the polish dry.
9. Paint another makeup sponge with the next color of nail polish in your gradient. Press the sponge onto your nail, working your way to half way down your nail. Repeat on next nail.
10. Let the polish dry.
11. Repeat with the next color, but only press this color onto the top part of your nail.
12. Let the polish dry.
13. Finish with a large helping of clear top coat.
14. Allow nails to dry.
15. Marvel at your work of art.

Accent Nails

The accent nail manicure is one of the easiest forms of nail art. Simply paint your ring fingernails with a different design, color or texture of nail polish. You could use cremes on most of your nails and a glitter on your accent nail. Or keep with the same finishes, but use a contrasting color.

Here is how to get the accent nail trend for summer:

1. Paint all of your nails, expect for your ring fingernails with the same design or color of nail polish.
2. Paint your ring fingernails with a different finish, color, or design.

Let your imagination run! There are many ways to interpret this nail polish theme. Pretty much anything goes.

Bead Textured Nails

For the bead textured trend you can use the Caviar Manicure set from Ciate, or you can DIY.

Here is how to get the bead textured nail trend for summer:

1. Paint your nails with one layer of colored nail polish.
2. Let your nails dry. 
3.  Next, work one nail at a time. Paint another layer of polish onto one nail. Immediately pour micro beads onto the nail. Or carefully place them into a particular pattern.
4. Move onto the next nail.
5. Once all nails have beads on them, allow them to dry.
6. Then apply 2-3 thick coats of top coat to glue down the beads.
7. Show off your spectacular beaded nails right away (they don't last long!).

What are your favorite nail trends for summer 2012?