First time I painted my polka dot manicure was on a rainy Tuesday and I never looked back. It was fun, a bit vintage and very foreign to the other polishes in my polish drawer. It became a full blown manicure obsession, from that one little manicure.
I think I’m going to wear these pink and blue polka dot nails for awhile, as they just make me smile when I look at them. It’s a color combination that’s not overdone, yet it’s still new. It can be used at brunch, in the office and really for no particular reason whatsoever.
In the last few years I’ve experimented with numerous dot patterns. Some were disasters. Some were my favorites and I would look at them for months.
In this post I am sharing my 15 favourite pink and blue dot designs! All of them are things I’ve worn and/or seen a friend wear in real life.
Before You Start: Quick Prep Tips
Before you dive into these designs, keep a few things in mind.
- Gather the right dotting tools. A dotting tool with a couple of different sizes of tips will provide you with much more control than a bobby pin or toothpick.
- Start with a clean base. Use a base coat before applying the polish to ensure that the polish will adhere and to keep the natural nail protected.
- Let each layer dry. The #1 cause of dots smudging or bleeding is from rushing between colors.
- Practice on paper first. A trial run will give you an idea of the pressure before you start working on your nails.
Classic and Timeless Polka Dot Nail Looks
These are the styles I always find myself returning to when I’m looking for something classic, yet fun.
1.Classic Pink Base with Baby Blue Dots
This is the design which began it all for me. The simple and sweet soft pink base with baby blue dots evenly placed on each nail.
The best materials are a creamy pink gel polish, and a small dotting tool to make even circles.
Suitable for those who want a simple, but well put-together look.
My suggestion is to start with your thumb and move to your pinky as it will leave your more dominant hand steady on the more difficult nails.
2.Navy Blue Tips with Hot Pink Dots
For inspiration, check out Instagram for hashtags #NavyPinkNails and #ColorfulFrenchTips.
This manicure looks more grown up with a navy blue tip as opposed to the classic white. Hot pink dots along the tip line will help to prevent it from being too serious.
Best materials: Deep navy polish for tip and fine detail brush for dots.
Ideal for: Nail art enthusiasts who are looking for a French manicure with a twist.
My suggestion: apply striping tape to get a nice crisp tip line before putting on the dots on top.
3.Pastel Pink and Sky Blue Dot Pattern
For inspiration, check out Instagram hashtags #PastelNailArt and #SoftGirlNails.
This one is soft and dreamy, and is a pastel pink with sky blue dots in an open and scattered pattern. Each time I wear it it reminds me of spring.
Best materials: sheer pastel polishes on top of a white base to ensure that the colors don’t fade to streaky.
Suitable for: All those who would like a soft, feminine appearance for everyday wear.
My advice is to apply two light coats of pastel polish as this will be much more even than one heavy coat.
4. French Tip Twist with Scattered Dots
I enjoy using a traditional French tip, and adding a few dots to the rest of the nail. It maintains all the classic shape, but with a fun twist.
Best material: nude or sheer pink, so that the white tip and dots are visible.
Ideal for: people going to work who don’t want to sacrifice a sense of self.
My tip: don’t make the dots too big or too high on the nail, otherwise the tip will not be the main focus.
Fun and Playful Dot Combinations
These looks are sure to provide some fun when I want it.
5.Mismatched Pink and Blue Dot Nails
Instagram Inspiration: #MismatchedNails or #NailArtInspo
Not all nails need to be uniform, and that is what it’s all about here. Some nails have a pink base and blue dots, others turn it upside down and one may not have any dots.
Best materials: 2 different polish shades that go well together and a dotting tool if the pattern is to be applied to some nails.
Great for: those who are creative and find it easy to get bored with the same manicure.
My advice: choose one nail (typically the ring finger) to be consistent and not move so your eye can rest.
6.Cotton Candy Swirl with Scattered Dots
For inspiration, check out the hashtags #CottonCandyNails or #SwirlNailArt on Instagram.
This is a swirl of pink and blue – just like real cotton candy – and a few dots when dry. Photos very well in the sunlight.
Best materials: marbling tool or thin brush to mix the two colors and then add the dots.
Suitable for: anyone that wants to make a statement for a night out or event.
My advice is to work fast before the base colours dry and then they will not blend.
7.Bubblegum Pink Base with Denim Blue Dots
Instagram inspiration: Instagram #BubblegumNails or #DenimBlueNails
This bubblegum pink, which is a bit of an unusual color for a denim, is a nice shade of pink and blue. Bold and muted are well contrasted, making it interesting.
Best materials: a shiny pink polish and a matte blue for the dots to give a contrast in texture.
Ideal for: those who wish to have a manicure that will look great in pictures.
My suggestion is to only apply a glossy top coat on top of the pink base coat, to preserve the matte dots.
8.Ombre Pink to Blue with Dot Accent
Instagram inspiration: #OmbreNails #GradientNailArt
A ombre base (pink to blue) is already a great look all by itself. It’s taken up a notch more with a few little dots along the transition line.
Best materials: a make up sponge to blend the ombre effect and a fine brush to do the accent dots.
Ideal for: special events – for a salon look.
My advice: don’t apply too much color at a time and use a light hand with the sponge.
Elegant and Special Occasion Styles
I go for a bit more sophisticated when I want to go out for a date night or event.
9.Matte Pink with Glossy Blue Dot Accents
Matte Nails or Glossy Accent Nails on Instagram.
The texture contrast of the matte pink base and the glossy blue dots on top really accentuates the blue dots. It’s contemporary and yet not over the top.
Best materials: a matte top coat on the base and regular glossy polish which is not removed for the dots.
Suitable for: those who wish to have an editorial, fashion forward appearance.
My suggestion is to apply the matte top coat first and then add your dots – this will keep your dots shiny on top.
10.Pink and Blue Dots with Gold Foil Details
Instagram ideas: type in ‘GoldFoilNails’ or ‘LuxuryManicure’.
For special occasions, this look can be enhanced with flecks of tiny gold foil in between the dots. It still feels like it’s wear-able, but in fancy attire.
Best material: Gold foil flakes pressed on top coat (which needs to be wet) and your regular pink and blue polish.
Ideal for: weddings, holidays or any occasion you wish to have your hands look good.
My advice: use a clean and dry brush to press the foil on, to prevent uneven sticking.
11.Coffin Nails with Micro Polka Dots
Instagram Idea: Type in #CoffinNails or #MicroDotNails
The longer coffin shaped nails will provide you with more surface area to work with, but I prefer the dots to be small and close together. Produces a textured effect, similar to fabric.
Best materials: a fine tip dotting tool, as the smaller the dot, the more precise you have to be on a longer nail bed.
Suitable for: all acrylic and extension users who desire to have a detailed design.
My advice: do small sections of the nail not the entire nail.
12.Rhinestone Studded Dot Design
Instagram ideas: type in #RhinestoneNails or #BlingNailArt
This design can be made more special occasion ready with a few painted dots, which can be replaced with tiny rhinestones. Typically I only put rhinestones on accent nails 1 or 2.
Best materials: small flat back rhinestones and tacky top coat to hold the rhinestones.
Use for: birthdays, holidays or when you need some extra sparkle.
My advice: Put on rhinestones before the top coat is completely dry, so that the rhinestones don’t slip around.
Short Nail and Minimalist Dot Styles
But short nails are just as worthy of love, and these do just that.
13.Almond Shape Mini Dot Design
Instagram ideas: type in #AlmondNails or #MiniDotNails.
Smaller, closer together dots will look great with shorter almond shaped nails as there is less to work with. This will prevent the design from becoming cluttered.
Best material: A small dotting tool tip (about 1mm) for proper proportion is the best material.
Suitable for: those who like to have shorter, less maintenance nails.
My advice: less is more and the dots should be spaced out and not be all over the nail.
14.Single Accent Nail Dot Look
For some Instagram inspiration, check out #AccentNail or #MinimalistNailArt.
If you don’t want to put the pattern on all of the nails, you can put it on one nail, typically the ring finger. The remaining ones remain just plain pink or blue.
Best Materials: Your two base colours of polish and a dotting tool for the one accent nail.
Suitable for: workplaces that have a conservative dress code or for those that are taking a step into nail art.
My suggestion: This is the simplest of the designs that are listed here, so it’s a good one to work on first.
Simple Pink and Blue Tip Dots
Instagram inspiration: type #TipNails and/or #SimpleNailArt
When I’m pressed for time, but want something cute, this is the design that I go with. Some dots along the end of each nail are all that’s needed for a speedy and tidy finish.
Best Supplies: two colors of polish that you like best and a toothpick or small dotting tool.
Suitable for: those who have to make last minute plans or those who are still in the beginning stages and need to build up their confidence.
My advice: I’m able to do the entire look in less than 20 minutes, including the dots.
