How-To: Magazine Nails

After posting my friend’s music nails a couple months ago, I was determined to try out the ink-transferring technique myself. It turns out magazines work just as well as newspaper and sheet music! I like how the old Seventeen magazine I used gave my nails a bit of diversity. Also, the process was quicker and easier than I thought it’d be. I’ve had so many people stop and ask me how I did it, so I’m happy to share this with all of you so that you can try it out soon too.

1. Cut out pieces of paper that approximately fit the size of your nail. I used different patterns and colors, but it’s up to you! (My favorite was the cursive writing.)

2. After painting nails white and letting them fully dry, dip a finger at a time nail side down in rubbing alcohol (or vodka!) for a couple seconds.

3. Press one strip of paper on your nail for a few seconds until the ink transfers. I gently pressed mine and lifted up a corner to see my nail and look if the ink was there before taking the whole strip off. Mine took approximately ten seconds per nail.

4. After making sure the ink has COMPLETELY dried, put on a layer of topcoat to seal in the design. I usually mention in my how-to’s how I never use topcoat, but this time I made sure that I did to prevent smearing and smudging of the ink.