Back

Betina Goldstein's guide to perfecting her signature polka dot mani

No fancy tools or talents necessary

By Delaney Loane

Digital Beauty Editor / August 05 2020

There's just something about a subtle polka dot nail art moment that screams fancy, so you’d be forgiven for assuming that the application process would involve a lot of similarly fancy tools (and some equally fancy artistic ability).

Really, though, the opposite is true. In fact, according to celebrity nail artist Betina Goldstein, all you’ll need is your polishes, a pen, a piece of foil and a smidge of patience.

Not too much patience, though – Goldstein’s go-to minimalist aesthetic only features the dot design on two fingers per hand, with block colour on the rest. Definitely doable.

Ready to roll? Here’s how to nail your new favourite nail look.

Step 1

First, pick out your two polishes – remember, one shade will be used on the index and middle fingers (as the base behind the polka dot designs) and the other for the thumb, the pinky, the ring finger, and the polka dots themselves. Oh, and grab your favourite pen of course; one you’re willing to dip in polish, that is.

Step 2

“Apply a thin coat [of polish to each respective nail]” Goldstein advises. Repeat if you’re working with opaques; otherwise, one layer will do for sheer shades.

Step 3

“Place a small amount of [your dotting colour] onto a small piece of aluminum foil.” Goldstein selected Chanel’s Le Vernis Nail Colour in Harmony, a deep seafoam green, and we're big fans.