PinspiratioNAIL – Maybelline Bleached Neons Interlocking Dots Nail Art Tutorial
Normally, when I see a neon nail polish collection, I cringe a bit inside. While bright and fun, neons are notorious problem children. They are plagued by opacity issues, streaks and the need for a white base coat. In other words… TOO.MUCH.WORK!
Thankfully, we’re seeing some non-traditional neons this season, like Essie’s version and now the Maybelline Color Show Bleached Neons, which are a not-so-in-your-face take on the day-glow brights we typically associate with the genre. I decided to tackle one of my first PinspiratioNAIL pins, a look I’ve been wanting to try for a while now, with these punchy new shades.
The Pinspiration
When I spied this interlocking dots look on Pinterest, I was instantly smitten. I don’t know who originated the technique but I loved this pink and black take on it by Polish Obsession for Subliminally Smitten.
The only problem, I wasn’t sure which of the seven Bleached Neons I wanted to use. Originally I thought of doing a rainbow style look but, as you can see, not all of the color combinations popped. Time to scale back.
The contrast of Day Glow Teal with both Ultra Violet and Lime Accent appealed to me most so they made it into the final look. Plus, they are the most pigmented shades which is optimal for dotting.
From thumb to pinkie (without top coat): Maybelline Ultra Violet, Maybelline Day Glow Teal, Maybelline Lime Accent, Maybelline Bleached In Peach, Maybelline Coral Heat, Maybelline Pink Punch. The only Bleached Neon I omitted was Maybelline Citrus Collide because, yellow (need I say more?).
Get The Look
Interlocking Dots Tutorial
1. Apply your base color. I alternated between Day Glow Teal and Lime Accent and used Ultra Violet on my thumb.
2. Apply your contrast color to the top half of the nail, on an angle. I do this freehand, starting at the mid-point of the nail, swiping towards the opposite upper corner. The line doesn’t need to be perfectly straight as the dots will cover it.
3. Use a dotting tool to apply dots with your base color along the upper side of the line you created. Try to space the dots evenly apart and just slightly overlapping the line. Add additional dots to the upper half of the nail, in a consistent pattern.
4. Apply dots in your contrast color along the lower side of the line, in between the first set of dots. Add additional dots to the lower half of the nail, in a consistent pattern.
5. Wait 15-20 minutes for your dots to dry before applying top coat. I used HK Girl from Glisten & Glow to avoid smearing.
Dotting Tips: Work quickly with your polish once you pour it out. The longer it’s exposed to air, the thicker it becomes. To achieve evenly sized dots, press until you just feel the dotting tool hit the nail surface and clean between each nail.
The Maybelline Bleached Neons are limited edition and available now at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide. Maybelline Color Show nail polish retails for $3.99/ea for a .23oz bottle. I’ve also seen them on eBay.com, if you’re looking for an online outlet.
Have you spotted the Bleached Neons in store yet? Which shades do you plan to pick up? Have you tried this interlocking dots technique? What are your favorite color combos for it?
Disclosure: Product samples were provided by reps for Maybelline. Affiliate links appear in this post. When you purchase through an affiliate link, you help support this site. For more info view my Disclosure Policy.
Lisa N.
Ms Meatballhead
Birdie
Spa pediccure chairs
Awesome interlocking design you created with the colors.
Thanks Lisa!
I really like the design you did and I already spotted the collection in my country but I won’t buy it, because I don’t see a great difference between these “bleached neons” and normal pastell toned colors. to be honest I feel a bit pranked, a new name for old shades doesn’t seem right to me…
nevertheless I’m a great fan of your blog, your swatches are my favourites, because you show the colors well and the description is really good!
Hi Frankie! Thank you so much. I’m flattered that you like my work. I see your point but I think that brands struggle to find ways to stand out in a market so saturated with polish. And I wouldn’t necessarily call these pastels. They don’t have that pale, chalky look I associate with pastels.
LOVE this look. Thanks so much – I had heard of these but wasn’t planning to get any as I wasn’t quite sure what they would look like. Off to find me some.
Happy hunting!
I can see my daughter loving this idea. Personally not a fan of neon, but these are growing on me.
You could try this look with more subtle colors or something more contrasting and graphic, like black & white.
I love this so much! I need to try it myself
I hope you do. Can’t wait see what colors you use.
I’m pretty sure Nail Polish Wars originated the interlocking design.
Thanks for letting me know. I’ve seen quite a few of them on Pinterest and didn’t know where it came from.
THEY ARE SUCH PRETTY COLORS OMG I WANT THEM!!!!
Love the enthusiasm!!
Such a pretty skittle look! So glad you liked my black and pink mani. Thanks so much for sharing it. Nicole of Nail Polish Wars originated the look, btw.
Hi Marisa! I’m so glad you like it and thanks for letting me know who came up with the design.
soo pretty..i will be trying this,though i might use tape for the second colour and hopefully i can try to dot at the right places..lol..iam looking forward to your jelly sandwich nails with wet n wild deception.
Let me know how it works out for you. Though I’m sorry but I’m not familiar with WnW Deception.
As promised, here is my silly attempt at recreating your nail art. .. Although not as perfect hope you like it
Let me know what you think
http://talkerblogger.wordpress.com/2014/05/17/interlocking-dots-nail-art/
Thanks for sharing! I’m so glad you tried it.
Wow, really nice.
And the colors are very pretty.
I love this line of neons. I am not a huge fan of pastels and these really are toned down neons. Bright but no day glow. I picked up all but the yellow one.
Great tutorial! I’ve always wanted to try this technique!
I hope you’ll send me pic if you do. I’d love to see
They are nice colours for summer and what great nail art! I can barely keep up with all the ranges Maybelline seem to be bringing out in the UK at the mo!
Love this look! Great job!
Yours turned out better than the inspiration picture! You are absolutely fab!
Wow, thank you so much Shalene. I’m flattered.