To get picture-perfect results, you'll want a metallic shade, like Maybelline New York Color Show Nail Lacquer in Bold Gold ($4 at drugstores), and a pastel shade, like Essie polish in Mint Candy Apple ($8 at essie.com).

 

Got your polish? Fab! Now you'll need painter's tape (get it at the hardware store) and a small pair of scissors.

 

Apply metallic polish to all 10 digits and wait five minutes (or until dry).

 

Cut tape into narrow triangles and apply them in a zigzag pattern.

 

Paint over the entire nail and triangles with the pastel shade.

 

Peel off the tape after waiting just 10 seconds so polish is still wet.

 

Do just one nail for an unexpected accent or all 10 for a major mani.

 

Swipe each dry nail with a layer of topcoat to seal in your masterpiece.