7 Foolproof Color Combos for DIY Nail Art

"Neutral colors within the same family can be much more forgiving, as little imperfections are less noticeable. Pink on nude or anything tonal like light blue on a slightly darker blue always works well," says Tuttle.

When in doubt, layer a glitter, shimmer and holographic polish over any shade to get the most impact in a few swipes. Tip: Keep it concentrated to the tips for a gradient effect.

"Colors that pop a bit, like white, are easier to paint with because they allow you to instantly see where you are painting and correct any mistakes quickly," says Tuttle.

Don't put down that white polish just yet. For your next mani, try mixing it over a sheer neutral to create a marbled effect.

Prefer a vampier vibe? Black and burgundy pair nicely (and don't show any telltale streaks or wobbly lines because the colors are so dark). This works well with a rich navy as well. 

Fact: One of the easiest ways to dip your toe (or fingers) into DIY nail art is to add a special effect topcoat over a stark color like white or black. Bam! Instant party.

Last but not least, meet our go-to move when we've hit maximum decision fatigue: a multi-color mani that delights our inner child.