How-To: Christian Louboutin-Inspired Nails

Did you know Christian Louboutin first created his signature red soles using nail polish? In 1993, the now world-famous shoe guru was working on a new prototype while an assistant sat near him painting her digits. Louboutin was instantly inspired by the cherry-red polish and slathered the bottoms of his heels with the lacquer. Now, the scarlet-soled stilettos are one of the most coveted shoe brands on the globe! Can't afford a pair of your own Louboutin pumps? Mimic the fierce style on your fingertips! Learn how to give your manicure a high-fashion makeover in three easy steps.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

1. 1 red nail polish   

2. 1 black nail polish

3. A cotton swab

4. Nail polish remover

Step 1

PAINT UNDERSIDE OF NAIL TIPS RED

Turn your hand over so the palm is facing up. Grab your red polish (we chose Deborah Lippmann Nail Lacquer in It’s Raining Men) and paint a thin coat to the underside of your nail tips. If you have shorter nails—ones that don't extend past the fingertips—get a set of clear press-on nails and paint the bottoms before applying them to your nails. Apply two coats of red polish on each finger and repeat process on your other hand.

Step 2

CLEAN UP SKIN SURROUNDING NAILS

Dip a Q-tip or a wooden nail stick with tissue on the tip into nail polish remover. Use the acetone-soaked end to remove any red polish that may have seeped onto your skin.

Step 3

PAINT NAILS BLACK

Next, paint two coats of black polish (we opted for OPI Nail Polish in Onyx) onto your nail tops. To really make your red pop, apply a white base coat before brushing on the black. If black is too edgy for you, try a beige or cream polish to replicate the brand's trendy nude pumps. Finish with a glossy top coat over the red and black polish for a patent leather effect.