Let’s be real — salon nails are adorable, but watching $80-$200 vanish from your bank account every few weeks? Not so cute. 😅 Learning how to create DIY French Bow Nails can be a budget-friendly and fun alternative.
If you’re dreaming of girly almond nails with French tips and bows, but your wallet says “let’s not,” I’ve got you covered. This DIY aesthetic bow nail art tutorial will give you that clean coquette look without ever leaving your couch (or your sweatpants).
So grab your matcha, toss on your favorite hoodie, and let’s dive into how to do coquette nails at home — complete with links to the best coquette nail kit essentials for DIY.
🛍️ What You Need to Nail the Look
Affiliate disclosure: This post contains Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase — at no extra cost to you. I only share products I use and love!
1. Complete Nail Prep Kit
Why you’ll love it:
This kit is a lifesaver — nail file, buffer, cuticle pusher, trimmer, and even a little dusting brush. Skipping prep = peeling polish. Trust.
💡 Bonus Perk: Long-lasting polish starts here.
💰 Salon cost comparison: $30–$50 just for prep!
2. Sheer Pink Jelly Gel Polish
Why you’ll love it:
That soft pink glow is what makes soft pink nails with white bow look healthy and clean. It’s buildable, glossy, and gives “I drink water” vibes.
💡 Imagine This: A light pink base so perfect, you might skip the art altogether. Almost.
3. Bright White Gel Polish
Why you’ll love it:
Perfect for French tip nails with bow accent. This white polish is smooth, no streaks, and cures like a dream.
💰 Multi-use magic: Great for tips, bows, and even a DIY pedi.
**Complete Gel Nail Color Kit with UV Light
4. Thin Nail Art Brushes (3-Pack)
Why you’ll love it:
Get that perfect cute bow manicure with gel polish — even if your hands shake while you text. These brushes make it easy to draw bows, hearts, or minimalist art.
💡 Pro tip: Practice your bow on a Ziploc bag before your nail.
5. French Tip Sticker Guides (Optional but game-changing)
🛒 👉 These are super beginner-friendly
Why you’ll love it:
Not all of us have salon-level steady hands. These little stickers give you even, curved tips — no guesswork needed.
💰 Salon savings: $10–$20 extra just for French tips? Nah.
6. Compact UV/LED Nail Lamp
🛒 👉 This one’s powerful AND affordable
Why you’ll love it:
Cures your polish in 60 seconds, works with all gels, and won’t hog your desk space. A must for every nail girlie.
💡 Bonus Perk: Less time waiting = more time watching romcoms.
7. No-Wipe Glossy Top Coat
Why you’ll love it:
Your design deserves to shine. This top coat locks everything in, no sticky residue, and makes your mani last 2+ weeks.
💡 Reapply every week for a fresh-outta-salon finish.
8. Coquette Press-On Nails (Lazy Girl Option)
🛒 👉 Shop these coquette press-ons
Why you’ll love it:
No time to DIY? These press-ons scream coquette nail design ideas for beginners. Think bows, soft pink, and French tips in one click.
💡 Perfect for last-minute dates, brunch, or… life.
💅 How to Paint a Bow on Nails at Home
Step-by-Step: Your DIY French Tip + Bow Coquette Mani
Your you can purchase the bow: 3D Nail Bow Art
✨ Step 1: Prep is Key
File to almond shape, buff gently, push back cuticles. Cleanse with rubbing alcohol.
🛠️ Use: Nail Prep Kit
✨ Step 2: Add That Pink Jelly Glow
Apply 1–2 coats of sheer pink. Cure each layer under your UV lamp.
🎯 Goal: Healthy, glossy nail base = coquette perfection
✨ Step 3: French It Up
Use a thin brush or sticker guide to paint white tips. Cure.
💡 Pro Tip: A smile line that flatters = not too deep, not too flat.
✨ Step 4: Draw That Dainty Bow
Grab your nail art brush and white gel:
- Two soft loops
- A tiny center knot
- Optional ribbon tails
Cure when you’re happy with your art!
🎯 Hack: Draw it first on plastic wrap to practice.
✨ Step 5: Gloss + Lock It In
Top coat everything and cure one last time. Boom — done.
💡 Pro Tip: Apply cuticle oil after for the full salon effect.
💭 Imagine This…
You’re sipping an iced vanilla latte, fingers wrapped around the cup, and someone asks, “Where did you get your nails done?”
You grin. “Oh… I did them myself.” 😌
You spent under $50 on supplies that’ll last months, not minutes in a salon. And you can re-do them anytime — no appointment needed.
💸 Real Talk: How Much You’re Saving
| Item | Salon | DIY Version |
|---|---|---|
| Gel Mani | $50+ | One-time under $60 |
| French Tips Add-On | $15–$25 | Included |
| Bow Nail Art | $5–$10 | Free w/ tools |
| Time Spent | 1.5+ hrs | 30–45 mins |
Savings in 2 months? Easily over $100!
Plus, you control the vibe, color, and shape. All from your couch.
💖 Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This, Coquette Queen
This budget-friendly coquette nails DIY proves you don’t need a pro to look polished. With a few tools and the right mindset, you can rock soft pink nails with white bow that make people think you spent a fortune.
So next time you want a mani-moment? Skip the salon. Go coquette-mode — at home. 💅
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