Museum-quality nail art is making waves on the red carpet and spring fashion shows, according to the April 2012 issue of InStyle magazine. However, although they look intricate, these mini masterpieces are quite easy to do.

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To create the first moody design seen on Jen Kao's runway, nail professional Wanda Ruiz suggests coating nails in emerald green. Then, immediately swipe on a jet black polish, starting at the cuticle and stopping halfway. While the nail is still wet, quickly apply a clear topcoat to "diffuse the colors and achieve an airbrushed effect," she says. Keep your topcoat brush clean between applications by wiping it with a sheet of gauze soaked in nail-polish remover.

Recommended polishes: CND Colour polish in Green Scene and Blackjack.

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Paint on two coats of a raspberry-pink polish, says Ruiz. Once it's dry, use a thin detailing nail brush to paint a cross on your nail and fill two opposing squares with a contrasting darker hue.

Recommended polishes: CND Colour in Raspberry Parfait and Inkwell.

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