to create this look, you will need: 
-micro beads
-nail polish of choice
-two bowls (one to mix the beads in and one to catch the remaining ones)
-a flat makeup brush for setting the beads

i purchased 2 larger containers of beads (one white and one black) and a set of smaller ones consisting of  light blue, dark blue, green, pink, red, and purple beads.


where: michaels
brand: recollections (martha stewart makes these as well but for 3 times the price)
price: $1.99 for the the black and white micro beads each and $4 for the 6 pack of multi colored micro beads. michaels is having a 50% off sale on this brand, so don't waste any time.

Click here to get a 20 count set of micro beads! :)

before painting your nails, prepare a mixture of what beads you want. you can do this or just use one color:

after you prepare your color choice of beads, paint your nails one coat of nail polish.  i'm using "beach cruiser" by orly from their new summer collection.

where: ulta
brand: beach cruiser by orly in their 2012 summer collection called "feel-the-vibe"
price: $8.50 each

it's VERY vibrant in person, it appears dull on camera.

this color may be sold out since the collection is new: 

Click here to buy this nail polish for $2 cheaper :)


the next part is the most important- paint your second coat of nail polish more thick than you usually would. this holds the beads in place:

since the nail needs to be wet when you sprinkle on the beads, you have to do one nail at a time.

slowly sprinkle the beads onto the wet nail- they cling flawlessly:

after the beads cling to your nail, take a flat makeup brush and gently (let me stress that...
G-E-N-T-L-Y) pat the beads. this will set them into the polish:

the brush i'm using:

where: target
brand: elf
price: $1

to store the excess beads, i used an old lotion bottle from a hotel.

believe it or not, after that you are FINISHED! dry time is quick, and a top coat is optional. not only is this look cheap, but it is far more simple than it looks. it only took me a total of about ten minutes even though it looks as if it requires time and skill.

completed look:

If you sprinkle your nails, tweet me a picture here! :)

thanks for reading!
-leah