A close-up of fingernails stamped with an intricate rose pattern in metallic silver over a soft dusty-pink base, set against a blurred pastel background.

Nail art & stamping adventures

by Kitt McFarlane

Stamping & Nail Art

Nail stamping designs and techniques using MoYou London plates, squishy stampers, and a variety of metallic and creme polishes. From delicate roses to bold geometric patterns, stamping opened up a whole new world of creative manicures.

Kleancolor metallic polishes became a firm favourite for their crisp transfer, while Covergirl Black Diamond and Cult Nails Lethal proved themselves as reliable stamping staples. Mundo De Unas stamping polishes — including #15 Mexican Pink — also made regular appearances.

A dark slate chalkboard covered in hand-drawn nail-art sketches: swirling roses, cherry blossoms, and geometric chevron patterns in white and pale pink chalk, with a few smudged eraser marks adding texture.

MoYou London Pro Collection

Plates XL 07, XL 11, and XL 14 were go-to favourites for intricate designs.

Designs & Techniques

Stamping wasn't the only trick in the toolbox. Alongside plate-based designs, Kitt experimented with a range of nail-art techniques to build depth and texture:

  • Freehand glitter placement — individually positioning glitter pieces for precise sparkle accents.
  • Sponging — gradient effects achieved by dabbing polish through a makeup sponge.
  • Saran wrap dabbing — a marbled, textured finish created by pressing crumpled plastic wrap onto wet polish.

Popular stamped motifs included roses, cherry blossoms, geometric grids, and holiday-themed patterns for occasions like St Patrick's Day and Australia Day.

Stamping Favourites

Three bottles of metallic nail polish in gold, silver, and rose-gold tones lined up on a white surface, reflecting soft light.

Kleancolor Metallics

Vivid metallic shades that transferred cleanly onto the stamper and delivered sharp, opaque results on the nail.

A single bottle of deep charcoal nail polish with a glossy cap, resting on a textured grey fabric background.

Covergirl Black Diamond

A rich, dark polish that doubled as an excellent stamping formula — dense enough to show up over light and dark bases alike.

A bottle of vivid hot-pink stamping polish beside a silicone stamper head, both on a clean white backdrop.

Mundo De Unas #15

Mexican Pink — a bold, highly pigmented stamping polish that popped brilliantly over neutral and pastel base colours.

A rectangular MoYou London stamping plate with etched floral and geometric designs, held at an angle to catch the light.

MoYou London Plates

Pro Collection plates XL 07, XL 11, and XL 14 offered everything from delicate blossoms to striking geometric repeats.

Want to see which polishes were paired with these designs? Browse the Brands section for swatches and reviews, or visit the Archive to explore posts by date.