Dots are the easiest place to start. Simple French tips and glitter gradients are also doable early on, but dots are the most forgiving. I did dotted manicures for months before trying anything else and still got compliments. A dotting tool costs a few dollars, or you can use a bobby pin.
To start you only need a base coat, a couple polish colors, a good top coat, and the dotting tool. Once you’re comfortable, add striping tape and a thin detail brush. How to Add Rhinestones on Nails? Paint a base color, let it dry completely, lay down the tape, paint over it, and peel while it’s still wet.
Clean up around your cuticles with a small brush dipped in acetone instead of trying to paint perfectly in the first place. A quick-dry top coat like Seche Vite also smooths over minor bumps.