If your mind’s hidden tab is constantly plotting your next nail art, you undoubtedly believe that life is too short for dull nails. Your nails are always in the limelight, no matter the occasion – even at this moment! This is reason enough to choose lively nail art that makes a statement on its own.
Table of Contents
We’ve rounded up the best nail art designs to help you nail your manicure.
1. Gel nail art
If long lasting nail paint sounds too good to be true, try dipping your talons in gel paint. Gel nail art, with its glossy finish, can last for as long as a month. If you’re down for a DIY, apply a pink gel base coat. Once the pink coat has dried, power up your creative mode and doodle with a white or black gel lacquer and a fine-tipped nail brush. Go crazy – the more abstract your designs, the quirkier the impact.
2. Acrylic nail art
Wouldn’t you rather have a manicure that looks equally good during the night as it does in day light? The variations of blue, punctuated with shimmer, in a bomb acrylic finish gives you a mani that can be effortlessly carried from a mid-day brunch to a late night party. The acrylic finish look with a glittery accent nail is not as difficult as it looks. All you need is paint and oodles of confidence to get it right
3. Geometric nail art
The beauty of geometric nail art is that you are the deciding architect of the structural design. If you’re down for a DIY all you need is some tape and plenty of patience. The key is to pick two accent nails and do an artistic, vibrant job with them. The world is your oyster, fill each grid with a contrasting shade and use thin black borders to bring out the definition. Ensure just the right amount of soft purple for the rest of your nails.
4. Floral nail art
If you think Floral nail art is all about dainty flowers against a pink backdrop, let’s help you redefine it. On the black base, create a busy floral print, using white and yellow. To draw the flowers freestyle, use a fine-tip brush and don’t bother about perfection. Sure, these tiny flowers are not the real deal but they grow on you – pinky promise! Paint the rest of your nails a poppy yellow to enhance the vibrancy.
5. Unicorn nail art
A unicorn and you – both equally unique. Adorning an accent nail with unicorn portrait is a subtle way to show your love for the mythical creature. And it’s a little less in your face which makes it perfect for everyday wear. Amp up your unicorn support with a magnificent horn right there, on your finger tip. Paint the rest of your nails with a solid candy pink to keep it simple and poppy.
6. Gold foil nail art
Black matte nails wrapped with traces of gold foil = the manicure of our dreams. What makes it more inviting is that steady hands are not really a mandate to recreate this nail art. On a matte black base coat, simply press a sheet of gold foil and gently lift. Feel free to go bold or stick to subtle — there’s ample room for customization with this one. Stick to only two golden fingernails, this helps maximize the effect of this Midas-inspired nail art.
7. Valentine’s nail art
What better way to show boo that you love him with all your heart (and nails)? The Valentine’s nail art with solid red hearts for tips has got you covered for special date nights. Imagine how enticing your mani would look as you swirl your glass of wine. Ooh la la. Start off with a clear base coat and then move on to the heart. You can finish off by running a glossy top coat. Well, we’re swooned by this nail heart.
8. Matte nail art
Did you hear? Nail art is no longer reserved for those with super-long tips. This matte nail art complements short nails by playing on the contrast of the two extreme ends of the color spectrum – black and white. All you need are the two shades in pure-matte formulas and a thin paintbrush to get the abstract right.
9. Ombre nail art
Quick tip: When you can’t decide between red or black, go ombre. That way you have the best of both worlds on your tips. The lighter color (red) blends into a darker color (black) toward the tip to build a flattering color gradient. To get the ombre twist at home, you can dip a makeup sponge into a few drops of both the shades and dab it directly onto your nail.
10. Reverse French nail art
- Innovative Nail Style:
- While going all pink is common, adding a touch of unexpected glitter along your cuticles elevates the style.
- Reverse French Nail Art:
- This approach is an experimental and refreshing twist on the traditional French manicure.
- Application Technique:
- Sprinkle glitter over the lunula, the half-moon-shaped base just above your cuticle, for a unique and eye-catching effect.
- Color Choice:
- Paint the remaining part of your nail with a beautiful blush pink shade.
- Finishing Touch:
- Complete the look by sealing it with a clear top coat, adding a glossy and polished finish to your nails.
