Depending on where you’re reading this from, you’re probably battling the elements as temperatures drop. Embrace the cold this winter without stepping foot outside with seasonal-appropriate snowflake nails.
The perfect accessory for winter nails, snowflake nails do what they say on the tin – they add cute little snowflakes on top of your manicure as a festive touch. While you might think that is limited to big white snowflakes, you’d be wrong. The fun with this trend is turning the idea of snowflakes on their head and going for something different – if that’s what floats your boat – or sticking with the classic snowflake shape. After all, every snowflake is different right?
Need inspiration? Keep reading for all the snowflake nails you can try out this winter.
Classic snowflake nails
Starting off with an easy one to achieve at home, a snowflake (or two) adorning each nail.
Subtle snowflake nails
This is one for minimal mani lovers, fine lines give these snowflake nails a more subtle twist.
Candy stripe snowflake nails
Make your snowflake nails feel even more festive with white candy cane stripes and rhinestone details.
Say goodbye to the sugary sweet fruit and bubblegum ice cream trends of the summer. With the colder months arriving, we’ve seen a hard pivot towards punky pierced nails.
Not to be confused with nail piercings – delicate jewellery that goes right through the nail and can damage them if not carried out by a professional – pierced nails give the illusion of being pierced without all the hassle. First spotted on Chappell Roan at the Rick Owens show during Paris Fashion Week in March, the singer opted for a pearlescent shimmer on her nails with nipple-like piercings studding each nail.
At the Rick Owens fashion show in Paris on March 6, 2025WWD/Getty Images
At the Rick Owens fashion show in Paris on March 6, 2025WWD/Getty Images
The best part about the pierced nail trend is that it’s very versatile and can be used to punk up any type of manicure. Whether you’re into minimal rosehip oil nails or consider yourself a maximalist manicure lover, add the studs as the final step to take your nails to the next level.
Inspired? We’ve rounded up some of our fave pierced nails below to save before your next nail appointment.
Classic pierced nails
What if a nipple piercing were on your nails instead? Similar to Chappell Roan’s PFW set, this manicure has the answer.
Nude pierced nails
The closest illusion to the real thing, these nude nails look like they’ve actually come fresh from the piercing shop. Go for one, two, three, four or more studs on each nail and mix up the placement for added effect.
Cosmic pierced nails
Take your maximal cosmic mani to the next level with some extra nail accessories – a mix of studs and diamonds.
Burgundy and chocolate shades sing a particular siren song at this time of year when thoughts go to a wintery nail reset. Enter the ‘Blood Moon manicure’, a nail trend that marries both popular polish hues together and has the same DNA as a chocolate cherry manicure.
Better yet, Selena Gomez has just co-signed it as the sophisticated alternative to nude nails this winter. In an Instagram post on 16 October, the star’s go-to manicurist Tom Bachik posted a picture of Selena with the accompanying caption: “Blood Moon Mani for @selenagomez x @fortunepmw ‘Most Powerful Women’ Conference ♥️💅🏼 #nailsbytombachik”.
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On closer inspection, Selena can be seen sporting a nail look that’s a million miles away from the blush-toned, ‘angel nails’ she wore for her wedding. Mimicking the dramatic red glow of an actual Blood Moon – when the Moon looks red after orbiting through the Earth’s shadow – Selena’s nails look a distinct oxblood colour with a touch of mahogany shot through it. Think of it as being like a neutral burgundy, if you will, which also makes it appealing to minimalist manicure lovers.
How to create a DIY ‘Blood Moon manicure’:
US nail brand Apres Nails famously has a gel nail polish shade named Blood Moon, which Tom used to create Selena’s manicure, slicking the polish onto coffin tips before applying his own brand of clear gel polish over the top.
Essie Nail Lacquer in Shearling Darling Dark Burgundy
Nailberry L’Oxygéné Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Noirberry
Another iteration of the ‘Blood Moon manicure’ that is being popularised on TikTok is an aura nails effect – a mani that features a burst of diffused colour starting from the centre of your nail – which lends the whole look witchy vibes.
TikToker @lightslacquer provided a simple DIY hack for how to create this look, which involves dipping a sponge in water and then adding an oval-shaped dot of oxblood red nail polish to the centre of the sponge. She then circles around it with black polish before dabbing the sponge onto her nails and finishing with a slick of topcoat.
All you need is a velvet effect magnetic polish, a semi-permanent base coat, a top coat and a special magnet for the technique.
First, we will prepare the nails by filing them and removing any remaining shine. Apply the base coat and cure in the lamp. Then, we will spread a layer of magnetic polish and, before curing, we will approach the magnet with soft movements to direct the reflection of the light and create the effect we want. Depending on the distance and the direction in which it is approached, it will allow us to create different effects and shapes: hearts, stripes, squares, etc. Once the desired effect is achieved, cure again and seal with the top coat. Extra tip: if you are looking for a more intense finish, apply a second coat of magnetic polish.
Mylee Cat Eye Gel Polish Aura
Maychao Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Nebula Glow
Maychao Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish – Pink-1
MIZHSE Glitter Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish Set
Aprés Astral Shimmer Cat Eye Gel Polish
To achieve professional-looking velvet nails, keep in mind that in the most intense tones like reds, greens, or blues amplify the depth, while in soft colours like grey, beige or powdered pink, the texture becomes more discreet, but just as elegant. The range of possibilities is numerous, and allows the velvet effect to be applied in many other ways, from a subtle version, only on the tip of the classic French manicure, to more daring designs with abstract nail arts, gradients or metallic chrome details that provide a futuristic air. It can even be combined with matte or pearlescent polishes to achieve contrasts full of dimension. The key, in short, is to play with movement so that each nail becomes a jewel in its own right.
The result will be a luminous and elegant manicure capable of elevating any look without resorting to length. Because yes, short nails can also turn heads, and here’s the proof.
A woman has gone viral after being charged for a full manicure at the nail salon. This is despite only having one hand.
In the video, Caitlyn Gianni (@caitlyngiannini) said it was her first time in the salon. She explained that they tried to charge her full price. The only problem is that Gianni only has one hand. As she relayed this to the salon worker, she said they looked “confused.”
What happened at the salon?
Gianni said she was already feeling “vulnerable” for asking in front of everyone.
“I’m starting to feel a little awkward,” she said. “And then another woman comes up to the checkout, and she says, ‘Is this your first time here?’ And I was like: ‘Yeah, I haven’t been here before.””
The woman allegedly told her that Gianni can get a discount only if she makes this salon her regular salon.
“She basically was saying, if I make this my, like, regular spot, that she’ll give me the discount every time I come,” she added. “So sue me. I told her I would make it my regular spot so that I could get half off. I don’t know if I’ll be going back or not.”
“I’m honestly like, I can’t really hate the player because, like, she’s trying to get more customers, and I think ultimately she probably would have given me half off regardless,” she noted. “But I was kind of like, I honestly respect the hustle, but at the same time, I was like, that’s kind of just so weird to say, like, ‘You only have five fingers, but we’re only gonna give you half off if you promise you’ll come back.’”
She concluded that while she wasn’t “upset” by the incident, she was left baffled. Her clip amassed 3.2 million views.
In the comments, users were divided over whether Gianni should have asked for a refund.
“I totally get why you’d want a discount, but it’s worth remembering that a lot of salon costs don’t change just because there are fewer nails to do—things like cleaning, sanitization, prep, and even helping cover rent and bills,” one wrote. “Yes, it takes a bit less time and product, so a discount makes sense, but 50% is a lot to ask. And bringing it up after the service is already done puts the business in a really tough spot.”
Another added, “I 100% think you are in the right to ask. BUT you’re in the wrong to ask AFTER the service is completed. Prices are on the wall. Moving forward with service means you are chill with price. If you’re not, negotiate before.”
However, a third commenter called the salon’s behaviour “insanity,” noting that it’s “1/2 the nails, 1/2 the products, 1/2 the time….. 1/2 the price! there is zero other way to view it.”
While a fourth echoed, “Half price is fair and anyone expecting otherwise is absurd.”
Ultimately, the consensus seemed to be that while she was right to ask for a discount, it was wrong to ask after the service.
Should people with one hand get discounts on manicures?
This question was also discussedmultipletimes on various subreddits. For the most part, people agree that those with one hand should get a discount on manicures.
“Paying full price would be ridiculous, but I do think you should bring it up first possibly in booking,” one Redditor wrote. “Mentioning that you only have one hand so you will only need half of the appointment time.”
“I work in a nail salon and I would give a person with one hand a discount,” another agreed.
While a third shared, “I’m actually in school to be a nail tech, so I understand the labor involved with doing manicures. I think it’s absolutely fair to ask for a discount, and personally, if I had a client with only one hand, I would give you a 50% off discount with no hesitation. It’s half the prep time, half the labor, half the amount of product used. Making you pay full price would just be ridiculous.”
When all is said and done, this gives the phrase a “five-fingered discount” a whole new meaning. Gianni didn’t immediately respond to The Mary Sue’s request for comment via TikTok comment and email.
Charlotte is an internet culture writer with bylines in Insider, VICE, Glamour, The Independent, and more. She holds a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from City St George’s, University of London.
That said, maximalist nail art is back on the map for 2025 and we love seeing the intricate artistry going into some truly phenomenal designs. Plus, with 3D designs coming on leaps over the past year, expect this season to be extra freaky, with nail techs able to raise the bar with special effect spiders and snakes, oozing blood and glow in the dark details
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Elsewhere, glazed doughnut nails have had an autumnal update, with chrome chocolate and spiced pumpkin latte shades swapped in instead of the signature pearly pink. We’ve also seen delicate details like simple spider webs over a bare base and mystical moons.
As for what’s trending on TikTok, “vampire nails” sees dangerous-looking red and black manis in a whole bunch of renditions from ombre, to stiletto… and aura, which is another major search term.
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With more of us tapping into our electromagnetic energy, aura nails have been big news in mani circles for some time. The design sees an ombre blend of two or more colours, but instead of being applied vertically or horizontally, it’s applied spherically to create an “aura” shape. And, heading toward Halloween “vampire aura nails” are trending with one user, @glossytipped picking up over 9 million views for a red and black design that wouldn’t look out of place on the Volturi coven.
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Whatever your vibe, we’ve rounded up the best Halloween nail designs on Instagram for you to recreate now.
Check out our favourite Halloween nails to get you in the mood…
Cat-eye Halloween nails
One of the biggest nail trends for 2025, cat-eye nails have been everywhere. It makes sense then for Halloween to give a nod to it via these spooky face cat-eye nails.
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Wednesday Addams nails
With Wednesday season 2 dropping earlier this year, it’s a no-brainer to pay homage to the show’s titular character with some Halloween nails. Go for hyperrealistic portrayals of Jenna Ortega or more abstract like this monochromatic look that features spiders, coffins, stripes and her signature outfit.
Whenever Hailey Bieber posts a video of herself where she’s doing her makeup or her hair, we’re always looking out for two things: if she’s sneaking in any as-yet-unreleased Rhode products and what manicure she’s wearing at the moment. And if we’re being honest, with the very rare exception of an unexpected colour, her manicures are usually a take on her signature glazed-donut nails – something in the beige or light pink family, usually a bit shimmery, often sheer, and always pretty.
And when she posted her latest TikTok, in which she’s applying a couple of Rhode products to her lips and filming on a phone protected by her famous Lip Case (of course), we assumed the off-white manicure we saw flitting around was one of her go-to looks. But upon the closest possible inspection, we actually think it’s a deviation from the norm and quite possibly the next big trend in neutral nail looks.
When we zoom in – yes, we take screenshots and basically do forensic investigations of celebrity beauty TikToks here at Allure – we realised we were looking at what we can best describe as a faded manicure. At first glance, it seemed like it may just be a sheer off-white that’s transparent enough to let her natural tips show through, but those natural tips look pretty darn perfect, leading us to believe it’s actually two shades of cream: a sheer one as the base and a more opaque one on the tips, with a not-so-sharp line of demarcation that gives the overall look a faded effect.
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But wait! There’s more! When we zoomed in extra close, we could see what’s either some spots on her mirror, or a few little dots on her nails. Alas, Hailey Bieber has yet to give followers a closer, higher-res view.
Naturally, we’ve reached out in hopes of more details and a clearer look. But in the meantime, we’re not going to wait to see a faded French manicure on other hands before we call it: This is going to be one of the biggest trends for the rest of 2025.
Is it already fall for Selena Gomez? That’s the impression you might get from a photo of her and her fiancé, Benny Blanco, that she recently posted on Instagram. In it, Gomez wears a thick, fluffy jacket – though, as it turns out, that’s just one element. Underneath, she wears a summery red halter dress while attending a friend’s wedding.
In the penultimate photo of her Instagram dump, you can see her applying her Rare perfume, the latest drop from her beauty brand of the same name. With notes of caramel, tonka bean, and ginger, the fragrance could also be a delicious autumnal mocha latte – perhaps one reason for the founder’s mood. To match the colour of the bottle, Gomez wears nail polish in a rosy mauve shade. The colour is still a good choice for late summer thanks to the soft pink, but since the polish is opaque and has earthy undertones, it also works wonderfully for the first days of autumn.
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This combination of a cool pink, earthy tones, and beige is subtle but still eye-catching. It’s not too gaudy, but also not as minimalist as the other manicure trends we’ve seen this summer. In contrast to the transparent fruit-water nails, the polish is opaque; the colour is also stronger than princess nails, which Victoria Beckham, among others, recently wore.
Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour – 137 Sorcière
Essie Gel Couture Princess Charming
This manicure doesn’t require any embellishments, meaning it’s easy to recreate. The most important thing is to focus on a clean finish. The nail beds should be well-groomed and the nails perfectly filed. Short, rounded nails like those worn by Selena Gomez go particularly well with the berry colour. The short length is not only in line with the current trend, but also elegant.
First apply a base coat to even out any unevenness on the nail plate. Next, brush on two coats of the polish – make sure to let each coat harden well so that the polish shines more later. For the ultimate glossy look, add a topcoat – then your rose-mocha nails are finished.
We’re all looking for more ways to personalise our nail art and one stunning way is to tap into your star sign. From 23 September-22 October, Libra manis are where it’s at, but what exactly does that mean for our nails?
Charming, diplomatic, kind and romantic, Libras are natural peacemakers and seek harmony and balance (that’s why their symbol is the scales of justice). According to Sade Johnson, the “Astrology Vixen”: “Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and sensuality. The element associated with Libra is air, and it shows in their superpower ability to charm and socialise with people from all walks of life.” Libras are recognised for their impressive social intelligence and they’re love of beauty, art and culture.
Below we’ve rounded up 15 Libra nails to save for your next mani appointment…
3D opal nails
For October Libras, your birthstone is opal. These textural opal 3D nails nod to the gem beautifully.
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Wave artwork nails
Libras are known for their love of arts and culture and this wave illustration wouldn’t look out of place in a gallery.
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Romantic red Frenchies
Given Libra is ruled by Venus, the planet of beauty and sensuality, it’s unsurprising Libras would love some sultry, sexy nail art, like this romantic red Frenchie.
Beauty lovers clearly can’t get enough of ethereal aesthetics inspired by the fantastical, from mother-of-pearl manis to fairycore makeup. The latest trend? Iridescent seashell nails, which A-list nail enthusiasts Kylie Jenner, Megan Fox, and Saweetie have all co-signed, as have celebrity nail artist Tom Bachik and his client turned mermaid Hailee Steinfeld.
No two sets are alike — Kylie’s are multi-coloured while Megan’s and Hailee’s are blue and Saweetie’s pink—and the style is essentially another variation on the chrome moment (chroment?).
“Chrome nails have had their moment and a half for the past few seasons, but Kylie Jenner just took it to a new level and brought back a nostalgic Y2K trend: multi-chrome nails,” Juli Russell, Sally Beauty DIY nail expert, tells GLAMOUR.
Kylie’s take in particular, which was created by celebrity nail artist Zola Ganzorigt, is well on its way to taking spring and summer nail trends by storm — especially since Zola and her client Hailey Bieber are the duo who kicked off glazed donut mani mayhem (IYKYK).
“These colour-shifting, one-of-a-kind manicures are formulated with different chromatic pigments that reveal new shades at every angle, giving it that mermaid-tail-like effect,” Juli says of the style. But while they may look complicated, she insists it’s actually all in the product (more on that below).
Seashell nails are super easy not only to DIY but to customise too. Because the fantastical finish primarily lies in the base, you can design your base coats and polishes according to your personal taste. Megan’s recent take on the trend, for example, was an iridescent icy blue.
“Multi-chrome nails can be done with regular polish, gel, and chrome powder, or a topper polish,” Juli says. “So wherever your DIY level is at, there’s an option for you to achieve the look at home.”
Okay…so what’s the catch (of the day)? There really isn’t one. Seashell nails are user-friendly, personalised, and very much on trend. Fitting right in with mermaidcore and fairycore aesthetics, they are pretty much tailor-(mer)made for spring and summer manis.
“Aquatic mermaid-inspired nails are such a vibe, especially with summer approaching,” says pro nail artist John Avery, who recently created what he calls a “moonlit mermaid mani,” a purple-and-pink-tinted ombré design adorned with cloud nail art, for a client (see above).
“They are such a fun splash of bold eye-catching colour perfect for any beach destination or a just fun summer look,” he says. What’s more, John notes, is by pairing a set of seashell nails with a wet-hair look, you have a super-simple-to-DIY “mermaid moment.” And who doesn’t want that? Exactly. Here’s how to DIY.
For an ombré look, John suggests choosing two colours, applying one on the base and using the second colour to ombré from the tip using a brush or sponge. “Once done, apply a chrome powder and voilà! You have the perfect summer mermaid nails.”
With the official start of summer only weeks away it’s tempting to lean towards opaque pastel polishes. But a new stealth nail trend is emerging. Coined the “glass slipper mani” by celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, it’s the latest riff on glazed donut nails that we’ve been waiting to show off against a tan.
Lauren Sánchez debuted the look at the 2024 Met Gala as the perfect pearly complement to her strapless Oscar de la Renta black gown, featuring mirrored embellishments on the full skirt in the shape of flowers.
Picking up on the shattered glass effect, and a fairytale interpretation of the Met Gala’s “Garden of Time” theme, Tom caption his Instagram post: “Synergizing off the stained glass perfection of her custom @oscardelarenta gown, we wanted the nails to be very feminine and elegant like the soft light diffusion of sheer iridescent glass.”
See the “pink glass slipper mani”
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To recreate Cinderella’s fabled glass slipper, Lauren wore neat, long, almond-shaped gel tips. Tom laid down a smattering of tiny pale pink metallic flakes with flecks of icy blue and green before setting them with a clear, glass-effect gel nail varnish to achieve the desired high-shine finish.
All before hand-painting a miniature white rose on a single pinky finger “to add a little bit of extra personality”, he said.
The pink glass slipper mani is characterised by a prismatic shimmer rather than heavy glitter or an in-your-face chromatic metal overlay. Above all else, it’s dainty and so light-reflective, it’s guaranteed to reveal the full spectrum of pastel hues in golden hour.
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Are you searching for a fresh nail vibe to rock this Spring? Look no further than matcha nails!
If you’re unfamiliar with matcha nails, the concept is just what it sounds like, a nail color that draws inspo from the serene, light green hue of matcha drinks.
You’ll absolutely adore the versatility of matcha nails. This green palette is perfect for crafting beautiful nail art designs that will get you tons of compliments.
Feeling this might be your go-to nail trend for spring? Read on for some matcha nail ideas you’ve got to try!
1. Matcha Latte Nail Art
One of my favorite matcha-inspired nail designs is matcha latte nail art!
To achieve this type of design, you can use the matcha green shade on your nails to create the look of a matcha latte by mixing it with a white shade.
If you are interested in how to get the matcha latte look on your nails, check this video, which will show you all of the details on how to get the look at home.
2. Sunflower Matcha Nails
If you are looking for something girly and fun for this Spring, you’ll love these sunflower matcha nails!
This look is so cute and is super easy to recreate at home.
To DIY it, just grab some white, yellow, and matcha green nail polish to create this adorable design with sunflowers and French tips!
Another fun way to add the matcha green shade to your nails is by doing an ombre nail look!
You can even make a super glam ombre nail look like this by adding gems and 3D designs to your nails.
The video above shows how this maximalist nail look is done.
5. Mini French Matcha Manicure
If you are looking for an easy matcha nail idea that anyone can do at home, I recommend this simple matcha-inspired manicure.
For this manicure, you will be using a matcha green nail polish shade to create a micro French nail look. This will make your French tips so much more colorful and fun for this Spring!
6. Abstract Matcha Nails
If you like to get creative with your nail designs, you can also try one like this one! This look will give you a more abstract nail design that incorporates matcha green.
For this design, you will add gems to your nails and matcha green nail polish to create an aura design on your nails.
Chrome is another fun way to add something different to your matcha green nail looks.
You can use gold chrome detailing, as seen above, to give your matcha green nails an abstract design. This would also look amazing if done with silver chrome.
Everyone will be complimenting you on these!
8. Strawberry Matcha Nails
If you like the look of matcha green nails but want to add another fun color to your design, then strawberry pink is the perfect choice for spring.
For example, try out these strawberry matcha nails. To achieve this look, you will be using a light pink and a matcha green shade to create a super cute design with swirls and flowers.
9. Trendy Matcha Nails
You can also go the more trendy route and use matcha green nail polish to create simple nail art designs like these.
For example, leaves, daisies, and simple swirls look amazing when done with pastel matcha green. Again, a good dotting tool is key for DIYing these designs!
10. Heart Matcha Nails
This heart matcha nail look is another example of a girly design using matcha green.
For this look, you will be using matcha green nail polish to add adorable heart-shaped designs to your nails.
Pearl accents and glitter finish off the manicure for all those girly vibes.
11. Matcha Ombre French Tips
You can also use matcha green nail polish to create an ombre French tips look, as seen above.
So, if you like the look of ombre nails but want to incorporate some matcha green nail polish into your looks, this is the perfect design for you.
If you want a simple look using matcha green nail polish, you can also go for a look like this one that uses the matcha shade all over the nails.
This is perfect for those of us who are looking for a fun new color to try for our next manicure this Spring.
12. Matcha Crystal Manicure
If you want a sparkly matcha nail look, you should go for this type of manicure!
This cute mani features multicolored rhinestones added to matcha green nails.
The best part is, these nails are press-ons, so you can buy the whole set on Etsy and wear them over and over again.
13. 3D Matcha Nails
You can also create a 3D nail look using matcha green nail polish. This is perfect for those of us who want to achieve a more detailed look using matcha green.
This look uses matcha green nail polish with gold chrome flakes and white nail polish to create a 3D drip design on the nails.
Marble is another popular nail design that you may be considering for this spring.
If this is one of the looks you want to wear this season, I recommend making your marble nail look even more fun by using matcha green nail polish.
If you have never tried a marble nail look at home, check out this video tutorial, which will show you exactly how to get a matcha green marble nail look.
15. 3D Matcha Tips
If you want to do a French tips look for this spring but want something fun to try on your French tips, why not try a 3D French tips look like this one using matcha green?
This French tips look will give you a super cool abstract 3D design using matcha green, perfect for Spring.
This nail design will give you the look of glazed nails. However, the only difference is you will be using matcha green nail polish instead of white.
So, if you are looking for a simpler matcha-inspired look for the spring but want something a bit more fun than just a regular nail polish look, try out this sparkly glazed matcha look!
17. Butterfly Nail Art
For another fun nail look that you can do using matcha green nail polish, you should definitely try out this butterfly nail art design!
This design uses matcha green nail polish to create French tips on the nails while also adding a gorgeous white butterfly design to complete the look.
Which matcha nails will you be trying this Spring?
Which is your favorite matcha nail look from this list? Have you tried matcha nails before?
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For those of us looking for a new nail shape to try for our next manicure, you may be interested in duck nails.
Duck nails have been a trendy nail shape recently, so you might be curious about what kind of nail looks you can do with the duck nail shape.
The good news is there are plenty of different kinds of nail looks that you can create with duck nails! Depending on your style, you can create super creative and fun designs or more simple nail looks.
Below, we’ll explain the trend and share 20 cute duck nails to inspire your next manicure.
First, what are duck nails?
If you’re wondering what’s up with this trend, let’s do a quick explanation. Duck nails are also known as “flare nails,” to give you an idea of the shape.
The duck nail kind of resembles a duck’s bill in that it flares out at the tip instead of tapering in as a coffin or ballerina nail would.
Now that you’re up to speed on what we’re talking about, let’s get to some manicure inspiration!
20 Cute Duck Nail Ideas
1. Bow Nails
If you want a simple but girly nail design with duck nails, I recommend these bow nails.
This look is a French manicure with added mini 3D bows for a cute yet edgy vibe.
While this manicure looks complicated to get, you can actually do it yourself at home if you purchase these press-on nails from Etsy.
2. Hello Kitty Nails
If you are looking for a cute and fun design that you can do with the duck nail shape, this one is perfect!
This Hello Kitty-inspired nail design will give you an adorable nail look for your duck nails that you will love.
3. Colorful French
French nails are a popular type of look to do with duck nails. However, if you want something that will stand out a bit more, this colorful look is perfect.
For this nail look, you will be adding multicolored French tips to your duck nails to give you a fun and colorful French tips look.
If you’re loving chrome nails right now, you might want to check out this nail look! This nail look uses chrome and 3D designs on duck nails for a showstopping manicure.
To achieve this look, you will be using silver chrome and yellow nail polish to recreate this look. You can also make it stand out more by adding some 3D accessories to your nails.
What I love about duck nails is that you can get really creative with the looks you create. For example, you could go for a look like this one with multiple designs to get a super fun look.
This look combines a bunch of different types of designs like flames, polka dots, and croc prints using brown, green, white, and yellow nail polish.
The designs and colors of this look are great together and will give you a more creative duck nails look that you will love.
6. Floral Design
You don’t have to go crazy when you’re doing duck nails. You can also do some of the usual designs that you might do on a normal nail shape.
For example, you could go for a girly and fun floral design like this one!
This look features a super cute pink hibiscus flower nail design with black French tips, which is a bit different from your usual white French tips look.
7. Zebra French
You can also get creative with the types of French tips you use. For example, if you like animal print nails, try animal French tips like these zebra ones.
You can also add more to this look with some adorable 3D bows!
8. 3D Nail Art
For those of us who really want to get creative with our duck nail looks, you might be interested in this orange and white floral duck nail design.
This orange duck nails look uses 3D nail art to create a gorgeous orange duck nails look that will definitely make your nails stand out!
This look uses 3D flowers and 3D orange chrome to create stunning 3D nail art.
If you are interested in trying out 3D nail art on your next duck nail manicure, I recommend watching this video tutorial to see how this is done.
9. Classic French
You can also totally do a classic French tip manicure on your duck nails if you want something more classic and simple!
So, the next time you want to try a new nail shape but want a more simple look, I recommend trying a French duck nail look like this one.
10. Multicolored Designs
If you like to have super colorful nail looks, check out this multicolored duck nail design!
This multicolored design combines rhinestones, 3D accessories, and different designs to create a super fun and colorful duck nail look.
So, if you are tempted to try this multicolored duck nail look, check out this video tutorial to learn how to get this fun look.
11. Y2K Nails
A lot of us are obsessed with the Y2K era, so you might want to try out a Y2K-inspired nail look with duck nails like this one.
This nail look uses French tips, different shades of pink, and 3D accessories to give you the Y2K-inspired nail look of your dreams.
12. Bedazzled French
If you are looking for a way to make your nails look more glam, try a bedazzled French nail look like this one!
This look adds rhinestones to your French tips to give your nails some extra sparkle and bling.
14. Pink Bling Design
And, if you really want to make your nails look more glam, I recommend trying out a look like this one!
This look will give you a pink bling design that you will definitely be obsessing over.
For this look, you will be adding rhinestones as well as 3D accessories like an adorable mini pink lollipop and a teddy bear to achieve a stunning pink glam duck nails look.
15. Cherry Nails
If you like the fruit nails trend, you should absolutely try this nail look!
This is a cherry-inspired nail look for duck nails that uses red French tips and red rhinestones to give you a fun, bright red look.
Also, don’t forget to add some cherry gems to your nails to complete the look!
16. Rainbow Nails
If you like colorful nail looks, you might also want to try these rainbow nails! This design will definitely make your nails stand out.
For this look, you will be using a bunch of different nail colors and adding on some fun rainbow gems to make a colorful nail look with multiple designs.
Watch this video tutorial for some inspo for your next salon visit!
17. Pink Junk Nails
You might have heard of the term “junk” nails. This design is popular for duck nails since they’re so over-the-top.
These pink nails are a great example of a fun “junk” nails look that you can do with duck nails! To create a junk nails look, the key is to add on as many things as you can to your nails.
If that sounds like too much to achieve at home (I hear ya), you can get this exact look by purchasing these press-ons on Etsy.
18. Animal Print
You might also want to try a creative animal print design like this one! This duck nail look combines leopard and zebra print to create a super cool look with gold detailing.
If you are looking for a creative way to add animal print to your next manicure, I definitely recommend trying out this look.
19. Denim Nails
Denim nails have also been a popular design recently! This denim nail look will create the illusion that your nails are really made out of denim.
So, if you are curious about how to get a super cool denim nail design like this one, watch this video tutorial to see exactly how it’s done.
20. Garden Nails
For a really out-there nail look, try this moss garden nail design! This stunning design will make your nails look like enchanted garden nails.
This look is done by adding 3D fake greenery and cute nail accessories like mini butterflies to finish the look. Watch the video above to see it done!
Which duck nail look from this list are you obsessing over?
What duck nail look will you be trying for your next manicure? What kind of duck nail design is your favorite?
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Have you been considering changing your nail shape? Then you might want to consider trying out ballerina nails, which are trending like crazy this year.
If you’ve never heard of ballerina nails before, they are essentially a mix of almond and coffin nails. The shape is rounded on the edges, similar to almond nails, but instead of a rounded tip, ballet nails are more square at the end, like coffin nails.
Think of them as emulating the shape of a ballet slipper.
If you want to try this trendy nail shape this season, I’ve rounded up 17 super cute ballerina nail ideas you should definitely try.
Ballerina Nails: 17 Design Ideas to Try
1. French
Let’s start with the basics. You can do a classic French nail look on ballerina-shaped nails.
If you want to make your French tips stand out a bit more, I recommend trying the trendy rounded French nail style seen above.
2. Multicolored Nails
You can also add some color to your ballerina-shaped nails with a multicolored nail design like this one.
To create this multicolored nail look all you need to do is paint each of your nails a different color to make them stand out.
So, pick a bunch of your favorite colors to try this yourself. Or, purchase these press-on nails, which would be perfect for Easter!
3. Boho Chic
If you want a nail design that is different and fun, I recommend trying this boho chic take on ballerina nails.
You could do this detailed look on any nail color, but I love the dusty purple base used here. For the details, you just need a color that pops, like the white and red combo listed here.
To see exactly how to get a boho chic look like this one, watch this video tutorial!
4. Classic Red
What’s also great about the ballerina nail shape is it looks even more elegant and classy when painted with solid colors like this red shade.
So, if you have a favorite shade of red or another nail color you would like to use to create a solid colored nail look, the ballerina nail shape will make it look even better.
5. 3D Nail Art
If you really want your ballerina nail look to stand out, I recommend trying a 3D nail art look!
For example, you could try out this super cool 3D strawberry nail look that incorporates a design that looks like you actually have strawberries on your nails.
6. French Shadow
You might also be interested in doing a blinged-out French nail look! And, of course, it looks extra amazing o ballerina nails.
A French shadow nail look is a different type of French manicure. Instead of the round tips at the end of your nails, the French tips are slanted.
Also, you can add some rhinestones to this look to give your nails some sparkle!
7. Smokey Marble
For a really fun and creative look using ballerina-shaped nails, try this smokey marble nail look!
This nail look will give the illusion that your nails are really made out of marble.
This look is definitely more of an advanced type of nail design, but if you are dying to try this look, definitely check out this video tutorial to see how it’s done.
8. Little Ballerina Nail Design
For a super cute and girly nail design that you can try on ballerina-shaped nails, I love this literal take on ballerina nails.
This look will give you a cute nail design using pink and white with ballerina-themed designs like a ballet shoe and bows.
And, to make your life easier, you can purchase these press-on nails to get this exact look yourself.
9. Accent Nail Design
Another fun but subtle design you can do with ballerina-shaped nails is an accent nail look.
For this kind of look, you will be painting your nails all the same color except for your accent nail. The accent nail can be used to add cute designs of your choice.
For example, I love this adorable heart outline design for an accent nail, which could be done in any color of your choice.
10. Chrome
Chrome is also another type of nail look that looks cute when paired with ballerina-shaped nails!
For example, you could try out this super pretty pink shade for a bright and girly chrome nail look.
11. Rose Gold Design
This rose gold nail look is another fun design you can do on ballerina-shaped nails to make them stand out.
For this look, you will use sparkly rose gold nail polish and rose gold chrome to create an extra-sparkly rose gold nail look.
You can also make this look more fun by adding a rose gold drip design in chrome!
12. Sparkly Ombre Tips
Another type of nail look that looks perfect on ballerina-shaped nails is ombre! But, if you are looking for a way to change your usual ombre nail look or make it have something different, I recommend adding sparkle to the tips of your nails.
This can be done on the classic nude-to-white ombre look or even on ombre looks with more color!
13. Colorful French Design
If you can’t decide between a solid color nail look and a French nail look, you can do both with these nails!
This look is pretty easy to recreate at home with your favorite nail polish color, or you can purchase these press-on nails to get this ballerina-shaped nail look.
14. Neutral Nails
Neutral nails like these also look great with the ballerina nail shape. So, if you want a subtle nail look that is elegant and classy, I recommend trying out this look.
For this look, you will want to find your favorite neutral or glossy nail polish to paint your ballerina-shaped nails.
And what you will love about this look is that it will work for longer or shorter nails.
15. Rhinestone Nails
On the opposite side of the style spectrum, you can also do glam looks with the ballerina-nail shape!
For example, this nail look combines rhinestones and sparkle nail polish to create a glam and sparkly design on ballerina-shaped nails.
So, if this is the kind of nail vibe you are going for, check out this video, which will show you exactly how to get this rhinestone nail look.
16. Lilac Nails
You can also use other fun colors to create cool designs like this lilac nail look!
This nail look combines grey and lilac nail polish with some added sparkle to give you a glittery nail design that you will love.
Just check out this video tutorial for some inspo and details on how to get this look at home!
17. Baby Boomer Nails
Finally, baby boomer nails are another type of nail look that looks great on ballerina-shaped nails.
Baby boomer nails are basically just your classic ombre nail design, with a neutral base that fades into white at the tips.
These press-ons from Etsy are the perfect choice if you want a subtle and elegant design to complement ballerina-shaped nails.
Which ballerina nail look from this list do you love?
What kind of nail shape is your favorite? Which ballerina nails will you be trying for your next nail look?
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The vanilla girl aesthetic has been trending recently, so you may be curious about how you can get this super cute look!
One of the ways that you can achieve this aesthetic is through your nails! There are some adorable nail shapes, colors, and designs that you can do that will help you get the vanilla girl look.
In order to achieve this kind of look, you will want to go for softer nail shapes, shorter-length nails, and subtle colors and designs.
So, if you are trying to bring vanilla girl vibes to your life and want to know what kind of nail looks you can wear to help you achieve this aesthetic, read on for tons of tips and ideas.
Elements of Vanilla Girl Nails
Soft Shapes
If you want vanilla girl nails, you should start by opting for softer shapes.
Softer shapes means nail shapes like round, almond, or rounded square nails that have an elegant look. No sharp edges or points!
Shorter Lengths
Short nails rule for the vanilla girl look. So, this aesthetic is perfect for those of us who like to show off our natural nails — meaning it’s great if you’re on a budget!
Subtle Shades
Next, let’s talk colors. Again, soft and subtle are the keys here.
For the vanilla girl aesthetic, you will want to use subtle shades like neutral tones, light pinks, or — you saw this coming — white or cream nail polish.
But this doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with your looks. You can also totally use chrome or sparkly nail polish to make your nails stand out, so long as you stick within the color theme.
Themed Designs
Also, you may be interested in doing a nail design to spice up your nails rather than just using basic cream, white, or pink shades.
You can still do nail art for your vanilla girl aesthetic nails; the key is to use subtle nail polish shades and classy, simple designs.
For example, a micro French-tip mani with light pink nail polish (above) is a perfect vanilla girl look. To add some design to your nails, you can add a cute mini bow in light pink, as seen in the photo.
Vanilla Girl Nail Ideas to Try
Now that we’ve gone over the basics of vanilla girl nails, here are some specific ideas to get your inspiration going.
1. Sparkly Tips
For those of us who like some sparkle on our nails, the good news is you can do glitter nails and still get a vanilla girl vibe.
I recommend using a nude, light pink, or clear base coat and adding a light coat of glittery nail polish to the tips of your nails.
This will give you a subtle yet sparkly look that will be perfect for the vanilla girl aesthetic.
2. Pearl Chrome
Chrome nails are also perfect for the vanilla girl aesthetic. For example, pearl chrome nails like these will give you a soft vanilla girl nail look!
What you will love about this nail look is that it is super easy to do at home. Just check out this video tutorial to see how you can get these pearl chrome nails yourself.
You have probably heard of the “glazed donut nails” that became popular because of Hailey Bieber. However, you may not have seen glazed French nails.
This is the perfect nail look for those of us who love the look of glazed donut nails but want to add a bit more to it.
To achieve this look, you just need to create a classic French tip and add a thin layer of chrome nail polish on top. The video above will show you how it’s done.
4. Vanilla Tips
If you love the look of French tip nails but want to try something different, you will love vanilla French tips.
To achieve this look, use a neutral cream or beige color for the tips of your nails instead of the usual white French tips.
This will add something different to your nails and will fit perfectly with the vanilla girl aesthetic!
5. Dotted Pearl Nails
You might also be interested in adding some accessories to your nails. If so, I recommend adding pearls!
Pearl nails, like these pearl French-tip nails, will give you an elegant and fun nail look and help you achieve the vanilla girl aesthetic.
For this look, you need only do your usual French tip nail look and add a couple of pearls to each nail. So simple and so pretty!
Product recommendations:
6. Strawberry Nails
If you really want to get creative with the nail designs that you do, you could opt for a cute strawberry nail design!
Strawberry nails like these adorable light pink strawberry nails also perfectly fit in with the vanilla girl aesthetic. You can make this look stand out even more with some 3D bows and pearls.
You can also totally do a more abstract nail design that still fits the vanilla girl vibe.
For example, a swirl nail look like this one is perfect because it uses neutral shades, white nail polish, and some light gold glitter to create a stunning yet subtle effect.
8. Vanilla Chrome
For a simple but gorgeous vanilla girl nail look, I also love these vanilla chrome nails!
As opposed to the chrome nails we discussed earlier, which are usually bright white or nude with a coating of chrome powder on top, these vanilla chrome nails have a golden metallic effect that’s a little more interesting than your standard chrome.
Product recommendations:
9. Pearl French Nails
Adding pearls to your nail looks is a great way to get a subtle vanilla girl design! So, if you love the look of pearl-decorated nails, you might also want to try this fun pearl outline nail design.
If you want to add some accessories to your nails but want something other than pearls, rhinestones are a great option to fit the vanilla girl aesthetic.
You can add rhinestones to your nails to give them sparkle while also making a super cute design, like this twinkling star nail design.
Fruit nail designs like cherries will also help you to get the vanilla girl aesthetic!
A subtle cherry nail design like this one is a super cute and fun look to help you get the vanilla girl vibe. You could also use a lighter shade of pink if you really wanted to lean into vanilla girl.
To achieve this look, add some mini cherries to your standard french nails using a dotting tool. You can also enhance the look, as seen above, by outlining your French tips with pink nail polish.
13. Pastel 3D Nails
If you want a nail look that will really stand out while still giving off vanilla girl vibes, these girly 3D floral nails are perfect!
While 3D nails are certainly bold, these pretty press-ons from Etsy are still very vanilla girl thanks to their muted pink and cream tones and focus on subtle floral and bow designs.
If you have a girly sense of style, run, don’t walk, to snag these press-ons.
14. Micro French Tips
If you love the look of French tips, another one of the best ways to get the vanilla girl aesthetic is by doing micro French tip nails!
What you will love about this kind of look is that it can be done on basically any nail shape or nail length.
Just check out this video to see how you can get micro French tips at home.
15. Vanilla Latte Nails
You may have heard of vanilla latte nails and you may be wondering how to actually get this type of nail look!
And, although it sounds complex and special, it is actually super simple. You only need to pick out your favorite shade of creamy beige or light brown nail polish to paint your nails.
OPI’s “Coconuts Over OPI” ($11.99 on Amazon) is a popular color to use for vanilla latte nails.
16. Subtle Floral Designs
You can also do subtle floral designs if you want unique nails that still fit with vanilla girl.
For example, this adorable design with mini daisies will give you a subtle and simple nail look that you can totally do at home!
Finally, we have a look that combines many of the above designs into one: a pink pearl chrome nail look.
Once again, this design is easy to achieve with your favorite shade of pale pink polish and some chrome nail powder. You can also freehand the bow design or use a bow nail sticker on top.
Which vanilla nail look from this list is your favorite?
What kind of vanilla nail girl designs will you be trying? Have you tried vanilla girl nail looks before?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been partial to neutral nail polish shades I can count on to complement my dark skin tone while working well with the bright whites, blues, and earth tones that make up the bulk of my wardrobe. Despite this, until recently, brown nail polish was never my first pick when faced with an expansive selection of shades at the salon. Here’s the thing—I spent over 11 years of my childhood avoiding anything other that OPI’s Bubble Bath, Put in Neutral, and Sweet Heart due to my dance studio’s strict rule of keeping our nails natural-looking, clean, and clipped at all times.
Little did I know that as a melanin-blessed ballerina, there were about twice as many shades of brown across a number of brands that were my nude. Now, as a beauty editor, I’ve come to the conclusion, based on expert findings and my own exploration with products, that neutral nail polish shades, particularly brown colors, are perpetually in style. Year after year, shades of brown are spotted on and off the runways, worn by award-winning celebrities on red carpets and all the fashion people populating your Instagram Explore page.
Keep reading to take a look at some of the trendiest brown nail colors that we’ll be seeing on only the most stylish people this season, from OPI’s cult-classic Espresso Yourself to the ever-luxurious Les Mains Hermès Nail Enamel in Brun Bistre. I’ve even provided a few of my go-to manicure tools to get the perfect nail look every time. You’re welcome!
Regardless of any relationship status, Valentine’snails offer the perfect opportunity to show your nails a little love. When it comes to romance, we highly endorse a self-care sesh, and setting aside time to zone out, nourish cuticles and emerge with a design that brings good vibes each time you look at it is effort well spent in our opinion.
As for which designs to choose? Red for Vally Day may not be groundbreaking, but it’s an undeniable classic. We’ve seen some stunning manis that remix traditional pinks and rouge in a modern, covetable way, whether it’s across the whole nail, ombréd out, or making a guest appearance as an accent, like a French tip or retro swirls (which are proving very popular).
Likewise, hearts and kisses can easily lead into mushy territory, but we’ve been crushing on clean, minimalist renditions that feel cool and grown-up – though we’re here for maximalist multi-layered heart designs too. We’ve even seen manis that incorporate the nail shape into a heart design, using the tips as the point.
If reds and pinks are not your bag, monochrome black or white heart nails keep things interesting and go with everything. And if you want to stand out, 3D Vally designs are bold and beautiful.
To help inspire your decision, we’ve put together an edit of the most beautiful nail ideas that work equally well across acrylic nails, gel nails and every different nail shape. There’s options for long coffin nails through to short and natural shapes. For the romantics, we’ve found beautiful red, pink and heart designs. And we’ve got modern twists on classics with cutout details and heart French tips.
Pink swirl nails
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Mix and match tips
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3D heart nails
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Swirl hearts
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Pink glitter tips
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Hot pink hearts
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Hearts and gems
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Red Frenchie glazed donut nails
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Little hearts
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Chrome heart nails
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Love me most
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Black and glitter hearts
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Classic red
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Baby pink heart Frenchies
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Neon pink French tips
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Love hearts
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Scattered hearts
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Hearts and French tips
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Pink and red hearts
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Pink smileys
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Cut-out red heart
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Bright pink
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Pink and red heart emojis
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Frenchies and hearts
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If there’s one trend that broke the beauty internet over the past couple of years, it’s glazed donut nails, but heading into 2024, aurora nails look likely to steal the crown. The trend takes the bits that made it’s glazed sis a hit (glowy, cute, eye-catching), but adds a modern update to keep things interesting.
One dreamy rendition we saw on the Instagram account of LA based, Korean American nail artist, Mary Koh, has us hooked. It sees icy pink and white holographic details submerged in a pretty, translucent gel.
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What are Aurora nails?
The design sees shimmer and glow suspended in a clear gel that changes colour as you move your nails – like the northern lights (or aurora borealis), or water below a frozen surface.
The trend, which also goes by “uru uru nails” and “ice nails” has K-beauty to thank for its inception. “It’s a popular trend in Seoul, which is where I learnt it,” explains Mary. “In Korea it’s called ‘uru uru nails’. I wanted to bring it back as a simple yet fun design,” she adds.
Essentially it’s a glowier, 3D rendition of glazed donut nails that can add pretty interest and dimension to your outfit.
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How to do Aurora nails?
Aurora nails start out looking very much like glazed donut nails, but gel and holographic foil are layered on top to create a 3D effect, then the whole lot is encased in a thick gel top coat. “I created my look by layering foils in a multi-step process,” Mary told GLAMOUR. But to really next-level it, nail care is paramount. “Most importantly, I make sure the cuticle line is clean so that the design can take front and centre,” she explains.
It’s very likely that you already own a bottle of 2024’s most popular mani shade because red nail polish has never not been a classic. Despite its enduring appeal though, it’s fair to say newer trends (see: milky pink, glazed donut chromes and even last year’s surprise smash-hits, baby blue and latte) have hogged some of the attention. But, heading into 2024, red has regained ground… and the top spot.
2023 gave it the boost it needed with celebrity fans like Selena Gomez, Hailey Bieber, Jennifer Lopez and Camila Morrone all revisiting the shade. And, every single one of the top nail artists we spoke to for our 2024 nail trends gave red a shout-out. And they were also given the green light at fashion week, too. “I feel like red nails are coming into a chic era at the moment,” confirmed celebrity manicurist, Michelle Humphrey, who counts Dua Lipa and Adele as clients. “Less is more and what better way to sex up a look than a statement red nail – as seen on the catwalk for SS24 at Proenza Schouler and Brandon Maxwell,” she told GLAMOUR.
The good news is, there’s room to play within the one trend, since every gradient is game. “It works perfectly for all seasons, as it’s so timeless,” A-list manicurist, and senior Mylee ambassador, Tinu Bello, told us. “Deep cherry and merlot reds will be hot as we come into 2024, with tomato and post box reds dominating the summer months,” she added.
And, we’ll be putting out 2024 twist on it, too with updated textures. “I think we will see some elevation to our red mani’s in 2024, with chrome, glazes, matte finishes, and high sheen,” says Tinu. Even if you prefer a more minimalist mani, you can nod to the trend by adding it into tiny accents. “Imagine how gorgeous a red skinny French would look,” says top nail artist, Harriet Westmoreland whose clients include Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
The fact is, red is a classic, especially on your nails. It’s stood the test of time, from ‘20s flappers, to ’40s Jenny Wrens, to ’50s Marilyn Monroe, to today where bright fire-engine and sultry merlot are as covetable and versatile as ever. And, it offers a whole spectrum of opportunities. Sunny days where you’re dining al fresco calls for a cheery orange-spiked arancia (cracking with a tan). For chilly spells when you’re back in your favourite cosy knit, you might fancy a sultry maroon. For off-duty days a brick red is a cool switch from ruby. And for a shade you can’t go wrong with, pillar box red works well on everyone. See? The opportunities are endless.
Here’s some of our favourite ways to wear red nail polish…
Glossy Hollywood red nails
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Chrome red nails
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Squared-off red Frenchies
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Glazed fire red nails
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Fire engine red nails
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Cut-out red nails
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Postbox red nails
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Matte red nails
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Doubled-up red frenchies
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Tomato red nails
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Jelly red Frenchies
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Merlot red nails
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Ruby red nails
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Cherry red nails
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Hi-vis red nails
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Jelly red nails
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Burgundy red nails
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Poppy red nails
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Red carpet red nails
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XXL glazed red nails
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Garnet red nails
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Cut-out cuff red nails
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Wine red nails
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Bright red nails
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Lipstick red nails
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Candy red nails
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Currant red nails
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Scarlet red nails
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XXL ruby red nails
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Apple red nails
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Ketchup red nails
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If you want a fresh start mani, you can’t really get much fresher than the Soap Nails we keep seeing everywhere. Where elsewhere the 2024 nail trends call for maximalism with high-impact techniques like 3D nails and hi-vis shades like tomato red, Soap Nails are the subtle alternative nestled quietly (but assuredly) at the other end of the spectrum. So minimalists, this one’s for you…
What are soap nails?
Taking clean and simple nail designs to another level, soap nails effectively mimic the effect of squeaky clean nails. It takes that fresh mani feeling (when your nails have been scrubbed, buffed, trimmed and filed), adds in some softening exfoliation and gives you the look of a mani that’s just emerged from soapy suds after a bubble bath.
It gives bare nails a wash of super glossy top coat that gives nails an almost wet-look clean finish. But you can tailor the trend by layering sheer pink tints or milky shades beneath. And you can finish with some subtle nail art if you like, in similarly low-key, clean shades like crisp white or frothy cream.
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How can you create soap nails?
Since this is the manicure equivalent of no makeup makeup, your base is important. And, just as you can’t achieve no makeup makeup without upping the ante on your skincare, Soap Nails require you to give your nail beds some proper TLC. This means drenching your nails and cuticles in nail oil whenever you can and spending more time on prep than on polish when it comes to the manicure itself.
Your nail artist (or you, if you’re keeping your manicure in house) will need to focus on thoroughly cleaning nails of any previous polish, buffing them until they shine, neatly trimming away rough cuticles and filing them so they’re beautifully symmetrical. Once they’re in good shape, that’s when you can give them a glow-up with a sheer wash of ultra glossy polish and top coat. You can keep it completely clear or choose a formula with a pink tint or a milky hue. The colour is less important than an ultra fresh finish. To wrap things up, you’re gonna want to ensure your hands have had the same treatment, so exfoliation with a sugar scrub followed by a moisturising hand cream or mask will give you the softest skin to pair with immaculate soap nails.
