1Mirror, Mirror
People on Instagram and Pinterest are going wild over this silver statement. While most nail art features designs, this metallic look, created using The Mirror Nail Polish from Born Pretty ($9.99, Bornprettystore.com), is simple yet dramatic. All you need to do is apply a base coat of clear polish, then two coats of the reflective silver topcoat. Just like that, you've got a look fit for an Olympic medal.
2Minimalist With a Twist
Playing with negative space in your manicure is a cool way to wear unique designs without getting too dramatic. "Minimalist nails will still be big, but with more of a twist," says Alexaundra McCormick of Honey Artists, who adds that geometric and abstract patterns will be prominent in the new year.
3Radiant Opal
Considering how big the opal hair trend was in 2015, it makes sense that McCormick predicts opal polishes getting big for 2016. Try it in a glittery pale polish or a shimmering pearlescent topcoat — either way, your nails will look fit for any elegant event.
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4Oil Spill
First came oil slick hair, which took unnatural shades to the next level and made trendy shades accessible to brunettes. Now comes this cool take on metallic that looks just like a dripping, swirly oil spill — but with way less mess, of course.
5Nude But Better
If you love the look of naked nails but still want to have a polished, even look, you're in luck: nude nails are coming back, according to Janel Lucas, author of Holiday Nail Art (Schiffer Publishing).
63D Charms
Add some extra bling to your typical mani with a dash of sparkle on every nail. "I see more people than ever adding 3-D embellishments, small stones, and crystals," observes McCormick.
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7Ballerina Nails (a.k.a. Coffin Nails)
If you're truly dedicated to cool designs, this ultra-long shape with a flat tip could be what you're looking for. "Ballerina nails are very fashionable and wearable — and perfect for creating bold, edgy nail looks," says Lucas.
8Short Ballerina
If ultra-long ballerina nails are a little too much to handle, here's a quieter version that's still totally on-trend.
9Oval Nails
Of course, ballerina and stiletto nails aren't quite practical for everyone, so here's some good news: "I really think short oval nails will really take the cake this year," says McCormick, who notes that this shape has been all over the runways lately. On top of being easy to maintain, you won't hurt yourself when it comes time to remove your contacts.
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10Holographic Polish
Beam your nails up with holographic polishes! Lucas predicts these will be big in the coming months. Bonus: Using just one metallic shade still looks as cool and dynamic as more traditional nail art.
11Spray-On Polish
We know and love this cool concept firsthand (hyuck hyuck), but does it have the potential to go mainstream? "Spray-on polish has gotten a lot of buzz already and I think it will get more popular once it's released on a wider scale," predicts Lucas. "I think the simplicity of it and the unique application process makes it interesting for people to try out." Curious? Check out our step-by-step review.
12Patterned French Tip
Ready for the new French mani? McCormick predicts that nail artists will swap traditional tips for waves, patterns, and colors to complement funky makeup trends in 2016.
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13Bold Metallics
Get ready for your nails to shine like crazy in 2016 — metallics are back and they're coming in every color. Pick a metallic in your favorite shade and go wild.
14Deep Greens
Deep, rich forest greens and kale colors will be big this year, says McCormick. Don't be afraid to wear this trendy shade past the cold winter months — a chic design in a deep, rich green looks great all year round.
15Muted Jewel Tones
Bright and bold shiny nails are fun, but if you dig nails to be on the subtler side, McCormick recommends switching up your typical shimmering shades for a muted jewel tone.
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16Lettering
"Graphic nails will be making a big statement this year," predicts McCormick. So why not take this opportunity to make an actual statement with your nails? And it's super easy if you get a nail lettering kit — as a matter of fact, yours truly DIY'd this design for my birthday!
17Short and Round
Can't seem to grow out your nails? Short, round nails are always in, and McCormick predicts they'll be super trendy this year.
18Textured Patterns
The world already went wild for sweater nails, but look forward to new textures and 3-D patterns being incorporated into manicures in 2016.
Sam's enthusiasm for makeup is only rivaled by their love of all things relating to cats. In their spare time, they enjoy watching scary movies, putting avocado on everything, and seeing how many shades of the rainbow they can dye their hair before 30.
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