Valentine’s Day Nail Inspo for Nail Artists of All Levels
Spread the love down to your fingertips.
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Whether you're spending V-Day with a significant other or watching rom-coms with the BFF on Galentine's Day, nothing gets you in the spirit like a fresh set of nail art. Show your hands some love with these fun Valentine's Day-inspired nail ideas to take your look to the next level.
Heart Tips by @ohmynailsnyc
Use: OPI Nail Envy in Original, $16.18 amazon.com; Zoya Nail Polish in Isla, $10.00 amazon.com
Simple and super cute, these heart-tipped nails by @ohmynailsnyc are a real conversation-starter on Valentine's Day. Easy enough for the novice nail artist, you just need a clear base and a quality red polish to complete this nail design. We love that this look allows you to wear your mani a little longer, as you can't see the new nail growth as much!
L.O.V.E. by @borsch_nails
Use: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Let's Snow 195, $6.22 walmart.com; Essie Nail Polish in Licorice, $5.92 amazon.com; O.P.I. Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red, $8.40 amazon.com
Love is all you need — literally! This salon-quality manicure from @borsch_nails is so minimalistic; you can paint it on an hour before date night or brunch with friends.
Love Pink by @Heartnat
Use: MoYou-London Nail Art Festive Plate Collection 20, $4.95 amazon.com; Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Resurrection, $18 net-a-porter.com; O.P.I. Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow, $7.95 walmart.com; NARS Nail Polish in Back Room, $20 narscosmetics.com
We heart Natalie's three-step mani specifically for her use of stencils (shaky-hand syndrome is a thing, OK?). It features four nails painted pretty in pink, while one accent nail declares your affection for all to see.
Purple and Gold by @aliciatnails
Use: Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in Dark Side of the Moon, $12.99 amazon.com; Essie Nail Polish in Good as Gold, $8.99 amazon.com
Nothing says sophistication quite like a deep purple polish. Alicia's manicure looks all grown up with A-list elegance, with just a sliver of gold detail bringing the bling.
A Handful of Hearts and Kisses by @chelseaqueen
Use: Dior Vernis Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer in 999/Rouge, $27 amazon.com; Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Polish in Blacquer, $18 sephora.com; NARS Nail Polish in Ecume, $20 narscosmetics.com; NARS Nail Polish in Amarapura, $20 narscosmetics.com
@chelseaqueen has it all, from Xs and Os to metallic hearts, so don't waste any time deciding on the best pattern. Incorporating black and silver shades into the mix makes it a bit more edgy than your average red mani.
XO by @karengnails
Use: Dior Vernis Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer in 551/Aventure, $27 amazon.com; Ciate London Mini Paint Pot Nail Polish and Effects in Razzmatazz, $3 amazon.com
Karen's go-to V-Day manicure is packed with glitter accents to upgrade the classic red mani. Stickers are an easy way out, but try your hand at designing the letters on your own to add as much sparkle as you'd like.
A Single Flower by @dianaspolish
Use: Essie Nail Polish in Eternal Optimist, $8.77 amazon.com; Zoya Nail Polish in Gemma, $10 amazon.com; Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish in Rapid Red, 3.96 amazon.com
Here's how to always have a bouquet on hand, as shown here by @dianaspolish! The delicate floral arrangement isn't for the faint of heart, but rest assured that stickers can save the day if the design proves to be too intricate. Worn alone, a milky pink hue is darling and romantic, while pops of red give the look an elevated aesthetic.
Ombre Mani by @vics_nails
Use: Essie Nail Polish in Pink Diamond, 9.00 amazon.com; O.P.I. Nail Lacquer in Alpine Snow, $7.95 walmart.com
While the trend has been around a while, we still love an ombre nail look! @vics_nails does this brilliantly with softer tones for a Valentine's Day look that you don't have to scrub off on the 15th.
Kiss, Kiss by @kellimarissa
Use: OPI Nail Lacquer in She's A Bad Muffuletta!, $8.40 amazon.com; OPI Nail Lacquer in Suzi Nails New Orleans, $8.40 amazon.com; ZOYA Nail Polish in Snow White, $10.00 amazon.com
Pro-PDA? Kelli's marking up her tips with lots of lip action here. Playing with pink, white, and red hues, feel free to go overboard with the artist's lacquer kiss design that reads as both passionate and sassy.
Red, White, and Pink by @laurenslist
Use: Essie Nail Polish in Muchi, Muchi, $8.77 amazon.com; Essie Nail Polish in Double Breasted Jacket, $8.97 amazon.com; Essie Nail Polish in Matte About You, $8.45 amazon.com
Negative space is a fun and easy way to add interest to your mani! Lauren's peek-a-boo stripes featuring pink tips and a rosy base is a great option for girls on the fence over which romantic hue they favor most.
Pin it!
Don't forget to pin these pretty and chic Valentine's Day nail designs, and shop each look!
Katie McBroom is an award-winning content creator and freelance writer. Prior to contributing to Biography, she served as Content Editor for Google and Beauty Editor for Best Products. Her work has also appeared in publications including CNN, WWD, Business Insider, Forbes, and Men's Health, among others.
Julia Horniacek is the former fashion and beauty editor for BestProducts.com. When she's not resisting the “add to cart” button on e-commerce sites or chocolate everything, she's a fitness fanatic you’ll find at the gym, sipping an array of seasonal decaffeinated beverages or documenting her life via Insta pics.
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