There are girls who simply want their nails looking clean and well-trimmed, but for some, they prefer to flourish with colors and designs. There are now many modern ways to achieve pretty nails during a manicure session in your favorite nail spa or even just on your own.
If you don’t know what to go for with an upcoming occasion or probably just for a change, then here are 45 fantastic ideas to give a try.
1) Add A Little Glitter
These fetching nails are super simple and primarily natural looking. All you have to do is add a little glitter near the cuticles to bring it to the next level. Mix and match colors or copy this neutral look.
2) Flamingos Make You Dance
There’s something about flamingos that feel like summertime. They make me want to dance, have a cool drink by the pool, and enjoy the vacation. Let’s focus on that these days and we can make it through them.
3) Gotta Catch ‘Em All
If you feel comfortable with simple sketches, try painting your favorite Pokemon. Practice on cardboard or fake nails first and you’ll have it mastered in no time. Chibis are the cutest creatures to wear.
4) I’ve Got Sunshine
These nails are so happy that it’s hard not to smile at them. Yellow is a color that can get you out of a rut and bring you to the surface, sometimes beyond. Add some daisies and you’re all set.
5) Remember The Color Days
Gameboy Color was revolutionary! But it’s more than that now. It’s nostalgia and that’s what these nails are all about. Pick your favorite pastime and let it inspire your next set of nails. Don’t forget to take pictures!
6) Hidden Glitter
If you like glitter but don’t want to be too bold, consider adding it to the underside of your nails, if they are long enough. If not, do the cuticle trick we talked about before. A girl need glitter sometimes.
7) Falling Stars
These shapes remind me of a kaleidoscope and who doesn’t love a good kaleidoscope. Even the word is magical. It’s especially special when you choose one nail on each finger to dress in pretty shapes.
8) Bring It On Back
Dialing it back to the ’70s, we have tie-dye nails that you can’t disagree with. You can create any color of tie-dye that you want, from all the colors of the rainbow to a simple pink and white swirl.
9) For The Princess In You
These nails have serious princess vibes. They look like they belong in a marble palace and aren’t even that difficult to pull off. Master the marbled look and add some jewels. That’s all there is to it.
10) Travel Across The World
Sometimes, you just have to bring the world to you. When you can’t get on a plane, just bring your vacation home. Pick Tokyo, Rome, or Paris like this person did and let that be your inspiration.
11) Facebook Avatar, Anyone?
With the new avatars out, it makes you want to put your own adorable face on more stuff. Maybe your nails? If not yourself, then your significant other or someone special to you. Maybe a fictional character?
12) We Love The Earth
It’s never too late to start protecting what matters. Or is it? Protecting the earth is important for us if we care about our children and future generations. Show that you care by doing your part.
13) Elegance Is Made
One isn’t born elegant. People create their own elegance. These nails are simple, sophisticated, and beautiful. It doesn’t take a lot of bling to make a big impact on your look. Aren’t they darling?
14) It’s Geological
These nails aren’t just logical, they are geological. They remind me of the earth’s layers or even a beautiful gem with years and years of stories to tell. Or it could just be a nice jawbreaker.
15) Everything Is Peachy Keen
Peaches are totally in right now. They can be innocent. Or not. It’s up to you how you wear them. These are simply fresh, summery, and fun. You can almost taste them! I love how strong this color looks.
16) The Stars Are Yours
These galaxy nails are fantastic. Whether you wanted to be an astronaut as a kid, love sci-fi, or just enjoy watching the stars. These are probably the best I’ve seen and you can do it yourself!
17) Can You Smell Them?
Strawberries are everything in the summertime. Their taste, their look, their smell! Celebrate the summer with strawberry nails. You can almost smell them and it doesn’t smell like nail polish.
18) There’s Something About It
There’s something about barbed wire that makes me happy. Is it the slight danger? Protection? The rustic nature? I’m not sure but at least I know I’m not alone. Turns out, quite a few people are fascinated.
19) Choose Your Silver Lining
There are multiple ways to do this. Get a mixed polish with white and silver, add your own decals, or add drops after you finish the color underneath. That means anyone can pull this off.
20) Feel The Thunder
Can you feel the thunder with this one? Something about thunderstorms is both frightening and fantastical. We get to feel how small we really are and how big our world is. It’s a peaceful feeling.
21) It’s Our Little Secret
If you had cupcakes on everything as a teenager then this can be your guilty pleasure. Dress your nails and never look back. If you’re lucky, you’ll get real frosting on your fake cupcake too.
22) Better Than Granite
These nails add glitter and marble. Marble nails aren’t always the easiest to pull off but once you get the hang of it, you will never stop experimenting. The best part is that you can use any color combo you want.
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23) Feeling Western?
These country-western nails are a whole mood. Whether you’re from Texas, New Mexico, or just in the mood for some green chiles, these nails are for you. You can’t say that you don’t feel good looking at them.
24) We Want Guac
Who can say no to an avocado? If you don’t love avocados, then I don’t know what to tell you. They are one of God’s greatest gifts that has so many uses that it should be illegal. But it’s not, and for that, we should be grateful.
25) Sakura Love
I absolutely love cherry blossoms! The Japanese Sakura tree is gorgeous and brings tidings of early spring and new beginnings. Isn’t that what we all need right now? A fresh new start?
26) Mix And Match
Here’s a cute way to mix and match. Do one hand in solid colors and the other in pretty patterns. This pattern is super fun and uses the plain background technique that gives a 3D feel.
27) Let It Sparkle
Painting all of your nails but one with sparkling or glittery polish is amazing. Then paint whatever little shape is within your skill set you want. Or use a decal and have anything at all you can think of.
28) Shades Of Blue
You don’t need a reason to wear your favorite color. But when you do wear it, doing four or five different shades is the perfect way to show it off. All shades work well together, so you can choose your favorites.
29) Find Your Summer Groove
If all you’re looking for is a simple yet bold flowery pattern, I think we’ve found it. These colors work for any season, but since it’s summertime, let’s pair it with a swimsuit and flipflops.
30) Skip The Backdrop
These nails are designs alone without a background color. It’s a great way to use your white and silver polish. Popular in Japan, this look is sweet, innocent, and playful. Try it out with your own spin.
31) Back To Basics
Why is this so attractive? This is probably the simplest design we’ve seen yet and it might be one of the prettiest. All you need are pastels and a dash of glitter and you’re ready to wow your friends.
32) Create A Cutout
Leaving part of your nail unpainted on purpose is a great way to step outside of the box. These hearts are empty of color but full of love. Get creative and see what silhouettes you can make.
33) Let’s Go To The Beach
Anyone else in need of a trip to the beach? That may not always be possible but these nails are the next best thing. Nothing like a palm tree in the palm of your hand to calm you down in troubled times.
34) Quarantine Nails
Who hasn’t played Animal Crossing during quarantine? It will forever be the game of 2020 because of it. We will all remember planting trees and meeting new friends the virtual way this year.
35) You’re The One
Rubber ducky is the one! These nails are so adorable. They are so easy to do that you can paint them on children’s tiny nails too, who are sure to love them. Any Ernie fans here today?
36) Reach For The Stars
I have to admit, these aren’t easy to achieve, but with enough practice, you’ll surprise even yourself at what you can do. These nails will impress anyone, even a professional nail artist.
37) Afraid Of Color?
If you’re afraid of too much color consider a french manicure with a dash of red. People are fond of doing these in reverse but this is perfect for people who don’t like to wear something too bold.
38) Wear Your Stripes
Everyone has a house that they feel they belong. This time it’s Hufflepuff. There are many ways to do Harry Potter House nails but this is one of the cutest that I’ve seen. Any Hufflepuffs out there?
39) Love Your Silver Streaks
Adding a stripe of chrome when you can is amazing. Doing your whole nail can be overwhelming so generally we stick to the details with colors so shiny. But it’s up to you how much you add.
40) The Buzz Around Town
So, black and yellow is adorable, we all know this. But if you don’t want to wear bumblebee stripes, then try going for a simple design with their colors. Great for supporting your favorite team. Buzz!
41) Dun, Dun, Dun, Dun, Do, Do Do
You heard the song in your head, don’t deny it! Mario and Smash are two franchises that have brought the world together. Everyone loves them and everything can play them. These nails are as friendly as the games.
42) Inspired Yet?
These rainbow fade nails are beautiful! Add your own colors or copy this rainbow. It can send a message or match any outfit you wear. A cool trick is to pair it with neutral colors so that your nails shine.
43) As Divine As Can Be
These henna nails are divine. They would look amazing in white but any color will do. Wear them on your wedding day or whenever you’re feeling it. Much easier than classic henna and just as beautiful.
44) Eye Of The Beholder
When I was a teenager, I drew eyes on everything. I think it makes us feel like we’re not alone, as eyes are the window to the soul. These days, eyes are in again and you can find then on everything.
45) Don’t Forget The Jewels
Remember when bedazzling was everything? Well, this time, let’s take it easy and be tasteful. You can add a simple shape, usually a heart, between two fingers with so much ease, yet it looks so professional.
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