Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, the perfect excuse—if you even need one—to take out your New Year manicure and try something more lovely. Thankfully, Valentine nails have evolved past the cheesy heart designs they used to be. Nowadays, it’s dainty hearts, floral finishes, and tasteful red, baby pink, and white hues mixed with other shades like black, silver, gold, and even green.
In fact, there are plenty of trendy ways to embrace a romantic manicure on V-Day without looking banal. Some even borrow Christmas elements like bows, shimmer, and jewels. Like love, the possibilities for Valentine manicure are endless.
Whether you’re looking for a mani to complete your date-night outfit or serve as a loving gift to yourself, there’s one for you.
Ahead, we show you chic, romantic options to give you the best Valentine’s nails this year. Keep scrolling as we dive in.
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Valentine Nails to Complete Your Lovers’ Day Outfit
Your outfit might get most of the attention, but Valentine’s nails are where the flirting actually happens. They’re the teeny-weeny detail that catches someone’s eye when you flip your hair, reach for a drink, or rest your hand on the table.
If you’re wondering what nail color you should wear for Valentine’s Day, consider the overall vibe you’re going for. Is it sexy, flirty, or just plain fun? Whether you’re a fan of minimalist hues or you’re going bold with pops of color, these Valentine’s nails will finish your look:
Classic Red Valentine Nails
A red manicure, made ultra-glossy with a top coat or matte with a dry finish, will never go out of style for Valentine’s Day. Feel free to play around with any nail shape so long as they match that romantic vibe.
Red Frenchies
Take a break from the usual white tips and wear a red French mani. It feels right on theme for Valentine’s Day. Take it to the next level by creating heart-shaped tips for an artsy effect.
Candy Hearts
Add a little dose of sweetness to your nail art with a candy-heart design. If you don’t want a custom-made one on your tips, opt for decals or stickers. These nostalgic, candy-inspired nails are a cute way to spice up your Valentine’s Day manicure.
3D Valentine Nails
3D nail art is having its moment. What better way to jump on the trend than with a pink abstract manicure? The color is in sync with the season, you know.
Deep Reds
If you don’t want to go bold with red, try a deep hue like burgundy, maroon, or dark magenta. They still give off that sensual feel.
Valentine Nails with Negative Space
Sometimes, it’s the absence of color that makes the biggest impact. Playing with negative space is fun, especially when you add some heart designs in the spirit of Val. It’s a great way to make your nails artsy without plenty of detailed painting.
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ROYGBIV Valentine’s Nails
Why settle for one shade when you can wear as many as you’d like? Draw inspiration from the rainbow and paint multicolored heart outlines on your nails.
Playful Hearts
Get creative with your heart shapes. Mix different shades of a color, include dots, or let the edges drip. It’s valentine so portray the love as it is in your heart right on your fingernails.
Polkadot Valentine Nails
This simple but bold style combines a neutral base with a minimalist dot design on top. Opt for shades of red or pink; they all work.
Pink and Red Valentine’s Nails
A typical Valentine’s Day manicure might be all red, but when you add pink, it becomes an edgy, unexpected color combo that creates a two-toned effect.
Aura Valentine’s Nails
This mani radiates from within, exuding an aura that stays true to you. Combine red pastel hues in pink or lilac, and you’ll have a manicure that celebrates the love holiday.
Love Lettering
How do you say you love love without outrightly saying so? It’s simple: spell out ‘love’ on your mani and make sure you give it, too.
Bedazzled Valentine’s Nails
Add rhinestones, gems, or crystals to your valentine-inspired nails for a glamorous, eye-catching look. Go for them if you want that sparkly vibe.
Glittery Valentine’s Nails
Sparkling manicures transition seamlessly from the holidays to the new year, but they can also brighten up any Valentine’s Day outfit. These nails make a solid statement with their reflective finishes and are super versatile too.
Exude Love with Valentine Nails
Valentine’s Day may be one filled with flowers, chocolates, and cards, but we believe it’s another moment to let your fingernails own the moment. Whether you’re doing it as a show of self-care or a date night, give it your all. And remember, there are more than enough ideas to get you started.
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