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If you’ve been saving that “for special occasions” sparkly topcoat, Valentine’s Day is calling. But this year’s manicures are giving us elevated takes on traditional sweet designs. The latest trends lean into subtlety, like gossamer-thin heart outlines floating on neutral bases, rose gold chrome, and gradient pinks. Even classic red nails are getting a modern upgrade with velvet-matte finishes and unexpected negative space designs. Whether you’re a minimalist who prefers your romance understated or someone ready to embrace full-on glamour, these nail looks prove that Valentine’s Day manicures can be both festive and chic. The best part? Many of these designs work well beyond Valentine’s Day, making them as practical as they are pretty.
1. Matte love
A simple red manicure looks elevated when topped with a matte finish and detailed with negative space hearts. Choose your favorite bright red polish, then swipe on a matte top coat (like this pick from OPI, $11), and use self-adhesive heart decals to shape out the heart. Grab this set for $6 on Amazon.
2. All over red
All over red is simple yet stunning when it’s mixed with bits of sparkle. We love this manicure idea because it’s ideal for Valentine’s Day, yet carries over well into the year. Red nails are the equivalent to a little black dress—always in style. To create this look, we recommend Zoya Nail Lacquer in the color Sophia ($12).
3. Whimsical details
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to explore pink and red designs; it is canon, after all. If you have the patience (and skill) to manually draw on intricate designs, reach for this gel liner set ($30) in a multitude of colors to DIY the effect. If you don’t have the patience to hand paint yourself, we’ve got you covered—try these heart press-ons from Amazon ($6) for an easy way to whimsy up your tips.
4. Black and white borders
Frame your manicure with a dotted black and white edge. While this design might look like it requires a salon visit, you can easily DIY this (trust us!). Start by coating your nails in a neutral shade, then create a delicate heart centerpiece (for ease, you can use a heart decal). Complete the design by carefully placing alternating black and white dots along the perimeter using a precision dotting tool, like this one from Sally Hansen ($7).
5. Pretty in Pink
Why choose one shade of pink when you can rock them all? We recommend the Eternal Pink Nail Polish Set, ($22) so you can choose from five different shades of pink without having to buy separate bottles. Draw on hearts in an alternate shade, swipe with your favorite clear top coat, and you’re ready for the most amazing Valentine’s Day.
6. Pink and white hearts
Nail artist Amy Tran used a sugar glaze base coat from Kokoist USA ($17) and then manually drew on pink and white hearts. If you don’t have a steady hand (guilty!) you can use this 3D nail art pen set ($10) from Amazon to easily create hearts, or whatever shape you desire.
7. Red on pink
Whether paired with glitter, combined with other romantic motifs, or kept clean and classic, heart nail designs remain a classic for Valentine’s Day. For this look, swipe a rich pink hue over your nails (we adore this OPI polish in the shade Makeout-side, $12) and then use a darker shade red to draw on hearts. To make it easier, use these heart-shaped stencils from Amazon ($7) for a faster design.
8. Gel finishes
Nail artist Sam Rose mixed shades of pink and dotted them on her nails using a tool like this from Londontown, ($12) and then topped each nail off with a gel finish. The result? A mesmerizing marble effect that is perfect for a Valentine’s night out. We especially love rhinestone details spread throughout for a nice finishing touch.
9. Black French tips
Black French tips are always a vibe and for Valentine’s Day, they are an unexpected yet chic look. Nail artist Stacey Lowrie meticulously hand painted each tip, but if you don’t have time to hand paint, you can use Glamnetic’s press-on nails ($15) in the color caviar and delicately draw on red hearts on each of your ring fingers.
10. Candy hearts
These nails are certainly a conversation starter. They may look difficult to pull off, but nail artist Sam Rose shares that she simply used candy heart nail stickers to pull off the look, and finished off with a clear top coat. Try this $10 set from Amazon to DIY the look yourself.
11. Croc prints
Elevate a pink nail by adding some texture. We love this croc-like effect with subtle curves to give the nail a wild and animalistic feel. To create this look, simply swipe with a clear gel top coat, and then use a pink gel polish (like this one from Olive & June, $10) to create dots along the nail bed. Once complete, cure your nails under an LED nail lamp and then swipe again with a clear gel top coat.
12. Gradient pink heart tips
Go the extra mile with your tips my transforming them into hearts. Nail artist Marnie meticulously drew each gradient heart on her tips using nail liners like these from Amazon ($5). She then topped each nail off with a holographic top coat polish. We recommend this Mermaid Effect Top Coat from Olive & June ($9).
13. Marble effect
We love pink nails with a twist. This marble effect is courtesy of a blooming gel, like this one from Red Carpet Manicure ($11). Simply apply a base coat, swipe on your favorite gel pink polish, cure your nails under an LED nail lamp, and then apply the blooming gel.
14. Purple details
This mani was hand painted using nail liners , but if you don’t have the patience (or steady hand) to draw on cute bow designs, reach for press-ons. This pink press-on set ($12) is crafted with a texture and shape closely resemble natural nails and includes pink bows and dots that are fun enough for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Looking for something more colorful? We adore this set priced at just $7.
15. Flaming heart milagros
A flaming heart milagro represents love and healing, so Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to rock these symbols on your nails. These powerful Mexican folk charms take on new life when transformed into delicate nail designs. We love Latina-owned Reina Rebelde because the brand perfectly captures the vibe with its thoughtfully crafted milagro nail decals ($10).
16. Queen of hearts
Dress up your classic red mani by creating an upside-down heart that extends up the nail bed. Use a neutral shade as a background to really make the red pop, and then finish off the look with rhinestone details. We recommend this rhinestone kit from Half Magic ($18).
17. Cherries on top
If you’re not a hearts and candy type of person, then go for an different vibe with vibrant red cherries. Set against a classic French manicure, ruby red cherries are drawn on hanging from green stems. If you don’t have all day to spend time on your Valentine’s Day nails, we suggest using cherry nail stickers, like this set from Amazon ($9).
18. Abstract swirls
Channel your inner artist and draw outside the lines. Paint any type of abstract design you like for a unique spin on Valentine’s Day nails. For help creating the look, use a nail art brush set, like this one from Olive & June, ($16) paired with your favorite red, pink, and purple polishes.
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