Stuck for inspiration? Here are the 38 chicest nail art ideas I've ever seen
There's something to suit everyone
For beauty enthusiasts, there’s little quite as exciting as gearing up for your next nail appointment; scrolling through pages of nail art ideas, featuring the best 2024 nail trends, in a bid to find the perfect design. Then, finally seeing the results IRL on your own nails, and probably getting no work done for the foreseeable because they’re just too beautiful to stop looking at.
As a beauty editor, manicurist and an avid nail-art lover (I'm the proud owner of an Instagram nail art folder that contains 700+ posts), there’s never a moment I don’t want to discuss nail-spiration. Consider me your dedicated nail art tour guide taking you through some of the best nail art ideas. Whether you’re looking to keep it minimal with the best nail polish shades, level-up your tips with a French manicure, or are constantly on the search for easy and simple nail art looks, I’ve got something for everyone.
Keep scrolling for some of the very best nail art ideas to try at home or take to your next salon appointment that'll transform those 10 tiny canvases.
1. Pastel rainbow French
A post shared by Queenie Nguyen | elevated nail artist (@nailartbyqueenie)
A photo posted by on
This nail design on Anna Kendrick is perfect for the warmer months, making it one of the chicest spring/summer nail looks I've ever seen.
2. Retro flowers
A post shared by Zola Ganzorigt (@nailsbyzola)
A photo posted by on
You can trust Zola Ganzorigt to deliver some of the very best nail art looks the world has ever seen—and these colour flowers on Kylie Jenner's nails are up there.
3. Pantone colour blocks
A post shared by Queenie Nguyen | elevated nail artist (@nailartbyqueenie)
A photo posted by on
Can't decide on just one colour but want something more elevated than your standard rainbow mani? These colour blocks are it.
4. Butter yellow micro French
A post shared by Mateja Novakovic (@matejanova)
A photo posted by on
Never, in all of team Marie Claire UK's lives, have we seen a manicure quite as perfect as this one. With yellow being the it nail colour of the season, this micro French is all we want to sport.
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5. Neon dots
A post shared by Julia Diogo (@paintedbyjools)
A photo posted by on
Simple, effective and painfully chic. The beauty of this Julia Diogo manicure is, as always, all in the cuticle work.
6. Lemon accents
A post shared by India Francesca Allen (@indiafrancescaallen)
A photo posted by on
Fruit nails are having a major moment for summer 2024, and this intricate lemon design is top of my to-try list.
7. Animal print
A post shared by Studio by Elvira Safina (@safinailstudio)
A photo posted by on
You really can't go wrong with animal print nails, whether it's leopard, snake, tiger, or even cow, it'll always look great with dainty application and a matte top coat.
8. Dreamy clouds
A post shared by Studio by Elvira Safina (@safinailstudio)
A photo posted by on
If you're a forever daydreamer, there's no manicure quite as perfect as some fluffy clouds.
9. Brown checkerboard
A post shared by Queenie Nguyen | elevated nail artist (@nailartbyqueenie)
A photo posted by on
While brown nails might typically lend themselves to autumn looks, summer 2024 has seen them prove a year-round hit—and this mixed-up checkerboard look is a stunner.
10. Micro flowers
A post shared by Alyx Lippiatt (@alyxlippiatt)
A photo posted by on
A clean base with a super-teeny neon, retro flower? Say no more.
11. Aura nails
A post shared by Zola Ganzorigt (@nailsbyzola)
A photo posted by on
Aura nails have been everywhere in 2024, and this look really showcases them as their finest.
12. Modern French
A post shared by Alyx Lippiatt (@alyxlippiatt)
A photo posted by on
If you're not somebody who is into bright, vibrant or out-there nail art, this deconstructed French manicure is simple but stunning.
13. Gold stars
A post shared by Mobile Nail Art Therapist: Fairburn, Sherburn, South Milford (@nailed_byemily)
A photo posted by on
If you just can't give up that pale pink base that has you in a chokehold but want to give nail art a whirl, I love adding tiny gold stars to give it something extra special without going overboard.
14. Pink chrome
A post shared by minori (@nina__minori)
A photo posted by on
Warning: if you go to the salon and come out with these breathtakingly gorgeous pink chrome nails, you won't have a single productive day because you'll be too busy staring at them.
15. Vase-inspired
A post shared by Queenie Nguyen | elevated nail artist (@nailartbyqueenie)
A photo posted by on
Since nails are just tiny canvases, just like art, inspiration is everywhere—even kitchenware like this set!
16. Watercolour nails
A post shared by Studio by Elvira Safina (@safinailstudio)
A photo posted by on
Watercolour is a popular nail art technique and the beauty of it is that you can never replicate the exact same look twice. The result is one that's beautiful in its simplicity and calming to look at.
17. Gold flakes
A post shared by Severia Russell (@ms.veeznails)
A photo posted by on
I'm a firm believer that if you're not sure how to finish off your nail art design, add some gold flakes; it's a simple but transformative nail art accessory.
18. Chrome stars
A post shared by 🅼🅸🅻🅻🅸 🅼🅰🅲 (@by_millimac)
A photo posted by on
This is one to take to your nail tech and will have you dazzling anyone who takes a look at your nails.
19. Outline French manicure
A post shared by Quynh (@minimalist.gelineer)
A photo posted by on
Another take on the classic is the outline French manicure, it's more subtle than its original and works with any colour you fancy.
20. Dainty hearts
A post shared by India Francesca Allen (@indiafrancescaallen)
A photo posted by on
Dainty little hearts aren't just reserved for February 14th, we're all for wearing the sweet nail art year-round.
21. 70s floral
A post shared by Chloe Birks - Nail Art by Chlo (@nailartbychlo)
A photo posted by on
Flashing it back to the '70s with this floral design, proving that short nails can be delicately decorated too.
22. Squiggles
A post shared by Georgia MANCHESTER (M3) (@the_gelologist)
A photo posted by on
Who knew a simple squiggle could transform our hands so much? There are so many possibility with this design, too.
23. Star aura nails
A post shared by yesenia 🧚🏼♂️ (@setsbysenia)
A photo posted by on
Aura nails are proving to be a huge 2024 trend, and this pink set with silver stars are particularly special.
24. Simple smiley
A post shared by Townhouse (@mytownhouseuk)
A photo posted by on
Sometimes all you need is a simple smiley face underneath a minimal base.
25. Victor Vasarely-inspired
A post shared by Nail Art/Gel-x (@madrinails)
A photo posted by on
Recreate your favourite artist's pieces on your nails to make a truly special manicure.
26. Tortoiseshell effect
A post shared by Abigail Bernal-Guerrero LM (@abgnails__)
A photo posted by on
Tortoiseshell nails are nothing new but we're still not bored of them. The effect can be worn in a variety of designs, including this French manicure design here.
27. Airbrush impact
A post shared by Groovy Nails by Bea 🌼 (@groovynailsbybea)
A photo posted by on
Again, airbrushing nails isn't a new technique but it's becoming more widely available at nail salons, making it an increasingly popular choice. The outcomes are endless, mixing shades and patterns to create truly special effects.
28. Hand-painted flowers
A post shared by Plaster. ⚫️ (@plasterbeauty)
A photo posted by on
Unless you have the patience of a saint, hand-painted flowers incorporated in a nail design is likely one you'll take to the salon. But when the outcome is as good as this, it's worth every effort.
29. Ombré glitter
A post shared by Vanity Projects Miami (@vanityprojectsmia)
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If you're looking for a little sparkle without going OTT, try an ombré effect like this, it adds just enough colour to give an impressive finish.
30. Embellished studs
A post shared by Vanity Projects Miami (@vanityprojectsmia)
A photo posted by on
Sometimes, the best nail art comes from small, colourful embellishments. If you've got the patience, this is one you can try at home.
31. Blooming gel
A post shared by GellyBean - Gel Nails Biggleswade (@gellybeannails)
A photo posted by on
Blooming gel is a popular nail trend for 2024 and can create all sorts of intricate designs like this green animal print set.
32. Lava nails
A post shared by GEL BOX NAILS (@gelboxnails)
A photo posted by on
This impressive lava design also uses blooming gel, but has a completely different outcome; proving that there are so many possible outcomes with this type of product.
33. Elevated reverse French
A post shared by Plaster. ⚫️ (@plasterbeauty)
A photo posted by on
If a French manicure isn't really your thing, try a reverse French manicure. Instead of putting the coloured tip on the free edge of the nail, it's placed on the base of the nail, near the cuticle area.
34. Optical illusion nails
A post shared by Shian Nails (@shiannails)
A photo posted by on
Optical illusion nails are both pretty and completely mesmerising. This is definitely one to take to the salon for inspiration.
35. Moving French mani
A post shared by GellyBean - Gel Nails Biggleswade (@gellybeannails)
A photo posted by on
This manicure proves that designs can be both simple and striking.
36. Aurora nails
A post shared by ERIKA/nail/FukuokaJAPAN🇯🇵 (@erika_carolina.jp)
A photo posted by on
Originating from Korea, aurora nails are possibly the most impressive and beautiful manicures out there. This is created using special iridescent sheets and powder so is definitely one to visit your nail tech for.
37. Short micro French
A post shared by Betina R. Goldstein (@betina_goldstein)
A photo posted by on
There's nothing as stylish as a micro French design on shorter nails.
38. Vibrant swirls
A post shared by 𝙉𝘼𝙄𝙇𝙎 𝘽𝘼𝘽 (@nails.bab)
A photo posted by on
Vibrant swirls are utterly joyful and will brighten up even the dreariest of days.
Tori is a freelance beauty journalist and contributor for Marie Claire. She has written for various titles, including Allure, Glamour, Elle, Refinery29, Brides, and more. Currently training to be a nail tech, Tori is a total nail enthusiast and always has time to talk all things nail art. When she’s not writing about beauty and testing products, Tori can be found walking her rescue dog Pip, drinking great coffee, and eating as many croissants as humanly possible.
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