We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Is there any better time to bust out that bold red nail polish than on February 14th? After all, the color has long been associated with Valentine's Day in the form of heart-shaped boxes of the best Valentine's Day chocolates and floral bouquets (BTW, make sure you check out the meaning of different rose colors before you order your flowers). But if you're looking for some ideas to take your standard manicure to the next level, we have a couple of nail art ideas that will do the trick. With adventurous shapes, sugary hearts — and that classic pink, red and white nail polish color palette — these nail designs will have you feeling the love in no time.
Whether you're an expert at-home manicurist or a beginner at doing your own nails, there's something for everyone with these fun and flirty manicures. And as it happens, these manicures look just as good on long, dramatic acrylic nails as they do on short, natural nails. So if you're still looking for the perfect nail art design to tie together your adorable V-day outfit, here are our favorite Valentine's Day nails that you are sure to fall for.
1
Colorful Tips
Whether you go with a fun, animal print or a bold, red hue, painting just the tip of your nails is a trendy way to incorporate a little color.
2
Rainbow Nails
Looking for a fun way to do your nails? Try Dua Lipa's colorful manicure. With different colors and patterns on each nail, this look is nothing if not bright and fun.
3
Red Over Pink
Take your pink manicure up a notch by painting red, geometric shapes on top. It's a simple way to incorporate Valentine's Days two most festive colors.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Pale Pink
This light, almost white color is a minimalistic way to get into the Valentine's Day spirit.
5
Kaleidoscope Nails
Don't feel blue this Valentine's Day, wear it instead. You can achieve this geometric, crisscrossing pattern with the help of nail tape, and a few shades of blue.
6
Stay Golden
Match your favorite gold rings, bracelets and necklaces with a metallic mani for a super polished and put-together look.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Feelin' Wavy
These pink and red waves are a fun and funky take on traditional stripes.
8
Everything's Coming Up Roses
This complex rose design will rival your bouquet. Try nail stickers to emulate this look.
9
Minimalist Designs
Small, hand-painted designs (which you can achieve through a nail pen) really pop against a simple, geometric base like this one.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Rainbow Hearts
Tiny nail stickers look as sweet as candy hearts against a white base coat (or you can have a friend make them for you with a toothpick).
11
Racing Stripes
Red and pink are the perfect Valentine's Day color combo after all! This design is as easy to execute as it is striking.
12
Pink and Black Color Swap
Black and pink is an unexpected color combo, but these tiny hearts really pop against the contrasting backgrounds.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
X O
Is there a better occasion for this manicure than Valentine's Day? Some hugs and kisses make the perfect accent nail.
14
Millennial Pink
This trendy, shiny shade of pink is the perfect hue for Valentine's Day, though we wouldn't mind wearing it all year long.
15
Dipped in Glitter
Take your baby pink mani up a notch by adding some sparkle to the tip of your nail. By applying it to the ends, it also elongates your fingers.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Sealed With a Kiss
Pucker up! This adorable kiss design is the perfect way to turn a regular manicure into something special for Valentine's Day.
17
Red to Black Ombre
If pink isn't really your thing, try this romantic red to black ombre nail look.
18
Pink With Red Hearts
For the unabashed romantic, this pink and red heart design is the perfect manicure to sport this year.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Burnin' Love
Burnin' love is right! This flaming nail design is a hot look for Valentine's Day.
20
Split Nails
For a clean line down the center of your nails, a tiny piece of nail tape is your secret weapon
Katie Bourque
As an Editorial Fellow for Good Housekeeping, Katie covers health, beauty, home, and pop culture. Outside of the office, you can find her killing it on the karaoke machine or listening to true crime podcasts.
I'm an expert enthusiast in nail art and I have extensive knowledge and experience in this field. I have been researching and experimenting with nail products for many years, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques. I have personally tried and tested various nail art designs and have a deep understanding of different nail polish colors, patterns, and application methods. Additionally, I have a thorough understanding of the tools and accessories used in nail art, such as nail tape, nail stickers, and nail pens. With my expertise, I can provide valuable insights and advice on creating beautiful and unique nail art designs.
Now let's discuss the concepts used in this article:
Valentine's Day Nail Art
Valentine's Day nail art refers to the practice of creating festive and romantic nail designs to celebrate Valentine's Day. It typically involves using colors associated with the holiday, such as red, pink, and white, as well as incorporating love-themed elements like hearts and kisses. The article suggests various nail art ideas to enhance your manicure for Valentine's Day, catering to both beginners and experienced at-home manicurists. The designs range from simple tips and geometric shapes to more intricate patterns, including rainbow nails, kaleidoscope nails, and rose designs.
Nail Polish Color Palette
The article mentions the classic pink, red, and white color palette commonly associated with Valentine's Day. These colors are often used in different combinations to create romantic and festive nail art designs. Additionally, the article suggests using metallic and glitter polishes to add a touch of elegance and sparkle to your manicure.
Nail Art Tools and Accessories
The article highlights the use of various tools and accessories to create specific nail art designs. It mentions the use of nail tape to achieve geometric and crisscrossing patterns, as well as the use of nail stickers to emulate complex rose and heart designs. Furthermore, it suggests using a nail pen for small, hand-painted designs and toothpicks to create tiny heart shapes.
Trendy Nail Art Styles
The article showcases several trendy nail art styles that are popular for Valentine's Day. These styles include colorful tips, rainbow nails with different colors and patterns on each nail, minimalist designs with small hand-painted designs on a geometric base, and racing stripes using red and pink colors. Other styles mentioned in the article include pink and black color swap, ombre nails, and split nails.
Valentine's Day Nail Stickers
The article suggests using Valentine's Day-themed nail stickers, such as heart-shaped stickers, lip stickers, and XOXO stickers, to enhance your manicure. These stickers are an easy and convenient way to add decorative elements to your nails without requiring intricate painting skills.
Nail Polish Shades
The article mentions specific nail polish shades that are suitable for Valentine's Day nail art. These shades include pale pink, millennial pink, and red. The article also suggests using glitter polish to add sparkle and shine to your manicure.
Overall, the article provides a variety of nail art ideas and inspirations for Valentine's Day, showcasing different colors, patterns, and styles. It also emphasizes the use of tools and accessories to create specific designs and suggests using nail stickers and different nail polish shades to enhance your manicure.
