This Unexpected Nail Trend Will Be Huge for Valentine's Day, According to a Pro
Step aside, pink and red.
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Valentine's Day is here, and while you're shopping for gifts, baking some heart-shaped desserts, and picking the perfect date-night outfit, don't forget the finishing touch: Your Valentine's Day nails. The holiday is not complete without a fun and flirty manicure befitting of the special day. Whether you go the DIY route or have an appointment at your favorite nail salon, you need some inspiration!
Nail artist Lauren Ortega shared what she expects to see trending this year: "Pinks and reds are synonymous with Valentine's Day, but there are a few other colors that are just as good. Even though Valentine's Day is technically in winter, I love anything pastel, the first thing that comes to mind are the candy hearts with sayings on them. So lavender, pale blue, mint green, pale yellow, these are all great options for Valentine's day nails."
Of course, nothing says Valentine's Day quite like a classic red nail. Lauren says, "If you're going with a classic red, "Left Him on Red" by DND is an absolute must. It's the perfect shade of red for any skin tone, it definitely proves the red nail theory to be true."
More Nail Inspiration:
Two-Toned Hearts Valentine's Day Nail Design
We are obsessed with these nails, and here's why: For starters, the blush and deep red contrast beautifully. And the creativity of the heart design is pure genius!
Pastel Nails
By the time Valentine's Day rolls around, we're tired of the dark moody colors of fall and winter and ready to bring on the pastels. Nail artist Lauren Ortega looks to candy hearts for inspiration. After all, everyone is ready for spring. Pick your favorite hue or go bold with several colors.
Lauren recommends these DND gel colors that you'll be wearing through Easter: Barefoot Sea, Periwinkle, Mint to Be, Dainty Daisies, Lavender Haze, and On a Whim.
Pastel French Manicure
For a bit more subtle take on the pastel trend, try a French manicure. Stick to one sweet color or all of them!
Heart Tips Valentine's Day Nail Design
This festive idea from Bellacures might be our favorite! Pair a neutral nail with a heart-shaped tip for a flirty Valentine's Day look.
Cat-eye Nails
Cat-eye nails are trending. The metallic design is created using a magnet. Choose a dramatic color, or go for a brighter shimmery pink.
Simple and Sweet Valentine's Day Nail Design
This manicure features the classic Valentine's Day color combo—red and white—and the holiday's icon, a heart. To achieve clean lines around the accent finger artwork, let the bottom coat of polish dry completely. For beginners, play around with nail stickers—they come in tons of shapes and colors.
Ombré Valentine's Day Nail Design
As if you needed an excuse to buy multiple polishes...but in case you did, here's the perfect reason. Paint each nail in a different shade, from light to dark, for an eye-catching manicure.
Classic Red Valentine's Day Nail Design
Classic red on nails works any time of the year but is especially appropriate for Valentine's Day.
Lover Era Valentine's Day Nail Design
Are you in your Lover era? Swifties are sure to copy this sweet look for Valentine's Day and beyond. Use nail art tape to achieve straight lines. We love how your natural nail shows through in the middle triangle.
Sparkly French Manicure Valentine's Day Nail Design
Fun-loving disco-ball inspired accents (here, on the ring and pinky fingers) bring extra sparkle to a classic French mani.
Red Hearts Valentine's Day Nail Design
Red hearts on pink nails: This is the classic look for Valentine's Day!
Red Glitter Valentine's Day Nail Design
We love this deep red glitter polish on shorter nails. This statement-making color is perfect for Christmas too.
Electric Pink Valentine's Day Nail Design
These square tip neon pink nails make quite a statement on Valentine's Day or any day of the year!
Baby Pink Valentine's Day Nail Design
This soft pink polish is sweet and sophisticated, and you can wear it all winter long.
Flirty Hearts Valentine's Day Nail Design
This fun look combines all of our favorite things about Valentine's Day: bright red, shimmery silver, and hearts!
Winter White Valentine's Day Nail Design
This snow-white look will carry you throughout the winter season. Dress up a simple white manicure with silver gems.
Katie Bowlby is Digital Director at Country Living, where she covers pop culture news including country music, Yellowstone, and all things HGTV, plus gift guides and product reviews. She has been with Country Living for more than 11 years. Before that, she worked for Southern Living. The Indiana University grad also stitches up the cross-stitch pattern for every issue of the magazine.
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