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I'm Crushing So Hard on These 50 Nail Art Ideas for Valentine's Day

I <3 these

Love is in the air...or is that just the acetone? Whatever your feelings about Valentine’s Day, you have to admit: The mani opportunities are too cute to pass up. While you're trying to find a gift for your special someone or gathering some V-day snacks for your bestie's party, adding some adorable nail art is the way to go.

I compiled 50 Valentine's Day nail art ideas—from sparkly tips to abstract heart designs—that go beyond just pink and red motifs (though there's plenty of that, too). Wear them now through February 14 and beyond (like during an at-home date night).

1. Mixed Medley

Can't decide on a single Valentine's Day nail art? Try a different one on each finger. Manicurist Hannah Lee shows us exactly how to get the look in a helpful tutorial.

2. Inverted Lines

I love the simplicity of this design, using just two shades that epitomize Valentine's Day: red and white.

3. Stained Glass Nails

Behold: A design you'll never tired of looking at. Though given their intricacy, I'd suggest going with a press-on nail for these.

4. Red Chip

Blink and you just might miss it. I love the way this tiny detail completes the entire picture.

5. Floating Dots

Just a touch of whimsy will do. Use a dotting tool for easy, even designs.

6. Groovy Lines

Step 1: Paint your nails with a sheer nude polish. Step 2: Add some festive squiggles to your heart's content.

7. Checkerboard Print

If hearts and roses are a little too on the nose for you, might I suggest a crisp checkerboard print instead? Way cooler.

8. Cartoon Pink

Searching for Valentine's Day nail art that pop? Look no further than this bubble gum pink design. Once you settle on a neon pink shade, use a striping brush and black polish to outline each nail before adding the white 'highlight' for the cartoony effect.

9. Triple Dots

Here's another simple and sleek design that can easily be recreated using a dotting tool and a steady hand.

10. Blush Shimmer

There's something to be said for a simple blush shimmer.

11. Do Not Disturb

You know, in case you need to give a subtle hint for any unwelcome advances that come your way.

12. Split Space Nail

An understated nod to the holiday that you can wear anytime of the year. The key here is using some nail tape to get a crisp curve to each nail.

13. Pearl Accents

Take a cue from nail genius Cassandre Marie above and wear a few pearl decals like jewelry on the base of each nail for a glam moment.

14. Half Moon Stickers

Would you believe me if I told you these were nail polish stickers? Yup, just press down and file off the excess and you've got yourself a full mani.

15. Candy Hearts

A homage to those cute little Valentine's candies we all used to give out in elementary school.

16. Hearts & Arrows

This one hits the bullseye. Enough said.

17. Retro Roses

Anyone else feeling nostalgic for the '90s? The key to nailing this design lies in a solid set of striping brushes (and a Mariah Carey CD).

18. Victorian Florals

For the fashionista, I'd point you towards this understated design inspired by the late and great Alexander McQueen.

19. BFF Nails

As Charlotte famously said on Sex and the City, "Maybe we can be each other's soulmates. And then we can let men be just these great, nice guys to have fun with." Here, here!

20. Cotton Candy Skies

Because it's not possible to stare at a pink-tinged sky and not feel something inside. Apply a light pink polish before using a nail art brush to create small clouds—the fluffier, the better.

21. Monochrome Colorblocking

For our black polish devotees, this moody palette may strike your fancy.

22. Heart Cutouts

And if you're feeling confident with your painting skills, you can use the same polishes to etch on heart cutouts.

23. Candy Stripes

Sweet and striking (and surprisingly easy to recreate with a steady hand and some striping tape).

24. Candy Hearts

Think outside the (candy) box.

25. Jewel Tones

Similar idea to #24 but swap the pastel shades for juicier jewel tones instead.

26. Picasso Nails

Show off your artistic side (literally). Grab a nail art brush and unleash your inner Picasso. Don't worry about it being perfect and pairing with lipstick-shaped tips is icing on the cake.

27. Animated Hearts

A few well-placed pops of white lines can make your red heart tips come alive.

28. Abstract Splashes

Tip: Add a sheer swipe of glitter at the center of each splatter.

29. Bedazzled Heart

Channel the Queen of Hearts by anchoring a splash of glitter polish with a single red heart in the middle.

30. Matte Pink Nails

Here's proof that you don't necessarily need an intricate design to do a Valentine's Day nail art manicure. A matte top coat over a bright shade absolutely wows.

31. Hearts and Smiles

Doodle on a few hearts and smiley faces like the ones you used to draw all over your notebooks in the seventh grade.

32. Shades of Red

Why settle for one shade of red when you can wear them all? Plus, this chic manicure can last way past February 14.

33. Jellycat Fun

You know those adorable Jellycat stuffies all over the internet? Well, give your beau a hint that you want one of these adorable plush animals for V-day—trust me, it'll work.

34. Beautiful Bows

Bows will always be a staple nail art for Valentine's Day and this simple manicure is just what you need. Place a dainty ribbon design on all (or one statement nail like the look above), a dash of shimmer and you have yourself a winner.

35. Velvet Nails

Velvet nails (also known as the cat-eye manicure) is a trendy design that will surely turn heads at the Galentine's Day party. You'll need a special polish and its corresponding magnet to create this multi-dimensional effect.

36. French Manicure

OK, there's no red or pink involved. But there's something about a classic French manicure that screams romantic. And FYI, it'll pair well with any date night outfit.

37. Aura Nails

Aura nails are as trendy as ever and this V-day inspired manicure is proof. Do the pink airbrush effect alone or add some heart decals to complement the love-filled holiday.

38. V-Day Garland

Sporting some pink polish is fine, but featuring a small, intricate design near the cuticle definitely elevates the manicure. Grab a dotting tool and a striping brush to create your very own party garland.

39. Glazed Donut Nails

In 2022, this milky manicure was everywhere, and it's great for any time of the year, especially Valentine's Day. Consider this white gloss-over for the intimate dinner with your SO.

40. Red French Manicure

Spice up a classic Frenchie and choose a vibrant red to celebrate the holiday. Add a thorny heart on the ring finger and you got yourself a edgy, cool mani.

41. Comme des Garçons

You don't have to be a fashion expert to be familiar with this designer brand's signature heart face. Rock it for V-day and well into Fashion Week, too.

42. Mini Hearts

I present you the easiest Valentine's Day nail art to recreate at home. You're welcome.

43. 3D Hearts

Nothing says a 'pounding heart' quite like this 3D manicure. Use a hard builder gel to mold your hearts before applying a clear top coat to keep your new creation in place.

44. Airbrush Hearts

This white manicure gives off a graffiti feel that reminds me of the early '00s. Have fun painting on multiple hearts and a few sparkling stars on each nail.

45. Glitter Hearts

Is it just me or does this give major Sabrina Carpenter vibes? Please, please, please rock this glittery manicure for the day of love.

46. Negative Space

Cutout hearts are a tried-and-true Valentine's Day nail art design. And when you have a bold red polish, you can't go wrong.

47. Cowboy Lover

Cow print is on the rise, and adding a V-day twist makes it even more playful. This modern French has a few dips, fuchsia hearts and a shimmer base that ropes me in. (Pun intended.)

48. Smiley Faces

Listen, Valentine's Day nail art shouldn't be limited to hearts. This fun design results in a whimsical manicure that will surely make you smile IRL.

49. Lovely Lines

Use a thin brush and experiment with different types of lines. I'm talking lines, dots, swirls in the key holiday colors: red, white and pink.

50. Reverse French

Move over classic French, the reverse manicure is worth trying out. Cover your cuticles, paint the remainder of the your nail in a red polish and voilà.


Jenny Jin Headshot Vertical 2023

Beauty Director

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