Valentine’s Day is already right around the corner.
A divisive holiday, you’ll either love 14th February or dread it all month (or year) long. The good news is, these days most of us have acknowledged that love isn’t just for romantic partners. Celebrating the day of love can encompass friendships, familial relationships, and even pets or self-love.
For this reason, there’s no harm in celebrating a little love this year, and what better way to do that than on your nails?
I’m certainly not a fan of V-day (yes, I’m eternally single and don’t really see its value), but I’m also not a love scrooge: I love love, and I also love nail art.
Fear not; I’ve selected some of the best Valentine’s manicures you may not expect. In other words, it’s not all red hearts and cliched designs – there’s something in here for the rebels, too.
Not quite in the mood for Valentine’s nails? Browse our winter nail art ideas, find out how to keep your nails happy and healthy, or get inspired by some winter hair trends for the new year.
More nail inspo this way…
- 2023 is the year of aura nails – here’s how to get them
- The best celebrity nails from 2022, including Hailey Bieber’s glazed designs
- 12 of the best winter nail art ideas for the colder months
The best Valentine’s nails 2023
From red hot flames to pretty pouts, these are the pictures you’ll want to take to your nail artist.
Strawberry dream
This manicure reminds me of one of my favourite (and the most superior) pick’n’mix choices, Strawberry Dreams. Because what’s sweeter than a candy-inspired manicure for V-Day?
3D gel hearts
Wearing your heart on your sleeve? So 2022. Instead, jump on the 3D nail art trend and dare to bear your heart on your manicure with this iridescent pink design.
Mix ‘n’ match
Make it modern, fun and fresh with this mix ‘n’ match design that incorporates pretty pinks and bold reds.
Sugary sweet
You can’t beat a Love Hearts sweet design, but to give it a cool twist, pick one or two nails and stick to a block pastel on the others.
Seeing double
If you do want to stick to a pared-down heart design, opt for a fine line and double up on a sheer background.
Simply love
This sleek design is perfect to share your love for partners, friends and family members. Love is universal!
Neon pink
Pastels are lovely, but for a bolder statement, opt for neon fuchsia.
Block red
Not one for ultra-detailed nail art? Stick to a classic red; whether you go for poppy red, scarlet or blue-toned hues, you can’t beat it at V-day.
Neutral hues
Keep the hearts, ditch the pinks and reds; this design is ideal if you prefer to fly under the radar around Valentine’s.
Kiss me quick
Move over love hearts, pout designs are here to lead the way for a sassier, sexier take on the holiday.
Blushing faces
These gorgeous fine-line faces in red are enough to make you swoon – and will be suitable long after 14th Feb.
Stay fiery
The ultimate ‘anti-hero’ of V-day, these flames scream attitude and are hot, hot, hot.
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