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The Chicest Valentine's Day Nail Art Inspo For Every Kind Of Romantic

Whether you're going all-out for love day or think that Cupid is quite frankly, stupid, there's something here for your next manicure.

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Regardless of how you feel about Valentine's Day, there's no denying that love day serves up plenty of cute inspo for your next manicure. The best nail techs go all out with charms, dreamy colour combos and hearts of all shapes, sizes and placements. Which means that whatever your love language - whether you're a romantic who's ready for a table for two, spending it with your best friends or simply chilling with a box set - there's nail art to suit your vibe.

'Pinks and reds are definitely classic Valentine's Day nail colours and are always the top choice for most clients, however, I like to switch things up now and again. I've experimented with black, white and neutral shades for more of a subtle look,' says manicurist Iram Shelton who name checks OPI's Alpine Snow, Lady In Black and Baby, Take A Vow as her go-to hues. 'I've created nail looks with chocolate brown hearts rather than traditional red.'

Painting your nails in different tones is also a great way to bring in some creativity without requiring a steady hand or extra tools. 'Blues, pinks and yellows work really well together or if you’re more of a minimalist and prefer something classic, try browns and nudes with black or white accents,' suggests Shelton. The iridescent, chromatic finish is also here to stay and lends an otherworldly glow to your nails. Romance is in the air, and on your fingertips.

19 Valentine's Day Nail Art Ideas To Try Now

Cat Eye Hearts

Cat eye manicures has the nail art world in a chokehold, and for good reason; they're enchanting and elegant all at once. Nail artists will use a magnet to manipulate the pigment, creating an ultra-romantic design that shifts under light.

Delicate Details

Elevate any natural manicure with the addition of teeny tiny heart designs. This detailed manicure is definitely one to take to the salon, as expert precision is essential when adding these miniature decals.

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Milky French

Whether you're single or a bride-to-be, a classic French manicure is one of the most sophisticated styles to sport for Valentine's Day. For an added flare, opt for a super-glossy chrome base like the example here.

Tiny Hearts

The most effortless way to update your blank canvas nail colour is to add some subtle nail stickers. Opt for something with a slightly shimmer or shine to add dimension to your everyday mani.

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Glamorous Gemstones

There's no better time to add some glitz to your tips than Valentine's Day; this mixture of glittering tones and 3D gemstones is maximalist without veering too bold.

Graphic Hearts

Fans of a bright nail will adore this two-toned style. Whether you have lengthy extensions or love a short nail shape, this basic design looks playful and joyous across all manicure types.

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Glitter Kisses

These ombre French tips wouldn't be complete without some sparkly kiss-inspired details. If you're looking for romantic nail inspiration that isn't just hearts on hearts, this would be our pick of the pot.

Classic Red

If in doubt, you cannot go wrong with a luxurious red manicure; it's chic, simple and utterly timeless. Looking to level up your glamour for the occasion? Pair your tips with a bright, ruby lipstick à la Taylor Swift at the Grammys.

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Chrome Accents

Hailey Bieber has long made a case for a chrome manicure, and there's no better time than Valentine's Day to test our the viral metallic trend. The best part? You can use it across your whole nail or just for some chic, glossy details.

Shimmer Designs

Fully glittered nails have been somewhat on the decline in recent years, but that doesn't stop us from revisiting a shimmery polish for some graphic designs. Not to mention, this subtle almond shape makes a convincing case for nail art on shorter tips.

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Pink Aura

Despite the trend being around for some time now, our fascination with aura nails has only heightened in recent years. This dreamy ombre design was made for Valentine's Day; it's soft, romantic and perfect for leaning into the season of love.

Natural Gloss

Valentine's Day nails needn't be too over-the-top. Keep it simple with an ultra-clean natural manicure, or opt for a soft pink shade courtesy of BIAB technology.

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Blue Valentine

If you want to lean into the spirit of Valentine's Day, but aren't too fond of romantic reds and floral pinks, a collection of blue hues are an equally stylish and valid choice.

Bold Fuscia

Barbie mania may be well and truly behind us, but this plastic fantastic nail inspiration is still reigning our beauty moodboards years on. Hot pink nails? Still the ultimate cool girl accessory.

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Red Wine Cutouts

You'll struggle to find a nail design more elegant than this rich burgundy manicure shade. This cutout design leans into the romanticism of Valentine's Day, without looking juvenile or garish.

Pink Pearl

This high-shine chrome has garnered thousands of fans on social media, earning it a spot in our gold tier of Valentine's Day nail ideas. A perk of this style is that your tips will still look chic after the 14th has passed.

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Romantic Nail Art

Mix-and-match nails are a favourite of backstage nail artists and the ELLE UK beauty team alike. The key? Finding a talented nail technician who can replicate a detailed design.

Fancy French

Fans of a French tip will adore this simple but effective pattern, which confines the design to just the ends of your manicure for a clean and modern result.

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Sophisticated Frames

This framing nail design is a sleek way to update the classic French tip trend. Opt for a rich red tone to keep your manicure looking elevated and mature.

Lettermark
Katie Withington
Beauty Writer

Katie Withington (she/her) is the Beauty Writer, at ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar. Working alongside the ELLE UK Beauty Team, she covers all things beauty for both print and digital, from finding backstage make-up trends at London Fashion Week and investigating buzzy skincare ingredients, to unzipping the beauty bags of Hailey Bieber and Margot Robbie. Prior to joining ELLE UK in 2022, Katie studied (BA) Fashion Journalism at London College of Fashion and has previously contributed to Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima.  
 

Headshot of Medina Azaldin
Medina Azaldin
Beauty Editor, ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK

Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too. 

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