Valentine's Day isn't exactly everyone's thing. But Valentine's Day nails? This year there's something you're guaranteed to love no matter your feelings. While the look might call to mind overly saccharine riffs on candy hearts and kiss prints, we're here to show you heart-shaped nail designs don't have to be cheesy.
In fact, there are plenty of Valentine's Day nail ideas that are downright cool—and something you'll want to wear well past February 14. Think rainbow nails but in shades of pastel or gradients of pink, sparkly rose gold finishes that actually look grown-up, and, of course, a few black-and-white options for whoever can't bring themselves to wear red and pink.
So whether you're the type who's into all things romantic or your idea of a perfect Valentine's Day is a hot date with your couch and Netflix, we've got a match for you ahead. Scroll on for the best Valentine's Day nails for 2023.
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The 2023 way to wear a heart topcoat? Layer it on your bare nails first, followed by a thin layer of iridescent polish. Love it.
Instagram / @oi_nail
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2. Alternating Reds and PinksWhy choose between red or pink when you can rock them both?
Instagram / @oi_nail
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What's better than one glitter nail polish? Two of them. Split the difference with your favorite sparkly shades, like nail artist Betina Goldstein did here.
Nail artist: Betina Goldstein
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4. Rainbow HeartsTiny 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).
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Heart exclamation points look even cuter on your nails than over text. Try painting a rich oxblood color over a naked base to keep it modern.
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Instagram / @oi_nail |
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A bouquet on your nails > one at your desk (or coffee table, if you're still WFC—working from couch). Try painting your own if you've got skills; otherwise you can use some nail art stickers.
Instagram / @betinagoldstein |
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Credit: Coco Glam (Crystal Clawz) |
11. Minimalist DesignsSmall, hand-painted designs (which you can achieve through a nail pen) really pop against a simple, geometric base like this one.
Instagram / @nailit.koz
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12. Pretty PatternsIf you can't decide between stripes, glitters, and hearts, why not try all of them? Tie the patterns together with a similar shade of pink.
Instagram / @SHELLACQUEEN |
13. On the Dotted LineLet your heart-accented nail stand out by painting the rest of your manicure a soft pastel pink.
Instagram / @SHELLACQUEEN |
14. Barely ThereTiny hearts and a smattering of subtle sparkle are an elegant nod to the holiday.
Instagram/ @SHELLACQUEEN |
15.New ShadesWho said red was the color of romance? You can also feel the love with pink, gold, and black-and-white.
Instagram / @SHELLACQUEEN |
16. X OIs there a better occasion for this manicure than Valentine's Day? Some hugs and kisses make the perfect accent nail.
Instagram / @danis.manis |
17. Every Rose Has Its ThornThis single rose design is a great challenge for the amateur nail artists out there, but the rest of us will probably be using nail stickers.
Credit: CK Nails (Crystal Clawz)
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Instagram / @thehangedit |
19. Beating HeartThe best design you can get to show your love on this special day, and adding gems to an accent nail is low-lift touch of glamour.
Instagram / @PRINCESSNAILSALON |
Instagram / @opi |
21. All About the ArrowsThe arrows on these accent nails stand out thanks to a white base color. Using that same white to create smaller hearts on the middle nail brings everything together.
Instagram / @MISS_MICHELLE_VANITY_NAILS |
22. All About That LoveWhat other special way to show your love for this love filled day with stunning red nails and a beautiful, hand painted accent nail!
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Instagram / @nailsbymei
Instagram / @oi_nail
Instagram / @thehangedit
Credit: CK Nails (Crystal Clawz)
Credit: ChayilK Nails (Crystal Clawz)