I Saved These 12 Aesthetic Nail Designs on IG to Show My Nail Artist
If I'm going to get nail art done, I want it to look as aesthetically pleasing as possible. If nail art is too busy, it can start to feel overwhelming on your fingertips. For this reason, it's a good idea to choose your nail polish designs carefully.
With so many nail inspirations out there, it can be tough to decide what you want to try on your own nails. That's why I reached out to nail experts to find the absolute best nail trends out there that will make your nails as aesthetically pleasing as possible. Amy Ling Lin, founder of Sundays Studios, and Jin Soon Choi, runway nail artist and founder of JinSoon, weighed in on their favorite nail designs. Screenshot these and save them for your next nail appointment—you won't be disappointed.
Irregular dots
For Lin, this trend is all about the symbolism. "Those dots usually remind us of things that are synonymous with spring, like Easter eggs, spring flower petals, or just warmer and sunnier afternoons," she says. "It is hopeful, simple, and beautiful."
Slanted French
Lin recommends this modern twist on your typical French manicure for an unexpected and effortlessly cool vibe.
Sheer Blush
A sheer wash of blush mimics your cheek's natural flush on your nails. "I like this look because it is such an effortless form of nail art," says Choi. "I also like the apparent three-dimensionality of it—it has a similar appeal to me as the aura nail effect. It also imparts a convexity to the nail surface, further enhancing the nail's healthy appearance."
Chrome accent
According to Choi, chrome nails are having a moment. "Chrome nails are so hot, both when they cover full nails or on accent nails," she says. "I especially love a chrome touch on a sheer base. It can be fun, stylish, cool. A chrome foil patch on sheer polish looks fun yet stylish, and pearly white chrome on full nails looks sophisticated."
Spring florals
Lin says a floral design is the perfect spring welcome.
Dainty French
"Pastel French tips are a whimsical nod to spring," says Choi. "Team JINsoon did this look for the Brandon Maxwell S/S 2023 runway. Instead of having pastel colors on full nail beds, try this dainty pastel French line for an elegant and delicate style. It is refined and polished, much like the modernized dainty look we have been seeing on the runways of late."
Jelly ombré
Choi says that a one-toned ombré on sheer nails is intriguing. "It almost looks like a sheer jelly-like finish and it's easy to replicate this high-fashion look at home. For a beginner-friendly technique, paint your polish on a wedge makeup sponge and gently dab the sponge onto your nail until you're happy with the result. A glossy topcoat will finish the look."
Color combos
This is a great option if you're having a hard time picking just one color for your nails but still want to have a fun manicure. "We tend to wear more colors during spring. If you have several spring colors you love, why don’t you wear them all on your fingertips," says Lin. "It is versatile for all nail lengths."
4 more aesthetic nail designs I've saved for inspo:
Next: This Nontoxic Nail Polish Brand Low-Key Has the Best Colors
Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.
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