11 genuinely wearable Valentines nail ideas to take to your next salon appointment
These are already getting us in the mood
The month of love has arrived, which means that Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Whether you've had your date-night Valentine's Day outfit planned for weeks or have decided to celebrate self-love instead this year, there's no denying the joy that a chic Valentine's nail design can bring.
While team Marie Claire is already making its way through the chicest nail trends of 2023, we're also starting to think about how we can jazz up our next manicure by paying a subtle tribute to the day of love. From teeny-tiny love hearts to a French-tip twist, we've scoured Instagram to round up the chicest ideas for Valentine's nails this month.
11 Valentines day nail designs you'll love
1. Rom-com nails
How to lose a guy in ten days is a classic, although these nails are anything but. Just select your go-to rom-com (or rom, for that matter), choose your favourite line and take it to one of the best nail salons.
A post shared by Kate Hudson (@katehudson)
A photo posted by on
2. Hailey Bieber's pink glazed nails
Get ahead of the nail trends this year and try Hailey Bieber's pink glazed nails for the love-filled season. They're pink and sparkly, what more could you want?
A post shared by Amanda Lee Hair (@amandaleehair)
A photo posted by on
Get the look at home:
Use this alone for the traditional glazed-doughnut look. For a pink glazed look, first use your favourite pink polish and use Get Glazed as a top coat for your own unique shade.
This bubblegum pink will make for the ultimate pink glazed nail look.
3. TikTok's "blush nails"
“TikTok's blush nails will be one of the go-to Valentine’s Day manis this year," says Tinu Bello, A-List Manicurist & Senior Brand Ambassador for Mylee. #blushnails has millions of views on TikTok, and is the perfect way to match your blush and nails for Valentine's day (and beyond).
A post shared by BALI NAILS • LASH • BROW • HAIR (@shapeandtint)
A photo posted by on
Get the look at home:
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
4. Black hearted
This one is for all my single ladies out here who want to get in on the Valentine's day nail action, but don't want to make to go all out. Simple and chic.
A post shared by Samantha 🌹 (@samrosenails)
A photo posted by on
Get the look at home:
5. Teeny-Tiny Hearts
If you're looking for true nail inspiration, look no further than the Instagram account of nail Queen (and celebrity nail artist) Harriet Westmoreland. We've never seen hearts look so chic.
A post shared by Harriet Westmoreland (@harrietwestmoreland)
A photo posted by on
Get the look at home:
6. Rouge French manicure
The French tip is stone-cold classic that is having a total renaissance. Opt for a red tip to try the red nail theory for a Valentine's day refresh. It's very much giving Hailey Bieber's Christmas nails, and we are here for it.
A post shared by EmiPhey Park Residence Skopje (@emiphey)
A photo posted by on
Get the look at home:
OPI Big Apple Red, £14.30 | Lookfantastic
7. Love Letters
The ultimate way to express your feelings on the international day of love? Opt for super-fine script on your nails.
A post shared by Townhouse (@mytownhouseuk)
A photo posted by on
Get the look at home:
8.Empty heart
You can't go wrong with red for valentines day, and we're obsessed this negative-space heart.
A post shared by Samantha 🌹 (@samrosenails)
A photo posted by on
Get the look at home:
9. Classic red
You cannot, and we repeat, you cannot go wrong with a classic deep-red shade. It elongates the fingers and makes you look like you've got your life in order (even if secretly you are a mess).
Get the look at home:
Wine on the nails and wine in the glass. That's how we like it.
10. Monochrome Heart
The monochrome French tip, the mini hearts, the shape... I'm simply obsessed.
A post shared by nails by caroline 🌾 (@nailsbycaroline_)
A photo posted by on
Get the look at home:
French manis are made easy with this white nail polish in a pen.
11. Nudity
Nude is always a good idea on Valentine's Day. The look is clean, minimalist and so very pretty.
Get the look at home:
You won't find a nude shade better than this. So much so, that apparently it's one of Meghan Markle's favourite. It's very close to her wedding day nail shade.
So, whether you're single, dating or have been with your other half for longer than you can remember, these nail looks will look good at any time of the year.
And if you've left the shopping to the last minute, check out our guide to the best Valentine's gifts for boyfriends.
Dionne Brighton is a writer at Marie Claire UK, specialising in all things shopping, beauty and fashion. Born and raised in North London, she studied Literature at the University of East Anglia before taking the leap into journalism. These days, you can find her testing out the latest TikTok beauty trends or finding out what the next full Moon means.
-
Marie Claire Loves - Give the gift of Prada this Christmas
Looking for gifting inspiration? Prada's selection of festive gifts are guaranteed to please
By Marie Claire
-
Sabrina Carpenter has spoken out following her separation from Barry Keoghan
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
Ethan Slater’s ex wife has broken her silence on their split in an open letter
By Jenny Proudfoot
-
The first nail polish I ever bought is trending again for winter—here's how I'm wearing it now I'm in my 30s
It's *perfect* for Christmas and NYE
By Rebecca Fearn
-
Planning your next mani appointment? I've done the research—these are the 9 nail trends to ask for in 2025
Nails never looked so good
By Jazzria Harris
-
Milky nails are done for—next year, satin nails are going to reign supreme
Sign us up for this barely-there manicure
By Lucy Abbersteen
-
There is only one nail trend I'm interested in right now—these 15 looks are all you need be concerned with
For the minimalists *and* the maximalists
By Rebecca Fearn
-
Trust me, this current microtrend is the single chicest way to elevate your December manicure
There are so many ways to wear this type of polish
By Tori Crowther
-
Take it from me, *this* is the simple nail colour swap to make to give your manicure a chic winter spin
It's the only manicure to wear right now
By Jazzria Harris
-
I asked an astrologer which nail designs suit each star sign best—here's her verdict
As a Leo, I'm pretty pleased with mine
By Rebecca Fearn
-
I couldn't be happier this classic nail colour is trending again for winter—these are the looks I'll be copying
Bookmark this for Christmas Day nail inspo
By Rebecca Fearn