Here’s a fun way to get festive for Valentine’s Day this year: Valentine’s Day nails. These are blowing up social media, and the creative designs we’re seeing are making us so happy to go beyond switching up your favorite color for red or pink.
We’ve kept these Valentine’s nail art ideas fairly simple, and definitely no more racy than a conversation heart classroom treatso that they’re perfect for you — or your kids.
And if you’re looking for the best, long-lasting nail color, we highly (highly!) recommend Lakur Color-Enhanced Nail Polish by Londontown. It lasts nearly as long as a gel manicure without all that gel polish struggle–but we’ve included some other favorite brands to give you some options.
To take it all off? We’re big fans of Londontown’s acetone-free Strengthening Laqueur Remover.
Updated for 2024
Related: Spring nail trends that are cool, not kitschy
Londontown Lakur in Summer Fling
Whether you’re attempting a DIY (more power to you!), you want to bookmark this page for reference at the salon, you’re looking to have a little fun for date night, or you’re creating matching fingernails with your kids for a fun parent-kid Valentine’s Day activity, we think these creative, simple ideas for Valentine’s Day nails are so charming at any age.
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I like this simple idea for ahot pink and silver Valentine’s Day nail design by Astrid, at Love’s Sweet As. Because even a not-so-skilled manicurist like me could successfully pain on this design on myself or my daughter. As long as she holds really, really still, that is. Pro Tip: If you want a shortcut, these at-home gel manicure kits have all kinds of Valentine’s Day nail styles and make it easy!
Get the Look:
Hot Pink: Londtontown Lakur in Summer Fling (shown above)
Silver: Londontown Laur in Dishy
Speaking of conversation hearts, these conversation heart nails are so fun for kids! I spotted them on the @GabbysNailArt Instagram feed, and Gabby Morris got these just right, The message hearts alternate with simple hearts and I’m all “real love” for these.
Get the Look:
Bright Pink: Essie’s In the You-niverse
Pastels: Eternal Nail Polish Candy Pastels Collection
Good Cheat: Candy Hearts Nail Decals from Enigma Designs
Nailed It NZ has a step-by-step YouTube video tutorial for Valentine’s nails that’s perfect for the 14th, but I’m not sure I agree with her “easy” designation for these. If you’re a nail design pro or have great design skills, I would definitely try these at home. Otherwise, I’d take this one to the nail bar with me and let them…nail it. (hehe)
Get the Look:
Mid Pink: Londontown in Cherry Blossom Pink
Pink Glitter: ILNP Daydreamer Carnation Pink Holographic Ultra Metallic
Fine Detailing: Nails INCMani Marker Nail Art Pen in Mascara Black and in Lipstick Red
Of course red and pink aren’t the only ways to go at all for Valentine’s Day nails. With nude nails coming up as a hot spring/summer beauty trend this year, I really like this nude Valentine’s nail art design at the aptly named @nailsjustnailss account. Natalia’s feed is packed with inspiration and I love that she’s specific about which colors to use, and where to find the specific stencils.
Get the Look:
Neutral Tan: Zoya nail polish in Mink
White: Zoya nail polish in Purity
Gold Glitter: Rechoo Nail Art Liner Glitter Pen in Grey Gold (includes silver + gold)
Fine Detailing: Nails INCMani Marker Nail Art Pen in Mascara Black
Another way to tackle nude nails: seal them with a kiss! (And a top coat.) Maria at So Nailicious has the most amazing site, full of great ideas, product recos, and tutorials for impressive nail art like these lipstick print nude Valentine’s nails inspired by Kylie Jenner for Nail Art Fashion Week — which is a thing! She freehands it, but if you can find small decals that might help. Or just try a lip print or two on a single nail and keep the others clean for a surprising pop of Valentine’s fun.
Get the Look:
“Nude”: Londontown Lakeur Nude Collection (match to your skin tone, there’s no one “nude” obv)
Stencil: Kisses Nail Stencil by Whatsupnails
The Perfect Red: OPI Nail Color in Red Heads Ahead
Instead of alternating shades or red and pink on different nails — which looks great too — consider this sweet, chicpink gradient striped Valentine’s Day nail artalso by Maria at So Nailicious. We all love how the silver stripes divide the three tones, while also helping to hide any imperfections and little oopses. She’s got a a really detailed tutorial on her post, if you’re up for it.
Get the Look:
Mid Pink: Londontown in Cherry Blossom Pink
Hot Pink: Londtontown Lakur in Summer Fling
Red: OPI Nail Color in Red Heads Ahead
Silver Glitter: Rechoo Nail Art Liner Glitter Pen in Grey Gold(includes silver + gold)
We’ve seen a lot of variations on this basic Valentine’s Day nail design but this one from @DeedeesBeadies on Instagram is really fun. I love the glittery red with the ring finger on each handsporting a red heart, but I’ve also seen pale pink nails with a gold heart and matte red with a pink heart. Whatever your favorite color combo, this is a sweet and simple way to show off your V-day flair.
Get the Look:
Red Glitter: Zoya PixieDust Ultra in Oxwa
Hot Pink Glitter: Zoya PixieDust Ultra in Arrianna
White: Zoya nail polish in Purity
Tags: beauty products + cosmetics, fashion + style, kids' activities, nail trends, Valentine's Day
