Fifty-five Valentine’s Day Nail Art Ideas You’ll Really Enjoy

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We know the thought of “Valentine’s Day nails” probably conjures up images of corny variations on candy hearts and kiss prints, but we’re here to prove that heart nail art need not be trite. True, many traditional Valentine’s Day nail art patterns are stylish enough to be worn long after February 14. Consider the rainbow nail trend, but with pastel or pink gradients instead of primary colors; glittering rose-gold finishes that pass for mature; and, of course, a few black-and-white alternatives for those who just can’t do the red and pink thing.

If you’re the romantic kind or if a night in front of the television sounds like heaven on February 14, Cupid’s got a date set up for you. Here are the top 2023 nail designs for Valentine’s Day.

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Although Valentine’s Day is commonly linked with the colors red and pink, this whimsical twist on black and white is quite sweet and stylish. Visit the Maby blog to discover the most trending nail designs today.

Hearts, black (and white)

Although red and pink are the traditional colors of Valentine’s Day decorations, this whimsical take on black and white is so romantically beautiful. Use OPI’s Alpine Snow and Black Onyx to achieve a similar effect, or use simple black and white love stickers for a quick fix.

In the pink

Confused by the plethora of pinks? If so, then this outfit was created for you.

Hearts’ queen

When your fingernails look this fantastic, who needs chocolate? Skip the roses and go straight for the press-on nails by Queenly Nails when you’re feeling smitten. Or you could just buy them for yourself.

A French sweetheart

Put your affection on display on the tips of your fingers or toes with this cute look. Make these yourself with some heart-shaped press-ons or red nail polish.

True colors

This fresh spin on traditional heart nails is the perfect cure for the February blues or a welcome change of pace in your nail painting routine.

This French Cupid’s Barbie-inspired manicure is sure to win hearts.

Sleek simplicity

Do you prefer the bare minimum? Not at all! This understated and lovely pattern is the perfect finishing touch to your favorite skin-baring color. A simple set of black heart stickers is all that’s required.

Pleasing dots

We’re happy to report that, yes, these press-ons will work wonderfully for a do-it-yourself version of this look.

Candy confetti

Invest in some heavenly nail charms to upgrade your Barbie-level French manicure.

Caricature hearts

This neutral mani is a fun twist on the classic black-and-white Valentine’s design.

Sugary twists

This pattern is perfect for displaying your taste in contrasting pinks and reds.

While pink may be the color of the month, a chrome finish on the tips of your nails is always acceptable.

Kisses and hugs

Applying lip stickers over your preferred base coat will transform your manicure into a date-ready look in no time. In addition, please refer to: Valentine Nail Art for a Romantic Date or an Outing.

Creative types

This creative spin on the thick tips trend is beckoning to pink, red, and heart nail polish lovers.

Little hearts

This muted manicure is understated and charming. Put on your own black heart nail stickers.

Elegant French

This festive design is the perfect complement to your classic French manicure. Select a heart sticker in your preferred shade (or combine colors), and you’re all set.

Glam goth

Rather the dark and mysterious type? This “romantic, but make it edgy” atmosphere will put Wednesday Addams (or, honestly, Kourtney Kardashian Barker) to shame.

Sparkly love

In the end, Valentine’s Day is a holiday; therefore, festivities are in order. Dress the part by painting glittery hearts on your nails.

A romantic game

According to an old Adele song, love is a gamble. This cute look is a tribute to the Queen of Romance (and heartache).

Circular negative space

Think of it as a modern update on the classic game of Xs and Os. The form is simple enough to draw freehand, and there are plenty of nail art stickers on Etsy to assist you if you get stuck.

Color scheme: reds and pinks

You don’t have to pick between red and pink when you can wear both! They are the ideal hues for a party mani-pedi.

Heart-shaped candies

Add a touch of sweetness to your heart-shaped tips by writing something like “Let’s kiss” or “xo.” 

Sparkling ombré

Which of these glitter polishes is superior to the other? A pair of them. Nail artist Betina Goldstein demonstrates how to split the difference between two shimmering Essie hues, A Cut Above and Summit of Style.

Emoji hearts are the cutest, especially when painted on your nails. To keep it contemporary, try painting over the naked base with a rich oxblood hue.

Axes with a black heart

If you’re not into Valentine’s Day but still want nice nails, try this glossy black design with a little white heart.

Sparkly ttitch

A thin line of rose gold polish (try Essie’s Penny Talk) will not only look cute but will also give the illusion of longer nails.

Tiny flowers

Fancy flowers on your desk (or coffee table, if you’re still WFC—working from the couch) aren’t as impressive as a bouquet on your nails. If you’re artistically inclined, you could paint your own, but if not, Olive and June have the prettiest floral decals.

Various pink tones

Do this for Valentine’s Day if you’re a fan of pink nails: Use a shade or two darker on your ring and pinky finger. Being so understated, it comes as a pleasant shock when someone finally picks up on it.

Inconsistent sparkle

For a festive manicure, try adding glitter to individual nails. Don’t stress over creating perfectly symmetrical hands; in fact, the opposite is true.

Lines of ombré

The combination of pink and red is as lovely as it is unexpected. You should be aware that this style takes a long time to dry, so please be patient.

Sinister pulses

This is the method to follow if you enjoy Valentine’s Day but prefer to keep your enthusiasm for it under wraps. 

Traditional cherry 

A bright red manicure is holiday-appropriate without being overly tacky, and it will still look hip by the 15th. 

Dark moons of space

If you want to go all out for Valentine’s Day, baby pink glitter, cutout hearts, and a matching fuzzy sweater are all you need. 

Pink confetti

The mix of vivid fuchsia and soft pink is very sweet. Adding an abstract pattern like this around your nail beds makes it even more adorable.

Scalps made of crystal 

Add some pizzazz to a pale pink manicure by tracing the nail’s foundation with glitter polish or going all out with crystals.

Golden points

A single strand of gold should be used to bind the manis of all the Folklore fans in the room. (And then throw on a cardigan.) 

Are pink and red diagonal line nail art designs too obvious for you? If you’re looking for a new color combination, try a warm candy-apple red with a cool lilac or light blue. (This Paintbox setup simplifies things.)

A heart of foil 

Want to add instant coolness to a heart-shaped manicure? Make use of foil. (Know that this is one of those styles that is better left to the experts.)

Purple and red 

Although it’s generally frowned upon, red and purple may make a really cool combination. 

Sugary hues 

Sweet without being sickening, pastel pinks and purples provide a lovely color scheme. In addition, rainbow nails remained as popular as ever in 2018.

Sharp contours

A sleek manicure would feature a single small red line on otherwise bare nails. (Give Red Eye Miracle Gel by Sally Hansen a shot.)

Rose and graeco-blue

An unexpected but really cool foundation for pink glitter is a purple-gray color. (P.S.: Here’s the drink’s recipe if you think it sounds delicious.)

Contours of geometry

Red Valentine’s Day nails with curved lines and cuts are a trendy update on the traditional. Put a bunch of gold rings on top of them.

Cubic zirconia

Now you have a simple do-it-yourself solution. Put a rhinestone just underneath each nail and paint your nails red (we recommend Essie Expressie in Seize the Minute).

Heart graffiti 

This one hand-drawn heart is dedicated to all the e-girls out there. 

Glowing pinkness 

When in doubt, throw on a bunch of pink glitter. One of our most beloved colors right now? Throw Me a Kiss, an OPI Infinite Shine 2 shade.

Vacant area 

When woven into a geometric pattern like this one, a deep wine hue feels strong rather than precious. 

Decorative stones

Apply a pale pink base coat (try OPI’s Baby, Take a Vow), and then decorate with a few adhesive gems. Easy.

Patterns in geometry

In keeping with the holiday’s color scheme, this nail art design is cut beyond the usual Valentine’s Day fare. 

Tattoo-inspired

Choose an unconventional design of barbed wire and airbrush hearts, reminiscent of classic tattoos, for a more masculine look.  

To a T, in a bright red 

You can’t go wrong with a timeless combination of crimson and almond-shaped acrylic nails for Valentine’s Day. 

Tone of berries 

A gentle nod to the holiday is an ombré gradient of berry tones. 

Brilliant rose 

The iconic hot pink is elevated by a shimmering veil. For the best ultrafine glitter, choose Olive & June’s Cosmic. 

Heart with negative space

If a sticker in the shape of a heart seems to cliche, try the opposite.  Apply two layers of polish over a heart sticker on a bare nail. After it dries, you can remove the sticker and reveal a unique negative space.