Even if you don’t plan on celebrating a holiday, you can still show some festive spirit through your style. For Valentine’s Day, you can sport a sweet pink skirt suit, rock a bold red lip, or accessorize with a heart-shaped handbag. Or you can go for an on-theme manicure.
Unlike Christmas or Halloween, which have a ton of nail decal options (from snowmen to skeletons), V-Day is largely represented by hearts and a two-color palette. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get creative with your nails for the occasion.
While you can go with metallic chrome hearts, pink cat-eye tips, a rosy glazed doughnut mani, or watercolor-style art, you can’t beat a classic: the French manicure.
Traditionally, the nail design — which has been around since the 1970s — features a neutral, skin tone-matching base and crispy white tips. However, as trends shift, it’s clear the blueprint is an excellent foundation for really doing whatever your heart desires. And that includes working as a base for your V-Day nails.
For some inspo, scroll through to find 12 chic French tip Valentine’s Day nail ideas ahead of the holiday.
1Vibrant Pink Matte French Mani
Swap the signature white tips and glossy finish of a traditional French manicure for pops of bright pink, sweet scribbles, and a matte top coat for a set that makes a statement.
2Red Metallic Hearts
For a classic French manicure with a slight Valentine’s Day spin, go with pale pink polish topped with metallic red hearts.
3Pink On Pink On Pink
With a translucent base adorned with tiny hearts, your V-Day set can look like a mini work of art.
4Chrome Micro Frenchies
The micro French design looks fab on short nails — especially when topped with a metallic glaze finish.
5Romantic Florals
Hearts may be the go-to nail art design for V-Day, but ivory French tips with pastel florals add instant romantic flair.
6Ombre French Manicure
Go for an ombré design that blends a creamy white tip into a pink base. Top it with some red smooch marks for a mani you’ll love.
7Red Ribbons
Coquette girlies will appreciate this take on the design, featuring red bows and micro red hearts along the tips.
8Black & White Hearts
Red and pink not your vibe? Try neutrals like white and black to craft a heart-embellished French manicure that’s subtle but sweet.
9Pink 3D Almond French Tips
Lip-shaped nail art, 3D silver bows, and hearts make this maximalist V-Day design a total standout.
10Blinged-Out Hearts
White French tips with pink hearts and crystal bling can take this beloved silhouette to new heights.
11Red Micro Frenchies
Ask your nail artist for a red micro-French manicure and tiny heart placements for a minimalist mani with a hint of holiday.
12Kiss-Embellished Tips
Easily transform your classic French tips for something more romantic by painting red kiss marks all over.
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