50 Gorgeous Valentine’s Day Nail Designs to Fall in Love With

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you’re celebrating with a romantic date, a fun Galentine’s night, or simply treating yourself, a stunning manicure is the perfect way to get in the spirit of love. From classic red hues to playful hearts and chic minimalist designs, this list of 50 Valentine’s Day nail designs and ideas has something for everyone. Get ready to be inspired and show your nails some love!

Sweetarts French

Sweetarts nail designs aren’t just a cute and sugary V-Day candy, they can also serve as nail inspo—like this French mani by Los Angeles-based nail artist Amy Le. To create this look, Le used a thin nail art brush to paint the heart-shaped French tip in different pastel colors before writing phrases like “TXT Me” and “Xoxo” with a thin brush coated in red nail polish. The result is an adorably nostalgic manicure.

Burgundy broken heart

The broken heart nail designs just wouldn’t seem right in a pretty pastel. You need a deep, moody color like the gel polish nail artist Paula R. used for this simple yet striking manicure. A great traditional option: CND Vinylux Long Wear Nail Polish in Decadence. Use its built-in brush to make a heart shape on the tip of the accent nail. “Then, while the polish is still wet, use an orange stick or toothpick to ‘draw’ or ‘scrape out’ the heartbreak lines,” Paula says. “If the lines are not clean enough, dipping the stick in acetone helps.”

Gold-dipped

Welcome to our favourite kind of manicure: extremely professional-looking but easy to re-create at home with the right tools. Nail artist Tessa started with a coat of her favorite sheer base polish, Orly’s Rose-Colored Glasses. Then she added a half-layer of Kinno gold foil flakes, which are supposed to look abstract and uneven. Next, she used a heart stamper to add a mix of white and red hearts before finishing with a glossy topcoat. Folks who can’t freehand paint, this look is for you.

Ace of hearts Nail Designs

Los Angeles-based nail artist Betina Goldstein reminds us that finding love is all about the luck of the draw with this design that mimics a deck of cards. She used a classic red polish to paint the numbers and suits in this instantly recognizable tribute. Bonus: You can reuse these nail designs for the World Series of Poker.

Bleeding hearts

Not in a romantic mood this year? Try this look by UK-based nail artist Heather Errington. She created these bleeding heart nail designs using Gel Bottle Inc’s Teddy (a buildable, soft pink-nude) and Laceleaf (a vivid red), which work just as well for someone in the lusty throes of an early relationship as someone whose heart feels crushed and melted.

Chrome hearts

These futuristic French nail designs and tips nod to the season of love with zero need for red or pink paint. Nail artist Jessica Washick used a base coat of Essie Fairy Tailor, a sheer light pink, and accented with a chrome silver polish from UK-based polish brand Models Own (which is sadly unavailable). Try Sally Hansen Color Foil Nail Polish Steel A Kiss for the same shiny finish instead. With the French tips in place, she added heart-shaped metal charms to seal the Valentine’s deal.

Pink & red 3D bubble hearts

If you’re a fan of the 3D jelly look nail designs, try a classic red and pink rendition of the nail design for Valentine’s Day. New York City-based nail artist Julie Kandalec says the easiest way to achieve this look is by using clear 3D nail art stickers like these dew drops from Lights Lacquer.

“If you can’t find the shape you want in a pre-made sticker, try using builder gel like the Orly GelFX Builder in a Bottle to create your design or book an appointment at your nail salon,” says Kandalec.

Pop of pink

If flaming hearts and on-the-nose nail charms aren’t your style, Goldstein nail designs has just the manicure for you. She created the illusion of a reverse-French style (told you we’d get to the reverse French!) by first painting two coats of a base color over the full nail.

Once the pink layer (Essie Slumber Party-On) was dry, she added two coats of red (OPI in ¡Viva OPI!), leaving just a millimeter or two of visible pink. Watch a very soothing tutorial on Goldstein’s Instagram to see how it’s done.

Get your groove on

The retro nail designs vibe here evokes a lava lamp or, at the very least, takes a trendy design and uses Cupid’s favorite colors to meet the theme. Nail artist Dayanna Issey breaks down how she drew the artful stripy shape: “I used a detailer brush with red polish to create the swirl,” Issey tells Allure.

Once the red was completely dry, she traced the red with pink, coral, and purple, making sure to keep the width of each swirl as equal as possible.

Pink ombré hearts

This mesmerizing ombré nail designs were completely hand-painted by Smith—no big deal. “I started off with two dots, then using a nail art brush, dragged the bottom of the dots into a triangle shape, giving way to the perfect heart every single time,” Smith explains of her technique. “For this design, it’s essential to use colors that are very pigmented.” For the darkest pink shade, might we suggest Essie’s Swing of Things? And for the base, we’d recommend Zoya’s Brighton, a beautiful pink nude with microparticles of glitter.

Red jelly glitter

For low-maintenance nail art lovers, it doesn’t get better than this fuss-free red manicure. “There’s truly no place like home when it comes to these ruby slipper-inspired sparklers,” says Messick of this Wizard of Oz-themed look. “Apply a vibrant red polish first and then follow with two coats of multidimensional red glitter polish.” She recommends Morgan Taylor’s Nail Lacquer in Total Request Red.

Two-tone heart tips

Who says your heart-shaped tips have to be red? Nail artist Courtney Wetmore did a glossy version of this twist on the French manicure with one red-tipped hand and one black-tipped hand.

Shimmer and stickers

Afraid you can’t draw a perfect little heart by hand? No problem. This manicure by nail artist Diana Nguyen shows you can get creative with stickers. Nguyen used a beautiful, shimmery, pale-pink base, then topped a few fingers with different sizes of metallic-red heart stickers. Seal it with a clear topcoat to help it last well past the holiday.

Red, pink, and purple flames

Walker created this fiery look nail designs by first painting the nails with a light peachy-pink base, then she drew the flames by hand with a fine-line brush and flamingo-pink, red, and lavender polishes. Definitely don’t forget a topcoat when doing this look at home, as it will give the nails a glossy finish and, of course, help prevent smudging.

Heart-shaped hole-punch art

How cool is this Valentine’s Day take on hole-punch nail art? Just get yourself a pair of acrylics and use a hand puncher (like this one) to create the heart-shaped cutout, which is where your tiny gold ring will go. Then paint your acrylics a pastel or bubblegum pink and secure your nail ring in place. This set from Amazon has a bunch of cool silver and gold options to consider.

Hearts popping off

If you really wanna be on theme this Valentine’s Day, you can’t go wrong with this ultra-festive nail designs option, courtesy of Smith, who kindly tells us exactly how she did it: “For the pinkies, I loosely applied pink and white gel polishes to the nail. Then I took a dotting tool and gently mixed the colors in a swirling motion to create the marble effect,” she explains. “I then used my Leafgel Premium long liner brush to create the red borders around the pink nails.” The same dotting tool used for the marble nails can be used to create the little hearts. Smith adds, “Simply place two dots next to each other and then, using the liner brush to connect them, form a tip.”

Metallic hearts

“Inspired by minimalism and neutral tones, the contrast between white and gold always catches my eye and makes for the perfect pairing on nails too,” says nail artist Caroline Chambers, who created this charming pastel-pink-and-metallic design. “It can be re-created at home using a neutral base, white polish, gold chrome pigment, and a liner nail art brush.”

Playful squiggles

For this playful Valentine’s Day design, nail artist Sam Rose surrounds pink and white squiggles with tiny red hearts. If you’re looking to create this at home, make sure you have fine-tipped tools on hand, like the Riteu Nail Art Liner Brushes.

Pink-and-red mismatched nails

Not sure which nail art look you want? Try a combination of all of them. These nail designs, by nail artist Abi Markey, combines wavy lines, heart designs, and French tips for a look that’s extra cheery.

Lingerie Bows

Mimic the allure of lingerie with sheer nude nail polish. Add a red bow accent nail to make things extra sexy. To get the naked look, try Chanel La Base Camélia Base Coat for a similar effect.

Goth Glam Hearts

If pink and red aren’t your colors, go the goth glam route with silver and black. Keep the base clear for a more minimalist look. Base coats like OPI Natural Nail Base Coat and Londontown Nail Hardener and Base Coat will create a clean canvas.

White Out Nail Designs

Geometric French tips paired with a heart accent nail are sweet and simple. Get perfect lines with a thin detail brush—this striping set from Amazon should have everything you need.

Mini Florals

A bouquet on your nails > one at your desk (or coffee table, if you’re WFC—working from couch). Try painting your own if you’ve got skills; otherwise, Nail designs from Olive and June has the cutest floral decals.

Mismatched Glitter

Add glitter accent nails randomly for a fun manicure. Don’t worry about making your hands symmetrical—it’s more unexpected if they aren’t.

Negative-Space Moons

For when you really want to lean into the Valentine’s aesthetic, go all out with baby pink glitter, cutout hearts, and a fuzzy sweater nail designs to match.

Gilded Tips

For all the Folklore fans in the house, let a single thread of gold tie your mani together. (Then add a cardigan, obvs.)

Elegant Pink French Tips with 3D Bows

These classic pink French tip nail designs are elevated with adorable 3D bow accents, creating a chic and romantic look perfect for Valentine’s Day.

The glossy finish adds a touch of sophistication, making this design a perfect mix of playful and elegant!

Soft Pink with Hearts and Bows

These dreamy nail designs feature a soft pink ombré base adorned with delicate 3D bows, hearts, and subtle sparkles.

The rhinestone accents add a touch of elegance, making this design perfect for a sweet and sophisticated Valentine’s Day look.

Baby Blue with Bows and Gems

These stunning nail designs feature a soft blue and white palette with intricate details like 3D bows, rhinestones, and shimmering accents.

The combination of delicate lines and statement gems adds a luxurious, romantic touch, perfect for a unique Valentine’s Day look.

Chic French with Pink Accents

These elegant Valentine’s Day nail designs combine classic white French tips with pink glitter accents and a delicate heart outline.

Perfectly sophisticated and feminine, this design is ideal for celebrating love in style.

Minimal Pink and Red Valentine’s Day Nails

These simple yet stunning nail designs feature a soft pink base with delicate red hearts and a bold red accent nail.

Perfect for a sweet and understated Valentine’s Day look, this design is both chic and playful!

Glossy Red Hearts and French Tip

These bold and stylish nail designs feature shiny red hearts on a soft nude base paired with glossy red French tips.

The perfect mix of playful and chic, this design is ideal for making a statement this Valentine’s Day.

Pink and White French Tip

These chic almond-shaped nail designs feature layered pink and white French tips paired with adorable 3D heart accents.

A perfect blend of elegance and playfulness, this design is ideal for a romantic Valentine’s Day look!

Glittery Red with Pink Hearts

These striking nails feature a deep red glittery base adorned with soft pink hearts and subtle star accents.

Perfect for a bold and romantic Valentine’s Day look, this design is all about elegance with a playful twist!

Sweet Cherry and Bow

These chic Valentine’s Day nails feature deep red French tips, adorable cherry accents, and a delicate bow detail for a playful yet romantic vibe.

The addition of tiny rhinestones adds just the right amount of sparkle, making this look perfect for a date night or festive celebration.

Sweet Strawberry Valentine’s Day Nails

These adorable nails feature hand-painted strawberry designs paired with delicate white swirls and glossy details.

The playful yet elegant vibe makes them perfect for a sweet and romantic Valentine’s Day look.

Pink Valentine’s Day Nails with Bows

These ultra-feminine nails feature a soft pink glittery base adorned with delicate bows, pearl accents, and subtle floral designs.

The mix of sparkle and 3D details creates a dreamy, romantic look perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.