Between all the chrome nail art and velvet manicures, aura designs, and funky French tips, it can sometimes seem like nail art always has to be at least a little extra. And while we certainly love opulent and over-the-top manicures, make no mistake: We're just as enamored with more minimalist looks. After all, simple nail statements have come a long way from classic French manicures and solid swatches of color.
To show you just how gorgeous a less-is-more manicure can look, we rounded up over a dozen minimalist nail art ideas for your perusal. Check them out below.
To show you just how gorgeous a less-is-more manicure can look, we rounded up over a dozen minimalist nail art ideas for your perusal. Check them out below.
01 Milky Pink Nails
There's nothing wrong with picking a solid color for your minimalist set. To make your mani look modern and fresh, though, choose your color carefully.
There's nothing wrong with picking a solid color for your minimalist set. To make your mani look modern and fresh, though, choose your color carefully.
02 Outlined French Tips
Another way to take a milky minimalist mani to the next level? With outlined French tips. If you have a super steady hand, you can recreate this nail look at home by starting with a milky base and then using a fine-lining nail art brush to add the thin white arcs for the tips. (If you don't, book a nail appointment to recreate this
Another way to take a milky minimalist mani to the next level? With outlined French tips. If you have a super steady hand, you can recreate this nail look at home by starting with a milky base and then using a fine-lining nail art brush to add the thin white arcs for the tips. (If you don't, book a nail appointment to recreate this
03 Teeny Tip Nail Gems
If you have a soft spot for bling, you'll swoon over this gemstone-accented solid nail look. If you're also a fan of the length and shape of this mani, you can snag it for yourself with the Aprés Gel-X Natural Round Medium Tips.
04 Minimalist Animal Print Nails
Animal print manicures don't have to look bold and in your face. Here's proof that a simple Dalmatian print can be downright head-turning.
Animal print manicures don't have to look bold and in your face. Here's proof that a simple Dalmatian print can be downright head-turning.
05 Cobalt Swatches
If you're a big fan of color but want to try a more minimalist nail look, consider this diagonal-dipped set. For a similar cobalt color, try the Manucurist Paris Green Natural Nail Polish in Ultramarine. To create crisp lines, use nail art tape.
If you're a big fan of color but want to try a more minimalist nail look, consider this diagonal-dipped set. For a similar cobalt color, try the Manucurist Paris Green Natural Nail Polish in Ultramarine. To create crisp lines, use nail art tape.
06 Rhinestone Cuticles
We love a classic French manicure—especially when it features added intrigue thanks to dainty gemstone accents. Nail artist Sarah Haidar created this nail look using nail gemstones from Amazon. Grab the TecUnite 2000-Piece Flatback Gemstone Kit, and you can do the same.
We love a classic French manicure—especially when it features added intrigue thanks to dainty gemstone accents. Nail artist Sarah Haidar created this nail look using nail gemstones from Amazon. Grab the TecUnite 2000-Piece Flatback Gemstone Kit, and you can do the same.
07 Glitter Outline Nails
Another way to outline your nails? Instead of your tips, use a glitter polish to create a border around each nail.
Another way to outline your nails? Instead of your tips, use a glitter polish to create a border around each nail.
08 Heart Nails
09 Pearlescent French Tips
Another way to transform a classic French manicure is with a pearlescent base.
Another way to transform a classic French manicure is with a pearlescent base.
10 Dried Flower Nails
Last but not least, we have these fun pressed flower nails. The floral accents are so dainty you might have to squint to see them—but that just means they'll be a surprising topic of conversation when you inevitably receive compliments on them.
Last but not least, we have these fun pressed flower nails. The floral accents are so dainty you might have to squint to see them—but that just means they'll be a surprising topic of conversation when you inevitably receive compliments on them.