25 Ultra-Pretty Nail Art Ideas We Are Obsessed With

by Keeks Reid

Let’s be honest: Sunny days and al fresco evenings often get us excited about the prettier side of beauty. Suddenly, even those of us that are classic nail fans through and through are thinking about opting for a hint of colour and maximalists are embracing the prettiest standout hues.

While I have been a natural manicure girl for years now, every summer I have at least one YOLO moment when I get the urge to go bold. This month I did an all-over lime green, and I loved it and definitely got a lot of compliments when I go for something out of the box rather than super simple Ballet Slippers vibes .Because of this, I have been saving more pretty nail art designs lately. I think I’m ready to take the next step towards covetable nails by bringing these inspiration pictures to my next gel manicure appointment. But first, I guess I have to narrow down the options. The thing with delicate, pretty nail designs is that they suit any nail length and shape, and often this is what differentiates the vibe. Short and natural? It gives a dainty, soft vibe. Long and square, it’s a fierce meets fun situation!

There are so many pretty designs to pick from—from colours to shapes and patterns to pastels and flashes of vibrant hues, I’m keen to upgrade my next appointment with one the designs below.

The Best Pretty Nail Designs

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@nayelizabethh

These swirly nails are such a pretty take on a nude nail look. I love it when long, sharp, square nails have a softer nail design—a gorgeous contrast.

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@paintboxnails

This design reminds me of a Calippo ice lolly, and I’m here for it.

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@enamelle

Hailey Bieber glazed doughnut nails are so popular right now, and seeing how pretty this holographic effect is up close, you can see why.

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@paintboxnails

This half-moon design is minimal but beyond pretty. You could experiment with pastels and nude shades too.

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@miasecret

I’ve never tried watercolour nails before but this pastel design has me rethinking.

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@varnishlane

Floral designs are very on trend right now, but I haven’t seen many with poppies as the design which is why I’m so drawn to this.

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@enamelle

Sometimes you forget there’s no hard-and-fast rule when it comes to nail design. If you want to switch the style for each finger, who’s stopping you?

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@varnishlane

Sure, the swirly prints look amazing in pastel but it’s the white accent that really sets this design apart from others.

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@enamelle

Playing with abstract shapes in pastels and brights? So pretty and so here for it.

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@varnishlane

Checkmate. This chequerboard design is a good way to wear a few of your favourite shades in one go.

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@themaniclub

Something about this mani has me gasping for a mimosa.

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@varnishlane

Such a dreamy design from Varnish Lane, my head is out of the clouds and firmly on this manicure.

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@nailartbyqueenie

Things are looking peachy with this gradient cuticle and French tip combo.

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@varnishlane

I have stared at this photo for five minutes trying to work out if the top coat is holographic or just super glossy.

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@nailartbyqueenie

Butterfly nails are the prettiest but the black outline gives this such an edge.

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@hollyfalconenails

Swiggles? Check. Jewels? Check. What’s not to love about this minimalist design.

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@nailartbyqueenie

I’m so used to glossy talons that I’d forgotten how good a matte finish can be.

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@paragonnails

How sweet is Paragon Nails abstract take on the tradition French manicure?

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@harrietwestmoreland

These dainty lines take a true steady hand but when executed to perfection like this by Harriet Westmoreland it is minimal magic.

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@hollyfalconenails

A pretty posy of flowers for nail art keeps spring alive for that bit longer.

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@harrietwestmoreland

Finish a sweet colour pick with an even sweeter teeny tiny loveheart.

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@cococuenco

This colour combination is screaming to be worn as summer turns to autumn.

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@nails_of_la

Must note; nail tip designs are not complete without gold accents.

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@buffcs

Polka dots are back in fashion and dainty dots are the easiest way to channel the trend into your manicure.

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@buffcs

Fruity beauty at its finest, this strawberry design really has my heart (and next nail appointment).

Next up, the skincare brand that dermatologists and celebrities swear by.

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