27 Simple (But Effective) Nail Designs for People Who Just Don't Want the Fuss
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@THEMANICLUBProving that rainbow nails don't have to be bright, we're head over heels for this tonal purple look. If you're going for block-coloured polish, be sure to reach for a super-glossy topcoat to keep things looking chic and (pardon the pun) polished.
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@HOLLYFALCONENAILSWhile we're used to seeing tonal, ombré rainbow nails, something about the clashing chaos of this manicure is screaming out to us.
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@THEMANICLUBIf full-blown rainbow nails aren't your thing, why not opt for rainbow tips instead?
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@IMARNINAILSWe couldn't be more in love with this design if we tried. Keeping the majority of the nail looking bare with a nude polish is the perfect way to dial down an otherwise busy design.
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@OLIVEANDJUNEKeep rainbow nails summer-ready by reaching for pink and orange sunset shades.
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@HARRIETWESTMORELANDNothing says simple elegance quite like a classic French mani. Make like celebrity manicurist Harriet Westmoreland and keep your tips super skinny for a chic take on the timeless design.
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@iramsheltonOPI nail ambassador Iram Shelton calls this the 'Tuxedo French'. We love it.
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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINJust because your nail design is simple doesn't mean it can't be creative—and this cow-print French mani proves it.
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@BUFFCSDubbed the "double French," these outlined tips scream low-maintenance while looking inexplicably cool.
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@OLIVEANDJUNEIf there's one nail design we're itching to try this summer, it's this rainbow French-tip manicure, ideal for those who like to live a simple life—just with a bit of colour.
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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINThis look takes the concept of the skinny French to new levels, and we love how dainty the tips of this manicure are. Plus, it's got us thinking of the countless ways we can incorporate pastels in our upcoming French manis—the possibilities are endless.
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@HARRIETWESTMORELANDThe simple mani reaches new heights with this design. Paint nails with a clear gloss, keeping any sort of design limited to one nail. This mint heart is unbelievably cute.
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@BUFFCSHave you ever seen a chicer nail design than this? We think not. The best bit is it requires little effort to execute. Look for metallic stickers, and secure them in place with a coat of clear varnish.
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@THEMANICLUBFor another nail-sticker idea, paint nails in a natural-looking nude and use stickers to create something your free hand wouldn't be able to achieve. It's not cheating, we promise.
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@HARRIETWESTMORELANDA skinny French with a dainty accent heart on the ring finger is a recipe for simple-manicure greatness.
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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINWe'll admit this design isn't simple to create. However, if your nail tech has the skills, we're obsessed with how this intricate starfish accent gives off understated coolness.
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@NAILARTBYQUEENIEThis is how negative-space nail designs are supposed to look. If you're asking us, this look totally redefines cool-girl nails.
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@PARAGONNAILSIf you struggle to keep on top of nail regrowth, this negative-space design will last for weeks without looking like you need a trip to the salon.
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@NAILARTBYQUEENIEBlock polish, French tips and negative space? It sounds like a lot, but in practice, it's a simple, understated masterpiece.
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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINCreate the illusion of a French manicure without any of the fuss by keeping tips and nail beds free from polish.
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@NAILARTBYQUEENIEBlack-and-nude nails are having a real moment, and this geometric design is the crème de la crème.
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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINLook closely, and you'll see the subtle metallic accents on the nail beds of the design. This is simple nail design at its finest.
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@iramsheltonHow chic is this silver half moon?
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@HARRIETWESTMORELANDBalance a bright French mani by incorporating a super-fine nail-bed accent in a matching polish.
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@HOLLYFALCONENAILSThe best bit about this design is that you really don't have to go to the salon to get expert results. Simply paint nails in a sheer nude and use a dotting tool to apply your spots.
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@BETINA_GOLDSTEINA pastel French manicure with matching nail-bed accents? Sign us up.
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@HARRIETWESTMORELANDThe mini heart accent has been in the nail spotlight for the entirety of 2022 with no sign of stepping out any time soon. This simple design couldn't be any chicer.