Valentine’s Day is just around the bend and ya know what that means – time to hook your nails up with something cute!
I’m all about switching up my nails for the holidays.
It’s just one more way to spread the love and celebrate, am I right?
This year I’m going all kinds of extra with a funky V-Day manicure.
I want red and pink polish, rhinestones, hearts – the whole shebang!
I’m talking 39+ swoon-worthy nail ideas that’ll having you saying “Be Mine” to your nail tech:
Pretty in Pink
Nothing says romance like pink!
A feminine polish in a soft shade of blush, rose or baby pink is ideal for V-Day.
Try a pearly shimmer finish to make your nails look extra girly and sweet.
Pink is totally on-theme but still soft enough for everyday wear.
It’s the perfect polish for expressing your romantic side!
When choosing a pink for Valentine’s Day, go for a lighter, brighter tone rather than something deeper.
Pale pinks like ballet slipper are playful and fun.
They have a youthful, flirty vibe perfect for a date.
I like Essie’s “Hi Maintenance” for a foolproof baby pink polish.
For added glam, look for a pearly or iridescent shimmer finish.
This gives your pink mani lots of depth and dimension.
Make sure to finish with a top coat so the shimmer really pops.
If you want to enhance the pink further, get a manicure with acrylics dipped in powder.
This extends the color and adds strength to prevent tip wear and chips.
Pretty in pink nails are a classic way to get in a romantic mood for Valentine’s Day!
Love Letters
Use your nails as love letters this February 14th!
Paint your ring fingers with a bright red base.
Then use a thin brush to paint a mini love letter on each nail.
Keep the messaging romantic – song lyrics work perfectly!
Love letter nails are such a thoughtful touch he’ll appreciate.
Mini nail art love letters are a thoughtful, personal touch.
Song lyrics, poems or inside jokes work great.
Use a nail art pen or acrylic paint for crisp lettering.
Make sure your nail surface is completely smooth and clean.
Practice your lettering first on paper to perfect the size.
Finish with a fast-drying top coat to prevent smudging.
Tiny love letters take concentration but the personalization is so worth it.
He’ll be touched you put such time into making your mani feel special just for him.
Classic Red
Red nails are a Valentine’s Day staple for a reason – this bold, passionate shade never fails to make a statement!
For date night, go for a true red creme polish with blue undertones.
It looks classy and elegant.
Add a layer of top coat for extra shine.
Red nails complement any outfit and let your SO know you’re ready to celebrate love in style!
When choosing your red polish, look for one with cool, blue undertones rather than an orange-y red.
Blue-based reds have a richer, deeper look perfect for evenings out.
They glimmer under restaurant lighting in a gorgeous way.
I like to use Essie’s “Forever Yummy” for my Valentine’s red – it’s the perfect blue-toned cherry.
Make sure to paint your nails no more than 12 hours before your date.
This prevents chips and dents so your mani stays pristine all evening.
Always finish with a fast-drying top coat to lock in shine.
Seche Vite and OPI Plumping Top Coat work wonders.
If your red creme polish starts looking dull, refresh it with a new coat rather than removing everything and starting over.
Quick touch ups preserve your base color while reviving shine.
Pretty Pastels
Soft pastel nails feel totally fresh for Valentine’s Day!
Try a buttery yellow, iridescent lilac or baby blue crème polish.
Pastels add a sweet pop of color while still feeling laid-back enough for daytime.
They’re easy to wear but still have that dreamy, romantic vibe perfect for V-Day!
Pastels like mint, lavender and peach feel sweet and playful.
They have a whimsical, spring-like vibe.
I love China Glaze’s “Blue Bells Ring” for a pretty baby blue.
The trick is finding a pastel polish with good opacity.
Sheer, watery formulas can require 4-5 coats.
Make sure to apply thin, even layers and let them dry completely between coats.
Finish with a glossy top coat to really make the pastel shade pop.
You can even decorate with tiny heart decals or pearls.
Pastel nails are a cute way to get in the Valentine’s spirit while still looking fresh and youthful.
Bold Berry
Vamp it up for date night with a bold berry shade!
Deep wines, plums and black cherries feel romantic with a seriously sexy edge.
Go for a crème finish for maximum impact.
Add a layer of top coat for major depth and dimension.
Bold berry nails are perfect when you want to turn up the heat and unleash your inner temptress!
Rich berry tones are sexy, sophisticated and striking for an evening out.
They definitely make a bold statement if you’re feeling dramatic.
Deeper shades like black cherry and bordeaux work beautifully for Valentine’s.
I like using OPI’s “Big Apple Red” – it’s the perfect deep crimson.
Go for a smooth, creamy lacquer rather than a shimmery metallic.
This keeps the focus on the rich base color.
Make sure to use thin coats and let them dry completely to prevent streaks.
Finish with a fast-drying top coat for super shiny, mirrored depth.
Bold berries look amazing with little black dresses if you’re going out.
For daytime, balance the drama with neutral makeup and outfit.
No matter when you rock them, these sexy nails will make your date weak in the knees!
Mauve It
Mauve is the new pink when it comes to pretty Valentine’s nails!
A soft purple polish with pink undertones is right on trend.
Try a semi-sheer texture with just a hint of iridescence for a glam effect.
Mauve makes nails look freshly-manicured and oh-so romantic.
It’s the perfect modern neutral for your V-Day look!
Mauve nails have a feminine yet edgy vibe perfect for Valentine’s Day.
The purple hue feels flirty and fun but still sophisticated.
Shades like lilac, lavender and rose quartz work beautifully.
Essie’s “Mademoiselle” is one of my fave mauve polishes – it’s a light dusty rose.
Sheer, semi-translucent textures allow your natural nails to peek through.
This creates depth and a clean, modern look.
Be sure to finish with a shiny top coat to show off the iridescence.
You can even add pearls or glitter to the wet top coat for extra pops of glam.
Mauve nails are a trendy upgrade from classic pink.
They bring romantic charm to any Valentine’s Day look.
Metallic Tips
Jazz up ordinary nails with rose gold, copper, or silver metallic tips.
They give off major glam vibes.
Pair them with a neutral base color and top coat with glitter for extra pop.
Paint your nails a pretty nude or pale pink to start.
Let dry then paint the tips metallic rose gold, copper, silver, or even blue.
Make sure to seal the edge between the colors with the metallic overlapping the pink a bit.
Finish with a scattered glitter topcoat for a glitzy effect.
Metallic tips are seriously eye-catching and so fun for a night out.
You’ll be shining brighter than a diamond with this mani!
Shimmery Nudes
Nude nails don’t have to be boring for date night!
A shimmery champagne, rose gold or blush polish adds warmth and intrigue.
Buff your tips and finish with a layer of iridescent top coat for major glam factor.
Nude nails feel fresh and feminine – plus they allow you to amp up the drama with your makeup instead!
Shimmery nudes are super versatile for Valentine’s Day.
They have a modern, minimalist vibe with a hint of glitz.
Champagne and rose gold metallics look gorgeous and luxe.
Essie’s “Penny Talk” is a beautiful sheer rose gold polish.
Make sure to buff and file your nails first so the color really shines.
Use thin coats, allowing 2 minutes to dry between each.
Finish with a fast-drying top coat for glossy shine that gleams.
You can even embellish your nude base with pink or red heart decals.
Shimmery nudes let your accessories and makeup pop while keeping nails fresh and modern.
Minimalist French
A minimalist French manicure with a Valentine’s Day twist is chic and sophisticated.
Paint your tips red or pink instead of white.
Trés romantique!
Start by painting your nails a sheer pink or beige base color.
Let dry before painting the french tips.
In a bright cherry red, neatly paint a thin line on the tips of the nails.
Or try a frosty pink for softer, more natural look.
Finish with a clear glossy topcoat to lock it in.
This classic french mani with a Valentine’s makeover is tres chic!
Moody Vamp
If you want to unleash your inner vamp, go for a moody oxblood, burgundy or plum polish this V-Day!
These deep wine shades have vintage Hollywood glam appeal.
Add a layer of shimmer top coat for luxe dimension.
Just remember – mysterious nails are perfect for stealing hearts after dark!
Dark reddish shades like merlot, oxblood and garnet are so vampy and romantic.
They’re bold without going full-on black.
I like using Essie’s “Wicked” for a rich, dramatic merlot mani.
Make sure to properly prep your nails first before applying color.
Dark polishes show every mistake!
Use a base coat and buff away roughness for flawless application.
Finish with a shiny top coat for major depth and dimension.
A touch of glam never hurts either – add glitter tips or rhinestone accents.
Moody vamp nails are ideal for romantic evenings filled with candles, wine and delicious secrets!
Galentine’s Glitter
Having a Galentine’s Day slumber party?
Treat you and your besties to glitter nails!
A shimmery polish with flecks of pink, red and silver will get everyone in the spirit.
Top it off with heart and lip stickers.
Glitter nails are fun, playful and perfect for celebrating the girls in your life!
Glitter manis feel playful, girly and festive.
They get everyone excited to spend time with friends.
I like using Sally Hansen’s “Commando Glitter” – it has the perfect Valentine’s mix.
Make sure to apply a sheer base color first so the glitter sticks and pops.
Light pink or nude works well.
Use thin coats of glitter polish and let each dry fully before adding more.
Finish up with colorful heart and lip decals from the craft store.
Glitter nails are the perfect activity for getting in the Galentine’s spirit with your BFFs!
Candy Hearts
Nail art takes your V-Day mani to the next level!
Use black and red polish to create miniature candy hearts.
This super cute nail idea feels nostalgic and romantic.
Get creative with shapes and sayings.
Candy heart nails are guaranteed swoon-worthy!
Tiny candy heart art is so nostalgic and adorable.
It shows you put thought into planning your mani.
Use Essie’s “Licorice” for the black outline and “Forever Yummy” red.
Make sure you have a very thin, precise nail art brush.
Test your hand on paper first before attempting the tiny details.
Finish with a fast-drying top coat to seal in your candy heart creations.
Not artistically inclined?
Buy heart nail stickers from Etsy to achieve the same effect!
However you make them, candy heart nails are a super romantic way to decorate for V-Day.
55+ Unique Valentine Nails Photo Gallery
