With February 14th fast approaching, these simple Valentine's Day nails will allow you to quietly mark the date in style - and will continue to wow long after those red roses wilt...
We love any excuse to get a new manicure, and while Valentine's isn't for everyone, it does offer an opportunity to debut a fresh, themed nail look. And while statement hot pinks and garish love-heart designs likely spring to mind, there's actually a range of subtle Valentine's Day nail options that will help you keep up with the February styles without going over the top - many of which, just so happen to be topping the 2024 nail trends.
Much like how a red lip is both a classic beauty staple and a fitting look for the romantic holiday, we've rounded up eight, minimalistic mani ideas that are on-theme but equally timeless - from luxe-looking French tip nails to elevated neutrals...
8 simple Valentine's Day nails to wear in February 2024
While there's certainly nothing wrong with a statement heart-covered manicure, for our minimalist nail lovers out there - or those looking for a versatile option that will transcend the date - a more understated design is preferable. But that's not to say that the design can't still be Valentine's Day-inclined.
So, we've rounded up a selection of looks that incorporate traditional Valentine's elements in both classic and modern styles - for a luxe-looking and infinitely wearable manicure...
Our simple Valentine's nail staples
First things first, nail care is the key to achieving a polished and elevated Valentine's nail look...
OPI Nail Polish Start to Finish 3in1 Treatment
RRP: £16.90
For a flawless nail coat, be sure to invest in a strengthening base coat and a clear, high-shine top coat. This one from OPI is both in one and is a must-have in your nail care routine.
Manucurist Green Nail Polish in Shade "Poppy Red"
RRP: £14
For a Valentine's Day look, a bright red is a true staple and this one from Manucurist is vegan and offers a lovely shine.
L'occitane Shea Nail and Cuticle Nourishing Oil
RRP: £15.99
For a nourishing finish touch, a nail and cuticle oil - especially in wintertime - is a great investment for healthier nails.
1. Micro red French tips
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A photo posted by saskiafenwick on
Red French tip nails are a no-brainer for a subtle Valentine's Day nod. Not only is red very on-trend now, but short French tip nail designs especially, are tipped to be one of 2024's biggest nail styles, so really, you can't go wrong.
This subtle, pop of red will remain stylish long after February 14th has passed and is surprisingly easy to recreate at home with the help of a French nail stamper. Simply apply your chosen base coat - be it a nude or a clear coat - and then add a dot of your red polish to the centre of your stamper, before pressing the edge of your nail into it. With a little practice, this should help you create a uniform line on each of your tips.
Essie Original Nail Polish in Shade "Forever Yummy"
RRP: £8.99
2. Merlot nails
A photo posted by gel.bymegan on
"Black Cherry" nail colours and rich burgundy are still very on-trend right and are perfect for Valentine's Day. Whether you've got a romantic dinner planned or have a date with your sofa and glass of merlot, this chic shade is truly flawless.
For a clean finish, we'd recommend applying two to three layers of this dark red colour and topping it with a high-shine top coat.
Essie Original Nail Polish in Shade "Bordeaux"
RRP: £8.99
3. A hint of pearl
A photo posted by paintedbyjools on
Pearly "Frosted" nails offer a slightly elevated finish to a neutral nail look that is ideal for a special occasion - or just to feel expensive all day every day, because who doesn't want that?
To achieve this 'Quiet Luxury' finish, you can either use an iridescent chrome powder or simply apply a pearl polish (like the one below) to your nails, either on its own or over a pink or nude base.
Essie Original Nail Polish in Shade "Pearly White"
RRP: £8.99
4. Sheer pink nails
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A photo posted by matejanova on
For those looking for an everyday manicure that will still elevate their Valentine's outfit or just make them feel put-together, opt for a sheer "Lip gloss"-like nail shade.
The pink tint, whilst being almost undetectable, offers a 'your nail but better' effect which can be worn alone, or topped with a white French tip.
Nails.INC Glow-Enhancing Nail Perfector Polish in Shade "Glowing My Way"
RRP: £9
5. Diamond decals
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A photo posted by matejanova on
Adding crystal decals to a nude or pastel pink look is one of the easiest ways to dress up a manicure - especially if you don't have time to book in with your nail artist before the big day.
A hint of sparkle instantly dresses up your fingertips, affording a luxury but still fairly subtle look that is perfect for occasions, in general - from weddings to Christmas.
4. Burgundy tips
A photo posted by corrinnabianca on
As mentioned, French tips are very popular right now, as is burgundy - so combine the two and you have both a trendy manicure and one that's Valentine's Day-ready.
Barry M Cosmetics Gelly Nail Paint in Shade "Black Cherry"
RRP: £3.99
5. Squoval red nails
A photo posted by paintedbyjools on
Arguably the simplest and most elegant Valentine's Day nail look on this list - a red, monochromatic manicure is true classic.
Red never goes out of style, thus you can wear it all year round but it's especially apt for February. We'd recommend opting for a "squoval" nail shape, for a polished and understated finish, and following up with a high-shine top coat - to ward off chipping.
OPI Nail Polish in Shade "Big Apple Red"
RRP:£14.90
6. Solitary hearts
A photo posted by gel.bymegan on
We would be remiss if we didn't include a slightly more obvious nod to the occasion. Adding a heart to one or two of your nails is an easy way to dress your fingertips up for Valentine's but, because they're not on every nail, you don't really have to traipse back to the nail salon on February 15th.
To recreate, a thin nail art brush will come in handy, or for an even easier option, use a dotting tool and apply two dots close to each other. Before they dry, drag the bottom of each dot diagonally and down slightly, to meet one another and then fill the gap.
Jsdoin 5-set Nail Art Brushes and Dotting Tools
RRP: £5
7. Negative space nails
A post shared by Mateja Novakovic
A photo posted by matejanova on
For a modern spin, a half-moon negative space manicure in either red or burgundy is a great option.
To achieve this look, apply a clear base coat and then proceed to outline your half moon with a this brush and your chosen red shade. Then simply fill the red of your nail with the colour, leaving the half-moon clear - to create that contemporary, peekaboo look.
OPI Classic Nail Polish in Shade "Got The Blues For Red"
RRP: £14.90
8. Rose pink nails
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A photo posted by meganmargotevans on
With spring on the horizon, a pastel pink shade for February is another economic choice, especially if you're a fan of long-lasting and strengthening treatments like BIAB nails. Not only does it fit the bill for Valentine's Day but is perfect for every day and when pastel colour trends roll back around.
You can also easily adapt it to the French tip, pearly or crystal decal manicure ideas above, making it a very versatile pick,
OPI Classic Nail Polish in Shade "Mod About You"
RRP: £14.90
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
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Nail Care
To achieve a polished and elevated Valentine's nail look, nail care is essential. The article mentions the importance of using a strengthening base coat and a clear, high-shine top coat. These products help protect your nails and provide a smooth surface for the nail polish to adhere to. The OPI Nail Polish Start to Finish 3in1 Treatment is recommended as a must-have in your nail care routine.
Signature Red
For a Valentine's Day look, a bright red nail polish is a staple. The article suggests the Manucurist Green Nail Polish in the shade "Poppy Red," which is vegan and offers a lovely shine. Red nails are classic and timeless, and they can add a touch of romance to your Valentine's Day outfit.
Nail and Cuticle Nourishing Oil
To achieve a nourishing finish and keep your nails healthy, the article recommends using a nail and cuticle oil. Especially in wintertime, a nail and cuticle oil can help prevent dryness and promote healthier nails. The L'occitane Shea Nail and Cuticle Nourishing Oil is mentioned as a great investment for maintaining nail health.
Micro Red French Tips
Red French tip nails are a subtle way to incorporate a Valentine's Day theme into your manicure. This design is not only on-trend but also a classic style that can be worn beyond February 14th. The article suggests using the Essie Original Nail Polish in the shade "Forever Yummy" to recreate this look. By using a French nail stamper, you can easily create a uniform line on each of your nail tips.
Merlot Nails
For a chic and sophisticated Valentine's Day look, the article recommends using black cherry or rich burgundy nail colors. These shades are still on-trend and perfect for the occasion. The Essie Original Nail Polish in the shade "Bordeaux" is suggested as a great option for achieving this look. Applying two to three layers of the dark red color and topping it with a high-shine top coat will give you a clean and flawless finish.
A Hint of Pearl
Adding a touch of pearl to your nails can elevate your manicure and make it more special. You can achieve this look by using an iridescent chrome powder or applying a pearl polish. The article suggests using the Essie Original Nail Polish in the shade "Pearly White" to achieve a slightly elevated finish. You can apply it on its own or over a pink or nude base.
Sheer Pink Nails
If you prefer a more natural and understated manicure, sheer pink nails are a great choice. They offer a subtle and elegant look that can elevate your Valentine's Day outfit or make you feel put-together every day. The article recommends using the Nails.INC Glow-Enhancing Nail Perfector Polish in the shade "Glowing My Way" to achieve this look. You can wear it alone or top it with a white French tip for added elegance.
Diamond Decals
To add a touch of sparkle and luxury to your manicure, crystal decals are a great option. You can easily dress up a nude or pastel pink look by applying diamond decals to one or more nails. This adds a subtle yet glamorous touch to your fingertips. The article suggests using Jsdoin 5-set Nail Art Brushes and Dotting Tools to recreate this look.
Burgundy Tips
Combining French tips with the trendy burgundy color creates a stylish and Valentine's Day-ready manicure. French tips and burgundy shades are both popular nail styles, and when combined, they create a trendy and festive look. The Barry M Cosmetics Gelly Nail Paint in the shade "Black Cherry" is recommended for achieving this look.
Squoval Red Nails
For a simple and elegant Valentine's Day manicure, you can opt for a red, monochromatic look. Red nails are a classic choice, and a "squoval" nail shape gives a polished and understated finish. The OPI Nail Polish in the shade "Big Apple Red" is suggested as a great option for recreating this look. Adding a high-shine top coat will help prevent chipping and maintain the polished appearance.
Solitary Hearts
For a more obvious nod to Valentine's Day, you can add heart designs to one or two of your nails. This is an easy way to dress up your manicure without going overboard. You can use a thin nail art brush or a dotting tool to create the heart shapes. The Jsdoin 5-set Nail Art Brushes and Dotting Tools are recommended for recreating this look.
Negative Space Nails
A modern spin on Valentine's Day nails is a half-moon negative space manicure in red or burgundy. This contemporary look involves outlining the half-moon shape with a brush and filling the rest of the nail with the chosen color. The OPI Classic Nail Polish in the shade "Got The Blues For Red" is suggested for achieving this look.
Rose Pink Nails
With spring on the horizon, a pastel pink shade is a versatile choice for February. It fits the Valentine's Day theme and can be adapted to various manicure ideas, such as French tips, pearly finishes, or crystal decals. The OPI Classic Nail Polish in the shade "Mod About You" is recommended for recreating this look.
These are just some of the simple Valentine's Day nail ideas mentioned in the article. By following the recommendations for nail care, base coats, nail polishes, and designs, you can achieve a stylish and on-trend manicure for February 14th and beyond.
