With the December holidays approaching, we’re already thinking about what the beginning of 2025 has in store. From New Year’s resolutions to winter travel itineraries and, of course, Valentine’s Day. The views on the holiday are divisive, with many turning their noses at the loved-up day. Others revel in the celebration of all things hearts and bows. Regardless of how you feel about Valentine’s Day, it’s a great excuse to experiment with cutesy nail designs. Ahead, the experts at Nailing Hollywood show off their favorite Valentine’s Day nail ideas to get you started.
The Best Valentine’s Day Manicures to Bookmark Now
Cat-Eye Hearts
If you want a Valentine’s Day nail design that is subtle yet festive, this pale pink cat-eye set by Rachel Joseph is a great option, adorned with tiny white hearts for the perfect amount of Valentine’s Day flair.
Mini Hearts
Another chic and simple style by Joseph, this set features a milky pink base with itty bitty black hearts, perfect for the anti-Valentines at heart.
Blooming Heart Gels
Blooming gels are one of the hottest nail trends as of late, and this set by Joseph brings the technique into a Valentine’s Day mood, featuring ombré hearts on a pink base.
Heart Tips
A funky take on the classic French tip, this set by Sue uses hand-painted, multicolored hearts to carve out a French tip on top of a simple pink base. Honestly, we’re obsessed.
Pearl Hearts
If you’re into the 3D nail trend, this style by Sue might be your perfect match. The look features simple red hearts on each nail, with pointer and ring finger hearts outlined with pearl stickers for a dimensional, cutesy look.
Pretty in Pink
For all the Regina Georges and Elle Woods’ of the world, this pretty in pink set by Sue is your ideal Valentine’s Day manicure. This all-pink look with a glittery base has the most darling 3D charms, from teddy bears to hearts and bows.
Aura Nails
Aura nails are another huge manicure trend right now, and this style by Laura B. Malarkey shows how the style can fit any holiday, utilizing different shades of pink for the perfect Valentine’s Day aura.
White and Red Hearts
If you like the heart motif for your Valentine’s Day manicure but want the design to pop a bit more, this look by Morgan A. Dixon is a great option. It pairs bright red hearts and subtle touches of airbrushed pigment onto a white base.
Red Tips
This style by Dixon shows off some classic cherry red tips, complimented perfectly by two accent nails with hand-painted cherries and an adorable plaid motif.
Abstract Pink and Red
Pink and red are the colors of the season when it comes to February and Valentine’s Day. This trendy, abstract set from Dixon shows how Valentine’s Day nails can be out-of-the-box, showcasing a mix of solid red and pink nails and classic French tips with hand-painted squiggles, lines and more.
X’s and O’s
For the true Valentine’s Day lover, this manicure by Dixon is one to save, featuring all the classic V-Day themes, from hearts and kisses to X’s and O’s.
Love Yourself Nails
While we may associate Valentine’s Day with celebrating romantic relationships, it’s also a day to celebrate the love you have for yourself. This set by Dixon is the perfect way to do so, featuring intricately drawn heart and lip designs, and even the classic “Mom” tattooed heart with “me” written in the center instead.