As far as classic accents go, tiny red or pink hearts make for a fun manicure any time of year, not just the first week of February. But seeing as we’re heading into Valentine’s Day season, we have a few ideas to level it up.
Our favorite manicures of the moment are loosely inspired by Cupid, flowers and all things love. But just like the poppy-red Sezane cardigan in your wardrobe, these nail looks are timeless and a little flirty.
From a glossy black manicure with heart details to kitschy coquette nails, we’ve compiled the coolest Valentine’s Day nail art, ahead.
Coquette Nails
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Pink ribbons, bow charms, and anything loosely Sandy Liang-inspired goes for coquette nails.
Pink 3D Jelly
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A surprising trend for 2025? Jelly everything. Take your nail art inspiration from this look by celebrity manicurist Julie K, who used pink chrome polish topped with 3D Zig Zag Gel from Japanese gel brand Jello Jello.
Black Heart
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If pink and red feels too obvious, go for a glossy black manicure and a subtle heart outline. Throw in a teeny gemstone for sparkle.
Pink + Red
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Although, this pink and red combo is chic without being precious.
Chrome Hearts
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If you can’t go full coquette, go for a chrome — or vanilla glazed donut — manicure with some hand-painted hearts on top.
Gemstone French
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If you have access to gemstones, you might as well go all out with a cut-out heart embroidery-style design.
Velvet Hearts
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Velvet, glass, or cat-eye polish is fun on its own, but add hearts to take it up a notch.
Pink Shimmer
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If you have a light pink polish and a glitter polish at home, you can DIY this adorable pixie dust-inspired V-Day manicure.
White Hot
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A perfect complement to the chunky silver Tiffany tag bracelet they’ve hopefully bought for you.
Red French
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Looking for something simple? Go for a French manicure and make the tip red instead of white.
Cherry Bomb
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Try nail stickers — like these from Le Mini Macron — with cherries and kisses.
Heart French
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For another take on a French manicure, ask for the tip to be adapted into a bowed heart shape.
Baby Hearts
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Teeny tiny hearts over an otherwise-neutral manicure look so sweet.
Red Jellies
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To take the jelly trend a little less literally, go for a sheer, jellied red polish. It’s giving red Jolly Rancher.
Ombre French
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This pink marshmallow manicure hits the tone.
Hand-Painted Florals
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If you’re seeing a professional, consider going full bouquet.
French + Heart Accents
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If you’re a classic French manicure stan, just add some hearts to a few fingernails. It begs for a mirror selfie.
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