18 Valentine's Day Nail Designs You'll Love

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valentine's day nail inspiration — Photo: Instagram/@kellykmbeauty

When it comes to the holiday filled with chocolates, red roses, and jewelry, we don't skimp on preparation for the love-filled festivities. From cute handwritten cards to heart-shaped candy dishes, we make sure to show that love is in the air. Whether you're being whisked off to a romantic candlelit dinner or cozying up for a movie night, you can't go wrong with sweet-as-sugar nail designs that ramp up the romance of your manicure with painted hearts, love messages, and fun patterns. Valentine's Day nail art is the perfect way to accessorize for the holiday with dreamy pinks, bright cherry reds, and bold oxbloods. For you star-crossed lovers, a geometric hot pink nail design gives an electric touch; and for you hopeless romantics, a red heart-tipped manicure drops major hints to your beau across the table. Give Cupid a hand this year by radiating love from your fingertips. You can test your own manicure skills by DIYing one of these designs, or follow our lead by bringing this as inspiration to your nail salon! Here are our top picks for getting fashion forward Valentine's Day nails.

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Half Moon

This classic half-moon design evokes a subtle romance with its white base and cherry red top coat. The easiest way to get this design is by placing a sticky paper hole reinforcement to the base of the nail and using a paint brush or Q-tip dipped in nail polish remover to smooth any smudged lines.

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Candy-Striped

Candy-lovers, rejoice. These candy-inspired nails use negative space and fun stripes to ensure your most playful Valentine's manicure yet.

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Gradient Corners

If you're not into pink or white, this manicure makes a glamorous option for Valentine's Day—and it's incredibly easy! Find your favorite three red polishes, from dark to bright cherry, and use tape to create gradient corners.

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Pink Houndstooth

We don't know if we've ever seen something as preppy and cute as this pink houndstooth design. We have a feeling that Elle Woods has rocked this manicure from time to time!

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Cute Plumes

This cuticle feather design uses fun colors to create a Valentine's Day look worth trying out this year. Switch up the colors to customize for your V-Day outfit!

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Abstract Pinks

This ultra-girly, abstract manicure layers different pinks for a rosy look that matches every Valentine's Day card you've been eyeing at the stationery store.

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Red Roses

These might not be the only flowers you get this Valentine's Day, but they do make a worthy substitution for the real thing. Classic nude polish lets the bright red florals shine.

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Layers

Layer a bubblegum pink on the bottom of this design for a subtle pop of color, following with a cherry red and vampy oxblood, for an eye-catching effect.

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Matte Heart Tips

These nails let you hold your heart on your sleeve—or at least on your hands! This design is simple and romantic.

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Sweet Daisies

This dainty floral manicure uses baby pink, daisies, and a little glitter to make a girly statement. You'll be in style whether you're having a romantic dinner with your beau or attending a movie night with the girls.

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Oxblood

Our favorite half-moon design makes another appearance in these lacquered oxblood nails. Negative space, created by using sticky paper hole reinforcements, changes up between nails from horizontal to vertical.

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Checkered

This isn't your typical picnic tablecloth pattern. The red, white, and pink checkered design is fun and festive for a Galentine's Day gathering. Using tape ensures the color does not bleed. Lock everything in with a strong, ultra-shiny top coat!

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Love Message

It's the reason for the season—or holiday? Wear it on your nails, if only for the week, for a festive reminder that love is in the air!

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Star Crossed

Show your lover that the stars are truly aligned with this manicure! Nude and cherry red make it subtle, yet very stylish.

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Sweethearts

This set reminds us of the classic Valentine's Day candy in all their pastel glory.

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Holographic Hearts

Shimmery nails are all the rage right now, so why not go bold with your nail design? This set mixes a trendy holographic finish with classic tiny Valentine's Day hearts.

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