"Aura Nails," 3D Art & More: 40 Gorgeous Looks To Inspire Your Next Gel Mani (2024)

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Save for the days you want to switch it up.

by Olivia Rose Rushing

"Aura Nails," 3D Art & More: 40 Gorgeous Looks To Inspire Your Next Gel Mani (1)

Whether you’re a loyal salon goer or a skilled at-home painter, chances are you’ve got a go-to polish formula you always reach for.

Some swear by buzzy “BIAB” polishes for their nail health benefits, while others tend to lean towards traditional polishes from brands like Essie or OPI. Some are *obsessed* with the look of dip powder tips or XL extensions, while many stick to a good ol’ gel polish manicure on their natural nails.

If you happen to be among the latter group of nail aficionados, you’re in luck: There is so much gel manicure inspiration out there to turn to ahead of your next appointment.

In the ever-evolving world of on-trend nail art, the girlies are down for “more is more” energy. Namely, cowgirl-esque cow print, sun-drenched lemon motifs, colorful French tips, and artful chrome finishes reign.

As for specific polish shades that are most frequently spotted on it girls these days, Barbie-inspired hot pink, sultry cherry mocha, timeless glossy black, and even a sweet sky blue are most notable faves.

Scroll through for the ultimate manicure inspo.

40 Gel Polish Nail Art Ideas

1Barely-There Gold Leaf Flakes

If you so happen to be a lover of neutral, sheer pink polish shades, add an element of opulence with subtle gold-flecked accents.

2Whimsical Fairy Wings

Embrace the still-rising fairycore aesthetic in your next manicure by topping off holographic polish with a mythical winged design.

3Two-Toned Mod Details

With an eye-catching pale pink/vibrant coral color combo and graphic shapes, this colorful mod manicure makes a true pop art statement.

4Violet Aura Nails

ICYMI: Aura nails are a celeb fave, with A-listers like Megan Fox embracing the style. This deep violet take on the trend is perfect for your next moody mani.

5Itty Bitty Red Hearts

Looking to experiment with some minimalist nail art? Pair your pail pink polish with itty-bitty red hearts.

6Stone Gray Skittle Nails

Thanks to Alix Earle, tonal gray polish colors — AKA “stone nails” — are on-trend, making these all-grey-everything shorties a cool girl-approved pick.

7Rose Quartz Marble Manicure

Rose quartz healing crystals are said to provide compassionate, loving energy. Give your nails those same self-love vibes with a pink marbled mani.

9Pretty Pool Water Design

Trick your brain into thinking it’s swimsuit season all year round with these playful “pool water” nails, which deliver the same visual effect as the crystal clear water on the surface of a pool.

10Lime Green Half Moon Lines

If Challengers has you obsessed with tennis ball green, use the neon shade to add some half-moon outlines that will make even the most neutral manicure pop.

11Sunset Frenchies

Give your next French tip mani a sunset-inspired twist with a fiery ombré in shades of red and orange.

12Clean Milk Bath Mani

Take a cue from celebrities like Selena Gomez and Kourtney Kardashian Barker and adorn your nails in a creamy, off-white “milk bath” mani. The higher the shine, the better.

13Loud Leopard Outlines

Leopard nails are *basically* considered a neutral, which makes these animal print outlines a great pick if you’re on the hunt for a mani that will match every ‘fit in your closet.

14Vibrant Ombré Fade

Choose two different gel polish colors — like the mid-tone Barbie pink and peachy coral combo seen here — to create a gorgeous gradient effect on your nails.

15Cottagecore Cow Print

For the ultimate cottagecore meets coastal cowgirl mani, try painting on some mid-tone brown cow print spots all over your tips.

16Green Watercolor Swirls

In place of traditional white-tipped Frenchies, swirl shades of green for a gorgeous watercolor effect.

17Gold Chrome Frenchies

Chrome nails — especially in shades of gold — are having their main character moment RN. Try the trend with these gilded French tips.

18Coquettish Gingham Print

The coquette trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and this ribbon-accented gingham art undoubtedly fits the adorable vibe. Did someone say “spring picnic”?

19Caramel-Colored Tortoiseshell

Nothing says “off-duty model chic” like a timeless set of tortoiseshell nails. Bonus points for matching your sunnies to your tips.

20Flower-Filled Purple French Tips

Create a colorful French mani that feels artful and fresh with straight tips, a poppy purple polish, and pretty flower designs on each nail.

21Classic Glazed Donut Mani

Thanks to Hailey Bieber, softly chromatic “glazed donut” manicures have become a staple in every cool girl’s arsenal. Try the look at your next gel mani appointment, or use these tips to DIY it at home.

22Sky Blue Micro French Tips

In lieu of stark white tips, try using a pretty shade of sky blue for your next micro French mani.

23Retro Half Moon Cutouts

Half-moon manicures date back to the 1920s, and have recently returned as a nail-artist favorite. Use this simple, negative-space trick to give any gel manicure a retro flair that feels entirely modern.

24Groovy Rainbow Swirls

If you can’t choose just one color to decorate your nails with, create a vibrant rainbow of all your favorite tones with a wavy line motif.

25Monochromatic Chocolate Mani

Whether you’re a chocolate lover or not, combining cocoa-colored gel polishes in matte and glossy finishes will have you craving a sweet treat.

26Off-White Vanilla French Nails

If you seldom stray from the look of classic Frenchies, try this much softer take. Simply replace the traditional stark white tips with a creamy, vanilla shade.

27Creamy Chai Latte Swirls

This tonal art looks like a swirling chai tea latte, with brown and cream shades that evoke feelings of warmth and coziness (but sadly, don’t have the same *actual* effects as caffeine).

28Half Black Minimal Mani

“Halfsies” manicures have become the coolest way to experiment with color blocking. Go for one that’s minimally chic (but still has a bit of edge) by pairing sheer pink with glossy black.

29Sweet Micro Cherries

A remix of the classic cherry red mani, these fruity decals make for a sultry (yet sweet) nail art moment.

30Neon Invisible French Design

Outlined French nails — otherwise referred to as “invisible Frenchies” — are even more statement-making when accented with neon. Try them in a single shade, or mix and match a rainbow of electric brights.

31Joy-Filled Smiley Faces

People are sure to smile when they notice this happy floral mani, which is giving major Y2K energy.

32Holographic Silver Glitter

Try some sparkly polish (and maybe a few rhinestone accents?) to make your next set of nails as eye-catching as an IRL dancefloor disco ball.

33Minimal Black Dots

Even the most rookie at-home nail artist can mimic this mani—all you need is a dotting tool (or when all else fails, a bobby pin) and a steady hand.

34Barbiecore Aura Nails

As mentioned, aura-inspired beauty is having a moment (for even more proof, check out Bella Hadid’s new perfume line), and this pretty pink mani has an out-of-this-world essence.

35Hot Orange Flames

Flaming nail art in shades of near-neon orange is sure to make your mani the hottest girl at the party. Literally.

36Sunny Lemon Pop Art

Use a trendy butter-yellow gel polish to create these adorable lemon designs, which will mentally transport you to the Italian coast every time you look down at your nails.

37Hourglass Art

Euphoria fans may recognize these “hourglass nails,” worn by Alexa Demie in one of the show’s episodes. The artist behind them wanted to create a look that was “sleek, and dramatic,” and boy did she deliver.

38Cabincore Mushrooms

In the world of manicures, tattoo art, and even home decor, ’70s-esque mushroom motifs are very much *that* girl right now. Who knew the psychedelic plant could be so chic?

39Luxe Plaid Print

No matter the season, plaid print is a total vibe — and this luxurious beige and red design is giving big Burberry energy.

40Cherry Red V-Tip Frenchies

Frenchies, but make ‘em fancy with these v-shaped tips, fittingly known as “tuxedo” nails. The crimson-red polish is the cherry on top.

"Aura Nails," 3D Art & More: 40 Gorgeous Looks To Inspire Your Next Gel Mani (2024)
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