10 Best Simple Nail Designs and Minimalist Manicure Ideas for DIY in 2023
Simple Nail Designs
Simple Nail Designs. Listen up, I love chrome nails, glossy donut nails, and lipstick nails just like the next beauty editor. But sometimes, I'm in search of simple nail designs and nail trends that will give my hands a little excitement without overpowering my overall look. That's what led me to screenshotting and experimenting with minimalist nail looks, featuring lots of French tips, lil bb nail stickers, and doodle designs. And now, I'm excited to share my simple nail ideas with the masses.
Ahead is a complete list of the best simple nail designs to try right now, including favorites that I keep coming back to. Whether I'm feeling neutral, a hint of color, or minimalistic line art, one of these will always fit my vibe and guide my nail artist. But TBH, many of these can be done yourself with a few simple tools (see: a manicure set, glass nail file, and some nude nail polish to start). Without further ado, check out all my current nail inspiration below:
1. Pink Chrome French Tips
Typing this while rocking this manicure rn (so you know the influence is af). I love the overall vibrancy of chrome, especially when paired with this soft pink nail polish, but I'm considering mixing it up. I'm thinking of trying a full-color look instead of French tips, just brushing chrome powder on the tips, or using different pastel shades for my next mani.
2. Metallic Stickers
Bringing out metallic stickers or stud nail stickers is essential to achieve this ~chic~ nail design. You can even leave your nails bare (a big nail trend in 2023, fyi) and simply rub on some nail boosters and a glossy top coat. Or apply a thin, neutral base color underneath to give this look a slightly smoother finish.
3. Simple Dot Nail Design
This is the minimalist nail look of dreams, complete with a light brown nail polish and these tiny dots. I love how the dots look sporadic and scattered imperfectly on each nail. Make sure to wait until each dot is fully dry before painting on a layer of top coat to avoid smudging.
4. Abstract Gradient Nail Design
If you want to embrace all the colors without doing a complicated manicure, may I introduce you to this abstract design? The negative space makes it feel softer and simpler, yet still unique and eye-catching, thanks to the gradient of colors. Try pastels (as shown here), or neons, primaries, and even a mix of neutral shades.
5. Half-and-Half French
Wait, somehow, this nail look feels both intricate and minimalist?! The trick to separating your two colors (especially if you're also using white or cream nail polish)? Place small pieces of tape before painting, then wait for the polish to dry before peeling them off.
6. Reverse French Glitter
If you love glittery manicures but worry about them looking too over-the-top, focus on just the base of your nails and leave the rest of the look plain. Instead of directly painting it from the bottle, use a makeup brush to apply the glitter precisely where you want it. This will help keep the shimmer from overtaking your entire nail (and finger...and table...and tbh, your entire life).
7. White-French Tips with Pearl Accents
The easiest way to embrace the "mermaidcore" trend is by adding pearl adhesive accents to your nails, as shown here. It takes a basic French manicure and makes it feel trendy and much cooler. (This would also be a very trendy bridal nail look, IMO).
8. Geometric Nail Design
IDK why, but this look givesme Ikea vibes, and honestly, I'm here for it. It's very minimalist (and dare I say, Scandinavian), yet looks very put-together. You might struggle to create those ultra-thin lines with nail polish on your own, so grab these nail line stickers that you can simply apply.
9. White and Green Squiggles
Meet my favorite simple manicure doodle: squiggles. You can do so many variations of this look, whether you change up the colors, make the lines slightly thicker, or give it a retro vibe with muted yellow, orange, and blue shades. Seriously, the possibilities are endless.
10. Floral Decal Design
Nail stickers are your best friend with this look. Simply paint your nails with your chosen color (lavender, like shown above, is a big nail trend for summer 2023), then apply some flower decals with tweezers. Trace over the entire look with a top coat to keep the stickers in place, and you're good to go.
Putri
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