Although I’m partial to a funky manicure every now and then, my nail vibe is typically pretty simple. I stick to solid, classic manicures for the most part, but check on me if I happen to show up with the same color back to back. No matter how much I love my go-to classic nail polish shades, as soon as my usual two weeks are up, I’m sick of it and heading back to the salon to find a new color to obsess over. When it comes to my beloved Valentine’s Day nails, finding a color I haven’t worn before is a challenge—but it’s not impossible.
If you find yourself wearing pink every single year (I see you, Bubble Bath stan) and wanting to change it up, same. Below, we’ve compiled a handful of fun, out-of-the-box ideas to take your Valentine’s Day nails from “like” to “love.”
1. Lilac
Any shade of purple will be unexpected but appropriate, but we’re loving a light lilac. It feels like a launch into spring after the cold tundra of a winter we suffer through.
2. Milky White
This creamy white will give a barely-there yet polished look to your nails—which will pair perfectly with feminine touches like pearl earrings for your Valentine’s Day date night look. And the best part? It’s so neutral, you won’t be itching to get rid of it after the holiday.
3. Comme des Garçons’ Play Hearts
If you love cheeky V-Day details, this Comme des Garçons’ Play Hearts manicure is so playful and sweet. Start with a neutral base and add doe-eyed hearts on top in different sizes and placements.
4. Pearls
If you’re looking for a manicure that feels girly and sweet, opt for tiny pearls on top of a classic shade of pink. This manicure will feel fresh and fun for the holiday, but you’ll adore it for days after, too.
5. Metallic Purple
Metallic is one of the favorite trends in both beauty and fashion this year, so you better believe we’re wearing it on our nails too. Kick your purple mani up a notch by opting for a metallic shade or add a glaze on top for some shine.
6. Heart Stickers
This is just about the easiest design you can do, but the impact is major. When done with a neutral shade, the result is so sweet and cute. We love this in white, but we’ve also seen it done in a deep brown shade—gorgeous.
7. Raspberry
Just like the chocolate-covered raspberries you’ll buy yourself (or the wine you’ll drink), these scream Valentine’s Day in a less obvious way. Go a little lighter for a fuchsia tone or a little deeper for a red wine shade.
8. Pink with Red Hearts
If Valentine’s Day was a manicure, it would be this. A classic shade of pink adorned with small red hearts makes this manicure sweeter than any candy you’re planning on indulging in.
9. Neapolitan
This multi-colored mani reminds us of a box of chocolates with a pink bow, or better, the Neapolitan ice cream you will eat out of the half-gallon with your besties on Galentine’s Day.
10. Metallic Red
Like we said earlier, metallic is in. And if you’re just as obsessed with the trend as you are with the holiday that is Valentine’s Day, look no further than this show-stopping shade.
11. Festive French
If you love a classic French manicure but are looking for a fun accent, look to this nail inspo. The thin waves and tiny hearts will give just enough to your nails, ensuring they are in on the fun of the holiday.
12. Sparkly Bow
Valentine’s Day Barbie, is that you?! Between the sparkly pink tips, thin bows, and gems, we can’t get enough of this extra-girly design.
13. Tiny Hearts
We are seeing this style of manicure everywhere for Valentine’s Day right now, and it’s obvious why. The little hearts are just too cute to pass up. Opt for them on the bottom of all of your nails or just a few to get in on the hype.
14. Red Tips
What better time of the year to try out the Red Nail Theory? Pick a classic shade of red and opt for a French tip style to get this sophisticated yet on-theme Valentine’s Day manicure. You never know who it’ll attract.
15. Ombre Hearts
We live for an ombre nail moment around here, so this might be our favorite idea on this list. Pick out a barely-there polish for the base along with an array of shades from white to red for the hearts to achieve this adorable mani.
16. Subtle Sparkle
This is giving clean-girl manicure—Valentine’s Day edition. Add a little bit of subtle sparkle to the tips and adorn your nails with a few hearts to achieve this easy look.
