The nail art inspo you need.
Today nail related headlines, Pinterest boards and hashtags prove that nails are a beloved form of expression and style. There’s almost a dozen popular nail shapes and a plethora of nail art techniques to choose from.
For centuries nails have had a personality all on its own. Dating back to 3200 BC archaeologists discovered a solid gold manicure set in Southern Babylonia. Existing across cultures, nail art was found to exist in Ancient Egypt and Ancient China. Through the use of henna as a dye or crushed flowers for pigment, polished nails would be an elaborate undertaking. The process, much like it is today, could take hours and in today’s world could cost you a pretty penny.
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Oval nails are a classic shape and one that doesn’t seem to be going out of style anytime soon. Ahead I’ve rounded up some of my favorite oval nail designs. In this post you will find creative spins on classic designs, bold colors, geometric designs (an ode to high school geometry class) and trendy favorites.
French Manicure Spin Off
Switch out the white tips for one of your favorite colors. If the french design feels too subtle, throw a design on another nail that takes up more space.
Red is a great color for this design because it commands the right amount of attention without being overpowering.
Color
I enjoy using shades of a color to create a gradient with my nail set. This is fun to try with shades of green or shades of brown.
This color looks amazing in the sun. The pearls add the perfect amount of sophistication and glamour. This set exudes a kind of confidence for the busy creative and functional career girl alike.
As someone who didn’t love pink growing up, I am really enjoying it now. Bright pink serves as a trustworthy base for airbrush designs.
Related: The Pink Dress From ASOS I Can’t Get Enough Of
Negative Space
I like to think of this set as flintstone meet ice cream cone! Color selection is key with this type of oval nail design. Since you won’t be using a lot of any one color, you want to make sure the colors you choose really pop against your skin tone.
If you want to keep it simple yet chic, black and white are great colors to use. These colors can make even the most simple design really pop.
Your nail set can be random and cohesive. This set is a great example of that. No two fingers are the exact same and yet the theme is still noticed throughout. Don’t be afraid to move elements around or use different colors on each hand.
Lines And Shapes
Longer nails are the best way to experience elaborate nails designs. At this length (and longer) you can play around with intricate prints and shapes. You will definitely give people something to notice with a design like this.
I personally believe you can’t go wrong with yellow. All the cool girls choose a bold base for statement worthy nails.
I don’t like to play favorites, but this set made me fall in love with the artistry of nail design. The gold strips on the index finger compliment the flirty-ness of the dots on the thumb and pinky.
If you are not using shapes in your oval nail designs you are missing out. To be afraid to layer your shapes either. High school geometry has nothing on these nails!
Show-stopping nail art only looks as good as the care you put into them. There’s nothing worse than breaking a nail the day before your nail appointment. Or snagging a nail while styling your hair. Here are a few items that will keep your nails healthy and well maintained between visits to the salon.
Oval nail designs are worth the buzz it generates. Be sure to save this post for your next trip to the salon!
Live abundantly,
Bethany
