Ahead, the sweetest shades to paint your tips on V-Day and where to shop our favourite nail polishes.
With the countdown to February 14 officially underway, there’s much to think about. Reservations need to be booked. Outfits must be finalized, makeup looks must be tried. And there’s a plethora of Valentine’s Day nail colours to be considered for V-Day manicures.
Come date night, the colour of your nails can say a lot about how you feel without the need for words. Flirtatious feelings are ripe for pink. A playful mood calls for purple, while sexy vibes mean classic red. Think of painting your nails as a fun way to drop subtle hints for your date this Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day nail colour trends to try in 2024
You can truly never go wrong with sugary pink shades, romantic reds, and even pastel purples for V-Day manicures. That said, opting for unorthodox shades of these traditional Valentine’s Day colours — say, a vibrant magenta in place of a pastel pink, or a deep burgundy instead of a true red — allows for a little more experimentation, while still being on theme.
Consider shape and length as well. Almond nails are the style of the moment, but stiletto and coffin-shaped nails have a sexier edge that may feel better suited to this time of year.
Glossy is always gorgeous, but we’d be remiss not to mention the chrome craze still going on since Hailey Bieber popularized the trend in 2022. More recently, jelly nails with translucent finishes and a sheer coat of colour are a coveted look. Lest we forget glitter, which is always a good idea for special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
The best Valentine’s Day nail colours to wear now
Butter London Fruit Machine Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer
Is there anything sweeter than a bubblegum pink manicure? No matter what your Valentine’s Day plans are, Butter London’s “Fruit Machine” is the universally flattering polish you can wear on the romantic day and beyond.
While the diamond powder ingredient boosts brightness, the shock-resistant polymer technology allows for 10 days of chip-free, shiny wear. It’s an easy one to fall in love with year-round, too.
OPI Do You Lilac It? Nail Lacquer
For a fun departure from the usual pinks and reds, paint your tips purple! A cool-toned, pastel shade like this one by OPI adds a playful pop of colour while remaining subtle enough for you to not get bored.
This nail lacquer may be named “Do You Lilac It?” But we don’t lilac it, we li-love it.
Essie Expressie Turn Up The Century Quick-Dry Nail Polish
A Valentine’s Day date is the perfect excuse to try out the jelly nail trend. And while you’re at it, why not crank up your flirt factor with a hot shade of magenta?
With its translucent finish, Essie Expressie’s “Turn up The Century” is just what you’ll need to pull off the sheer look you’ve probably seen everywhere lately. Use it solo or to paint adorable tiny hearts on accent nails.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Augmented Red-Ality Nail Polish
Turn up the heat with a tried-and-true red manicure. With this candy apple red hue, you can’t miss.
Boasting a three-in-one formula with a built-in base and top coat, this nail polish is a one-swipe wonder. With a promise to dry in 60-seconds, it’ll be the easiest V-Day manicure you ever do.
Revlon Holochrome Blushing Nail Enamel
Get in on the chrome trend with a holographic nail enamel. While typical chrome manis require a chrome powder, this nail polish gives off a similar effect without extra steps or the cost of a salon shellac manicure.
Thanks to its chip-defiant and anti-fade technology, colour stays vibrant through dessert. Plus, this nail polish goes on smooth and bubble-free.
Londontown Lakur Lemonade Pop Glossy Nail Polish
A dreamy fusion of pink and lilac, Londontown Lakur’s “Lemonade Pop” Glossy Polish is the best of both worlds for those who simply can’t decide between these two Valentine’s Day favourites.
This sugary shade comes with a pro-contour brush made to fit the shape of your nails for ease of application. With each stroke, this polish imparts an ultra-glossy, gel-like finish that’s simply swoon-worthy for Valentine’s Day nail art.
Essie Nail Art Studio Special Effects Ethereal Escape Nail Polish
Essie’s “Ethereal Escape” polish features a pearlescent finish that’s sure to turn heads this Valentine’s Day. Bursting with duo chrome bits and light-reflecting pearls, it’s the whimsical shade you didn’t know you needed.
OPI Left Your Texts on Red Nail Polish
Partial to a classic red but want to spice things up? Look no further than OPI’s “Left Your Texts On Red,” for a timeless manicure that’s date-night ready.
Infused with glittery particles that shimmer with every movement, we’re still not over this ruby hue from the brand’s Me Myself and OPI 2023 Collection. One coat and it’ll be love at first swipe. Use it to create perfect red heart shapes, colourful French tips and Valentine’s Day nail designs—or as a solo burst of loving colour.
Revlon Ultra HD Snap Driven Nail Polish
More of a minimalist? Revlon’s “Driven” HD Snap polish is the “your nail but better” shade you may be seeking out. This nearly nude polish dries in a snap, so you can get back to the rest of your V-Day prep.
The ergonomic cap and 320-bristle brush built into this product makes achieving at-home manis a cinch.
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Go Garnet Nail Polish
For a more sultry approach to Valentine’s Day nails, opt for a vampy red-meets-purple polish like this moody hue. Because nothing sets a sexy tone like a sultry set of dark tips.
Try pairing this plum polish with stiletto- or coffin-shaped nails. Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to try this sultry shade.
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