16 Cute Natural Nail Designs That Prove Less is More

natural-nails — Photo:
charlotteemilybeauty_/Instagram

A flashy red is a forever classic, and opting for an edgy black mani gives you a chance to tap into your daring side. But there’s something about a natural nail that feels effortless, sophisticated, and timeless—even in its utter simplicity. Even if lightly embellished, a neutral nail color pairs with literally everything in your closet, complements any piece of jewelry you own, and offers a sense of unfussy elegance that’s hard to recreate with any other hue or design.

Feeling the natural nail energy? These beautiful manicures will convince you it’s definitely the right choice for your next manicure.

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Subtle Pink Ombre

To create a hint of dimension, opt for an ombre natural nail effect. This one combines a subtle pink color at the base that melts into a classic creamy white toward the nail tips.

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Evil Eye

For a little extra something on your natural nail design, add a few strategically placed evil eyes. Not only does the electric blue symbol look cool, but the theory is that it helps protect you from any ill will.

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Minimalist French

Can’t decide between a classic French tip or a naked nail? This minimalist approach provides just enough of both to satisfy. A fine line of white at the top is all you need for the effect.

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Gilded Minimalist French

Here’s a gilded spin on the former. To recreate the look, build on the minimalist French design by adding thin bands of shimmering gold at the nail bed and under the French tip on a few nails.

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Gold Foil Natural Nails

Another way to add a little golden pop to your natural nail is to add a touch of foiled gold flakes on one or two accent nails. Paint everything else a nude hue that matches your complexion and apply an extra shiny top coat.

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Peachy Clean Nails

Opt for a warm, slightly peach-leaning nail polish that perfectly complements your skin tone. Then, layer on two or three glassy top coats for a syrupy effect.

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Subtle Chrome

When natural nails call your name but you just can’t resist a hint of bling, lean into this subtle pink chrome manicure. It’s simple and chic, still feels neutral, and offers the right amount of drama.

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Glazed Donut

No chrome? No problem. Try on this natural nail with a sheer coat of iridescence placed on top. This one leans slightly blue when it catches the light, but consider sheens that lean purple, pink, or even green depending on your preferences.

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Pearl Nails

For a subtler take yet, take your inspiration from one of nature’s prettiest gems: pearls. Paint your nails a sheer white color, then add one or two layers of a sheer pearly or opalescent top coat.

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Abstract Natural Nails

We’re loving this natural mani with a microdose of abstract flair. Paint your nails a true clear hue (maybe slightly opaque if you want more texture), and then add an abstract white design on the tips of each finger.

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Delicate Daisy Accents

Infuse a hint of whimsy into your natural nail design by drawing on delicate daisy accents at the tips of a few nails. The rough, hand-painted effect adds some organic texture and lends to the natural feel.

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Tiny Hearts

One way to make your clean girl nude nails even more swoonworthy? Put a mini heart on them! Keep the look super modern by drawing the teeniest heart (or use nail stickers) in the center and at the base of your nails. Bonus points for alternating different colors (white, grey, silver) and textures (glitter, matte, cream) on each nail.

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Metallic Abstract Lines on Negative Space

Sticking with less is more, this sheer, neutral base manicure with silver and gold squiggles is simple yet sophisticated. Swipe on two coats of a milky neutral base then add a pop with a metallic polish design. Don't worry, the design doesn't have to be perfect, and because it's not too over the top, it looks amazing on any natural nail length (even short tips).

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Dainty Dots

Celebrity manicurist Georgia Rae created this minimalist dotted design for Sofia Richie. She swiped on a skintone matching neutral polish then drew on a white dot in the center at the base of each nail. She followed it dabbing on a smaller, black dot directly above it. The black, white, and beige trio might be basic but it's anything but boring.

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Micro Bows

Bows are everywhere! Incorporating a micro version onto your manicure is a fun way to dip your toes (er, tips) in the ultra feminine, playful trend. Place them on one or two fingers in a pink or red shade that pops against nude. The glitter tips are optional.

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Smiley Face

Cue the cuteness overload! For a mood-boosting manicure, place happy face nail decals over a creamy nude manicure to recreate this look from nail tech Kylen DeYoung.

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