Recommended nail art styles｜From bold reds to sheer shades, stunning picks worth a screenshot!

2025-08-01

By Sabrina

Do you also suffer from decision paralysis: wanting to change your nail art but hesitating for ages between red, purple, cat-eye, and ombre? Don't worry, this nail art recommendation article is designed to help you instantly compare the differences and quickly find your perfect style! From classic red and mysterious purple to sophisticated cat-eye and soothing ombre, it includes various textured elements such as matte, rhinestones, amber, starry sky, and clear. Whether you prefer a minimalist and delicate style or a sparkly and glamorous look, you can find inspiration in this nail art recommendation guide—the kind of design you'll want to screenshot and book immediately. Scroll down with me and see which one will capture your heart!

Red nail art | A classic and powerful choice that also brightens the complexion

When it comes to a combination of power and femininity, red nail art is an irreplaceable classic. Whether it's a saturated true red, burgundy, or a brick red with a hint of brown, it can instantly elevate your nails. Pairing it with gold foil or line designs further highlights the details. Red nail art is also particularly suitable for women with fair skin or cool undertones, presenting an overall confident yet understated vibe, making it an excellent choice for important occasions or when you want to change your mood.

(Image source: hihi_cbz IG)

Purple nail art | The perfect choice for mysterious and aloof girls

Purple nail art, with its touch of mystery yet elegance, always exudes a captivating allure. Whether it's lavender, smoky purple, or shimmering violet, it creates a cool and sophisticated look. Purple nail art also pairs perfectly with silver foil, cat-eye, or matte finishes, adding depth and dimension to the overall design.

👉 For more purple color matching tips and popular styles, please refer to: Tips on flattering purple color combinations and trending styles from mauve to smoky purple to deep purple + popular store recommendations.

(Image source: Coco Beauty Studios IG)

Black nail art design | A cool, stylish, and timeless classic.

Black nail art always exudes an unapproachable aura, making it a favorite among fashion-forward girls. Whether it's a pure black glossy finish, a matte finish, or a design incorporating silver lines and metallic embellishments, black never looks monotonous. Black nail art not only suits individualistic outfits but also blends perfectly with minimalist styles, making it a top choice for understated yet never boring looks.

(Image source: H's nail IG)

Blue nail art designs | A versatile top choice that combines a refreshing feel with individuality

When it comes to summer's most popular nail art, blue is practically a foolproof choice. From sky blue and misty blue to deep sea blue, each shade of blue evokes a unique mood and atmosphere. Blue nail art can be paired with ombre, glitter, or metallic lines to create a layered and sophisticated visual effect. Whether you're going for a fresh, artsy look or a slightly edgy style, you're sure to find your perfect blue design.

(Image source: hihi_cbz IG)

White nail art designs | A perfect balance of minimalist aesthetics and sophisticated style

If you prefer a clean, pure look, white nail polish is definitely worth adding to your collection. From creamy white and pearl white to sheer white gradients, each design accentuates the soft lines of your hands. White nail polish is also perfect for pairing with rhinestones, small gold foil, or delicate gradient designs, adding a touch of sophistication to minimalism. Especially for weddings, dates, or when you want to create an elegant impression, it's always the safest and most interesting choice.

(Image source: Mina Nail Art Instagram)

Cat-eye nail art | The flowing light and shadow create a mysterious and sophisticated atmosphere on your fingertips.

Cat-eye nail art is the kind of captivating gel nail art that makes you want to take a second look. By manipulating the direction of light with magnetic powder, cat-eye nail art can create different effects such as velvety, star trail, or beam of light, and the color schemes, from deep purple and burgundy to dark green, are all incredibly eye-catching. Whether for a simple everyday look or a party-style makeup, it can make your hand gestures subtly sparkle.

(Image source: Mina Nail Art Instagram)

Amber Nail Art Designs | A Warm, Transparent, Layered Look Favored by Japanese Style Lovers

Inspired by natural resin, the amber nail art design exudes a retro yet gentle vibe. Through layers of caramel tones, it creates a fossil-like interplay of light and dark. This amber design pairs perfectly with nude, brown, and gold foil accents for a more refined and timeless look. This style is particularly popular with Japanese fashion enthusiasts; its low saturation yet striking presence makes it a hidden gem for autumn and winter.

(Image source: wanda77_nails IG)

Matte nail art designs | Must-haves for those who appreciate understated elegance

If you prefer a subtle, non-glaring finish but don't want your nails to look too plain, matte nail art is the perfect choice. Whether it's a milk tea color, dark green, or smoky purple, matte nail art creates a soft-focus effect, like the texture of a wool coat transferred onto your fingertips. Paired with gold lines, contrasting colors, or simple patterns, it further enhances a minimalist yet thoughtful aesthetic.

(Image source: Three Years Old Nail Salon Taipei Store Instagram)

Starry Sky Nail Art Designs | A Cosmic Feel on Your Fingertips, a Perfect Blend of Dreaminess and Mystery

Starry sky nail art is like scattering the entire Milky Way on your fingertips, full of layers and a touch of fairytale atmosphere. Starting with a deep blue or dark purple base, paired with fine glitter, silver foil, or scattered star designs, starry sky nail art is not only gorgeous but also exudes a mysterious and romantic charm. It's especially suitable for those who love night scenes, astrology, or a touch of fantasy; every flip of your nail feels like moving through the universe.

(Image source: sandy.nail IG)

Gradient nail art designs | A soft transition and a versatile choice for elegant girls

Gradient nail art, regardless of the color scheme, creates a natural, seamless transition from the inside out. From nude to clear, or pink to white, gradient nail art not only makes hands appear whiter but also refines finger shape and elongates hand lines. It's also perfect for adding gold foil, glitter, or delicate smudging to create more dimension, making it a must-have for sophisticated girls.

(Image source: Coco Beauty Studios IG)

Rhinestone Nail Art Designs | A Glamorous Makeover That Makes You Shine Every Time You Go

Rhinestone nail art is the kind of statement that draws attention the moment it appears. Whether it's a large area of rhinestones, a few delicate touches, or a mix of tiny pearls and metal accents, rhinestone nail art always creates a dazzling yet sophisticated look. It's perfect for weddings, holidays, parties, or even just adding a pop of color to your everyday outfit—it'll make you stand out.

👉Want to see all the design inspiration, from understated to fully diamond-encrusted, in one go? Further reading: Sparkling fingertips, from subtle embellishments to lavish full-diamond designs – all included!

(Image source: Knock Knock x Nail Studio IG)

Ombre Nail Art Designs | Healing Nail Art with Watercolor-like Light and Shadow Effects

For a soft, airy design, ombre nail art is the most soothing choice. Through the blending and merging of colors, ombre nail art can create layers reminiscent of watercolor, clouds, or marble, and looks even fresher and more natural when paired with a sheer base. Whether it's a pastel shade or a smoky color, it exudes a casual yet gentle beauty that instantly lifts your spirits.

(Image source: wanda77_nails IG)

Transparent nail art designs | Minimalist and translucent, stylish no matter how you style them.

Transparent nail art is a super trendy and understated fashion statement in recent years. It preserves the natural sheen of the nails, adding subtle lines, stickers, or shimmering powder for a clean yet layered look. Transparent nail art is especially suitable for working professionals, students, or minimalist girls, giving an effortlessly sophisticated feel. It subtly elevates any outfit, enhancing the overall look.

👉 For more timeless transparent and gradient inspirations, see this article: Translucent Gel Finishes and Gradient Inspirations You'll Never Tired of All Year Round.