As beauty editors, we keep a finger to the pulse of all beauty trends, taking a particular shine to those that refuse to fade away despite the rise and fall of aesthetic-led movements and looks that make it off the runway and onto the streets. Taking cues from fashion people and nail experts is the easiest way to ID them before the trend cycle takes another shift. Luckily, you have us as a resource to keep up with them while staying true to the timeless nail looks that just work.
Your days of wondering what nail design to get after you arrive at the salon are over. No one needs the stress of flipping though endless nail shades in a folder or scrambling to look up inspo pics on Pinterest, which can be fun but might result in instant feelings of regret once you get a good look at your nails post-appointment. Recently, negative-space manicures have been on the rise, and we've pulled together our favorite nail looks from top celebrity nail artists and educators, including the likes of Betina Goldstein, Iram Shelton, Brittney Boyce, and more.
Below, take a look at our favorite designs, from ditzy cow prints and retro waves to Coco Chanel–inspired minimalistic dots and outlined French tips. Pro tip: Screenshot or bookmark these nail looks for quick access while in a time crunch and inspiration while on the go.
Bright Whites
There's truly nothing better than a flawless white manicure, especially when it dials up the intrigue by playing with negative space). Shelton, an OPI global ambassador, shows us how it's done with this futuristic nail look featuring an inch or two of negative space from the top of the nail. She styles her manicure with a stunning ring stack by Astrid & Miyu.
Essie's Blanc is the perfect milky shade for any white manicure.
Barely-There Mani
Every time we find ourselves drawn to neutral nails, a pop of color captures our attention and has us scrambling to book our next nail appointment. Above, Outer Banks star Madelyn Cline shows off her minimalistic nail look by celebrity manicurist Zola Ganzorigt. A playful take on a classic French manicure, these nails feature a milky pink base elevated by an electric blue–outlined tip.
Make a statement with this electric blue with gel-like wear and shine and effortless application.
Contrast Colors
A negative-space manicure offers the perfect opportunity to play with contrast colors. Shades of black and white always look effortlessly chic, but placing them on opposing sides of the nail (just under the cuticle and near the tip) creates even more eye-catching dimension, like international celebrity manicurist Georgia Rae accomplishes in the manicure above.
Described by the brand as the little black dress of nail polish shades, Black Onyx is the best deep shade for your future high-fashion manicures.
OPI happens to have one of the best off-white polish colors to date, meaning you won't have to go on any more wild goose chases to find one.
Minimal Shapes
We haven't stopped thinking about this Chanel-inspired negative-space nail art by celebrity manicurist Betina Golstein since it appeared on our Instagram feed a year ago. These short and simple nails feature Chanel Beauty nail polish shades Boy de Chanel Nail Colour in Black and Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Dénudé, the latter of which is, unfortunately, no longer available.
While Dénudé, the neutral shade used by Goldstein, has been discontinued, the Le Vernis Nail Colour in Légende is a great medium flesh-toned alternative.
It may be the shade itself or the fact it's from Chanel's line of gorgeous nail polish, but this quick-drying matte product is the ideal jet black.
Retro Waves
We're calling it. Seventies-inspired negative-space nails are on their way to becoming the manicure of choice for fashion people. These ones by Boyce, a Los Angeles–based celebrity manicurist, combine peach and orange tones at the tips of the nails in a wavy French tip.
If you're noticing a hint of peach, you're not wrong. We'll be pulling out OPI's Samoan Sand to complement the bright orange.
Use this juicy tangerine-orange polish to re-create the groovy swirls of Zyrco Creative founder Justine Cuenco's manicure.
Abstract French
Shelton created this abstract design for celebrity makeup artist Nikki Wolff. While Wolff's pretty jewelry is definitely worth the glance, it's the flawless peachy-pink base, wavy black tips, and nail piercing on the thumb that we'll be copying.
Gucci's ultra-black nail polish adds the perfect amount of edginess to any negative-space look while delivering major pigment and shine.
Summer Shades
Created by manicurist Imarni of Imarni Nails for singer Paloma Faith, this color-filled manicure is a simple and easy way to pull off the negative-space trend. They're altogether bright and youthful—the perfect match for all your spring and summer looks.
In celebration of inclusion and diversity, Nails Inc. released this versatile four-piece polish set that can be mixed and matched to your heart's content.
Clean Lines
This take on a negative-space nail design by Rae is the stuff clean girl dreams are made of. To create this look, she used OPI's best-selling Put It in Neutral as the base and added a striking streak of white down the middle.
Put It in Neutral will forever and always be the go-to neutral nail shade. Model Jasmine Tookes even told us she asks for it on every trip to the nail salon.
Polished Blues
Shelton created this swirly manicure using one coat of Essie's Allure and Bikini So Teeny for the blue detailing. Call us obsessed.
Described by Essie as "daring meets darling in pretty yet provocative cornflower blue," this sparkling shade is as versatile and stylish as it gets. Plus, the name is beyond adorable.
Moody Cow Print
Cow print is a notoriously tricky to pull off, but Goldstein clearly knows her way around a manicure inspired by the pasture-grazing animal. For a realistic touch, each patch of color is a different size and shape.
Part of Nails Inc's Caught in the Nude line, Copacabana Beach is our idea of the perfect brown-black for a ditzy negative-space cow print like Goldstein's.
Tuxedo French
You'll want to save this one for inspiration. Coined the "tuxedo French," Shelton created this elegant manicure using three OPI shades: Lady in Black, Alpine Snow, and Bubble Bath. They also happen to be the colors salons almost always have.
If you've been on the hunt for the best white nail polish by OPI, look no further. Alpine Snow will always be a winner.
Who What Wear beauty editors swear by this vampy black. It's shiny and long-lasting (with up to seven days of wear) and looks good on literally everyone.
White Swirls
How elegant is this manicure by Imarni? These nails feature a wash of milky white as the base with delicate, eye-catching swirls that are unique to every finger.
Static Nails' Elixir is a true white that offers full coverage and can be worn alone or paired under an even brighter shade to increase color intensity.
Blue on Blue
Nail artist Hang Nguyen is known for her bright and playful nail designs, and this brilliant blue manicure follows suit. This fun negative-space manicure features multiple shades of blue in modern shapes.
Essie's rich indigo nail polish is balanced by red undertones. It can look almost black in some lighting and pairs exceptionally well with other shades of blue.
We're loving every shade included in Essie's Blushin' & Crushin' collection, but Tu-Lips Touch—a gorgeous, powdery blue—is our favorite color featured.
Carved-Out Heart
In case you haven't noticed, heart nail designs are on the rise. Take a look at how Goldstein created her own with a negative-space twist using Chanel's Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Interdit and Le Gel Coat Longwear Top Coat!
Another slightly less costly burgundy to have on your radar is Nailberry's Oxygenated Nail Lacquer in Noirberry. It's a glamorous red-black using a formula that's lightweight and glides onto the nails with ease.
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