I started getting my nails done in 2023 and these are a few of my favorite sets and how I get inspo for each. I use my nails as art to express where I’m at in life, what’s going on, and how I’m feeling 🥰 (all the nails are builder gel on my natural nails/length)
1) Lebanese Coffee Cup Nails 🇱🇧
- get inspired by the things in your house or designs around you! These were one of my favorite sets because I love my traditional Lebanese coffee cups so much and I loved using them as inspo
2) Evil Eye Nails 🧿
- don’t be afraid to get a little bold! The mismatched hands can be really nice when done well. I made sure that the blue in the evil eye matched the blue of the other hand to bring it together
- love the mini design for the evil eye. It’s simple and so cute. Since the mismatched colors were already bold, I didn’t need a big design.
3) Lavender Nails 🪻
- use your favorite color or flower for inspo!
- not all the nails have to be the same - this set has two lavender colored nails, two nails with the flower design, and one single lavender chrome nail
4) Sunset Nails ☀️
- wanted something a little more bright, couldn’t decide between orange and pink so I got both! They blended the colors like an ombré but with the orange in the middle
5) Christmas Nails 🎄
- the holiday season is a great time to get a themed set. I wanted an deep elegant color with the green, a classic holiday design, and then spiced it up with the one single chrome
6) Classic Nails 🤍
- you truly can never go wrong with a classic set of nails. French tips or milky white will never go out of style, and will match every outfit.
... Read moreIt's so cool to see how everyone expresses themselves through their nails! I totally agree with finding inspiration from everyday life, like your stunning Lebanese coffee cup nails – what a brilliant idea! And those evil eye nails? So bold and unique. It really shows how our manicures can be a canvas for our moods and passions. I mean, who knew a coffee cup could spark such gorgeous art? It truly makes me want to look around my own home for hidden gems of design.
Speaking of unique designs, I've noticed a lot of you searching for 'soft gel nail inspo' and for good reason! Soft gel nails are my go-to because they're not just beautiful; they’re incredibly versatile. They offer that perfect balance of durability and flexibility, letting your natural nails grow underneath without all the heavy lifting of acrylics. Plus, the way colors pop on soft gel is just incredible, making intricate designs like your lavender nails or seasonal Christmas nails really stand out. If you're new to soft gel, it’s definitely worth exploring for lasting, vibrant manicures that feel lightweight and look stunning. I personally love how long my soft gel sets last without chipping, which is a huge plus for someone like me who's always on the go!
And for all my fellow sports fans out there, especially those looking for 'baseball nail design' ideas – I've been thinking of trying some themed nails myself! Imagine a classic white base, perhaps with a subtle 'milky white nails' finish, and then delicate red stitching to mimic a baseball. Or you could go bolder with team colors – maybe a deep navy with white stripes, or a vibrant red with a small baseball decal on the accent nail. You could even incorporate tiny glittering silver bats or helmets for a playful touch. For a more sophisticated look, a neutral base with a single, perfectly painted baseball outline on one nail per hand can be incredibly chic and still show off your team spirit. It's all about how you want to represent your love for the game, whether it's subtle or super spirited!
Finding your next 'nail inspo 2023' (or any year, really!) doesn’t have to be hard. Beyond looking at things around your house or your favorite colors, I always find great ideas by thinking about upcoming events or seasons. Planning a beach trip? Think 'sunset nails' with those gorgeous ombré blends that fade from orange to pink. Heading to a holiday party? That's your cue for elegant 'Christmas nails' or something sparkly and festive. Even fashion trends can spark ideas – if jewel tones are in, maybe try a deep emerald or sapphire. Don't be afraid to mix and match elements you love, just like how you combined different lavender designs or added a chrome accent. Sometimes, just scrolling through Pinterest or Instagram for a few minutes can give me a dozen new ideas! The best part about nails is that they’re temporary art, so you can always switch it up and try something new whenever your mood strikes! What are your go-to sources for nail inspiration, Lemon8 fam?