Irrespective of your relationship status, Valentine's Day presents the ideal opportunity to up your mani game and indulge in some serious self-love.
Forget showers of roses or elaborate grand gestures, this year we're all about perusing the plethora of stylish love-themed nail art looks out there, and choosing 'the one' to suit our February 14th vibe. Curating a feed full of super skilled nail techs is our forte – and this year we are utterly spoilt for choice.
But one nail artist that always understand the assignment is Julia Diogo aka @paintedbyjools. One look at her dreamy mani feed, and you'll be sure to find instant inspiration. Ahead of Valentines Day 2025, we got the inside scoop from the expert nail artist on the must-have styles for the romantic day.
According to Julia, red hues take centre stage every year. "Bright pillar box and cherry reds will be all the rage," she tells H! Fashion. "Sheer nudes with teeny tiny hearts will also be big. They come around every year."
As for what designs to lean towards, "Hearts and bows are the trending Valentines theme so they will definitely be back again this year," she reveals. "I much prefer small hearts on the nails as they are super cute, and very chic."
However, this year the manicurist has seen some new unexpected trends on the horizon. She reveals, "I’ve been seeing some shimmery pink polishes which you don’t often see much around valentines as it’s always red."
Enter: your new nail crush...
Julia Diogo approved: Red Cat Eye
Ever since Hailey Bieber's cinnamon bun viral manicure, cat-eye design's have taken centre stage. Julia says, "Red cat eye polish is great if you are wanting to add some drama/fun & difference to your manicure."
© Instagram / @jessmaynard_nailsJulia Diogo approved: Minimalist Hearts
Julia tells H!Fashion, "Little red loves, super simple and cute hearts on a nude base are always super popular." If you're wanting a subtle nod to the season, try red hearts layered over a blush pink squoval base.
© @bycheznailsJulia Diogo approved: Negative Space
For something unique, jump on the negative space trend but with some classic red hearts. Elevate the look with a glittering gold outline. "These are really fun and super eye catching," Julia tells H! Fashion.
© Instagram / @paintedbyjoolsPillar Box Red
Not into elaborate nail art? No problem. Go for a solid colour classic with pillar box red. Julia says, "A perfectly applied red manicure is a big favourite with my clients."
© Instagram / @@clw_nailartistAura Nails
Hazy and vibey, aura nails tend feature a blurred circular centre, and this pink colourway feels utterly apt for Valentine's.
© Instagram / @lorna_marie_nailsVibrant French Tips
Slim French tips are making a return, and we love this colourful take on the mani classic.
© Instagram / @bygemmagunnGlitter Tips With White Heart Accent
Champion understated glitz with pink glitter tips and a single heart in a contrasting shade.
© Instagram / @betina_goldsteinBroken Heart
Expert manicurist Betina Goldstein's quirky, unforgettable nail art lives in my mind rent-free all year round, not just around Valentine's, and this heart-centric thumb look is just adorable.
© Instagram / @tiffanyabbigailebeautyGold Hearts
Unswayed by the traditional red-pink colour scheme? Lean into metallics with molten gold hearts.
© Instagram / @karin.naileditMix n' Match
For a super playful Valentine's nail moment, opt for the mix 'n' match approach and try a look with different designs on each individual nail.
© Instagram / @queenbcreative_Heart-Lined Tips
Tips needn't be uniform, and I love the fluidity of the pink line in this understated, heart-inspired mani look.
© Instagram / @naileditbeautyContrasting Coat of Arms
This graphic heart nail look reminds me of a modern, uber-romantic coat of arms - and I'm here for it.
© Instagram / @kuypernailartHolographic Gems
If you're looking to dial up the glitz factor, consider layering heart gems over a wash of glitter.
© Instagram / @bycheznailsBold Contrast Tips
For a simple, high-impact look, alternate pink and red tips with heart detailing.
© Instagram / @lacisundaysPink Chrome
Cool-girl chromes are everywhere right now, and for Valentine's, a glossy raspberry finish is the way to go.
© Instagram / @embrace.nailsFrench Tips and Pink Hearts
Embrace negative space by pairing square French tips alongside classic pink hearts.
© Instagram / @ognailsukCoquette cool-girl
Bows are having a serious moment across both the fashion and beauty spheres. Hop on the trend and style it alongside sultry red tips for the season of love.
© Instagram / @miaambernailsLovestruck Minimalism
Forget wearing your heart on your sleeve, it's all about the nails. This manicure design features tiny, centrally-placed red hearts with gold lines down the centre, richly reminiscent of Cupid's golden arrow.
© Instagram / @studiobyhannahbethItsy Bitsy Hearts
Wanting to pay a super subtle tribute to Saint Valentine? Tiny cuticle-bordering hearts over pale pink is the look I'm currently crushing on.
© Instagram / @overgloweditAlmond French Tips
Amp up an otherwise understated almond French tip look with white hearts and sparkly gems.
© Instagram / @lecame.shesaw.shepaintedMulti Coloured Hearts
Hearts are synonymous with Valentine's Day, and this look featuring lilac, white and punchy fuchsia feels super cute.
© Instagram / @alyssanailtechRed-Pink Check
If you're into graphic impact, this red and pink checked design featuring a focal point heart is a striking choice.
