So I’ve been going through my saved nail inspo posts again (you know how that rabbit hole goes!), and wow – these designs are just next level. My clients are always asking what’s trending, and these looks are seriously making me excited to try new things at my nail station.
I keep coming back to these gorgeous designs that just pop against melanin-rich skin tones. Sometimes the simplest combos end up being the most striking, you know what I mean?
Trust me, after doing nails for so many years, these styles are ones that actually last and look amazing – not just pretty in photos!
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1. Cherry Leopard Vibes
Follow the artist: baddienailz
Looking at this design makes me smile – the way they’ve mixed that sassy leopard print with sweet little cherries is so clever! The red really pops against the neutral base, and my clients always get compliments when they rock this combo.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Nude Pink/Beige Gel Polish (Base color, try Beetles or Modelones): Beetles Nude Gel Polish
- Dark Brown Gel Polish (For Leopard Spots, try OPI or Beetles): OPI GelColor Brown
- Classic Red Gel Polish (For Cherries, try Essie or Beetles): Essie Gel Couture Red
- Green Nail Art Pen/Polish (For Cherry Stems, try Saviland or Beetles): Saviland Green Nail Art Pen
- White Nail Art Pen (For Cherry Accents, try Sally Hansen or Saviland): Saviland White Nail Art Pen
- Detail Nail Art Brush (For drawing cherries and outlines): BEAKEY Nail Art Detail Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (For curing gel polish): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- Glossy Top Coat (To seal and add shine, try Beetles or Modelones): Modelones Gel Top Coat
2. Edgy Black Drip
Follow the artist: deniseamournails
The way this black polish drips down the pink base is giving me total pinterest vibes. Trust me, getting those drips right took me forever to master, but the end result is worth it!
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Sheer Nude Pink Gel Polish (Base, e.g. Modelones or Beetles): Modelones Sheer Nude Pink Gel Polish
- Black Gel Polish (For the modern French tip, e.g. Beetles, OPI): Beetles Black Gel Polish
- White Gel Polish (Optional for accent outline, e.g. Essie, Beetles): Essie White Gel Polish
- Fine Nail Art Brush (To create the wavy tip design): Beetles Detail Nail Art Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (For curing gel polish): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- Glossy Gel Top Coat (Finishing touch, e.g. Beetles, Modelones): Beetles Gel Top Coat
3. Leopard Love
Follow the artist: muahstouch_
These french tips with the leopard pattern are such a fun twist on a classic. That little pink bow detail is just chefs kiss – and it’s actually not as hard to recreate as you’d think.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Pastel Pink Gel Polish (Base, e.g. Beetles or Modelones): Beetles Pastel Pink Gel Polish
- Cream/Beige Gel Polish (Leopard Print Tip Base): Modelones Beige Gel Nail Polish
- Brown Gel Polish (Leopard Print Spots, e.g. OPI or Beetles): Beetles Brown Gel Nail Polish
- Black Gel Polish (For Leopard Spots Outline): Beetles Black Gel Nail Polish
- 3D Pink Bow Nail Charms: Pink 3D Nail Bow Charms
- Nail Art Brush (For creating leopard patterns): Beetles Nail Art Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (For curing gel): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- Glossy Gel Top Coat (To finish): Beetles Gel Top Coat
- Nail Glue (To adhere 3D bow charms): Makartt Nail Glue
4. Edgy Glam Flair
Follow the artist: muahstouch_
Y’all, these zebra stripes are everything! The way they paired the pattern with those cute little gems reminds me of this design one of my regulars always asks for.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Sheer Nude Gel Polish (Base, e.g. Modelones or Beetles): Modelones Sheer Nude Gel Nail Polish
- Black Gel Polish (For zebra lines and details): Beetles Black Gel Nail Polish
- White Gel Polish (For zebra tip and cow print): Beetles White Gel Nail Polish
- Holographic Glitter Gel or Iridescent Rhinestones (For the accent nail): Modelones Holographic Glitter Gel
- Black 3D Bow Nail Charms: Black 3D Bow Nail Charms
- Nail Art Brush (For zebra stripes and cow spots): Beetles Nail Art Brush Set
- Nail Rhinestone Picker and Glue (For rhinestone application): Makartt Nail Rhinestone Glue
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (For curing gel): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- Glossy Gel Top Coat (To seal and shine): Beetles Gel Top Coat
5. Chic Monochrome Glam
Follow the artist: muahstouch_
This black and white combo hits different – and those cross details really take it up a notch. Been trying to get my line work this clean for ages!
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Sheer Nude Pink Gel Polish (Base, e.g. Beetles, Modelones): Beetles Sheer Nude Gel Nail Polish
- White Gel Polish (French tip, zebra & cow pattern, e.g. Beetles): Beetles White Gel Nail Polish
- Black Gel Polish (Detail lines & animal prints, e.g. Beetles): Beetles Black Gel Nail Polish
- Silver Rhinestone Cross Charms (Embellishments): Silver Rhinestone Cross Nail Charms
- Silver Crown/Ring Nail Charms (Embellishments): Silver Crown Nail Charms
- Fine Nail Art Brush (For zebra, cow, and line details): Beetles Nail Art Detail Brush Set
- Nail Glue (To attach nail charms): Makartt Nail Glue
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (For curing gel): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- Glossy Gel Top Coat (For shine and protection): Modelones Gel Top Coat
6. Oceanic Elegance
Follow the artist: sin.gelxnails
These ocean blues got me dreaming of vacation fr! The gold flecks catching the light is such a vibe, and that 3D flower detail is lowkey my favorite part.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Sheer Nude Gel Polish (Base for all nails): Modelones Sheer Nude Gel Polish
- Medium Sky Blue Gel Polish (For ombré, marble, and flower): Beetles Sky Blue Gel Polish
- Bright Cobalt Blue Gel Polish (Solid blue and ombré): GAOY Cobalt Blue Gel Polish
- Gold Chrome/Metallic Gel Polish or Gel Foil (Outline details): Born Pretty Gold Chrome Gel Polish
- 3D Nail Art Flower Mold or Gel (For 3D blue flower): Nail 3D Art Flower Mold
- Gold Beads/Studs (Flower center and decorative studs): Gold Nail Art Studs
- Fine Detail Art Brush (For gold outline and ombré blending): Saviland Nail Art Detail Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (for curing gel polish): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat (for glossy finish): Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat
7. Glamorous Floral Gold
Follow the artist: xolished
Ngl, this maroon and gold combo makes me think of royalty. The way the flowers are placed makes each nail look like a tiny piece of art – took me lots of practice to get that placement just right.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Sheer Nude Gel Polish (Base for all nails): Modelones Sheer Nude Gel Polish
- Deep Chocolate Brown Gel Polish (For flowers and outlines): Beetles Chocolate Brown Gel Polish
- Gold Chrome/Metallic Gel or Art Gel (For gold outlines and accents): Born Pretty Gold Chrome Gel Polish
- Gold Nail Art Studs (Centers of flowers, embellishment): Gold Nail Art Studs
- Fine Nail Art Detail Brush (For outlines, art, and swirls): Saviland Nail Art Detail Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (For curing gel polish): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat (For glossy finish): Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat
8. Wildflower Glam
Follow the artist: kayzbeautybar
The leopard print with those 3D flowers shouldn’t work but it so does! Had a client come in with this inspo pic and now it’s one of my most requested designs.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Nude Pink Gel Polish (Base for all nails): Modelones Nude Pink Gel Polish
- Solid White Gel Polish (French tips and flower petals): Beetles White Gel Nail Polish
- Black Nail Art Gel or Polish (Leopard spots): Beetles Black Nail Art Gel
- Gold Art Gel/Studs (Flower centers, star charms, accent): Gold Nail Studs and Star Charms
- 3D Flower Mold or 3D Gel (For raised floral elements): 3D Nail Art Flower Gel Kit
- Nail Art Detail Brush (For lines and leopard print): Saviland Nail Art Detail Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (For curing gel polish): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat (For glossy finish): Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat
9. Glam Safari Chic
Follow the artist: nailedxamyy
These tiger stripes with the gold and crosses are giving luxury safari vibes. The shimmer in the base coat makes the whole design pop even more in person.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Nude Pink Gel Polish (Base for all nails): Modelones Nude Pink Gel Polish
- Caramel Light Brown Gel Polish (Tiger stripes, gradient): Beetles Caramel Brown Gel Polish
- Deep Chocolate Brown Gel Polish (Tiger stripes): Makartt Chocolate Brown Gel Polish
- Black Nail Art Gel or Pen (For stripes/outlines): Beetles Black Nail Art Pen
- Gold Chrome Gel Polish (Sculptural/metallic 3D effect): Born Pretty Gold Chrome Gel Polish
- Gold Rhinestone Charms (Crosses, decorative gems): Gold Cross Nail Charms
- Nail Art Rhinestones (Crystal gems, accents): Nail Art Rhinestone Gems
- Fine Detail Art Brush (For stripes and 3D art): Saviland Nail Art Detail Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (For curing gel polish): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat (For shine and finish): Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat
10. Butterfly Elegance
Follow the artist: traciethetech
Love how these earth tones swirl together like butterfly wings! The glossy top coat really makes those colors dance – my camera never does these justice.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Peachy Nude Gel Polish (Base/Butterfly segments): Modelones Peach Nude Gel Polish
- Deep Burgundy Gel Polish (Red marble and wing detail): Beetles Burgundy Gel Polish
- Sage Green Gel Polish (Accent nail): GAOY Sage Green Gel Polish
- Black Nail Art Pen or Gel (Butterfly outlines): Beetles Black Nail Art Pen
- White Nail Art Pen or Dotting Tool (Butterfly wing dots): Makartt White Nail Art Pen/Tool
- Gold Art Gel or Polish (Gold swirl accent and details): Born Pretty Gold Gel Polish
- Nail Art Brush Set (Detailing, marbling, and swirl): Saviland Nail Art Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (Curing gel): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- No-Wipe Top Coat (Glossy finish): Beetles No Wipe Top Coat
11. Golden Elegance Tips
Follow the artist: creme.lux
These brown and gold nails are straight up sophisticated. The floral details may look complicated, but here’s a secret – they’re actually easier to do than traditional French tips!
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Sheer Nude Pink Gel Polish (Base color): Modelones Sheer Nude Gel Polish
- Amber/Brown Gel Polish (Translucent brown French tips): Beetles Amber Brown Gel Polish
- Gold Chrome Gel Polish or Art Gel (Outline and bead details): Born Pretty Gold Chrome Gel Polish
- 3D Nail Art Flower Mold or Builder Gel (For translucent flower accents): 3D Nail Flower Mold Kit
- Gold Beads/Studs (Flower centers and accent tips): Gold Nail Art Beads
- Fine Nail Art Brush (For gold details and French smile lines): Saviland Nail Art Detail Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (Curing all gel layers): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat (Glossy, protective finish): Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat
12. Golden Glam
Follow the artist: creme.lux
The texture on these is what makes them special fr. That gold detail work catches the light in all the right ways – my clients say they feel like they’re wearing jewelry on their nails.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Milky Nude Gel Polish (Base for nails): Modelones Milky Nude Gel Polish
- Deep Brown Gel Polish (Marble art and 3D flowers): Beetles Deep Brown Gel Polish
- Light Caramel Brown Gel Polish (Marble and accent swirls): GAOY Caramel Brown Gel Polish
- Gold Chrome Gel Polish or Art Gel (Outlines, accents, 3D details): Born Pretty Gold Chrome Gel Polish
- 3D Flower Mold or Builder Gel (For raised floral accents): 3D Nail Flower Gel Kit
- Gold Beads/Studs (Accent dots and flower centers): Gold Nail Art Beads
- Fine Nail Art Brush (Marble and gold detailing): Saviland Fine Detail Nail Art Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (For curing all gel polish): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat (Glossy shine and durability): Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat
13. Tortoise Shell Glam
Follow the artist: creme.lux
This tortoise pattern on almond shapes is such a mood! The glossy finish makes it look super expensive, even tho it’s actually not that hard to achieve with the right technique.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Sheer Nude or Milky Pink Gel Polish (Base color): Modelones Sheer Nude Gel Polish
- Warm Amber Brown Gel Polish (Tortoise shell tip, lighter brown): Beetles Amber Brown Gel Polish
- Deep Chocolate Gel Polish (Dark tortoise shell spots): Makartt Dark Brown Gel Polish
- Tortoise Shell Nail Art Gel (For authentic blend – optional): Morovan Tortoise Shell Nail Gel
- Nail Art Brush (For blending the tortoise shell pattern): Saviland Nail Art Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (Curing all gel polish): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat (Glossy finish for shine): Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat
14. Edgy Elegance Fusion
Follow the artist: kallmevannaa
Whoever thought to mix tortoise shell with lime green is a genius. Added those gold studs and now we got a whole moment happening!
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Sheer Nude/Pink Gel Polish (Base for all nails): Modelones Sheer Nude Gel Polish
- Classic White Gel Polish (French, detailing): Beetles White Gel Nail Polish
- Lime Green Gel Polish (Accent nails): Gel Polish Lime Green
- Amber Brown Gel Polish (Tortoise shell design): Beetles Amber Brown Gel Polish
- Deep Brown Gel Polish (Tortoise shell design): Makartt Deep Brown Gel Polish
- Gold Nail Studs (Accents on green & white French nails): Gold Nail Art Studs
- Nail Art Brush Set (For blending, tortoise shell, and green outlines): Saviland Nail Art Brush Set
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (For curing all gel polish): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat (Glossy finish): Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat
15. Earthy Floral Elegance
Follow the artist: tesa_nailstudio
These rich browns with the floral accents are my go-to when clients want something classy but not boring. That leopard accent nail keeps it from being too serious.
Colors used:
Product recommandations:
- Warm Nude Gel Polish (Base, ombré backgrounds): Modelones Warm Nude Gel Polish
- Amber Brown Gel Polish (Tortoise shell art): Beetles Amber Brown Gel Polish
- Deep Brown Gel Polish (Dark spots and accent): Makartt Deep Brown Gel Polish
- Pure White Gel Polish (Flower petals and tips): Beetles White Gel Polish
- Gold Nail Studs or Beads (Flower centers): Gold Nail Art Beads
- Nail Art Brush Set (Ombré blending and flower detail): Saviland Nail Art Brush Set
- Dotting Tool (For flower centers): PUEEN Dotting Tools
- UV/LED Nail Lamp (To cure all layers): SUNUV UV/LED Nail Lamp
- No-Wipe Gel Top Coat (Glossy finish): Beetles No Wipe Gel Top Coat
Listen, after working on nails for years, I can tell you these designs aren’t just pretty – they’re actually wearable! My clients who’ve tried these styles tell me they hold up great for 2-3 weeks with proper care (and yes, that means using cuticle oil daily, bestie!).
Quick tip before you head to your nail tech: save these pics and be specific about what you love about each design. Maybe it’s the pattern placement, maybe it’s the color combo. And don’t be afraid to mix elements from different designs – that’s how we create something uniquely you! Drop a comment if you’ve tried any of these looks – I’d love to hear how they worked for you! 💅✨