It’s no secret that minimalism is in. Celebrities like Sofia Richie Grainge and television characters like Succession‘s Shiv Roy have led the charge into muted tones and monochromatic sets, proving that less is more with the quiet luxury aesthetic. In beauty, A-listers like Selena Gomez and Alicia Keys have opted for the all-natural, no-makeup-makeup look. If you’re looking for a fun way to join the trend, consider clear nail designs.
Most clear nail designs are minimal. Still, you can use clear nail art designs to showcase your personality. A transparent base is the perfect opportunity to use metallic and chrome accents to make a statement. Bright pops of neon will turn heads when people take one glance at your French manicure.
Coachella-inspired sets and vibrant shades powered nail trends throughout this spring and summer, but with autumn officially in, there’s never a better time to simplify your nail art. Whether you want your nails to whisper “old money” or prefer a more lively manicure, read ahead for 35 clear nail-art designs. Get ready to text your nail tech tons of screenshots as inspo.
Strawberries and French
PHOTO: INSTAGRAM @SATURNAILSTUDIO
These nails are too sweet. Instead of going for a fruit-only look, use two shades of pink to accent the tips of two fingers.
Bold Accents
INSTAGRAM @ELENA_WISE023
You’ll love this manicure if you like to keep things short and sweet. Bold royal-blue dots and vibrant gold accents are sprinkled around each finger. It allows the subtle nail shade to shine through.
Drippy Chrome
INSTAGRAM @BYJAEX
Barbiecore is everywhere! Put a metallic spin on sweet bubble-gum pink nails with these dripping accents.
Natural French
INSTAGRAM @MATEJANOVA
French tips are the perfect way to elevate a clear manicure, especially on short, natural nails. Use a vibrant red polish to trace the outline of your nail.
Flower Power
INSTAGRAM @MATEJANOVA
Professional manicurist Mateja Novakovic knows a thing or two about clear nails. She created this flower Barbie manicure using Milky White, Pink Paradise, and Coral Reef Flowers from plant-based polish brand Manucurist.
Go Grease Lightening
INSTAGRAM @LONDONNAILS1
French tips are always a fierce set. Create a callback to the classic musical Grease with a fiery, smoky lightning bolt as an accent nail.
Blushing Outlines
INSTAGRAM @AMYS.CLIENTS
In case you were wondering, you can totally rock the blush nail trend when your nails are clear. For a little extra shine, use a glitter polish to outline your nail bed. For blush nails, use a neutral pink shade at the center of your nail.
Evil Eye
INSTAGRAM @HERBLKNAILS
Use two shades of blue to repel bad vibes with this evil eye-inspired set.
Glitter and Gold
INSTAGRAM @AMYS.CLIENT
If you’re a maximalist, then this set will make your heart smile. Use gold glitter and shining gold chrome to turn your clear nails into a statement set.
Royal Tips
INSTAGRAM @HERBLKNAILS
Here’s another take on a minimal French manicure. Swipe on thin blue lines across the tips of your sheer nails to achieve this sleek and sophisticated look.
Subtle Specks
INSTAGRAM @LONDONNAILS1
It doesn’t get more minimal than this. Use light strokes of a glistening clear polish to add subtle specks to your mani.
Airy Pastels
INSTAGRAM @SHEEKNAILZ
Get your dotting tool and fine brush to create whimsical accents in pretty metallic and pastel shades.
Chrome Swirls
INSTAGRAM: @NAILSBYSKYELINH
When in doubt, add chrome! Give your clear nails an upgrade with metallic swirls.
Glistening Dots
INSTAGRAM: @MATEJANOVA
This low-key manicure screams minimalism. Draw subtle white dots at the bottom of your nail bed for a dainty touch.
For the Lovers
INSTAGRAM: @MARIAVNAILS
There’s nothing wrong with wearing your heart on your sleeve—or on your fingertips, for that matter. Put a little extra love into your next set by creating colorful hearts with bright polish shades.
Virgo’s Groove
INSTAGRAM: @MAGIANEGRANAILS
Whether you’re well-versed in birth charts or casually read your horoscope, you’ll live for this celestial nail set. Pair holographic French tips with beaming gold accents to achieve this dreamy manicure.
Spooky Set
INSTAGRAM: @MARIAVINAILS
This manicure is perfect for spooky season. Vampy red lines scattered across your nails give the illusion of dripping blood. How frightening!
All Eyes on You
INSTAGRAM: @MAGIANEGRANAILS
For an eye-catching look, use black nail polish to paint swirling lines, circles and ultra-realistic eyes. This manicure is a conversation starter, so prepare for endless compliments.
Colorful Swirls
INSTAGRAM: @SHEEKNAILZ
Make your clear nails pop with these colorful details. Vibrant shades of gold, blue, orange, and yellow are the perfect accents.
Silver O-Rings
INSTAGRAM: @SARADYA
Chrome is having the ultimate resurgence (thanks to Beyoncé and Renaissance). Channel “Alien Superstar” vibes with these silver O-shaped rings.
Silver Renaissance
INSTAGRAM: @TAYLOREBEAUTY
When you’re in the mood for a Renaissance, one design might not be enough. Accent each finger with larger-than-life designs courtesy of some sliver chrome polish.
Tortoise Shell Swirls
INSTAGRAM: @SHEEKNAILZ
This tortoise-shell set is bold on its own. The added gold accents make the design appear more intricate.
Rosettes
INSTAGRAM: @DORA_E_ARTE
We’re all about giving yourself the flowers you deserve. If seeing your favorite celebs and influencers in rosette chokers has you inspired, simply add two rosettes the next time you’re getting a clear mani.
Neat Negative Space
INSTAGRAM: @SHEEKNAILZ
Dress up short natural nails with vibrant shades. Abstract negative space designs make bold colors shine even brighter.
Geometric Shapes
INSTAGRAM: @SHEEKNAILZ
How cool are these abstract details? Give your clear nails an artsy feel with colorful geometric shapes.
Celestial Glow
INSTAGRAM: @MARIVAVINAILS
Load up on star power. Set this luminous manicure against long, almond-shaped nails for a celestial glow.
Emerald City Sparkles
INSTAGRAM: @HERBLKNAILS
You’ve got to be seen in emerald green. Green chrome polish paired with a bare base makes the vibrant hue glisten even more.
Glitter Jewles
INSTAGRAM: @URBANBEAUTY_NZ
Paint layers of shimmering glitter nail polish over your natural nails. Apply a small rhinestone to the end of each nail to elevate this subtle set.
Lavish Lines
INSTAGRAM: @DORA_E_ARTE
Obsessed with line art? This set gives the illusion of a glamorous face and body.
Precious Blooms
INSTAGRAM: @NCBEAUTYDUBLIN
Calling all flower enthusiasts! Let your love of delicate florals shine through when you get your favorite blooms painted onto your transparent nails.
Moooooody Mani
INSTAGRAM: @SHEEKNAILZ
French manicures are classic! Colorful cow-print tips are the perfect contrast to soft, clear nails.
Little Mermaid
INSTAGRAM: @NAILSBYSKYELINH
You can’t go wrong with an underwater-inspired mani. Nothing screams, “Under the sea,” like cute shells and water droplets.
Gold Frenchies
INSTAGRAM @SARADYA
If glistening French manicures are your thing, you’ll swoon over this lively gold set. These subtle nails combined with a pop of color make for the chicest nail art.
Dazzling Galaxies
INSTAGRAM: @MAGIANEGRANAILS
This manicure is another win for the astrology lovers. This realistic manicure will look like you’re staring off into the night sky thanks to dazzling stars, galaxies, and black swirls.
Sprinkles of Glitter
INSTAGRAM: @NCBEAUTYDUBLIN
Minimalists, this manicure is just for you. Simply add a top coat of glitter against a glossy bare nail to achieve this look.
