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A new manicure has the unique ability to boost your mood. Even the process of choosing your look can be exciting. You could opt for the latest “it” shade to create a bold, solid-color manicure or try a trendy design. There are tons of options to choose from, but the latest trending look is certain to take your nails to the next level. Enter butterfly nails, a whimsical manicure that features delicate, beautiful butterflies.
It’s true that butterfly nail art isn’t new, and its resurgence is unsurprising. Like many of this season’s other beauty trends—think bow nails and baby doll blush—butterfly nails tap into the ultra-feminine aesthetic. It uses a range of pretty colors, including bold and pastel shades, and includes girly elements like glitter and iridescent finishes. You’ve probably noticed an uptick in designs flooding your Instagram lately. Below, we’ve gathered the best butterfly nail looks to try right now.
Fluttering blue butterflies
The key to nailing this trend is to get creative. Butterflies are a symbol of freedom and peace. They come in beautiful colors and patterns, but this glittering blue design takes the cake. As the butterflies flutter from one nail to the next, they look every bit the tranquil symbol they are.
Butterfly wings
Butterfly wings are a natural beauty. Like stained glass, they reflect light through gorgeously colored panels and have a touch of iridescence that makes them magical. It turns out they also make stunning manicures. This set of almond nails puts the delicate beauty of butterfly wings front and center. There are a few variations of this look floating around Instagram, but this one stands out as it uses the distinct orange and black colors of the monarch butterfly.
Floating butterflies
These nails may look simple, but they are anything but boring. With a nearly nude base and seemingly bare background, it’s the perfect look for manicure minimalists. Each nail sports a tiny butterfly that floats lightly from one fingernail to the next. Together, they give the manicure a light and airy feel that’s dreamy and stylish.
Fairy garden
Butterflies and flowers are a delectable combination. This whimsical manicure encapsulates their beauty perfectly. It features lightly colored butterflies floating through a field of blooms with splashes of glitter, and it even uses the classic French manicure as a base. Although these nails have a lot of bold elements, the final look feels fresh and delicate, like a pretty painting.
Blue skies and butterflies
Is there anything more calming than a clear blue sky? In this manicure, the serene hue fades seamlessly into a creamy, cloudy shade to mimic a crisp morning. The ombré effect is certainly on trend, but the addition of butterfly decals makes it even more enchanting.
Glitter butterfly wings
If you’ve mastered the butterfly wing look, try taking it to the next level by mixing in a few other trends. Instead of using a single color as the base, blend two glitter shades for an ombré effect.
3-D garden
This stunning manicure captures the delicate beauty of butterflies with 3-D elements. The tiny flowers and dainty butterflies have a blooming effect that is captivating in the best way. While it’s not the easiest look to DIY, it is sure to catch the eye and bring you lots of compliments.
Pastel wings
The beauty of butterfly wings is that they can be a rainbow of shades. Take a cue from this set, which uses a mix of sheer pastel polish to create an airy and wispy manicure.
