Is Nail Art the Right Choice for You?

You Might Think You’re Too Old for Nail Art or Worry That Current Trendy Designs Are Too Intricate for You to Attempt, but Tina Wang, Founder of Lunula Salon in Brooklyn, New York, Urges You to Reconsider, Explaining That Nail Designs in 2023 Are Much Simpler to Do Than Those in Year's Past. “There Is Always a Market for over the Top Nails, but We’ve Definitely Seen an Increase in Celebrating the Natural Nail with More Subdued Designs, ” Says Wang. “Many of the Most Interesting Nail Designs Have Evolved from the Classic French Manicure as Well as Simpler Designs That Cover Part, but Not All, of the Nail. ”

Multi-Colored and Multi-Sized Spots Are Dainty and Feminine, and You Can Get Creative with Any Color Combination You Want! Plus, Polka Dots Draw the Eye Vertically to Slim Fingers.

2. Gorgeous Gold Foil Accents

Adding Touches of Gold Foil to Nails Makes Them Sparkle Without Overwhelming. Better Yet, the Metallic Design Reflects Light onto Nails and Detracts from Imperfections on Hands.

3. Vibrant Barbie-Pink Nails

The Recent Revival of All Things Barbie, (Thanks to This Summer’s Hit Movie), Is the Reason Why We’re Seeing a Wave of Pink Manicures This Year. We Especially Love the Barbie Pink Ombre Look by @Nailsxmina. It’s a Simple Way to Pretty up Nails and the Gradient Pink Hues Draw Attention Away from Age Spots on Hands. (Click Through to Read More About Barbie’s Fabulous 64-Year History + Discover What *Your* Vintage Barbie Is Worth)

4. Bold ‘Crushed Velvet’ Nail

While Velvet Nails Might Sound Like a Complicated Design to Create, but the Technique, as Seen on @Overglowedit Is Actually Very Simple When You Use “Magnetic” Polish! Plus the Shimmery Color Helps Blur Flaws Like Crepey Hand Skin. (Click Through for More Ways to Achieve Magnetic Nails.)

5. Shimmery Chrome Nails

The Iridescent Finish of a Chrome Manicure as Seen on @Beautyspace_Charlotte Gives Nails Instant Shine. and If You Have Any Dents Along Your Nails, the Shimmery Finish Will Instantly Mask Them. (Click Through to Achieve Another Nail Art Technique That Hides Nail Dents.)

6. Cheerful Cherry Nails

Put a Cherry on Top of These Nails — Literally! — with This Delectable Design. Not Only Do Mini Cherries Give Nails Fruity, Feminine Flair, but They Also Take the Focus off of Aging Beauty Arghs on Hands. (Click Through to See More Fruity Nails Designs of 2023.)

7. Pretty French Pearl Accents

Embellishing Nails with Pearls as Shown in the Above Design from @Nailsbylaney_ Makes a Stunning Statement. Plus, the Pearls Bounce Light onto Skin and Nails So They Look Youthful and Shiny, While Pink French Tips Elongate the Look of Fingers.

8. Wow-Worthy Watercolor Jelly Nails

Jelly-Like Sheer Polishes Are Big Trends When It Comes to Nail Designs 2023 and Using Multiple Shades Like Youtuber Hannah Lee Did in the Video Above to Create a Watercolor Motif Leaves Nails Looking Mesmerizing. Bonus: the Multicolor Look Has a Blurring Effect That Makes Nail Ridges Less Apparent. (Click Through to Learn All About the Watercolor Makeup Trend of 2023.)

9. Bright Red and Gold Nails

Bold Red Hues Are a Top Nail Design of 2023 and Using the Shade in a Color Block Way Like Above Gives Fingers Playful Pizzazz. Bonus: the Vibrant Color Keeps the Focus on Nails and off Veiny Hands.

10. Beautiful “Eyeshadow” Nails

Aura Nails Are a Trend That Resembles an Ombre Look and Is Reminiscent of a Mood Ring (As an Aura Represents a Person’s Energy and Essence Based on a Certain Colors). “The Look Features a Solid Base Color of Choice and Includes a Circular Gradient in the Center of the Nail, Made with Eyeshadow, ” Says Licensed Nail Artist Sigourney Nuñez. and While the Design Might Look Complicated, It’s a Cinch to Whip up as Seen in the Above Tutorial from Youtuber Gaby Aleixandre. an Added Perk? the Pop of Color in the Middle Helpss Create the Illusion of Longer Nails.

11. Unique Upside-Down French Manicure

This Look from Youtuber Amanda Bellantoni Puts a Modern Spin on the Classic French Nail. the Lengthening Design Can Be Made with a Variety of Color Combinations — the Possibilities Are Endless!

12. Chic Checkered Nails

Painting Nails with This Fun Checkered Design from the Simple Nail Designs Youtube Channel Is Eye-Catching and Pulls the Eye Inward to Slim Hands.

Nail Designs 2023: the 12 Most Flattering Picks

By Marcus Vance

• Oct 8, 2026 • 12 min read

Nail Designs 2023: the 12 Most Flattering Picks

Direct Answer • Key Takeaway

You Likely Already Have 2-3 Go-to Polish Colors That You Love and Know Work Well with Your Skin Color and Clothing Choices. But, If You’re Looking for a Way to Add a Little Extra Dazzle and Pizzazz to Your Nails, Enlisting Nail Designs Is Such a Fun Way to Do It. They Not Only Make a Bold, Standout Statement but Depending on the Design, They Can Help Your Nails Look Longer, Fingers Look Slimmer and Hands Look Younger. but with So Many Designs to Choose From, Finding One You Really Love Can Be Overwhelming. That’s Why We Gathered up the 10 Best Nail Designs of 2023 from Barbie Pink Ombre Nails to Shiny Chrome Talons. You Can Recreate Them Yourself, or Use Them as Inspiration for Your Next in-Salon Manicure.

Marcus Vance

Cybersecurity & Digital Privacy Researcher

Marcus Vance is a cybersecurity auditor and technology writer dedicated to educating the public about online safety, data privacy regulations, enterprise security, and emerging cyber threats.

Tags: nail designs 2023