In hindsight, I often wish I had chosen a small liberal arts college. Don’t get me wrong, I received a strong education and remain a proud Trojan with a lifelong “Fight On!” spirit. Still, the reality is that a large university environment never truly suited me. I didn’t connect with the sorority-led social culture, and I still wonder how much richer my experience might have been if I had explored beyond my creative writing degree into more humanities and art.
That sense of reflection is exactly where my mind is right now. This week’s standout nail looks feel like love letters to art. From striking 3D sculptural accents to gel extensions inspired by iconic movements like Baroque, Modernism, and Abstract art, each design offers a moment of playful escape. I truly believe the world would benefit from placing more value on history and social sciences rather than endlessly prioritizing technology.
Whether you’re mentally checking out from the chaos all around us or searching for inspiration during a creative dry spell, these manicure designs might spark something new. They certainly did for me. Scroll on to discover the 10 best nail looks of the week.
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- A two-image grid featuring one dark, flame-inspired manicure and another with multicolored nails holding a brown phone: Go Ahead, Treat Your Nails Like a Candelabra.
- A three-photo layout highlighting checkered and dotted nail designs: Disco Details and Vampire Romance Are Upgrading My Manicure Game.
- A side-by-side shot of hands adorned with colorful, gemstone-studded nails: I Can’t Stop Thinking About Confetti Nails for the Holiday Season.
Timeless Black and White
The black-and-white palette never goes out of style. This manicure from the N’DAO Shoreditch Salon blends bold stripes with graphic shapes to create a striking, high-contrast effect. The subtle touch of metallic detailing elevates the look even further, adding just the right amount of polish and flair.
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Aprés Nails Gel-X® Signature Kit
Aprés Nails offers the Gel-X® Signature Kit for US$99.99, available at apresnail.com.
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Dreamy Skies and Soft Clouds
These jelly cloud nails by celebrity nail artist Queenie Nguyen bring a sense of whimsy and imagination to a feed often dominated by minimal designs. Drawing direct inspiration from the Pantone Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, Nguyen translated the shade into playful clouds and stars. For anyone who lives with their head in the clouds, this manicure feels especially fitting.
Essie Find Me an Oasis
The Essie shade Find Me an Oasis is priced at US$10 and available at Ulta Beauty.
Ornate Baroque Inspiration
Choosing a favorite art period is no easy task, but 17th-century Baroque holds a deeply personal appeal for me. Designed by Tomoya, a nail artist at Vanity Projects, these intricate gel extensions echo the opulence and grandeur of Baroque architecture. They instantly bring to mind my first visit to Versailles, capturing the same sense of awe and dramatic beauty.
