If your beauty routine was a relationship, hair and makeup would be holding hands while nails... well, they'd be the unfortunate third wheel. Face it: Compared to how much time and energy you put into doing your hair and makeup (or at least, thinking about doing your hair and makeup), nails usually come in last place. Almost always, painting — even the bare minimum: filing — your nails comes as an afterthought. But we're here to say, that stops now.
Getting your nails done can be tedious and, depending on where you go, expensive as hell, so it's no wonder most settle for plain polish or nothing at all. But that's not good enough for us. As much as we love a pretty nude manicure, we also love to get inspired and have our fingertips painted in the kind of designs that aren't only Insta-worthy, but can totally be on the wall of the Louvre. Ready to book your appointment? Keep clicking.
Ahead, the best nail art you should try in November.
We long ago settled that negative space is one of the easiest and raddest trends to copy. But make the blank space angled, and you've got longer-looking nails in seconds.
Scorpios are driven by their passion, and nothing is more tragically intense than a mani inspired by two star-crossed lovers.
Looking for a design you can try at home? This one requires you to freehand paint random brush strokes of different colours at the tip of your nail. (Go ahead and add foil if you're feeling extra.)
Friends don't let friends not vote. Remind everyone you see to get to the polls on November 6 with this funky art.
When it was on Nickelodeon, it was gross. Now, slime is... badass?
Nail art newbies will appreciate anything with foil accents. Not only is it quick and not nearly as expensive as some of the more ornate manicures, but it looks extra good for an extra long time.
This white-out look not only elongates the nails, but also adds cuticle art as a sweet little detail.
Just let my love, just let my love adorn you...
Yes, accent nails are still cool — and fun for anyone who doesn't want to be too loud with their art. After all, it's fall and there's no better time to be inspired by the changing foliage.
Take orbit nails and go one galaxy further. Leave the lines open-ended and layer over a glittered polish.
Warning: This one might trigger your Trypophobia. (Still, it's so pretty.)
Looking for something that will look good — even if it chips? Go for this rainbow confetti decor. No one will notice if it's been two weeks and you still haven't replaced the polish.
Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian West beef aside: Snakes are cool, especially on your nails.
We'll call this one Funfetti Frosting.
It isn't snowing yet, but this frosted mani is getting us in the mood for hot cocoa, fireside cuddles, and sweater weather.
Wonder Woman shields fit for your tips.
Tell your kindergarten teacher that colouring outside the lines is — finally! — recommended.
Like a glass slipper on Cinderella's foot...
Remember cable TV?
Music can be just as inspiring as your Instagram feed. This mani is a 10-finger tribute to A Tribe Called Quest.
Time to match your constellation piercing to your constellation nails.
One trend that's coming back in full force: leopard print.
Jelly nails fit for a mermaid.
You'll want to download KiraKira for these checkered flag nails.
Minty fresh just took on a whole new meaning.
Negative space so good it's worth the awkward grow-out phase.
Leopard print, but make it funky.
Tired of the same old? Pack you half-moon art with tons of colour.
Decision fatigue? Mismatched nails are your new best friend.
People do call it nail art for a reason.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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