Zendaya’s Elegant Nude Nails

Zendaya’s 2021 Oscars look embraced the timeless elegance of minimalist nude nails. Her soft, almond-shaped nails exuded sophistication and simplicity, proving that less is more when it comes to red carpet style. This trend is perfect for anyone looking to achieve a polished, refined manicure that can complement any outfit effortlessly. To recreate this chic style, follow these steps:

• Choose a nude polish that best matches your skin tone for a natural, seamless look.
• Opt for an almond or oval shape to add a subtle, elongated effect to your nails.
• Finish with a high-gloss top coat to bring out the shine and maintain a smooth finish.
• For longer wear, apply a ridge-filling base coat for a smooth surface and better polish adhesion.

Kerry Washington’s Dazzling Red Manicure

Next, Kerry Washington’s vibrant red nails at the 2020 Golden Globes proved that a bold color can be just as elegant. Red is a classic red carpet choice, and Kerry’s glossy red manicure made an instant statement. Whether you’re attending a formal event or just want to feel empowered, this red trend is for anyone who loves a confident, striking look. Here’s how you can recreate Kerry’s bold red nails:

• Choose a rich, glossy red polish with a bold, statement-making hue.
• Go for a round or oval nail shape to keep the look both elegant and modern.
• Apply a long-lasting top coat to ensure your manicure stays chip-free for days.
• Make sure to clean up the edges around your nails for a precise, flawless finish.

Lady Gaga’s Futuristic Metallic Nails

Lady Gaga’s 2020 Oscars chrome nails took futuristic metallic nails to the next level. The shimmering silver and lavender shades gave her nails a mirror-like, bold finish that was both edgy and elegant. If you’re ready to embrace a daring look with a high-fashion edge, this chrome trend is perfect for those who love to experiment with cutting-edge styles. To get this metallic shine, try the following steps:

• Choose a metallic gel polish or chrome powder in shades like silver, gold, or lavender.
• For an edgy finish, consider a stiletto or coffin-shaped nail.
• Apply the chrome powder over a gel base coat to achieve the smoothest, most reflective shine.
• Use a UV/LED lamp to cure the polish for optimal durability and finish.

Bella Hadid’s Sleek Red Manicure with Gold Accents

Bella Hadid’s 2018 Met Gala look demonstrated that a little nail art can elevate any manicure. Her glossy red nails, paired with delicate gold lines, were the perfect balance of modern luxury and subtle artistic flair. Nail art doesn’t always have to be intricate to stand out; sometimes, a few minimal accents can make all the difference. Here’s how to recreate this luxe design:

• Start with a rich red base coat to set the foundation.
• Use a fine-tipped brush or nail tape to add thin, gold accent lines or geometric shapes along the nail.
• Keep the design minimal to maintain sophistication, but ensure the gold accents pop.
• Apply a top coat over the art to seal everything in place while maintaining the shine.

Jennifer Lopez’s Subtle Nude Nails with a Touch of Gold

Finally, Jennifer Lopez’s nails at the 2020 Super Bowl Halftime Show perfectly embodied timeless glam with her nude nails adorned with subtle gold accents. The design was simple yet chic, proving that you don’t need bold colors or extravagant designs to make a statement. For a sophisticated, understated look that still captures attention, here’s how you can recreate JLo’s nails:

• Start with a nude or soft pink base to achieve a polished, natural look.
• Add a few thin gold stripes or accents around the cuticle or along the edge of your nails.
• Opt for a round or oval nail shape to complement the understated design.
• Finish with a glossy top coat to ensure that your nails shine and last.

Unforgettable Red Carpet Nail Moments

Unforgettable red carpet nail moments have consistently set the bar high for glamour and innovation. Celebrity nails have graced the red carpet with iconic nail looks that not only complement their ensembles but also leave a lasting impact on beauty trends. For example, the extravagant, velvet silver nails worn by Anya Taylor Joy at the Critics’ Choice Awards have become a hallmark of elegance, while Chloe Bailey’s gem-encrusted, lipstick-shaped nails at the Grammy Awards pushed the boundaries of creativity. Moreover, Jennifer Coolidge’s bronzy French manicure at the Emmys has inspired many to experiment with classic styles.

These manicures didn’t just dazzle onlookers; they became trendsetters, influencing nail art enthusiasts and professionals alike. Furthermore, celebrity risk-takers like Cynthia Erivo, with her celestial crystal-flecked nails at the Grammys, have revolutionized the concept of red carpet nails, proving that bold choices can become timeless fashion statements. Together, these moments showcase the power of celebrity nails in transforming a look from ordinary to extraordinary, setting new standards in the beauty industry.

Top 2025 Nail Designs

1. Mocha Manis – Inspired by Pantone’s color of the year, mocha mousse. This versatile neutral shade is perfect for a cozy and comforting look1.
2. Soap Nails – A minimalist trend that gives the appearance of freshly scrubbed nails with pristine cuticles and a shorter length.
3. Velvet Glass Nails – These nails have a dual texture, appearing shiny and glass-like in one light and velvety in another.
4. Mohair Sweater Nails – Drawing inspiration from Marni’s iconic mohair sweaters, these nails feature gradient colors to mimic the fuzzy texture.
5. Clean Girl Aesthetic – Minimalist and simple manicures, including timeless French tips, remain popular.
6. Bold Nail Art Renaissance – A resurgence of maximalist styles with intricate and artistic designs.
7. 3D Designs – Raised designs, glued-on baubles, and crystals add texture and pizzazz.
8. Lots of Layers – Layered nail art that mixes different textures, colors, patterns, and finishes to create depth and dimension.
9. Chrome Finishes – Chrome toppers can be used with any base coat color, offering endless combinations.
10. Metallic Accents – Metallic nails with chrome tips, foil details, or full metallic finishes add a bold and modern touch.

Iconic Nail Shapes for 2025

Here are the top trendy nail shapes for 2025 along with the hand shapes that suit each one and the best part is that these shapes are easy to achieve at home:

• Almond Shape – This elegant and feminine shape is highly versatile and suits most hand shapes, especially those with shorter or wider fingers, as it elongates the appearance of the fingers. It’s also easy to shape at home with a regular nail file.
• Stiletto Shape – Bold and dramatic, this long, pointed shape is perfect for those with slender fingers and narrow nail beds, as it enhances the length and adds an edgy look. While it looks intricate, you can easily achieve it at home with some practice and the right tools.
• Squoval Shape – Combining the best of square and oval shapes, this modern and chic look works well with all hand shapes, especially those with longer fingers, providing a balanced and stylish appearance. It’s one of the easiest shapes to maintain and shape at home.
• Coffin Shape – Also known as “ballerina shape,” this trendy look with a squared-off tip is ideal for those with longer fingers and nail beds, adding a bold yet sophisticated touch. Shaping coffin nails at home is straightforward with a nail clipper and file.
• Round Shape – Soft and understated, the round shape is perfect for those with shorter or wider fingers, as it creates a natural, clean aesthetic that doesn’t accentuate the width. This classic shape is the simplest to achieve at home.