Nails

13 Best Nail Designs (For the 30+ Set)

There's more to nail art than rhinestone flowers and glittery tips. Proof: These nail designs are perfect for grown-ups and suitable for even the stuffiest offices

by Sarah Carrillo

10 of 14

A subtle ombre Ombre hair may not have been your thing, but it's hard to deny the subtle beauty of the ombre nail. Nonie Creme, Founding Creative Director of butter LONDON nail polish, loves this look. "It's sophisticated and artistic, but quietly so."

Creme shares her tips to get the look: Start by applying a base coat to clean nails, then do two coats of your lightest shade (the color that'll mostly show at the base of your nails) and let it dry. Then apply a blob of the second shade of polish to the tip of your nail. Wipe your brush thoroughly (so there's no extra polish) then drag the brush through the blob and towards the base of your nail so it feathers out. Repeat this step with a third, darker polish shade (use a smaller blob), but don't go as close to the base of your nail. Finish with a top coat.

Source: F*ck Yeah, Nail Art blog

SEE NEXT PAGE: Easiest ombre ever

EDITORS' BEST OF

12 Best Acne Products for Your Clearest Skin Yet

11 Best Tinted Moisturizers for Easy, On-the-Go Coverage

products mentioned

Orly Detailer Brush

0.0

Orly Striper Brush

0.0

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips

7.1

The New Black Floyd Ombre Nail Polish Set

0.0

Layla Magneffect Nail Polish

0.0

leave a comment

Older comments

i'm over 30 and i only like the " single standout",hate the rest :(

by luxe Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 08:54AM Report as inappropriate

Love these

by Mollysunshine Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 03:44AM Report as inappropriate

Some of these are really interesting.

by Lili04 Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 11:54PM Report as inappropriate

Loved almost all of these :) But my favorite by far is the Jade Camo one. I LOVE how it looks!!! FYI I am in my late 30's and still do a lot of nali art.

by kodyndee Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 05:53PM Report as inappropriate

Very nice. Why can't you be over 30 and wear it? Just because you're older, doesn't mean you're dead!

by lori_testy Friday, February 8, 2013 at 08:15PM Report as inappropriate

You are never too old for nail art, but keep it fun and not all crazy looking!!!

by darkangel81 Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 10:08AM Report as inappropriate

I could see some of these working but I am not a big fan of nail art at the office.

by Sari Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 03:03PM Report as inappropriate

Nice! I really liked a lot of these. I'm definitely going to be trying some of these out!

by NillaButterfly Friday, January 25, 2013 at 06:52PM Report as inappropriate

Good info, especially since I'm in my 30's.

by MissPurple Friday, January 25, 2013 at 01:07PM Report as inappropriate

The single stand out would have to be my favorite very classy!

by allison_rodriguez Thursday, January 24, 2013 at 02:10PM Report as inappropriate