If you've been following the topic of beauty trends for 2023, it couldn't have gotten past you that velvet nails are about to get bigger — as in, they started trending now, but next year will really see them shine. This nail coloring technique is all about creating an optical illusion of the look and feel of velvet fabric on the nails. This is achieved either through metallic nail polishes/gels for shiny velvet look (think cat eye mani), or through matte-finished, textured nails.
We turned to Instagram to bring you some great nail artists and their (and their clients') ideas and interpretations of this trend. And, wow, are they creative! One thing is for sure: although velvet feels cozy and perhaps more winter-y because of it, some of these ideas are going to be quite wearable even in the middle of a bright, sunny summer. Click through and get inspired!
Image and cover via @sansungnails
We turned to Instagram to bring you some great nail artists and their (and their clients') ideas and interpretations of this trend. And, wow, are they creative! One thing is for sure: although velvet feels cozy and perhaps more winter-y because of it, some of these ideas are going to be quite wearable even in the middle of a bright, sunny summer. Click through and get inspired!
Image and cover via @sansungnails
One great thing about velvet nails design is that it looks good on both short and long nails. And just look at that jewel green!
Image via @kimberley_oates
Image via @kimberley_oates
Single color, texture play. We like the effect of smooth and shiny meets matte and ribbed.
Image via @iris.nailed.it
Image via @iris.nailed.it
This design would be great for the holidays, especially if you like the velvet nail trend, but you are also a fan of minimalist approach. The ombre effect is achieved by pulling most of the sparkles toward the tips of the nails.
Image via @krainbow4nail
Image via @krainbow4nail
Here's an idea how to use the velvet effect, but as a detail; here it's only part of the design. We found some more nail designs that play with this same idea, so keep on reading.
Image via @malabernad
Image via @malabernad