They say you can tell a lot about a person simply from the way they wear their nails. There are those who are more laid-back and prefer a neat manicure without all the fuss of designs and bright colors. Then there are those who view nail art as a form of self-expression, switching up designs to match their mood or a specific outfit. Regardless of which category you fall into, we have some of the best4th of July nail designs you can try this year.
We have a variety of options that you can take for inspo on your next nail appointment, or you can try a DIY manicure with your favorite nail polishes or dip powder kit. Whether you prefer a classy French tip, a simple, minimalistic design or love to go all out with a bold red, ombre or tons of rhinestones, you can count on us to help you achieve your nail goals. Even if you aren’t a fan of waiting for nail polish to dry, or you aren’t quite that skilled with a brush, we included press-on nail options, too. And don’t worry, we can even help you figure out how to apply them in a snap!
So, continue scrolling to find the best (and easiest) nail designs to show off during all of your 4th of July activities.
Eid al-Fitr is a time to dress up and look your best. You put all that time and effort into finding a brand-new Eid outfit, so now it’s time to think about a manicure that will complete your look. Perhaps you’re someone who gets manicures on the regular or you’re someone who likes to treat yourself on special occasions. Whatever the case may be, we’ve rounded up the best Eid nail art inspiration so you’ll have something to refer to at your next salon appointment.
Of course, Eid is also a time for prayer, and the permissibility of nail polish when offering salah prayer has long been contested. If this is a concern for you, talk to your manicurist about using halal nail polish to recreate these looks. Also known as breathing nail polish, halal nail polish basically works by allowing water and air to penetrate through the polish to the nail. This way, the prerequisite of ablution before prayer is not void — so you can do your nails and offer Eid prayer, too! From natural-looking nails that pair well with intricate henna designs to fresh spring polish colors adorned with floral nail art details, we’ve got a range of holiday-ready looks for you to choose from.
These days, there are tons of ways to DIY a manicure without ever having to leave the comfort of your home. With products like at-home gel nail kits and nail stickers, you can create the cute, polished looks you love at a fraction of the price. But if you’re more of an at-home mani novice, don’t want to have to remove gel at home or want a more professional look without the risk of chipped nails, it’s time for you to you familiarize yourself with the world of press-on nails. If you don’t know what press-on nails are, don’t worry — there’s not too much to catch up on. The name gives it away: press-on nails are pre-made artificial nails (often adorned with polish or designs) that are ready to stick onto your natural nails.
Ahead, we’re showing you how to apply press-on nails step-by-step like a pro, tips to make your press-ons last longer and how to remove them as easily as you applied them.
First, pick a size
Packages of press-on nails come with varying sizes inside so they can fit seamlessly on your fingertips. When you open up the package, play around with the different sizes to find the press-ons that fit best on your nails. “Confirm the tip fits from one side to the other, making sure it’s not too large and not too small,” advises celebrity nail artist Elle. “If it’s larger you can file it, tailoring it to fit. If it’s too small you can’t put it on your nail.”
Next, prep your nails
Simply put, “manicure the cuticles,” Elle says. This includes “trimming, filing down, pushing back cuticles and buffing the nail surface,” adds Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. “Then, wipe down your nails with rubbing alcohol and let dry.” This will clean your nail plate and remove any natural oils to help make the press-ons last longer.
Nail prep is the most important part of this process — if you’re wondering how to make your press-on nails last longer, this step is where you’ll see the difference. “It’s all about the prep,” emphasizes Elle. She and Wnek both agree that it’s also important to follow the directions on the packaging of whatever press-on nail you’re using for best results.
It’s glue time
Now for the main event — it’s time to apply the press-ons. Press-on nails can be applied in two ways: They either need glue or they come with a two-way adhesive tab. If you’re applying your press-on with glue, “apply glue on the tip, hold tip at a 45-degree angle with the cuticle and then press down,” Elle says. “You can actually see the glue go forward, and that’s how you know you have a seamless tip application.”
Kiss Impress Press-On Manicure
Kiss Impress Press-On Manicure
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Credit: Kiss
However, if you want to apply your press-on without glue, opt for a product that comes with a two-way tab, like the Kiss Impress Press-On Manicure, a 2021 GH Beauty Award winner and recommended by both Elle and Wnek. “The Impress nails are super easy to apply and remove,” Wnek says.
Finally, customize your nail
As your last step, you can “tailor your shape and apply nail art if you’d like, unless it already has existing nail art,” recommends Elle. This is when you can file the press-on if you want a different shape or size and create your customized look.
How long do press-on nails stay on?
The short answer: It depends. “The Impress nails last about a week for me, but it depends how hard I am on my hands and how much they are exposed to water,” says Wnek. “They don’t last as long as press-ons that are applied with glue, and I find that they don’t damage nails as much.” Elle echoes that point, sharing that “it can be anywhere from one to four weeks,” depending on the brand and type of press-on.
How do you remove press-on nails?
When it’s time to say goodbye to your press-on nails and try a new design or opt for a new nail polish color, it’s not difficult to remove them. “Press-ons have to be soaked off,” explains Elle. “You can cut the length first,” she adds, which helps the process go more quickly. However, like applying, follow the product’s instructions for removal, advises Wnek. “The Impress Nails can be peeled off with a little acetone,” Wnek shares, though not all press-ons may be this easy.
Beauty Assistant
Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content. She was previously an assistant beauty editor at Group Nine Media and returned to Hearst in 2022 after having held editorial internships at Harper’s Bazaar and CR Fashion Book. Catharine received a B.A. in journalism from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
As long as you know what to look for and what to avoid. We recommend that at a minimum, gel nail kits should contain packaging that meets FDA Cosmetic Labeling Requirements with a proper ingredient label on the primary packaging for the safety of the consumer. Here’s what else to keep in mind when shopping:
✔️ Purchase gel nail kits from reputable retailers and brands. Based on our analysis, we found that some products sold on third-party retailer sites posed a safety concern to consumers as they did not have proper ingredient labels on primary packaging, did not clearly state the name and place of business and/or had misspelled ingredients on the ingredient label, which does not meet FDA Cosmetic Labeling Requirements. We suggest purchasing UV gel manicure kits from trusted brands like the ones included above, and, when shopping at third-party retailers like Amazon, be sure to check that the item is being sold by a reputable storefront or a verified brand marketplace.
✔️ Avoid skin contact when applying gel polish. All of the ingredient labels on the gel nail kits we evaluated contained at least one methacrylate monomer, a known allergen. Consumers should avoid skin contact with these lacquers due to the sensitization potential. The good news is that any sensitization or contact dermatitis can be “resolved after removal … or discontinuing work with gel manicures,” according to a 2016 literature review in The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. If any redness or irritation develops on skin or near eyes after gel application, completely remove the lacquer from the nails immediately.
✔️ Use the correct light source with your nail kit and follow manufacturer instructions. If the incorrect light source is used or if the time allowed for curing is not sufficient, higher levels of the acrylate monomers (which are allergens) may remain on the nail which can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Use kits as directed, but as a rule of thumb, use them in a well-ventilated area and keep away from heat, sun, open flames and reach of children.
Though nail drills can facilitate your at-home mani/pedis, if you’re inexperienced using one or not well-versed in the specifics, you can end up not achieving your desired outcome or worse, damaging your nails and hurting yourself. Here, some important things to consider before you lay a finger on a professional nail drill:
✔️Consider the drill bit size: Pick the right drill bit for the job. Bits are what allow you to shape and file your nails, and they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials and grits. While some grits have multiple functions, some are specific to certain purposes (for example, the barrel bit does backfill cutting and shaping the nail, but you can’t use it for filing your cuticles), so educate yourself on the bits before beginning.
✔️Settings and speeds: Familiarize yourself with the setting and speed options, then make sure to choose the right ones for you. The forward or reverse options on the machine are specific to your dominant hand — use forward if you are right-handed and reverse if you are left-handed. Practice makes perfect when it comes to speed: Too fast and you can damage your nails, but too slow and you won’t get your desired outcome.
It’s a welcome sight when flowers start to bloom in your garden and the birds chirp in the trees. Spring is simply bursting with bright, lively colors, so why shouldn’t your nails join in on the fun, both fingers and toes? It’s time to shelve the moody blacks and wine-soaked reds of winter — pretty pastels and bold pops of color are going to reign supreme this season. Whether you’re painting on a cute spring nail design for St. Patrick’s Day or sporting pretty pastel nails in honor of Easter, these popular spring nail ideas are perfect for manicures and pedicures on a range of skin tones, from fair to dark.
Not all nail polish is created equal. That’s why our list includes the top brands tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Health & Sustainability Lab, from hot new spring nail colors to tried-and-true classics. The GH Beauty Lab’s best nail polishes came out on top in terms of dry time, longevity, shine and coverage. For nails as sunny and sweet as a springtime day, check out these new trending nail polish colors for spring 2023.
Our top picks:
For more ways to give yourself the best at-home nail day ever this spring, check out our guides to the best dip powder nail kits and the best at-home gel nail kits.
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1
Rose Gold
Essie
Nail Lacquer in Call Your Bluff
2
Creamy Peach
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Crawfishin’ for a Compliment
3
Palest Pink
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Lisbon Wants Moor
4
Soft Pink
essie
Nail Lacquer in Fiji
5
Dusty Lilac
Sally Hansen
Miracle Gel Nail Color Polish in O-Zone You Didn’t
6
Sweet Plum
Chanel
Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in Mirage
7
Soft Coral
Essie
Nail Lacquer in Peach Side Babe
8
Rich Beige
Sally Hansen
Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Frill Seeker
9
Iridescent Violet
Essie
Nail Lacquer in You Do Blue
10
Muted Rose
Sally Hansen
Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Mauve-Olous
11
Sheer Pearl
Orly
Breathable Treatment + Color in Crystal Healing
12
Faint Yellow
Paintbox
Nail Lacquer in Like Spring
13
St. Patty’s Day Mint
Morgan Taylor
Professional Nail Lacquer in Mint Chocolate Chip
14
Concrete Gray
Deborah Lippmann
Nail Polish in Grey Day
15
Gray Sage
Zoya
Professional Lacquer in Leif
16
Warm Marigold
Revlon
Ultra HD Snap Nail Polish in Marigold Maven
17
Sparkly Pink
Essie
Nail Lacquer in Feel the Fizzle
18
Shimmery Mauve
SpaRitual
Nourishing Vegan Nail Color in First Light
19
Cloud Blue
Jinsoon
Nail Polish in Peace
20
Forest Green
CND
Vinylux Weekly Nail Polish in Palm Deco
21
Bold Blue
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Rich Girls & Po-Boys
22
Rainbow Glitter
Jinsoon
Nail Polish in Glee
23
True Nude
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Samoan Sand
24
Pure Periwinkle
Dazzle Dry
Nail Lacquer in Ocean Motion
25
Moody Purple
Jinsoon
Nail Polish in Toff
26
Poppy Pink and Purple
Olive & June
Nail Polish in Fierce & Loving
Catharine Malzahn Beauty Assistant Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content.
April Franzino Beauty Director April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day, where she oversees all beauty content.
It’s that time of year again — winter is upon us. And there’s no better accessory to pair with your new chunky knit than a chic, mod mani peeking out from your sleeves. Though we’ll take any excuse to get our nails done, painting nails with a polish also serves a purpose: When it comes to nails in the winter, it’s actually better not to go bare.
“Nails tend to peel and crack more in the winter, so wearing polish actually helps guard them from the conditions,” says Marcy L. Street, M.D., founder and medical director of Doctor’s Approach Dermatology in Okemos, MI. Of course, don’t forget to take care of your cuticles and hands: Stash a hand cream with thick emollients in your purse or at your desk to smooth on throughout the day.
But wearing nail polish isn’t just a preventative measure in the winter. It’s also a fun way to show off your personality and embrace current trends. “Winter is the time for darker, warmer colors. Warm reddish browns are very popular right now,” says Eunice Park, Research and Development Manager from Aprés Nail. “Burgundy is also a classic winter color you can’t go wrong with.” And with more than 20.1 million views on TikTok, the emerging peekaboo nail trend is also set to take off this winter (the trend was also seen during New York Fashion Week). “The peekaboo look has one color/design on the bottom of the nail and another color/design on the top,” Park adds.
Ahead, check out these luxe lacquers to keep your nails in tip-top shape and on trend. Whether you’re searching for winter nail colors for dark skin, fair skin or anything in between, here are the best nail polish colors for winter.
Our top picks:
Looking for more ways to keep your fingertips in top shape this winter? Check out our guides to the best cuticle oils and festive holiday nail art ideas.
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1
Evergreen
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Things I’ve Seen in Aber-green
2
Champagne Gold
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Fall-ing for Milan
3
Taupe Gray
Essie
Nail Lacquer in Easily Suede
4
Rich Merlot
Sally Hansen
Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Can’t Beet Royalty
5
Sheer Peony
essie
Nail Lacquer in Ballet Slippers
6
Rustic Rose
essie
Nail Polish in Rocky Rose
7
Striking Silver
Revlon
ColorStay Gel Envy Nail Enamel in Silky Negligee
8
Terracotta
Orly
Nail Polish in Sunkissed
9
Metallic Blue
Sally Hansen
Miracle Gel The School for Good and Evil in The Storian
10
Deep Crimson
NAILS INC.
Plant Power Nail Polish in Swear By Salutation
11
Twilight Purple
OPI
Nail Lacquer in Leonardo’s Model Color
12
Subtle Blush
butter LONDON
Nail Lacquer in Royal Appointment
Catharine Malzahn Beauty Assistant Catharine (she/her) is the beauty assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention, working closely with the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab to write science-backed beauty content.
Katie Berohn Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group.
We updated this guide in October 2022 to ensure all products were in stock and reflected accurate prices. We still stand by our picks.
At-home manicures can save you a lot of money, but even the best-quality nail polish inevitably chips within days of application. That’s why nail care brands have started to sell at-home gel nail kits in recent years, which promise long-lasting, salon-quality hard gel polish manicures for a fraction of the price. But now there’s a new-ish, at-home manicure method that many DIY manicurists are saying is even better than gel: dip powder nail kits.
What is a dip powder manicure?
Also known as SNS nails, dip powder nails are known for being long-lasting and don’t use UV light to harden, unlike gel nails. The color comes from dipping your nails into a finely-milled, pigmented powder before bonding with adhesive, rather than painting on streaks of hard liquid gel. The result is a long-lasting, evenly coated manicure, usually only achieved by professionals — until now.
Our top picks:
Ready to try a DIY dip powder manicure? We’ve rounded up the best dip powder nail kits you can buy for an at-home salon-quality manicure, based on GH Beauty Lab and editor favorites, as well as best-sellers with lots of glowing reviews online:
You should always closely follow the instructions that come with the specific kit you buy, but in general this is the step-by-step process for applying dip powder to your nails:
Prep the nail by pushing cuticles back, then filing into your desired nail shape.
Use a nail primer to remove oil and dirt from the nail bed.
Apply the base coat once nails are clean and dry.
Dip into powder color and use a duster brush to remove excess.
Brush on another coat of base and dip again. Double-dunking ensures full coverage and a stronger finish for a chip-resistant manicure.
Finally, paint nails with an activator, which bonds the color powder into a lacquered gloss.
Apply a glossy top coat for extra strength.
Which is better: dip powder nails or gel nails?
While both dip powder and gel manicures boast longevity (think two to three weeks for DIY efforts, but potentially up to a month), dip powder manicures don’t require UV light-curing lamps. That means you can cut your mani time in half, won’t have a bulky nail lamp taking up space in your home and it’s a bonus if you’re sensitive to UV exposure. Plus, they can be easier to remove than certain gels; you just need a light filing and a soak in acetone (no drills!).
Are dip powder kits bad for your nails?
If you are worried about your nail health, don’t fret: Dip powder itself won’t ruin your nails, but scraping and picking the manicure off will. Chipping away at your dip powder nails with a nail stick removes layers of your natural bed, weakening your nails.
Instead, to remove dip powder nails, stick to the same removal process as gel: Dip a cotton pad in acetone and allow it to sit on your nails for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping the color away. If your manicure doesn’t budge after 15 minutes, let your nails soak in polish remover a bit longer. Don’t forget to rub a good cuticle cream into your nail bed when you’re all done to keep your nails healthy and strong.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Beauty writer Dori Price has over 15 years of experience researching and writing nail stories, combining her knowledge with the expertise of top industry professionals including nail artists, technicians and dermatologists. She is an expert in all nail product categories, including nail color, nail treatments, nail art, professional services and more.
Shanon Maglente also contributed to this article; she has over three years of experience writing and editing product review content, including at Good Housekeeping, where she regularly covered beauty products, including nail colors, tools and care.
Dori Price Contributing Beauty Editor Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor.
Shanon Maglente Shanon is a writer and editor who specializes in best-of product roundups and deals.
I’ve never been the kind of woman who spends a lot of time on her nails.
Mine are short and brittle, with super-dry cuticles, and a nice little selection of hangnails, into the bargain. I can’t stand the feeling of long nails on my keyboard, and I have a job which requires me to type thousands of words every day, so although my nails grow quickly, I’m forever filing them down… and because I’m not very good at it, they always end up misshapen and awkward looking. Nail polish, meanwhile, doesn’t remain intact on me for more than a couple of hours – and that’s no matter how carefully I apply it, or what brand of “miracle” topcoat I use. It always chips, and always looks scruffy, so I mostly try to stick to the natural nail look, and sit on my hands whenever I’m in company, so no one can see the state of then.
Or I used to, anyway.
A couple of years ago, ShoeperMan bought me a gel nails kit for Christmas, and I never looked back. It’s quick and easy to use, and it leaves my nails looking shiny and polished until I decide to take it off again. And therein lies the problem. Gel nails might look great, and be virtually impossible to chip, but it’s also virtually impossible to remove – or not without a struggle, anyway. Mine has to be soaked off with acetone: technically it should only take around ten minutes, but it always seems to take much longer than that, and to leave my nails looking even worse than when they started, so while I swear by it for my toenails, lately I’ve been choosing to leave my fingernails bare – or to go back to “regular” polish, even although I know it’ll have chipped by the end of the first hour.
Which brings me to CND’s Vinylux.
This is the brand behind Shellac – which is one of the leading gel polish systems on the market – and although it’s NOT a gel polish itself, and doesn’t have to be cured under a lamp, it does claim to last almost as well as one. Note the word “almost” here: this bills itself as a “weekly” polish – so you’ll get around 7 days wear out of it, as opposed to the 2-3 weeks you get from Shellac and other gel polish. That might sound like a downside to some, but actually, one of the other issues some people have with gel nail colours is that they don’t allow you to change colour very often: that isn’t an issue for me, because I usually like to stick to either nude or red, but I know some serious nail polish addicts who like to switch colours every few days, and are frustrated by the long removal process you get with gels.
The big advantage of Vinylux, meanwhile, is that it doesn’t need to be soaked off. The brand claims that the longwear topcoat (there’s no base coat required) will “cure” in natural light – so the longer you wear it, the better it should get. I’m ever-so-slightly sceptical about that, but if it works, they can count me in as a customer: because who WOULDN’T want a nail polish that last all week without chipping, but which can be removed quickly and easily, with your regular nail polish remover?
I’ve yet to try this, but I have a feeling it won’t be too long before I do. If you’ve tried it already, meanwhile, I’d love to hear what you thought of it!
Sure, you could throw on a jersey and call it Super Bowl Sunday. But if you really want to prove your devotion to your team, take a cue from one of these creative nail art ideas. We’ve rounded up fun ideas for both Patriots and Eagles fans — plus a few “evergreen” designs if you haven’t picked alliances yet.
New England Patriots
First, you want to coordinate your polish with the team colors. These will do the trick: Sally Hansen Color Therapy Nail Polish ($5, target.com), Essie Nail Color in Really Red ($9, amazon.com), China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Platinum Silver ($8, amazon.com), Nails Inc. White Out Nail Polish ($11, sephora.com)
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With one hand covered in team symbols and colors and the other literally spelling out “Let’s go Patriots,” you’ll definitely nail the #1 fan thing.
Delicate team-color stripes make up the French tips of this manicure, while the accent nails are painted up to look like footballs. Try China Glaze Mahogany Magic ($8, amazon.com) for a perfect brown shade.
It’s a wrap! No, really, it’s literally a wrap. The team name is so perfectly “painted” on these nails because they’re Jamberry stick-ons.
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These super-sparkly nails make us think Patriots colors would look great in a figure skating outfit.
In addition to different designs on each nail (including Tom Brady’s number, of course), the Patriots logo is cleverly split up on the thumbs.
