17 Best Lipstick Nail Ideas and How to Wear the Trend
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As someone who gets nail extensions and acrylic nails regularly, I thought I’d seen it all. But then I happened upon lipstick nails—aka nail extensions filed and shaped to look like an actual lipstick, and let me tell you, they are freaking cute. While coffin nails and stiletto nails are still staples in my roster of fav nail shapes, lipstick nails are fun, quirky, and almost futuristic, which is exactly why they’re a major 2022 nail trend. But, look, don’t just take my word for it, ‘cause not only did I chat with an actual nail artist to find out everything you need to know about lipstick nails, I also found the 17 coolest lipstick nail ideas to prove that this should be your next mani. From fun flowers and checkers to a cool snakeskin design, I promise there’s a set that fits your vibe. But first, let’s dive into what lipstick nails even are.
Meet the Expert
- Kadimah Aaliyah is a nail artist based in London, UK, and co-founder of the Nuka Nails nail art studio.
What is a lipstick nail?
“Lipstick nails are a nail shape where the nail is filed into a slant—like the tip of a fresh lipstick,” says nail artist Kadimah Aaliyah, and were originally created by celebrity nail artist Park Eunkyung, inspired by the shape of cat eye sunglasses. And while Aaliyah says you can DIY lipstick nails at home if your natural nails are long enough, she recommends going to a nail salon to get them done by a professional nail artist. “If you have super-short natural nails, you’ll need extensions,” says Aaliyah. So unless you’re equipped with an acrylic nail kit, a nail pro is going to be your best option.
But before you head to the nail salon, Aaliyah says to make sure you’re prepared to take care of them. “Your nails are jewels, not tools,” she says. That means no opening cans with your nails, washing dishes without gloves, or moving heavy furniture to prevent breakage (and, um, a lot of pain). And just like any other mani, she also recommends applying a cuticle oil regularly to keep them looking and feeling fresh.
Feeling ready to try lipstick nails? Sweet. Keep scrolling for the prettiest lipstick nail ideas on Instagram.
This Geometric Lipstick Nails Design
I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely trying this lipstick nail design in the next few months—it’s the perfect spring nail art. The bright colors, the geometric design, and the slanted tip all come together to create something that stands out.
These Red French Tip Nails
Prefer shorter nails? Here’s a lipstick nail idea you can recreate without having to go to the salon. All you’ll need is a red nail polish, neutral nail polish, a nail art brush and a top coat. Paint on that neutral shade, then use your nail art brush to swipe a thin stroke on the top of your nail with your red nail polish.
This Floral and Checkered Lipstick Nail Idea
Come for the deep French-mani, stay for the bright colors and detailed designs. If you need a reason to try out ten different nail designs in one manicure, look no further.
These Shiny, Silver Super Long Nails
I love a holographic nail on any nail shape, and these holographic lipstick nails are no different. This manicure is definitely done with acrylic nails, so if you’re someone who loves long nails but can go without nail art, this chromatic trend is definitely for you.
This Funky and Wavy Lipstick Nails Idea
Wait, have you tried the wavy manicure trend yet? It’s fun on any nail shape, but it looks especially cool and retro on these lipstick nails. This is for the person that isn’t afraid to experiment with your nail shape and their nail art.
These Solid Red Nails
IMO, you either love a red manicure or you don’t. And if you’re someone who loves fierce red nail polish like this set, it’s an ideal shade for bold lipstick nails. Grab a nail file to shape your nail tip at a slight angle and watch the magic happen.
These Neon Ombré French Tip Nails
These pastel ombré nails are such a fun idea for your next set of lipstick acrylics. I love how colorful yet muted all of the colors are—and the lipstick shape gives it such a unique edge (literally).
This Louis Vuitton Ombré Nail Idea
Listen, lipstick nails aren’t exactly a low-key style, so why should your design be? This set of lipstick nails is all about luxury and Louis Vuitton—like, did you see that super-sweet Louis Vuitton stamp on the index nail? And if you’re not into super-long nails, this ombré design would look just as cute on shorter nails too.
These Chocolate Brown Nails
I’ve personally been loving brown shades for my own nails—it’s neutral and classy at the same time. While lipstick nails aren’t minimalist by any means, this soft brown nail polish gives this mani a minimalist vibe. And if you’re not ready to try it now, it would also be great for your Thanksgiving nails this year.
This Camo French Tip Nail Idea
Everything about these lipstick nails screams ~chill vibes~. Don’t you just love the way the matte green nail polish and accent nail look together? Long extensions are encouraged for these bbs.
These Black and White Matte Nails
If your vibe is ~neutral chic~, welcome to your perfect lipstick nail idea. And if you don’t want to get all-matte nail polishes to recreate this, you can make any manicure matte with a mattifying top coat. Paint your regular colors, then finish it off with the topcoat to convert from glossy to matte instantly.
These Hot Pink Wavy Nails
I know I’m flooding this list with this wavy manicure trend, but how could I not include this set? It’s such a pretty combination of red nail polish, hot pink nail polish, and a neutral nail polish that I need in my life. Plus, it could also make for a v ~romantic~ Valentine’s Day nails idea.
These Hot Pink Nails with a Kiss Accent
The cutest thing about this set of acrylic nails is that the accent finger has little kisses all over it. I meeeean, what’s better for lipstick nails than actual lipstick? Bonus tip: If you want to do this yourself, pick up some lipstick nail stickers and just peel and stick over a dry neutral base color.
This Cat Eye Lipstick Nails Idea
This pic combines two of my favorite nail trends—lipstick nails and cat-eye nail polish. Here’s how to do it: Paint one coat of magnetic nail polish on your nails, then before the nail polish dries, hover the magnet stick close to the nail for at least 20 seconds. The result? This 3D cat-eye effect.
This White Swirl and Glitter Nail Idea
Pink, white, glitter, and sparkly stickers all come together in this next-level lipstick nail design. It’s basically a way more sparkly French manicure, and I’m obsessed. Screenshot this for your nail technician and make sure to ask for gel extensions.
These Green Snakeskin Nails
K, I’m not going to pretend that I can just casually paint this snakeskin-like texture on my nails. And unless you have pro-artist-level painting skills, I suggest you take this screenshot to your nail technician. I’ve def seen this trend around lately, so getting this green nail idea with the lipstick nail shape means you’re ahead of the curve, bb.
This Bright Lipstick Nail Idea
Into neon colors? Try this bright neon spring nail color. And if yellow’s not your favorite, don’t worry, because basically any neon color will go with the white and neutral accent shades.
Valeriya Chupinina is a freelance beauty and wellness writer exploring the multifaceted connection between the aesthetic and internal. You can find her work in outlets like Coveteur, HYPEBAE, and NBGA. In addition to her editorial work, she consults on social media strategies for brands. You can keep up with her on Instagram @valeriyaliyevna.
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