@nailsbyemikudo//InstagramHalf-Moons
@enamelle//InstagramNail pro Elle created this neutral look for Blake Lively, who, yes, is a fellow short-nail fan.
Mermaid Sparkle
@manicurist//InstagramSwiping a chunky glitter down the center of the nail adds a beachy vibe.
Milk Bath Nails
@nailartbyqueenie//InstagramThis major trend is just as gorg on short nails as it is on longer tips.
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Frosted Tips
@julieknailsnyc//InstagramA sheer base and complementary sparkles at the ends gives the illusion of both longer nails and fingers.
Fruit Salad
@vanityprojects//InstagramYou can do more detailed nail art too, like these cute strawberries and lemons, alternated with French tips.
On the Half Shell
@enamelle//InstagramLooking for a new take on the mermaidcore trend? Turn your nails into little iridescent clamshells.
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May the Force Be With You
@nailsbydiem//InstagramBillie Lourd paid homage to her mom Carrie Fisher with her Star Wars mani, complete with a Princess Leia portrait.
Abstract Brushstrokes
@nailsbymei//InstagramCopy the artsy look seen on models at the fall/winter '23 Vivienne Westwood show.
Wild Side
@betina_goldstein//InstagramZebra print is always a fun option, and there are nail stickers that can help you get the look in minutes.
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Dip Dye
@jinsoon//InstagramFor a fresh take on the French mani, try the moody black ombré vibe Jin Soon Choi created for models including Chloe Sevigny at the Proenza Schouler fall/winter 2023 show.
Touch of Shimmer
@tombachik//InstagramClean Swoops
@jinsoon//InstagramIf you always go for a French mani, try switching it up with a sleek swoop.
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Rainbow Stripes
@michelleclassnails//InstagramDifferent colors on each nail is still A Thing, so why not change it up with two-tone nail art?
Just Some Stickers
@nailsbyemikudo//InstagramDiagonal Lines
@paintboxnails//InstagramGo for two polar-opposite colors for optimal impact.
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Colorful Swoops
@robbietomkins//InstagramOnce you've graduated from neutral swoops, you can go for multiple polish colors in the same color family.
Airbrush Auras
@vanityprojects//InstagramSilhouettes
@nailboii//InstagramThis look proves that a smaller canvas doesn't mean you can't do intricate looks, like artistic faces.
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All the Butterflies
@nailsbyemikudo//InstagramSuki Waterhouse's 2023 Met Gala nails featured different butterflies on each nail—none longer than the length of her fingers.
Unexpected Cow Print
@enamelle//InstagramCow print has been trending for the last year or two, in part because it's so easy to recreate. Try it in a fun shade, like deep green.
Lindy Segal is a beauty writer and editor. In addition to regularly contributing to BAZAAR.COM, she also writes for Glamour, People, WhoWhatWear, and Fashionista, among other publications. She lives in New York City with her Chihuahua mix, Barney.
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