Move Over Minimalism - 3D Nail Art Is Here To Revolutionise Your Manicure
Bored of barely-there nails? So are we...
At a moment when minimalist nails reign supreme, the latest turn in the world of nail art is a welcome (and surprising) alternative. 3D nail art has been not-so-quietly shaking up the manicure scene lately, veering from the softer, more subtle 3D floral accents to loud, abstract designs.
It's a trend that nail artist Iram Shelton says isn't going anywhere this summer. 'A 3-dimensional accent or enhancement on the nail offers a textured look and point of difference to your classic manicure and comes inspired by celebrities who are suddenly experimenting with crazy nail art,' she says. 'The trend was initially inspired by the Korean and Japanese nail artists who are known for their unique style of nail art and I've now started seeing more designs and variations of art as a result.'
Recent data (and a scroll of your own Instagram feed) confirms that 3D nails are high on the agenda this season, too. As for the biggest trends taking shape, 'flowers are having a huge moment with the 3D gel and lots of abstract shapes and swirls,' says Shelton. The main USP is that you can really get creative with 3D nail designs. 'I love taking a simple design and then adding 3D gel on it because it just takes it to a whole other level,' she says. ' I also love the idea of 3D nail jewellery; I always think of it as being a nail accessory.'
Keep scrolling for the best 3D nail art inspiration - and let your creativity run free...
The Best 3D Nail Art Inspiration
Soft Florals
Proof that 3D doesn't need to be in your face – these Korean-inspired jelly flowers are subtle yet still shake-up your classic mani.
Say Cheese
Bringing a much-needed dose of serotonin to our manicures, @imarninails makes a case for a feel-good 3D mani with jelly-inspired smiley designs.
Mismatch
Growing tired of homogenous nail designs? Make like @overglowedit and opt for different 3D patterns, textures and shapes.
Seashell Nails
With a more subtle colour palette, these seashell-inspired nails are the perfect 3D upgrade if you're not ready to hang up your minimalist manicure just yet...
Say I Do
Tying the knot? 3D wedding nails might not be normcore, but these beautiful bridal florals show that you don't always need to follow tradition.
Magic Eight
If you're feeling lucky, try out these magic eight ball designs for your next mani, created by celebrity nail tech, Betina Goldstein.
Shaken Or Stirred
The unexpected nail trend we never knew we needed, 3D food - think olives, chips, popcorn - have been cropping up on the feeds and fingertips of some of the biggest nail artists.
Dot Details
How to nail the 3D nail trend if you're still big on minimalism? Try these cute, teeny-tiny dot details.
A Touch Of Tangerine
With abstract swirls and mismatch shapes, this nail art is truly a work of art.
A Moment For Chrome
Light-reflecting chrome has cemented itself as a key nail trend this season – and this is our new favourite way to wear it.
With Pride
Pride month is underway and we can't get enough of this colourful and mood-boosting 3D heart design, created by @thehangedit.
Amelia Bell is the Multiplatform Beauty Director for ELLE UK and Harper’s Bazaar, developing beauty strategy, writing, editing, and commissioning, and leading beauty content across both sites. Amelia has a particular interest in wellness and longevity, exploring the skin-mind connection, and decoding the latest treatments, tweakments and runway trends. She also has bylines for Women's Health, Refinery29, British Vogue, Harrods Magazine, and more.
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