Nail art has evolved so much from glitter and stamps to crystal-embellished claws. Some also took it a step further and created mini-sculptures on nails like Stormi Webster’s first photo (the one where she’s holding Kylie Jenner’s thumb) and this pooping butt manicure.
But 2019 is over manicures and moving on to toenail art. When we checked Instagram’s Discover page, there were several nail accounts that are posting bedazzled pedicures complete with rhinestones.
If you’re someone who’s into close-toed shoes, this is an excuse for you to wear your sandals daily because, not gonna lie, many of the toenail art we’ve seen are pretty cool. And, as Byrdie noted, it also encourages you to pay close attention to your nail beds because you’ll be going to the nail salon more frequently. (Or just do it yourself!)
Are you into it? Here are some designs to consider for your next pedicure.
Glitter-fy
Let’s start with something simple yet fun. South Korea-based nail salon Nail Shu would do pedicures wherein the big toe would be coated in glitter polish, while the rest were in complementary solid colors. You can have this done using nail polish with chunky glitter or those that come in shapes like hearts and stars.
Minimalist line work
Line work on nails look extra chic when the base color is dark (eg. purple or black). You can take inspiration from this toenail art by Zofie Nail Studio in Taipei where the artist used a shiny red-violet polish and decorated some toes with solid white lines across them or a leaf-like design.
Like an abstract painting
Who knew you could have an abstract painting on your toes? A Japanese nail artist named Yukimi is known for her watercolor-like manicures and pedicure. This could range from floral to marble surface. This is a good option if you’re undecided on what colors or designs you want.
Cartoonish
Do you have a favorite character, or just want a sketch of your pet on your toenails? Here’s one of Russian nail artist Anastasia Maslo’s works which featured a drawing of two cats on each big toe. This type of toenail art might take time since you have to be careful and precise with the lines. But the finished product is worth it because who doesn’t want a cute drawing on their nails?
Crystallized cuticles
We’re entering the #extra realm now. Here’s one way to incorporate crystals on your toenails: Line them across your cuticles and use ones that match your nail polish color. For the rest of your toes, you can either go for solid colors or go ham on the glitter.
The anime scepter
If you watched a lot of anime when you were younger, then you might’ve seen some characters who hold magic scepters or wands with gems in the middle. One popular example are the wands in Sailor Moon. You can get the same effect by painting your toes (any color) and adding a crest-like stone in the middle of your big toe. You can take it a step further by carefully placing small stones on your other toes too.
Forget the polish, just add gems
Kong Nails in South Korea posted a simple way of incorporating decorative gems onto toenails. Basically, just don’t add any color on the big toe and just stick a pillow-cut stone in the middle. The others can be painted in a color similar to the gem. It’s not flashy, but you can still flaunt the bling on your big toe.
***
Would you get toenail art? Tweet us your thoughts and design ideas @preenph!
Art by Tricia Guevara
For the latest in culture, fashion, beauty, and celebrities, subscribe to our weekly newsletter here
Follow Preen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Viber
Related stories:
These nail art prove you don’t need long talons to have cool-looking nails
This insane tutorial shows a pooping butt nail art
The anti-rainy season nail polish shades you’ll love
Should you really buy into breathable nail polish?