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Nothing screams holiday mood more than a fresh manicure that matches your wanderlust vibe. Over the past few months, while scrolling endlessly through Instagram, I found myself bookmarking nails that make me want to pack a suitcase immediately. Whether it’s sipping cocktails in Santorini or soaking up the sun in Bali, these six nail trends are turning heads across celebrity vacays and influencer feeds alike. Each look comes with its own charm, from subtle elegance to bold statements.
Black & Chic
When in doubt, black nails are your fail-safe. Shanaya Kapoor was spotted sporting perfectly glossy short black nails while jet-setting, proving that edgy doesn’t need to scream. The short length keeps it practical for beach days and sightseeing, while the colour maintains an air of sophistication.
To recreate this Instagram-approved look, start by shaping your nails into a soft square. Buff the surface for a smooth finish. Then, apply a base coat to prevent staining and help the polish adhere. Next, two thin layers of jet-black nail polish will give you that flawless, opaque coverage. Finish with a high-shine top coat to mimic that celebrity-glam glow. For a professional touch, add a drop of cuticle oil around your nails to keep them hydrated and camera-ready. Pair this look with a chic black swimsuit or a monochrome holiday outfit to elevate your travel style effortlessly.
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The Perfect Deep Red
If black nails are your classic go-to, burgundy nails are your statement-of-luxury counterpart. Sobhita Dhulipala was seen flaunting this deep, glossy shade on herEuropean getaways. There’s something effortlessly elegant about burgundy; it matches everything from golden-hour dresses to jet-black sunglasses.
Achieving this rich hue involves three simple steps. Begin with a clean nail base and apply a protective base coat to avoid staining. Next, layer on two to three coats of your favourite deep burgundy polish, allowing each layer to dry slightly to avoid streaks. Finish with a glossy top coat to catch the sunlight perfectly. To maintain longevity while travelling, pack a small quick-dry top coat. This look pairs wonderfully with neutral or earth-toned holiday outfits and works brilliantly for evening dinners by the beach or poolside cocktail hours.
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French Tip Revival
Nothing feels more vacation-ready than a classic French tip. Kriti Sanon was seen rocking this timeless manicure at a party. The French tip effortlessly balances understated elegance with the playful energy of holiday vibes.
For a flawless French tip, start with a base coat on clean, shaped nails. Apply a sheer nude or soft pink polish for a neutral base. Once dry, use white polish to create crisp tips. Finish with a protective top coat to keep your tips gleaming. This manicure is perfect for both casual beach days and fancy rooftop dinners, making it a versatile must-have for your holiday nail arsenal.
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Teal Tip
If you love French tips but want to add a pop of personality, the teal French tip is your go-to. Kylie Jenner has been spicing up their mani game with unusual tip colours, and teal is currently ruling the vacation feeds for a fresh, playful vibe.
To achieve this look, start with a nude or pale base coat to create a clean canvas. Using a steady hand, paint the tips with a vibrant teal polish, keeping the line neat and precise. Allow it to dry and finish with a glossy top coat for durability and shine. The teal tips add a subtle yet exciting splash of colour, pairing effortlessly with boho maxi dresses or tropical prints. Perfect for poolside selfies or seaside strolls, this trend balances elegance with fun and instantly elevates your holiday nail game.
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Shimmery Pink
For those who love a little sparkle, shimmery pink nails are a celebrity-approved must. Think Hailer Bieber’s radiant nails as she lounged by the pool or strolled the streets of Positano. This look exudes femininity while reflecting sunlight in the most Instagrammable way.
To nail the shimmer, prep your nails with a base coat. Apply two layers of a soft pink polish and let each dry fully. Then, add a layer of fine shimmer polish for that magical, glimmering effect. Top it off with a glossy top coat for extra shine and durability. Shimmery pink nails pair perfectly with pastel vacation outfits or floral dresses, making them the ultimate choice for daytime adventures or sunset selfies. This trend is playful yet chic, capturing the essence of holiday glam effortlessly.
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Chrome-atic
If your travel mood leans futuristic, chrome nails are your perfect companion. Selena Gomez was seen rocking metallic finishes that reflect the sun beautifully, making her a real attention-grabber in every holiday photo. Chrome nails are minimal yet striking, giving off ultra-modern, editorial vibes.
Creating this metallic effect is simpler than it looks. Start with a base coat to protect your nails. Apply a black or neutral polish as the foundation. Then, gently rub chrome powder over the nail using a silicone applicator until you get a mirror-like finish. Seal with a no-smudge top coat for longevity. Chrome nails complement metallic accessories, silver jewellery, and sleek swimsuits, making them an ideal choice for Instagram-worthy holiday snaps.
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Key Takeaways
From chic black to shimmery pink and futuristic chrome, these trends are celebrity-approved and ready to take your holiday aesthetic to the next level. Whether you’re heading to a tropical paradise or a European city break, the right manicure can turn any vacation moment into a photo-ready memory.
FAQs
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How long do these manicures typically last while travelling?
Most of these look good for up to a week with proper base and top coats. Carrying a travel-sized top coat helps maintain the shine.
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Can I achieve these nails at home?
With a steady hand and good-quality nail polishes or powders, recreating these celebrity-inspired nails is entirely possible.
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Which nail trend is best for beach holidays?
Short black or chrome nails are practical and stylish for beach trips, resisting chipping from water and sun exposure.
