If you’re into a neutral look, clear base nails are an effortless option to turn to. With that said, they don’t need to be boring – as these 25 designs demonstrate.
With the rise of the old money aesthetic, it’s no surprise that clear nails are IN right now. These nails are the perfect example of the saying “less is more” because you get to skip solid nail polish entirely and go straight to artistic designs and decals. They’re unique, and it gives you the creative freedom to do whatever you want with your nails.
If you’re looking to DIY your nails, clean-looking clear base nails can be fairly easy to achieve at home. Depending on your chosen design, you just need clear nail polish, stickers, glitter, and a whole lot of imagination and you are good to go.
If you want to incorporate color into your clear nails, you can do so by applying minimalist designs like stripes, abstract details, or floral touches – it’s your choice. You can also switch it up by alternating each nail between color and clear.
Either way, clear nails are fun to play around and experiment with, whether that’s at home or at the salon. Below, we’ve featured 25 designs that have been popping up on our Instagram feeds – save your favorites for your next nail appointment.
The Best Clear Nails To Get Inspired By
1. The All Clear
This year our favorite IT girl Sofia Richie has proven that natural, short, clear nails are the newest nail trend. After all, there is nothing more elegant and timeless than a nude manicure. Goodbye glazed donut, hello clear nails!
2. Spring Florals
If spring is right around the corner, and you have got Easter holidays planned, this clear floral set is a gorgeous design to show your nail tech expert. All-clear nails can sometimes be a bit too simple, so get creative and try out this floral idea.
3. Evil Eye
We love this clear, evil-eye-inspired manicure. This design is a great way to subtly add detail to your clear manicure by still staying under the radar. The evil eye with the slight gold detailing is so cute!
4. Simple Stripes
If you want a clear nail with a bit of detail but you do not know what decal to add, try this nail design. Featuring subtle purple stripes, this manicure will up your clear nail game ever so slightly. We love this look paired with bulky rings!
5. Neon Passion
These clear base nails with a pop of color scream summer festival vibes. Channel your inner Coachella babe with these neon and gold detailed nails.
6. Pumpkin Spice French
If you love a classic aesthetic, and always opt for a French manicure, try these pumpkin spice-inspired nails for fall. We love the subtle clear nail bed with the glittery orange tips. Nothing says fall quite like burnt orange!
7. Polka Dot Nails
If you want to add a little twist to your usual clear nails but are not quite ready to go bold yet, try these subtle clear nails with dainty polka dots. They’re subtle yet add a bit of fun to your manicure.
8. Mocha Swirls
Brown mocha nails are always a fall classic. A warm and toasty brown manicure is the perfect way to signal that the summer is officially over.
If you want to try something a little more trendy than your average brown manicure, try these clear base nails with mocha-colored swirls. Add a bit of gold detailing to bring out the brown even further.
9. Pop Of Yellow
We love a clear timeless nail but sometimes it’s okay to add a pop of color. If you aren’t quite ready to make a bold statement but want to add a bit of fun to your classic nails, try this pop of yellow in your nail design.
Alternatively, if you’re not a big fan of pale yellow, feel free to experiment with other colors that might suit your color palette better.
10. Floral Nails
This slightly less over-the-top floral manicure is perfect for any season. It’s super feminine and minimalist, making it perfect to incorporate into any and every outfit. Pair this manicure with dainty gold jewelry to bring out the royal blue florals.
