I think we can all agree, 2020 wasn’t the best and 2021 isn’t doing the best job at redemption so far, either! But the good news is Valentine’s Day is right round the corner!
This year, we all seem to be taking stock of what we have and being that bit more grateful for the small things, or the things we may have taken for granted. Many of the Valentines traditions we are all used to won’t be going ahead this year, but it definitely doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate in style and revel in what the day is really supposed to be about… love. Whether this is you and a partner, a friend, yourself or your pet. Take extra time this year to really celebrate the love you have in your life.
I for one, will be having a pamper session and spoiling myself and my husband. One part of this will be doing myself an awesome set of Valentines Nails! If this is something you plan to do too, here are some ideas for your own…
Classic Red
One of the positives of lockdown, is that whether you are single or not, you can take this time to spend some quality time with yourself. Maybe have a pamper, if you and your partner are planning something, take the time to do the things that make you feel good! If you’re anything like me you haven’t even picked up a makeup brush in weeks! Sometimes a little treat can make us feel really good, so incorporate your own Valentines nails and a red manicure into that pamper.
If you don’t rate your own skills with nails, trust me here… you cannot go wrong with a classic red. It looks great on short, long and medium nails and it just adds a touch of glam!
Buy my favourite red colour here, the very aptly named Ma Cherie by Orly!
Love a lil nail art!
If you’re feeling a tad bit more adventurous, how about trying some nail art like this?
The main tip for nail art is just to break it down into steps, so for this design, you only need 2 colours and 1 extra tool to do the writing. You can buy a thin nail art brush, or you could clean your eyeliner brush and use that! In the past, I have used the tip of a pencil, dipped it into the colour and it works great… just don’t press too hard if using light colours.
The heart shaped nails can be done in two quick swipes! Don’t overthink, just give it a go!
Soft Pastels
Nothing is more romantic than a soft, powdery pastel nail!
They also look amazing with a matte top coat and can be given a little bit extra with a glittery feature nail, or how about trying a little nail art on your ring finger?! Pinks and purples are the go to for this time of year, but recently, we’ve seen an explosion of the powder blue nail and I’m a personal fan of mint green. If you’re a bit like me and struggle to make a decision, how about one fingernail in each colour!
Buy this gorgeous Essie shade, similar to the one in this photo… Neo Whimsical
Vampy
How about the complete opposite of a pastel shade… dark, mysterious and vampy valentines nails!
I find these colours to be very flattering, which isn’t something people always consider when choosing a colour. The reason for this is the dark hue draws our eyes to the end of the finger, creating a longer and thinner appearance. I have the shortest little chubby fingers, so I often opt for a dark colour! Controversial opinion: I love black nails for valentines day! This year I will be doing black with fine glitter… it looks like a starry night and is so dreamy.
Pretty French
I don’t know if its the French and the Parisian connotations which make me feel this is a really romantic set, or whether it’s often worn by brides, but either way its a solid Valentines nails choice!
There are some really easy, fool-proof ways of doing a French manicure at home. There are kits with stencils and they work great! If you want to give it a go free-hand, I will be uploading a French manicure tutorial soon! So stay tuned! The best thing about this design is it goes with everything and adds a chicness to whatever outfit you choose, it especially compliments your birthday suit 😉
Lots of love,
S&G x
