St. Patrick’s Day is the ideal opportunity to jazz up your nails with designs that might just bring a little extra luck. Since Mercury will be in retrograde starting March 15, every little bit helps! Whether you’re planning a day at the parade, enjoying festive drinks with pals, or simply looking to embrace the holiday with a splash of green, there’s a nail design suitable for any preference or skill level.
From subtle mint accents and delicate four-leaf clovers to bold Kelly green statements, we’ve gathered nail design inspiration that will transform your tips into lucky talismans. The great part? These manicures smoothly transition from the holiday season into early spring. Read on for ideas for your next salon appointment or DIY manicure.
1. Deep emerald hues
Rich greens, adorned with chrome detailing, create a standout look reminiscent of leprechauns. Try pairing Essie’s Off Topic (available for $10) with a chrome nail art pen, like the one from Red Carpet Manicure ($10), to craft gold linings that add dimension. For an easier approach, check out Glamnetic’s press-on set ($22) for an instant, no-effort vibe.
2. Glitter ombré nails
Despite its complex appearance, this intricate design is easy to achieve. We found a similar glitter-like press-on design for just $8 on Amazon. Start by buffing your nails quickly (the Londontown buffer, $18, is a favorite). Polish the nail base, apply quick-drying glue to your nails, and press down for 15 seconds to achieve a salon-quality look in minutes.
3. Dotted embellishments
For an elegant and simple look, paint on white bows with a polka dot finish on a neutral background. Orly’s Touch Grass polish ($11) is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and versatile for other designs throughout the year. Use a nail art pen for precision while crafting bows, dots, and more.
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4. Contrasting nail tips
French tips are timeless, and this design is easy to adapt for St. Patrick’s Day. Swipe each nail with a different green shade (a kit offering six hues is available for $16), and top it off with a clear coat. Alternatively, opt for press-ons: a recommended set on Amazon is just $8, blending convenience with sophistication.
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5. Marbled clover look
A green mix-and-match look with marbled designs offers a versatile style suitable for various seasons, just modify the colors. For luck this St. Patrick’s Day, ensure your four-leaf clover is done right using Olive and June’s tool set ($30). If you’re not confident with freehand designs, consider $6 clover stick-ons.
6. Simple minimalist style
Participating in St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t have to mean over-the-top designs. A minimalist style is chic and straightforward to achieve. Over a nude base polish, use thin nail tape to outline a desired shape, filling it in with a deep, elegant green. Consider Londontown’s Vibe ($16) for a rich emerald shade that lasts up to 14 days. Add bead accents, seal with a top coat, and your manicure is ready to flaunt.
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