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Perfect for a less-is-more manicure.
The Gist
- A clear base makes the perfect blank canvas for nail art, from minimalist linework to playful fruit and flower adornments.
- An InStyle writer selected 15 clear nail designs to inspire your next less-is-more manicure, ahead.
Sometimes, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, the smartest course of action is to start fresh. That goes for most things in life, including nail designs. Maybe you’ve cycled through colorful cat-eye polish, early 2000s-coded hibiscus flowers, and Italian summer-inspired designs in your last few manicures, and are looking to pare things down. Or, maybe you’re naturally drawn to neutrals and are looking for a way to shake up your go-to nude base. Regardless of the camp you fall in, clear nails act as the perfect blank canvas for simple or bold designs.
You might want to opt for a gem-encrusted manicure, similar to the one nail artist Zola Ganzorigt created for Kylie Jenner during Coachella weekend one. Or, you could go a more minimalist route, with crisp white linework on top of bare nails. You could also lean whimsical, with summery motifs like fresh fruits, starfish, or hand-painted flower designs. Clear coats can easily be transformed with chrome details, too.
Ahead, find 15 clear nail designs for when you’re craving a blank slate.
01 of 15
Worth the Squeeze
Sweet and simple, these lemon motifs look plucked straight from a European grocer along the Amalfi coast. It’s up to you if you want a squeeze of citrus on just your thumbs or a lemon on each nail.
02 of 15
Cloudy Skies
Fluffy white clouds float across the tips of these sheer nude nails. Even summer storms can’t dampen the ethereal design.
03 of 15
Glistening Dots
Single-dot manicures are streamlined and simple. The off-white dots on each nail bed above almost blend into the clear base.
04 of 15
Botanical Illustrations
Have a garden party at your fingertips with this whimsical set. A clear base draws the focus straight to the flowers’ vibrant colors and intricate, hand-painted details.
05 of 15
Pucci Swirls
Clear nails don’t have to be neutral—just look at this set, which takes inspiration from Pucci prints. The pastel polishes pictured here are playful, but you could also opt for a mix of sunset hues like red, coral, and yellow.
06 of 15
Micro French
French tips are the perfect way to elevate a clear manicure, especially on short, natural nails. Use a vibrant red or orange polish to trace the outline of your nail. To keep the lines where they’re supposed to be, consider using French tip stickers.
07 of 15
(F)au(x) Naturale
Hyperrealistic designs that mimic the look of natural nails have become increasingly popular this summer. Just look to editorial manicurist Jin Soon Choi’s Invisible French manicure, or this lightly tinted set.
08 of 15
Still Bejeweled
Take a cue from Kylie Jenner and adorn your nails with a handful of colorful rhinestone flowers. This seat features a silky nude base that allows the natural tones of your nails to peek through.
09 of 15
Whisper Hearts
An embossed leather bag is a timeless staple. The same can be said for these glossy, clear nails, which look embossed with a barely there heart.
10 of 15
Flower Power
These short, rounded nails are dotted with the sweetest summer blooms. Recreate the look at home easily using a dotting tool.
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White Grooves
So simple, they could almost pass for bare nails. Minimalists will appreciate the attention to detail in this manicure’s winding white linework.
12 of 15
Glass Cherries
Here’s another example that clear nails don’t need to blend into the background. These almond-shaped tips feature glass-like cherries framed by white outlines.
13 of 15
Starfish
Beachy motifs like seashells, waves, and starfish are hugely popular this summer. Here, a nail artist painted bright orange starfish over a crisp, matte nude base.
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Nature’s Candy
If your ideal summer weekend involves strolling through the farmers’ market and picking out fresh produce, feast your eyes on these fruity nails. The look is easy to DIY because, much like actual organic fruit, part of this manicure’s charm lies in its little imperfections.
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Sunflowers
Clear nails allow you to focus on the little details, like the flecks of pollen and shaded petals on these sunflowers. The combination is peak summer meets Impressionist art piece.
Read the original article on InStyle
