Celebrities have always been trendsetters in the world of fashion and beauty, and nails are no exception. Whether walking the red carpet, performing on stage, or simply sharing a candid Instagram post, stars showcase manicures that spark global trends. These styles range from minimal nude tones to bold, statement-making designs with crystals, metallics, and unexpected color pairings. The beauty of celebrity-inspired nails is that they offer ideas for every mood, occasion, and personality.
What’s more, most of these designs can be adapted for DIY application or taken to your favorite nail technician for a professional touch. In this article, we explore 15 nail styles worn by celebrities that have become iconic. Each look is broken down in detail—why it works, the best colors and tools to recreate it, and tips for making it your own. Get ready to turn your fingertips into show-stopping accessories worthy of the spotlight.
1. Jennifer Lopez’s Milky Nude Perfection
Jennifer Lopez has mastered the art of the elegant nude manicure, often opting for a creamy, milky shade that complements her skin tone perfectly. This look is all about simplicity with a high-gloss finish, making it versatile enough for everyday wear while still being red carpet–ready. The key to achieving this manicure is choosing a sheer, warm-toned nude that allows a hint of your natural nail to show through. Start by shaping nails into a soft square or almond style—both flatter this subtle polish.
Apply a strengthening base coat to prevent staining and give the polish something to grip. Then, use two to three thin coats of your chosen nude, allowing each layer to dry completely for a smooth, bubble-free finish. Top it off with a high-shine, quick-dry top coat. To elevate the look further, moisturize your cuticles with nourishing oil for that healthy, well-groomed effect J.Lo is known for.
2. Rihanna’s Daring Stiletto Nails
Rihanna’s nails are as bold as her music, with stiletto-shaped manicures often featuring high-impact colors or embellishments. The stiletto nail is long, tapered to a sharp point, and makes a fierce statement—perfect for those who want to channel their inner diva. To recreate this look, you’ll need to either grow your nails long and strong or use extensions (acrylic or gel) for durability. Rihanna often chooses vibrant shades like crimson red, deep emerald, or shimmering gold, sometimes adding 3D elements like studs or rhinestones.
Start with shaping your nails into the stiletto point using a fine-grit file, then apply a builder gel or acrylic overlay to reinforce them. Choose a bold base color and paint two even coats. Once dry, you can add embellishments with nail glue for extra drama. Finish with a glossy or matte top coat depending on your desired vibe. This style screams confidence and works best when paired with equally daring fashion.
3. Hailey Bieber’s Glazed Donut Nails
Hailey Bieber’s “glazed donut” nails took social media by storm, featuring a pearly, iridescent finish that looks chic and understated. The magic of this manicure lies in the shimmery chrome powder layered over a soft nude or pale pink base. To achieve it, start with a gentle buff to smooth the nail surface, then apply a sheer pink or beige gel polish. Cure under a UV/LED lamp, then gently rub pearl chrome powder over the surface using a sponge applicator.
Seal everything with a no-wipe gel top coat for that glassy, reflective sheen. The beauty of glazed donut nails is their versatility—they work for any occasion and flatter all skin tones. Hailey’s version is often almond-shaped, giving a modern, feminine silhouette. For a twist, you can try this effect with pastel bases or even deep jewel tones for a more dramatic glazed finish.
4. Beyoncé’s Golden Glamour Nails
Beyoncé often channels luxury through her nails, with gold being one of her signature manicure statements. Gold nails can be done in solid metallic polish, gold foil accents, or even intricate gold leaf art. The key is to balance opulence with elegance. To replicate Beyoncé’s style, start with a clear or nude base to make the gold pop.
For full metallic coverage, use a high-quality gold chrome polish applied in two thin layers for a smooth finish. For gold foil accents, apply a sticky base gel, place gold leaf pieces strategically, and seal with a thick top coat. This look pairs beautifully with square or coffin-shaped nails for maximum surface area to showcase the shimmer. Gold nails are perfect for parties, weddings, or any time you want to radiate glamour—just like Queen Bey herself.
5. Zendaya’s Minimalist French Twist
Zendaya takes the classic French manicure and gives it a modern update, often swapping the traditional white tips for unexpected colors or metallic finishes. To recreate her minimalist twist, start by shaping nails into a soft almond or rounded square for a sleek silhouette. Apply a sheer nude or pink base coat, then choose your tip color—this could be metallic silver, deep burgundy, or even neon.
Use nail striping tape or a steady hand to paint precise tips. Seal with a glossy top coat for a polished finish. Zendaya’s version proves that the French manicure doesn’t have to be basic—it can be customized to fit any mood or outfit. This look works equally well for casual wear or formal events, making it one of the most adaptable celebrity nail trends.
6. Kylie Jenner’s Matte Black Drama
Kylie Jenner often turns heads with bold nail choices, and one of her most iconic styles is the matte black manicure. This look is sleek, edgy, and unapologetically modern. Matte black nails make a statement without the need for glitter or embellishment, relying instead on their velvety texture to stand out. To recreate Kylie’s version, start by shaping your nails into long coffin or almond shapes, as these provide a striking canvas for the matte finish.
Apply a ridge-filling base coat to ensure a smooth surface—matte shades will show every imperfection. Use a high-pigment black polish, applying two thin layers for an opaque result. Once dry, apply a matte top coat to achieve that soft, non-reflective finish. For a twist, Kylie sometimes adds glossy black tips or subtle tone-on-tone designs for dimension. This manicure pairs perfectly with minimal jewelry and monochromatic outfits, letting your nails take center stage. It’s a bold yet surprisingly versatile style.
7. Billie Eilish’s Neon Green Statement
Billie Eilish is known for her distinctive, rebellious style, and her nails are no exception. Her long, squared-off nails in eye-popping neon green have become a signature. To achieve this look, you’ll need bright, high-quality neon polish—preferably gel for intensity and longevity. Begin with long extensions (gel or acrylic) if your natural nails can’t reach Billie’s dramatic length.
Apply a white base coat first to make the neon pop even more, then follow with two coats of vibrant neon green. Seal with a glossy top coat to maximize shine. Billie’s nails often lean toward an exaggerated length, making them best for occasions when practicality isn’t the top priority. This color choice screams confidence, energy, and individuality, making it a conversation starter wherever you go. You can adapt the look for everyday wear by using a shorter length or trying a neon French tip instead of a full-color nail.
8. Blake Lively’s Romantic Floral Nails
Blake Lively often incorporates soft, romantic details into her style, and her floral nails are a perfect example. This design blends femininity with a touch of whimsy, making it ideal for spring weddings, garden parties, or casual brunches. To recreate, start with a pastel base—think baby pink, lilac, or mint green. Once dry, hand-paint small flowers using a thin detailing brush or use floral nail stickers for precision.
Choose colors like white, yellow, or lavender for the petals, and add tiny green leaves for depth. Seal with a glossy top coat to lock in the design. Blake’s nails are usually medium-length almond shape, which elongates the fingers while keeping the overall look soft and wearable. If you want to elevate the design, try adding tiny rhinestones in the flower centers for a subtle sparkle. Floral nails offer endless customization, letting you experiment with different colors and arrangements for a unique, personal touch.
9. Lady Gaga’s Avant-Garde Art Nails
Lady Gaga treats her nails as an extension of her performance art, often featuring oversized, unconventional, or sculptural designs. This avant-garde style is for those unafraid to push boundaries. To mimic Gaga’s creativity, start with long acrylic extensions for structural support. Choose bold base colors—anything from metallic silvers to deep blacks or vivid reds—and then layer on unexpected elements. These might include 3D nail charms, chains, sculpted gel shapes, or even miniature art pieces.
The goal is to make each nail a statement. Because these designs are often impractical for everyday tasks, they’re best reserved for special events, photo shoots, or costume parties. Lady Gaga’s nails embody fearless self-expression, proving that manicures can be more than beauty—they can be wearable art. If you’re not ready for full avant-garde, try incorporating one or two dramatic accent nails into an otherwise simple manicure for a taste of her bold style.
10. Meghan Markle’s Classic Neutral Elegance
Meghan Markle’s nails have become symbolic of understated elegance, typically featuring a short, neat shape and neutral pink or beige polish. This look is professional, timeless, and works for any occasion, from royal engagements to casual outings. To achieve Meghan’s refined style, file nails into a short oval or rounded square shape for a clean, practical appearance. Apply a sheer, soft pink polish—two thin coats are enough to give a healthy, polished look without overpowering the hands.
Finish with a high-shine top coat for that subtle glow. This manicure pairs well with any outfit and is perfect for environments with conservative dress codes. Meghan’s choice of a natural, neutral nail also emphasizes hand care, so keeping cuticles neat and skin moisturized is essential. This is the go-to manicure for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet sophisticated appearance, proving that simple can be stunning.
11. Cardi B’s Glittering Extravaganza
Cardi B’s nails are nothing short of dazzling, often covered in glitter, rhinestones, and holographic finishes that catch the light from every angle. This style is all about excess and unapologetic glamour. To recreate, start with extra-long stiletto or coffin-shaped acrylics as your base. Apply a base coat, then choose a glitter polish or loose glitter for maximum sparkle. For a Cardi-level look, layer multiple textures—chunky glitter, fine shimmer, and iridescent flakes.
Use nail glue to apply rhinestones in different sizes, arranging them in clustered patterns or cascading designs. Seal everything with a thick gel top coat for durability and shine. This look is perfect for nights out, parties, or whenever you want your nails to be the focal point of your outfit. While it’s not the most practical for everyday wear due to its length and embellishments, you can tone it down with shorter nails and fewer stones while keeping the sparkle intact.
12. Selena Gomez’s Chic Ombré Fade
Selena Gomez often opts for chic yet playful designs, and her ombré nails are a fan favorite. The ombré effect blends two or more colors seamlessly, creating a gradient that’s eye-catching yet refined. To recreate, choose two complementary shades—Selena’s go-to is a soft pink fading into white for a modern French twist. Start with a base coat, then use a makeup sponge to dab the polish in layers, blending the colors where they meet.
Apply two or three rounds for an even gradient, then smooth it out with a glossy top coat. Selena typically wears this look on medium almond-shaped nails, which enhance the elegant vibe. This design is versatile, working for casual days or more formal events, and can be customized with different color combinations—think nude to gold for glam or blue to white for a fresh, summery feel. Ombré nails are a great way to add subtle artistry without being over-the-top.
13. Zendaya’s Sleek Chrome Finish
Zendaya’s style is consistently on trend, and her chrome nails are no exception. This mirror-like manicure delivers a futuristic edge while maintaining a polished elegance. To achieve the chrome effect, start with a gel base coat and your chosen base color (silver, gold, rose gold, or even bold colors like blue). Once cured, use a chrome powder and an applicator sponge to buff the powder into the nails until a reflective shine appears.
Seal with a gel top coat for long-lasting wear. Zendaya typically pairs chrome nails with sleek, minimalist outfits to let the nails be the standout accessory. This look works equally well for edgy street style and high-fashion events. Chrome nails are surprisingly versatile—you can go full metallic or use chrome accents on a few nails while keeping the rest matte or glossy. The key is a flawless application, as the reflective surface highlights imperfections.
14. Hailey Bieber’s “Glazed Donut” Shine
Hailey Bieber’s “glazed donut” nails took the beauty world by storm, offering a pearlescent, milky sheen that looks fresh and luminous. To recreate, start with a sheer neutral or soft pink gel polish base. Once cured, apply a chrome powder in pearl or opal tones for that iridescent glow. Finish with a glossy gel top coat. This manicure works beautifully on short to medium almond-shaped nails, giving a clean, modern, and almost ethereal vibe.
The beauty of the “glazed donut” look is its versatility—it pairs just as well with casual jeans as it does with a formal gown. Hailey often wears this manicure for red carpet events, making it the perfect balance of trendy and timeless. You can also experiment with tinted bases like soft lavender or baby blue for a subtle twist while maintaining the same glazed effect.
15. Jennifer Lopez’s Golden Glam
Jennifer Lopez is known for her love of gold accents, and her golden nails are the ultimate in luxury. This look can range from full metallic gold polish to gold foil accents over a nude or soft pink base. To achieve J.Lo’s level of glam, start with medium to long almond or coffin-shaped nails. Apply a base coat, then a metallic gold polish or use gold foil pieces pressed onto a tacky top coat for texture.
Finish with a glossy top coat to seal the design and enhance shine. Gold nails exude confidence and sophistication, making them perfect for weddings, parties, and holiday celebrations. Jennifer often coordinates her nails with gold jewelry and accessories, creating a cohesive, high-impact look. This manicure can be adapted for everyday wear by using gold tips instead of a full-gold nail for a chic, understated twist.
Bottom Line
Celebrity-inspired nail looks aren’t just about copying famous styles—they’re about channeling confidence, creativity, and personal flair. Whether you’re drawn to Hailey Bieber’s soft elegance, Cardi B’s bold extravagance, or Lady Gaga’s avant-garde artistry, each manicure offers a unique way to express yourself. Many of these designs can be adapted to suit your lifestyle, from practical short nails to high-impact, event-ready extensions. With the right tools and techniques, you can bring a touch of red carpet glamour to your fingertips without leaving your home. Nail trends may come and go, but the joy of experimenting with your style will always remain timeless.
FAQs
1. Can I recreate celebrity nail looks at home without professional tools?
Yes, many designs can be adapted using basic nail tools, polish, and stickers, though some require salon techniques.
2. How long do intricate celebrity-inspired nails last?
With proper care, gel or acrylic designs can last 2–3 weeks, while regular polish lasts about a week.
3. Are long nails necessary for these styles?
Not always—many can be done on short nails, though some dramatic designs benefit from length.
4. Can I mix two celebrity styles into one manicure?
Absolutely! Combining elements creates a unique look that’s still trend-inspired.
5. How do I make these styles more wearable for work?
Opt for shorter lengths, muted colors, or incorporate bold designs only as accent nails.
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