Let your favourite dessert decide your next manicure
Be unapologetically you with these cool manicure ideas
By Georgia Lam -
There comes a point in life when we realise we have an absolute go-to order at dessert kiosks. Whether it is an ice cold beverage or having the stomach to wolf down a sweet treat after the last course, we are all biased with a front-runner. If you are feeling uninspired for the next trip to your nail technician, I have just the saccharine tip for you — what better way to unleash creativity through the canvas of your nails than a representation of a small detail that makes up your constellation?
Let your sweet tooth decide what your nails will adorn next and allow your personality to shine through. If self-expression is in your blood, trust you will love this one. Here are some cool manicure ideas to get you started.
Matcha lovers, anyone? The perfect swirl of green tea and milk, this matcha latte inspired nails make a perfect blend of sweet and classy. With a jelly nude topped off with pearl finishing, it gives off a subtle sheen in the right angles. If you are someone who loves simplicity, the delicate flower in neutral tones does not take all the attention away, yet still manages to pop amidst the greens. Coupled with a flawlessly irregular chequered pattern, this design is a must-try for all green and matcha lovers.
Perhaps you are more of a strawberry shortcake kind of girlie. Fret not, for extra pink blush nails could just be your next favourite obsession. We have seen many variations of blush nails with the majority of them in pastel pink on nude bases, but why go light when you can go all out? The gradation of fuchsia hues for these Barbie core nails is reminiscent of the fruit, which makes it 10 times better by instantly satiating your sweet cravings. Detailed with a little sparkle on each nail, it is the daintiest way to complete the look.
Latte makeup, but make it nailart. If you dig the latest makeup trend where it focuses much on browns and nudes to create a look as recently splattered all over social media, this design will be up your alley. With swirls of milk chocolate accessorised by intricate gold frames and metallic blobs, feel the mood-enhancing effect of cocoa right away with this mocha inspired design which can elevate your nail game altogether.
Blueberry milk nails? We don’t know her. Feel the frost with these icy blue lacquer, guaranteed to make anyone do a double-take. It is creamy, cold and dripping with style, wherein lies the magic of being all matte and frosty on first glance, but in reality, finishes off with a glossy top coat upon a closer look. With subtle ombre layers and gentle gradation of glacial blue, these are perfect amid a wintry landscape, or even more so if your favourite sweet treat is a satisfying bite of a nostalgic ice pop.
Fancy a cuppa joe? If you are a sucker for Americanos, perhaps you are one who prefers something that is strong and can pack a punch, just like your favourite beverage. This set of nails should be on your radar then, with its detailed terrazzo frames set against a monochromatic Y2K theme. Each nail bears a unique design ranging from gothic french tips to the addition of pearls which keep things fresh and exciting, just like the smooth well-rounded flavour that envelopes your tongue with each sip of your bold coffee in hand.
Fan of both coffee and tea or you simply can't decide? Why not enjoy the best of both worlds and opt for a Yuan Yang? Like a mix of beverages, this wacky nail art is sure to captivate all indecisive hearts. With bold pops of colours and a different design on each nail, it gives the creative freedom you crave without having to commit to a single colour or pattern. Take a cue from local nail technician @okkonails to spice up your fingertips with a little bit of everything!
I’m starting to think bubble tea is the answer to all our woes. Feeling stressed out? Boba. Tired? Boba. A celebration to behold? Boba. Need a new nail design for your next appointment? BOBA! This milky white is on the cusp of a nude beige, which definitely mimics the smooth, addicting tea base. On the other hand (or finger, if you will), the black and white checkerboard motif gives the otherwise simple look, more depth.
Ade is the suffix of a fruit flavoured drink that is typically homemade or easily available at coffee joints. They are usually carbonated and mixed with fruit juices as well as soda.
Whenever I think of one, it reminds me of a cool, refreshing glass of beverage that is a thirst quencher especially in a killing heat, and everything about this set of nails fit this description to a T. It screams summer, fun, and playful, with beachy sunsets going down against pastel blue backdrops of clear skies; in fact, you can even hear the bubbles fizzing through your screen! The 3-dimensional dew drops also add detail and texture as the perfect cherry on top!
If you have ever watched the condensation on the outside of your cold beer can in awe, this is a sign for you to get them on your nails. Beer cans are typically dressed in an icy, cool blue or striking orange against their aluminium bodies, which is why this look by local nail technician nailsbynanako has greatly reminded me of the foamy, aromatic brew. Now, you can even feel bubbly no matter the occasion or time of day!
Maybe coconut shakes are more of your identity instead; we have just the inspiration for you. You like a single burst of flavours on your tongue with an ice blended thirst quencher on the hottest of days, as well as a simple, fuss-free kind of dessert. This set of oyster shell pearlescent nails is made for you then - think subtle shimmer amidst snow-capped mountains, similar to the dollop of coconut ice cream or frost. Uncomplicated but sophisticated, these look very much like your next favourite nails!
Let me guess, if you are one who goes for tea or caffè macchiatos, layers are important to you. The crucial element lies at the top of the beverage, where the foam allows for the true flavour of tea or espresso to seep through. Much like a cup of your comfort drink, this elevated French nail has details at the tips too. Instead of the usual white, go for a fun pop of colour to switch things up.
Ah, the perfect shade of yellow exists in the form of a gel polish. If a simple manicure is what you seek, this single, solid shade of butter blonde is a must-try. Not too neon and not too pastel, it is a tinge of yellow that sits just right on the spectrum for an easy-to-wear everyday look. Like sipping an ice cold lemonade from the stand, this is a no-surprise, go-to order for a zesty, tangy shakeup.
The adventurous, exploring the unexplored, and daring; perhaps these are words that best describe you. If so, may this set satisfy your hunger for growth and curiosity. Owned by celebrity nail artist Park Eun Kyung, you just know nail_unistella is always churning out bold, Y2K and often daring designs not meant for the faint-hearted. They are edgy, stylish, and dripping with pizzazz. In this set of inspiration, she has stunned us with her liquid mercury-like globules that take the form of water, seemingly gliding across the acrylics at the command of her artist brush. Sometimes you discover a hidden gem while trying out secret menu items, and this right here, is a treasure.