My Favourite & Not So Favourite Nail Styles

I’m a sucker for having my nails done. I just love it. For me, having my nails done makes me feel immediately more put together. I actually don’t particularly enjoy the whole experience of it as I know that some do. As I am not the most patient person it the world, it really tests me. Which, is probably a good thing?

Anyway, once I walk out of that nail salon with my new nails I feel like a new woman! It's a bit dramatic sounding really but there is something about these little self-care moments and treating yourself that feels so good.

So, for some lighthearted content, I thought I would breakdown some of my favourite (and not so favourite) nail styles that I’ve gone for over the years…

(For anyone wondering I get my nails done at the Nail Creations in Fulham unless otherwise specified in the below photos)

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First up:

This is my go to and for a long time it’s all I would get. It took me a long time to step out of my comfort zone when it came to nails. Both in colour and in length. I don’t know the colour of every nail colour I’ve gotten but this one is called ‘Cake Pop’ and it’s a lovely mixture of a pale pink and lilac kind of colour. It looks great with a tan!

2.

These ones I really liked. They look quite silver here but they’re actually the ‘Hailey Bieber Nails’ - it’s OPI’s funny bunny with chrome powder. The difference here compared with when I’ve done this style before is that the chrome powder was applied with the nail technicians finger instead of the brush. This creates more of a matte look whilst still having them beautifully shimmer when they catch the light.

3.

Now, I had a very love hate relationship with this colour. I had gone in knowing I wanted to have a lime green nail. I must have seen a picture on Pinterest that I wanted to copy. (Pinterest is a great place to look for nail inspo if you are lacking). When the nail technician started painting them I don’t think I thought much of it. It wasn’t until I had stepped outside into the sun and suddenly hated them. Yep. hated them. I had a strong immediate reaction to them but slowly warmed up to them. This colour is the one I’ve had the most compliment on so that helped. Definitely my boldest move yet!

4.

Here is a style that I would get again. I really enjoyed these I found them very cute, girly and summery. I love the yellow tips as it’s a bit more subtle and cool than having the whole nail being yellow. Also, less of a commitment to the colour. And I think the smiley faces on only one finger is just perfect. Nail art can certainly become overpowering and look a bit crowded but I think this was the perfect mixture of simplicity and fun.

5.

Sticking with the theme of nail art, this is another one I loved having. Similarly to the previous style, these have the simplicity of this lovely royal blue on the tips and the daintiness of the flower on my pinky finger. These ones were done at Chi Nails in Covent Garden and I really appreciated the time and effort that the nail technician took to get this nail art just right. If you’re new to nail art and looking for a trustworthy place, these are your people!

6.

I previously mentioned the TikTok viral ‘Hailey Bieber nails’. This is them done the usual way using the brush to buff the chrome powder onto the nail. It creates a beautiful shimmery off white colour and I love this one! Such a go-to which goes with everything.

7.

I wasn’t too keen on this style. I think for a few reasons. One being that the shape for me looked too big for my nail bed and therefore they gave off the image that the whole nail was fake and glued on instead of what they were which was extensions. Secondly, this colour for me was too matte and I didn't hate it I just don’t think it did anything for me. I wouldn’t get it again personally.

8.

I did like the simplicity and elegance of this colour. It’s a pale white colour and it didn’t look tacky which is what I was worried about. I think this would look great with a tan!