These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (2024)

With Valentine's Day right around the corner, regardless of your aesthetic, these understated and oh-so-chic red French tip nails allow you to acknowledge the romantic holiday, subtly - and with minimal effort involved...

Typically, when one thinks of a Valentine's Day-themed manicure, hues of blushy pink and cutesy red heart designs likely come to mind. And while that's all well and good for those who love statement styles and a bit of PDA, for those of us who don't - but still want to mark the occasion - selecting a February 14th-ready mani can feel like an impossible task.

Until now that is, as we've found the perfect set of chic French tip nails that are not only topping the 2024 nail trends but also fit the romantic bill. So, if you're looking for a way to dress up your neutral BIAB nails, or just want an excuse to sport a colour from the traditional Valentine's palette, this is one nail look to consider...

Why red French tip nails are our go-to Valentine's Day pick

Valentine's Day nails can often verge on tacky but if you're looking for a minimalistic option, allow us to turn your attention to the red French mani.

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This design is perfect for three reasons; firstly the colour, in general, is very on-trend right now (and not just because Valentine's is looming), the look is also easy to recreate at home and lastly, it can be adapted to suit any nail shape, length and style preference...

Our red French tip staples

Before we dive into all the ways you can wear this chic design, allow us to first share our staples for a polished French mani.

These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (1)

Saviland French Tip Nail Stamp

RRP: £7.99

A nail stamper like this one makes creating a French tip the work of moments. To use, simply apply your chosen base coat to your nail and then once it's dry, add a dot of your red shade to the centre of the stamper and press the edge of your nail into it.

These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (2)

Manucurist Green Nail Polish in shade "Poppy Red"

RRP: £14

Whether you're looking for a chic, monochromatic nail look or a French tip, a signature red is a true staple in your nail kit. This one, from Manucurist is vegan and offers a gorgeous high-shine finish.

These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (3)

OPI Nail Polish Start to Finish 3in1 Treatment

RRP: £16.90

No nail look is complete without a strengthening base and a glossy top coat and this one from OPI, provides both in one bottle.

6 red French tips to wear this Valentine's Day

1. Micro red French tips

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If you're a minimalist nail lover, short French tip nail designs are proving to be very popular, particularly red micro tips, as they offer a modern but understated twist on the classic design.

This mani is perfect for both everyday and for a deliberate nod to Valentine's Day and is easy to recreate with the help of a French nail stamper or thin nail art brush. We'd recommend this subtle line for "Squoval" nail shapes, though it will of course suit any, from almond to square.

These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (4)Recreate the look

Essie Original Nail Polish in Shade "Forever Yummy"

RRP: £8.99

2. Red tips and half moons

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If you're looking to elevate your red French tip further, why not add a half-moon line? This design is stylish and again, perfect for both every day and a more intentional, Valentine's Day setting.

To recreate, all you need to do is line your natural half-moon (the crescent shape at the base of your nail) and mirror this with your nail tip. We also recommend adding a high-shine top coat for a really polished finish.

These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (5)Recreate the look

Olakin Nail Art Brushes

RRP: £3.99

3. Burgundy tips

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If you're still clinging to your winter nail colour palette, a burgundy French tip is more than welcome for Valentine's Day. Not only does this hue look so expensive, but offers a more subtle look than that of a bright, scarlet red.

This rich shade works for all nail shapes and lengths, though we adore how it looks on the squared nails above, especially when it's paired with a pink-nude base colour.

These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (6)Recreate the look

Essie Original Nail Polish in Shade "Bordeaux"

RRP: £8.99

4. Subtle glitter tips

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With the festive season now behind us, Valentine's Day is as good an excuse as any to sport a subtle shimmer on your fingertips. Adding just a hint of sparkle, or opting for an abstract line, is a great way to put your own flare on a classic French tip - or differentiate it from your staple, everyday manicure.

To recreate, we'd suggest opting for a red glitter polish but if you're looking for higher impact, you can use a shimmery top coat - which will also help to protect your red polish underneath from chipping.

These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (7)Recreate the look

OPI Classic Nail Polish in Shade "Kiss My Aries"

RRP: £17.50

5. Signature red French tips

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While short and minimal French tips are in, there's always room in our rotation for the classic, crescent-moon-shaped mani. Typically applied to square or almond nails, this design features a bigger nail tip than others on this list, to better showcase that pop of statement red.

These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (8)Recreate the look

Barry M Cosmetics Gelly Hi Shine Gel Nail Paint in Shade "Hot Chilli"

RRP: £3.99

6. Red velvet French tips

For an elevated manicure that is perfect for date nights and beyond, these red "Velvet" French tips are a must.

To recreate, you can either opt for a red glitter nail polish, which will grant you a similar glittery finish or - if you do your gel nails at home - invest in what's known as "cat-eye" gels, which react to a magnetic tool to achieve that molten, crushed velvet effect. You can also find normal polishes with magnetic particles that work in the same way.

These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (9)Recreate the look

Beetles Gel Polish Cat Eye Gel Nail Polish in Shade "A-Cat Eye Star Cascade"

RRP: £8.99

These modern red French tip nails guarantee sophistication, not cheese, this Valentine's Day (2024)

FAQs

What color should I paint my nails for Valentine's Day? ›

While red, baby pink, and white remain staple shades in these DIY creations, there are many reasons why you should incorporate nail colors like black, silver, gold, green, and more into your V-Day nail palette.

Are French tip nails out of style? ›

However, there's one nail look that will always be popular and that's the humble French tip. Already named as one of the nail styles set to dominate this spring, the timeless French manicure transcends trend cycles and remains one of the most-requested looks in salons year-on-year.

What do French tip nails say about you? ›

French Manicure

Those with french manicures tend to prefer classic fashions more than trendy ones and have more reserved personalities than those with bolder nails (such as stiletto nails).

Why are French tip nails so popular? ›

In fact, everyone seems to be rocking this '90s classic — and for good reason. "The thing that makes the French manicure such a classic and timeless design is the clean and crisp look of the line," says celebrity manicurist and educator Mimi D. "Something about that French line makes nails look so perfect."

Which nail color looks elegant? ›

Beige or nude nails look elegant and classic, offering them a flexible option for any setting. These hues also give the fingers a more elongated, refined appearance.

What color nails for february 2024? ›

February Nails Mid Length 2024

Choose from a range of cool-toned shades like icy blue or frosty silver, and add some snowflake designs or sparkly accents to capture the captivating beauty of this season.

Are French tips out of style in 2024? ›

There was a hot minute there where French Tips were deemed very uncool, but that moment was but a flash in the pan. The French Tip revival we've seen over the last few years has a stronghold on the nail community, and it's going nowhere in 2024. “French tips are always classic manicure style,” Romah says.

Is French tip classy? ›

The French manicure is a classic for a reason. It's a simple neutral that can go with anything and offers a clean look for all occasions, formal or not.

What is a milky French manicure? ›

"It should have some pink undertones with lots of shine and gloss," she says. Nguyen also adds that another way to achieve the milky French manicure is to use a pink base color and then a translucent, milky white shade to layer over it.

What color toes for French tip nails? ›

"If a person opts for a French manicure on her fingertips, she should try other shades like red, pink, orange or dark colours on her toes.

Do French tips look bad on short nails? ›

The french manicure gradient works well on shorter nails as there isn't a sharp white edge that shows where the nail bed ends and the nail tip begins. It gives the illusion that the nail tips are longer as the white tip gradient fades.

What is the best shape for French tip nails? ›

Ami suggests a rounded or square-oval shape for short nails and an almond shape for longer nails. Ami says to try and choose a base shade suitable for your skin tone, but if in doubt, simply opt for a clear polish.

What is a Russian manicure? ›

The Russian nail method is a dry process of filing, cutting, and removing the cuticle with electric drill bits entirely for a clean look and feel. The Russian manicure can prevent the dry cracking of cuticles or hangnails, thus extending the longevity of the manicure.

What is the best color for French tips? ›

A sheer pink polish or a builder gel will achieve the most natural French manicured nails. Your skin tone should be the main focus when choosing a base shade; for example, rose-based shades are great for fair/light skin, whilst a deeper nude colour is better for dark skin.

Why do girls get French tip nails? ›

While the French manicure might seem like a modern invention, its roots date back to the 18th century when Parisian women would paint their nails with a sheer pink or nude colour and add a white tip. It regained popularity in the 20th century and has since become a staple in nail salons worldwide.

What is the best color for Valentine's Day? ›

Red is the symbol of love, romance, and desire, making it the ideal color for a day with that special someone. Furthermore, in Indian and Chinese cultures, red is connected with luck and marriage, and it's also the preferred bridal attire for weddings.

What color should I paint my nails in February? ›

“A rich and luxurious dark red that can be worn either as a solid or incorporated into a negative space design” is a great option for your February manicure, Haye says. “Dark red shades give a divine touch of drama to your nails.”

What nail color means love? ›

Red and Warm Colors are some of the most popular shades of nail polish that people use for their manicures. The nail polish color meanings that people associate with red and pink include energy, empathy, passion, care, and love.

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