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Cool, curated and individual nail designs are another way to up the ante on your beauty game. Not only can freshly painted nails make you feel instantly more pulled together, but once done, they can provide days and weeks of wear without the need for a touch-up. That's why finding a design you properly love is worth the effort.

Nail art has definitely undergone a luxe makeover in the last few years – with simple, chic, minimalist nail designs taking off amongst those wanting something a little more interesting than plain polish. But talented nail artists are flexing their talents to the maximum too, with manicures that look more like works of art. Techniques and technology have enabled us to seriously raise our game.

“Nail technology has evolved so much over the years – I've seen huge changes in products throughout my career," celebrity nail artist Michelle Humphrey told GLAMOUR. “The possibilities for nail pros to create insane sculptured nails has become much easier, with products that work like jelly or putty to sculpt and build, so the possibilities are now endless. It's not for the minimalist, but it is nail art truly at its finest and most modern,” adds Michelle, who counts Dua Lipa and Adele as clients).

As for what's hot, look to the biggest nail trends of the year. Red has become the front runner shade, taking over from milky pinks to offer a bolder look that still feels classic. It's not new, but it's had an update with chrome and jelly finishes or modern almond shapes. Aurora nails will give the glazed donut a run for its money, taking the trend up another notch with a 3D finish that's still beautiful. And balletcore nails will be big – supported by 2023 and 2024's favourite detail: the bow. If it sounds too cutesy, check out the elegant balletcore Frenchie below.

For the maximalists, 3D designs will be everywhere, whether that's with dinky stick-on gemstones and crystals or with fully-fledged works of art. We've seen plastic gummy bears, spirals and love hearts glued to manis to make a serious statement. And Y2K nail piercings have been given a modern makeover, so expect to start seeing a lot more of them.

Here are some of our favourite nail designs to try…

Balletcore Frenchie

It's cute, pretty and elegant all in one hit and blends multiple top trends: glazed donut, chrome and balletcore.

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