Trust me when I say natural nail designs aren’t just for maximalists. Yes, statement-making chrome manis and vibrant marble nails may be all over your feed, but more natural-looking nail designs are equally cool for 2023. The beauty of minimalist nail art and manicures with subtle, neutral polishes is that they won’t clash with whatever you’re wearing, and you won’t tire of them as quickly as you would with a bolder design. Plus, most natural nail designs are shockingly easy to DIY, so you can experiment with different mani ideas without spending a ton of $$ or making a trip to the salon.
Are you sold yet? Great, because I did hours of IG scrolling to bring you this roundup of the 30 best natural nail designs and ideas of 2023. From modern French manicures to pearl-studded accent nails, there’s something for everyone on this list.
30 best natural nail designs and ideas of 2023
1. Natural Nail Design: Euphoria-Inspired Nails
Euphoria-inspired makeup can be intimidating for minimalists, so I recommend getting in on the trend with a wavy mani like this one here. It’s subtle but still cool, and all you need is a clear base coat, opaque white polish, and a few tiny gemstones to DIY.
2. This Neutral Crystal Mani
There’s something so stylish about nude nails, and these lookups the ante with a gem on each tip. This requires no experience because you only have to paint your nails with your favorite neutral polish and pop a sticky gem on top.
3. Natural Nail Idea: Simple Smiley
Nail stickers are all the rage these days because they’re inspired by professional nail art but don’t require a steady hand. These still give off the same vibe as a carefully drawn smiley, without the time or expertise it takes to draw one.
4. This Moody French Manicure Design
This is for anyone in their Wednesday era. The barely-there black tips on these clear nails can be achieved by dipping nails into black polish rather than painting the polish on.
5. Natural Nail Design: Dominos
If your go-to mani is in a pale pink polish shade, the easiest way to experiment with nail art is by using a nail dotting tool to add subtle black and white dots at the base of each nail. Of course, you can use any color polish for the dots, but I love the black-and-white vibe.
6. Natural Nail Design: The Peekaboo Mani
These nails are almost all white, except for one tiny strip where the natural nail peeks through for a negative space moment. The crisp white color keeps things fresh, while the unpainted band helps to keep grown-out nails looking intentional. I have this one saved in my summer nail art folder.
7. This Natural-Looking Pearl French Manicure
If you love the fashion and beauty moments from Emily in Paris, these nails are for you. The quintessential French mani gets a charming but subtle upgrade through pearl accents.
8. Futuristic Nails for Mani Minimalists
Futuristic and shimmery but still suitable for minimalists, the sharp, graphic diagonal lines make this metallic silver polish look cool and modern. It’s a stunning winter nail art option, IMO.
9. This Natural Nail Design for Fall
This is the ultimate fall nail look for minimalists. The brown accent nail on the ring finger and tiny dots at the cuticle channel autumn vibes.
10. Stars Nail Design
Finally, a celestial-inspired mani that feels understated enough for everyday wear. I love the crisp and clean contrast between the white and rose gold stars on the cloudy pink base.
11. This Half-and-Half Nail Design
If you want to get in on TikTok’s red-nail trend without fully committing, this is the look for you. Get ready for the compliments to start rolling in—don’t say I didn’t warn you.
12. This Natural-Looking Triangle Nail Design
These nude nails are far from essential, thanks to the black graphic triangles in the corners. This one may take more skill than other designs on this list, but it’s still well within the bounds of minimalistic nail art.
13. These Tiny Hearts for Natural-Nail Lovers
These red hearts on the white background almost look like they were drawn on with Sharpie as an afterthought, but I don’t hate it. I love how casual and relaxed the floating hearts are and that they’re placed in a different spot on each nail. A perfect nail idea for Valentine’s Day if you ask me.
14. Natural Nails Inspired by Lattes
Do you know the beautiful swirl when you add creamer to your morning espresso? That’s what this reminds me of. Just look at those delicious creamy white, caramel and chocolate layers. Yum.
15. Natural-Looking Concrete Nails
Maybe an unlikely place to take inspo from, but there’s no denying that these “concrete wall-inspired” nails are pretty cool. My favorite part is the imperfect gold line that runs the length of the nail–it elevates the textured design.
16. Nail Idea: Gradient Blue Hearts
The gradient nail trend is flirty and fun, but these hearts do the trick instead of painting the entire nail with a different shade of blue polish. If blue isn’t your hue, do not worry, this look can be done with any mix of colors.
17. Natural Nail Design for 2023: Gilded Tips
Why do only one line for a French mani when you can do two? Oh, and in gold instead of white? Yes, please! Any metallic shade will stun, but this yellow-gold polish pops.
18. This Natural-Looking Sweetheart Nail Look
Turning the traditional half-moon tips into a heart shape on only two nails makes this take on a French mani feel more modern. It’s perfect for V-day or whenever you’re feeling love.
19. This Matte Natural Nail Design for 2023
Shiny nails get all the love, but can we take a minute for this monochromatic matte number? I can’t imagine anything chicer with a cozy, bundled-up look. Something about these matte nails says “pairs well with cashmere sweaters” to me.
20. Natural Nail Idea: The Safari Mani
Full-on zebra print can be overwhelming for 3+ weeks your mani lasts, but with little touches here and there, we promise you won’t get sick of this design anytime soon. You can tone this look down by applying only the zebra print to one nail instead of multiple as an accent nail.
21. Natural Nail Design: Fire Flame Nails
Get ready for some Ed Hardy vibes with these fabulous fire flame nails! With early aughts fashion making a comeback, this tasteful design combines the French mani with fire emoji flair in a white and sheer base polish.
22. Wavy Nail Art for Natural Nails
This groovy wavy nail art is simply mesmerizing! Avoiding neon polish keeps the design modern and polished. It’s like a chic piece of art from artist Hannah Polskin but on your nails!
23. Natural-Looking Abstract Nail Art
Can’t decide between two shades for a full mani? This abstract nail art is perfect for you! Get a hint of brown and cream on each nail while keeping the majority bare. Commitment-phobes, rejoice!
24. Natural Nail Idea for 2023: Cuticle Art
Whether you get your nails done at a salon or DIY, elevate your look with gems along your cuticles. This design not only looks gorgeous but also extends the life of your mani by hiding growth!
25. Natural Ombré Nail Design
Who says ombré is only for hair? This stunning natural nail design features a soft neutral base that fades into a crisp white at the tips. Ombré lovers, this one’s for you!
26. Two-Tone French Mani for 2023
Minimalist manicure enthusiasts, get ready for this dreamy design! Black and white polish combined with a simple French mani delivers Chanel vibes that’ll leave you obsessed.
27. Natural Mani Inspo: Blue Crush Nails
Embrace your inner surfer girl with this teal and blue combo. Reminiscent of Kate Bosworth’s character in Blue Crush, these nails scream ocean air and Cali waves.
28. Natural Nail Design: Minimalist Leopard Print
For those who believe the leopard is neutral, this minimalist leopard print mani is perfect! Featuring just two or three spots on each nail with a versatile pink base, the unique effect of nail toppers makes it easy to achieve. Meow!
29. Natural Tone-on-Tone Manicure
Could brown be the new black? This brown-on-brown nail combo is simply irresistible. Try this look with The Editorial Nail’s Kaffé Latté reusable press-ons or freehand it with brown polish.
30. Tortoiseshell Tips for 2023
Usually found on hair clips and sunglasses, tortoiseshell is now gracing nails with this elegant French design. It’s a subtle yet fun way to switch up your mani when you crave something new.
2023 is shaping up to be an incredible year for natural nail designs. With such a wide variety of styles and inspirations, there’s truly something for everyone. From the beautiful Euphoria-inspired nails to the chic minimalist leopard print, our comprehensive list of 30 natural nail designs proves you can achieve stunning looks while keeping your nails healthy and natural.
Trends like ombré, abstract art, and cuticle gems offer fresh and exciting ways to enhance your nails’ appearance without compromising their integrity. Meanwhile, the resurgence of early aughts fashion and the ever-popular French manicure bring nostalgic vibes and timeless elegance to your fingertips.
Moreover, embracing your creativity with tone-on-tone manicures, tortoiseshell tips, and two-tone French manis can help you stand out and express your unique style. And if you’re looking for a subtle nod to your favorite beach vibes or a bold fire flame design, you will find a natural nail design that speaks to you.
As we move into 2023, it’s essential to remember that taking care of your nails is just as important as finding the perfect design. By opting for natural nail designs, you’re making a fashion statement and promoting your nails’ health and well-being.
So, don’t hesitate to dive into the world of natural nail designs and try out some of these stunning styles. Remember, experimenting with new designs and techniques might lead you to discover your new favorite manicure. Whether you’re a seasoned nail art enthusiast or just starting to explore natural nail designs, there’s never been a better time to embrace your creativity and unleash your inner nail artist.
We hope our list has inspired you and piqued your interest in the world of natural nail designs. Follow our blog for more tips, tricks, and trends to keep your nails looking fabulous all year. And if you loved this post, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Let’s create a community of natural nail design lovers together!
