Listen, I'll be the first to tell you that Valentine's Day is kind of bullsh*t. IMO, February 14 is just a damn day, and whether you celebrate it or not shouldn't (and doesn't!) actually matter or say anything about you as a human. Thaaaaaat said, I basically love any excuse to get a cute manicure—hence my appreciation for Valentine's Day nails. So even if I don't personally participate in any of the common holiday ~festivities~, I still went ahead and rounded up the 20 prettiest, non-cheesy ways to deck out your nails this year, including subtle pink polishes, minimalist decals, and more.
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These Pink-and-White Valentine's Day Nails
The best thing about this Valentine's Day manicure is that it isn't overtly Valentine's Day-themed, thanks to the subdued colors. Prepare to copy this look year-round.
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These Red Tips for Valentine's Day
PSA: Modern French manicures are back in full force this year, as seen in this cool manicure that's perfect for Valentine's Day. Go for a deep, rich red to really bring the look home.
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This Ombré Manicure for Valentine's Day
Like, yes, this manicure is probably too complex to DIY for Valentine's Day, but there's no reason you shouldn't bring this pic to your salon for inspo. Pro tip: A glossy top coat looks insanely pretty over ombré nail polish.
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These Purple Valentine's Day Nails
Valentine's Day isn't just about pink, y'all. This purple manicure is a cool and understated way to celebrate.
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This Pink-and-Red Valentine's Day Mani
TBH, as soon as I'm done recreating these nails for Valentine's Day, I'm throwing this combo of pink and red on my summer mood board. (I mean, how good would this mani look with a glass of rosé in hand?)
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These Heart Nails for Valentine's Day
Trust me: Heart decals for Valentine's Day can look kindergarten very quickly. There's nothing to worry about with this manicure, though, since the hearts are cute and dainty (rather than big and cheesy).
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These Abstract Nails for Valentine's Day
Want to take a more abstract approach with your nails for Valentine's Day? No prob, 'cause this look has got you covered (and can we just with that subtle streak of blue nail polish?)
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This Reverse French Manicure for Valentine's Day
Level up your French manicure by asking your nail technician to reverse it. Some carefully placed glitter doesn't hurt, either.
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These Bejeweled Valentine's Day Nails
If you like to take a more minimalist approach to Valentine's Day nails, you'll love this bejeweled option. All you'll need is clear nail polish and a few decals.
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This Gradient Manicure for Valentine's Day
I'd be lying if I said I hadn't already worn a version of this gradient manicure this year (it's just that good, IMO.) That soft-pink polish looks too damn pretty with taupes and grays.
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This Classic French Manicure for Valentine's Day
You can never go wrong with a classic manicure for Valentine's Day. Keep things simple with clean, white tips and a neutral top coat.
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These Pink Tips for Valentine's Day
There's nothing prettier than a creamy, beige nail polish with a teensy swipe of hot pink. Feel free to make your tips as bold or subtle as you like—there's lots of room for customization with this one.
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These Rose-Gold Valentine's Day Nails
Like, sure, there's nothing groundbreaking about pink nail polish for Valentine's Day, but a glittery, rose-gold topcoat definitely takes things to the next level.
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These Marble Valentine's Day Nails
Not a nail artist? Recreate this genius marble manicure for Valentine's Day with the help of a few press-on nails.
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These Subtle Valentine's Day Nails
Try swapping heart decals for tiny red squares—the result is still super on-theme for Valentine's Day, but a little less in your face.
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This Mixed-Medium Mani for Valentine's Day
The subtle combination of matte and glitzy polishes makes this Valentine's Day manicure ridiculously cool (and, like, super wearable).
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These Valentine's Day Nails with Tiny Hearts
Last heart-decal option, I swear. Can you blame me?! These baby-tiny hearts are really effing sweet.
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This Glitter Manicure for Valentine's Day
Instead of completely covering your nails with glitter, opt for this smart and subtle option (which, for the record, might require some professional assistance—or a very steady hand).
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These White Valentine's Day Nails
This Valentine's Day, level up your classic white manicure with some negative space along your cuticles.
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This Nude Mani for Valentine's Day
Don't feel like dressing up your nails just for the sake of Valentine's Day? Opt for something clean, simple, and wearable—like an easy nude manicure.
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This article originally appeared on Cosmopolitan.com. Minor edits have been made by the Cosmo.ph editors.