From Auras to Bows, Team Byrdie's Favorite 2023 Nail Trends

Social media didn't invent nail art, but it has definitely transformed the game. The countless ideas shared on Instagram and #NailTok have inspired people to expand their horizons far beyond the classic French. But when designs and finishes vanish almost as quickly as they went viral, keeping up can be tough.

Fortunately for you, that's our job. We here at Team Byrdie spend our days wading the social media seas and traversing the red carpet jungle to collect, share, and explain the latest trends for your scrolling pleasure. In doing so, we were bound to emerge with a few favorites of our own.

Curious about which nail trends made it to the top of our lists this year? Read on for Team Byrdie's favorite manicures of 2023.

Fancy French Manis

"Who knew such small canvases could hold so many big ideas? This year, we learned just how many multitudes our fingertips could contain. There were stunning French manicures with crocodile, tortoiseshell, and checkerboard print tips (to name a few). Plenty of neutral bases were topped off in chrome and velvet, too. My personal favorite, however, has to be this coffee-esque, marbled, foil-accented manicure I got for a Byrdie #ManiMonday shoot. I received compliments on the daily when I was wearing it, and I can't be modest: It is a gorgeous one." - Eden Stuart, editor

Short Nails

"While I love the timeless elegance of long, almond-shaped tips, I physically cannot stand the feeling of long nails. When they're not getting tangled in my hair while shampooing or slowing down my typing at work, they're getting all kinds of moisturizer and sunscreen trapped under them. This is all to say that long nails are not exactly my favorite, so I was absolutely delighted when short, natural nails started to make a comeback this year. To my eye, there's nothing more pleasing than a crisp, solid-toned manicure with clear shaping, and that's something you definitely don't need a lot of length to pull off. You can catch my short nails and me vibing (and typing at the speed of light) all through 2024." - Holly Rhue, associate editorial director

Lip Gloss Nails

"When it comes to nails, I am as basic as it gets. I love a barely there, minimalist vibe, and lip gloss [manis] do it for me every time. The ultra-shiny finish matches every outfit and skin tone and just offers a luxe feel no other shade, in my opinion, can give. Whether your aesthetic is old money or clean girl, this mani fits right in." - Jasmine Phillips, social media editor

Bow Manis

"If the Bow Renaissance has one fan, that one fan is me. Versatility is key for me when it comes to nails, as one week, I may have super long, natural nails, while the next, I'm rocking short tips due to breakage. Bows just work for every single length and never fail to make me smile. Paint them super small and dainty, or make them big and bold with a 3D charm. Pair them with French tips and chrome, or play into the mismatched trend with a rainbow of ribbons. Whatever your aesthetic is, there's a bow out there for you." - Abby Dupes, associate editor

Aura Nails

"I'm obsessed with the endless possibilities of the aura nails trend! This year, Y2K trends came back with a vengeance, and it was cool to see the airbrush art that was popular back then translate to nail art. The trend is mostly contingent on a gradient pattern with a darker color on the outside fading to a lighter shade in the middle, but I've seen so many creative iterations of this look that have made me fall in love with it over and over again." - Star Donaldson, associate social media director

Strawberry Milk Manis

"A lot has been said about the rise of food-inspired nail trends, and I am staunchly in the pro-tasty manicure camp. Maybe it's my checkered past as a nail-biter, maybe it's my natural inclination toward fun wordplay, but haters be damned: If you slap a yummy name on something pretty, I'm going to try it. This year, my favorite of them all was the strawberry milk mani. Sure, it's just another name for a juicy pink color with a bit of transparency, but why not live a little and embrace the camp of it all? The mani itself is pretty, classic, and deliciously simple. I always feel my best when I embrace my inner strawberry girl." - Madeline Hirsch, news director

Box of Chocolates Nails

"Gradient manicures have been having a major moment this year, and I love this take on the trend. We dubbed this look 'Box of Chocolates,' as it features varying tones of brown arranged from light to dark. As someone leaning into neutral manicures these days, this was definitely my favorite nail look of the year. I also have to mention this is the manicure that garnered the most compliments and intrigue this year, so that's saying something." - Olivia Hancock, editor

Chrome Stars Manis

"I love anything with a little extra sparkle and shine, and with the chrome nail trend and all its offshoots taking the beauty world by storm, it's been a good year for it. The variety that involves metallic stars and sparkles has been my absolute favorite from the moment I saw it earlier this year, and when I finally tried the mani out this fall, I was just as obsessed. The mesmerizing sparkles and tiny gems garnered countless compliments throughout the weeks I rocked the look, and I couldn't stop staring at my own nails. And, as a bonus, the design happens to match my wrist tattoo." - Ali Webb, associate editor

Up Next: Holiday 2023’s Biggest Nail Trends Include Layered Glitters and Vampy Red

Read the original article on Byrdie.