For many people, nails are a part of one’s identity. Without a set of nicely manicured nails, a person might feel incomplete. Nails are a way for people to feel put together and show off their personality in an everyday way. A simple French manicure might show how someone likes the clean girl aesthetic and enjoys being put together. Nails with 3-D flowers and gold beads might show how someone likes to stay with the trends and try new things. The nail art possibilities out there are endless, and there really is something for everyone.
People are constantly searching for inspiration for their next nail appointment — in fact, “nails” and similar terms revolving around nail art are consistently some of the most searched topics on Pinterest, according to Pinterest Trends. Inspiration often comes from sets found online, but it can also be found around oneself.
This is where food comes in. Who says that nails need to be simple and basic? By taking nail inspiration from food, there can be endless options as to how to do your nails in a fun and unique way. Here’s a list of food nails for your next manicure — or just look in your pantry for more ideas.
Citrus Nails
Citrus nails, as shown by @valourbeautystudio on TikTok, became quite popular last summer, and it makes sense why. This pretty intricate design mimics the intersection cut of an orange, lemon, lime, or grapefruit depending on the color you choose. A sort of mandala pattern with 3-D gel overlaid to create a juicy dimension: these nails remind you of warmer weather and delicious fruits.
Strawberry Nails
In theme with the fruit nails, these strawberries are absolutely adorable. This set by @juliettesprettysets on TikTok is juicy looking and feels as though someone painted resin over an actual strawberry. With 3-D elements galore, this design would probably be best as an accent nail, considering how intricate it is.
Picnic Nails
Perfect for spring break, picnic nails like these by @endi.nails are a cute way to get a variety of designs that match an overarching theme. With many food options to include on your nails like fruits, fish, tomatoes, and more — the only things you need to keep consistent are main picnic blanket colors and lots of gingham.
Sardine Nails
These sardine nails by @innerbloom.nails on TikTok take inspiration from Fishwife branded canned fish tins, which have a cute and whimsical cartoon stylization. With bright colors, simple patterns, and a couple of fish, you will have enviable nails in no time.
Cake Nails
Cake nails are a much newer trend, and look almost exactly like piped frosting on a layer cake, as shown by @laucapon. Because the frosting bits are very intricate, most nail techs will use premade molds, but it is also possible to recreate this design with 3-D gel. The end result is so gorgeous, and most definitely sweet.
Glazed Donut Nails
Hailey Bieber’s glazed donut nails are a lot less on the nose than the other designs in this list, but they are equally as cute. For those who like to keep things simple, glazed donut nails, like these ones by @michellekhxn, are for you. A sheer nude base with chrome, these nails look natural but have that extra layer of sparkle.
Breakfast Nails
Similar to picnic nails, breakfast nails are a great way to get more variety in your set. Be like @adoreaxo on TikTok and try a waffle design, with 3-D gel under your base color to create dimension. Or get a sunny side up egg. Or a pancake. These nails are so cute and so fun!
Neapolitan Nails
If you’re in the mood for some dessert, Neapolitan nails are for you. Taking inspiration from the iconic chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla combination of Neapolitan ice cream — these nails use a brown, pink, and cream color wave to create all sorts of designs. French tips, bows, and little ice cream cones all create an aesthetic that is very coquette and ice cream-esque, just like @douxfairy.