Beauty
12 Ways To Wear The Cloud Nail Art Trend
They’ll make you happy when the skies are dark and gloomy.
by Danielle Sinay
Dark nail colors may be trending thanks to Kourtney Kardashian’s goth glam engagement manicure, but their happy-go-lucky opposite has simultaneously skyrocketed in popularity: cloud nails.
These adorable nail designs adorn your fingertips with puffs to emulate the sky and can be worn in all different ways. Whether it’s to bring lightness to shorter days and darker skies by way of an optimistic mani or simply because clouds are really cute as nail art, the trend is the perfect antithesis to the winter season’s more traditional mysterious, moody manicures.
“I think people like cloud nails because it’s a design that’s not too over the top,” Chyna Stevens, a Los Angeles-based nail artist, tells Bustle. “It’s cute yet subtle, and anyone can pull it off.” Stevens also notes this particular manicure trend comes with an added perk: “Cloud nails remind people of the sky, which is calming, and if you add those twinkle stars it can look like anime,” she says, nodding to the Kira Kira effect that’s often seen on cloud-themed manicures.
Besides looking chic, clouds also happen to be easy to paint yourself (they’re imperfect, after all). Ready to switch things up from your dark manicure habit? Keep scrolling for 12 different ways to rock the cloud nail art trend.
1
Milky Blue
For a classic (and semi-realistic) take on blue skies and scattered clouds, Stevens suggests starting with a sheer blue polish base, after which you can hand-paint clouds — and even some stars if you’re feeling enthusiastic. To create the cloudy sky aesthetic, Steven advises using a dotting tool to draw the shapes, then connecting the dots with a small striping brush afterwards.
2
Ombré Blue
For an equally dreamy yet more unique take on the trend, try ombré blue cloud art. For this style, start with a sheer pink and blend it into blue, then construct the clouds with white polish.
3
Pink French
Wear two trends at once with a French manicure-style cloud design. All you need to achieve this charming look is a baby pink French tip adorned with painted clouds on the ends.
6
Sky-Themed Tips
For another take on a cloud-inspired French manicure, file your nails into an almond shape and paint the tips with a thin blue line. Add some tiny clouds around the edges and voila: simple but cute.
9
Multicolor Ombré
If you’re never able to decide on just one nail color, try this mani design, which is basically the Skittles and cloud art trends rolled into one. Start with sheer pink at the base, which you’ll then blend into a different pastel shade on each nail. Once the ombré aesthetic is created, adorn your tips with clouds and stars.