Marble Nails Are Making Manicures Fun Again - Here's 12 Designs To Bookmark
No one knows marble nails quite like my fellow 2000s babies. In our childhood, regular nail appointments weren’t commonplace for teens, and so we – amateurs though we were – mastered all kinds of nail art from the comfort of our bedrooms. We fashioned polka dots out of cotton buds, French tips and gradient nails with make-up sponges and, lest we forget, marble nails with nothing more than a cocktail stick (and a dream).
But now, put our teenybopper attempts next to the dab-handed demonstrations flooding my social feeds, and you’ll see how the marble nail has evolved. What was once endearingly botched is now sleek and sophisticated, with contrasting or complementary colours swirling together in a glassy, aquatic fashion.
Ahead, Mylee senior ambassador Tinu Bello and Andreia Professional nail product director Sara Pinto explain what makes the marble nail trend so mesmerising, point out the chicest colourways to try now and tell us ‘the expert way’ to create them at home. Then, scroll ELLE UK’s edit of copy-worthy marble nail inspiration and screenshot your favourite to show your nail tech.
What Are Marble Nails?
‘Marble nails are a type of nail art that mimics the natural, elegant veining of a marble stone,’ as Pinto puts it. Bello continues: 'They strike a great balance between chic minimalism and subtle luxury. They are modern, create a natural aesthetic, and are actually super versatile.'
The effect can be as striking or as subtle as you like, based on your chosen colourway. Bold, opposing colours will feel more playful and experimental, while low-contrast pairings will take on a soft, dream-like quality.
Which Colours Work Best For Marble Nails?
There are no rules when it comes to marble nail art. Make it personal with your two (or three, or four) favourite colours and marry them in a joy-making medley, or get inspired by the season with cosy, fire-side hues of brown and red, or sunshine-beckoning pinks and greens.
'The world is your oyster – you make the rules. A timeless classic is a white base with grey swirls, or white on metallics. Pink and nude bases are great with rose gold and white accents, statement black bases look striking with gold and silver, and you can even play with pastels like lilac and baby blue, or hot pink and bold purple,' Bello explains.
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How To Create Marble Nails
The OG method, you ask? Simply drop blobs of your favourite polishes onto your nail and swirl them together with a cocktail stick. But, I can’t, in good conscience, suggest you try this at home. So, take it from the experts instead...
This method can be used with traditional polish, but for a more precise and long-lasting look, look into at-home gel kits or visit your professional nail expert for the ultimate gel experience.
Prep your nails by pushing back your cuticles, shaping and lightly buffing them, and cleansing them with a prep wipe.
Apply a thin layer of base coat and cure under a UV/LED lamp, followed by two coats of a light base colour (curing each layer). White is a good universal choice, but anything goes.
On a resin nail palette, gently swirl together drops of your chosen marble colours without overmixing. You should be able to see each colour, not a blend of them.
Use a nail art brush to pick up the swirled gel or polish and apply it to your nails in flowing patterns.
Soften any harsh lines by gently blending with an acetone-dipped brush, then cure.
Finish with a topcoat, cure again, and cleanse for a glossy finish. Et voila!
If this method proves tricky, try a water-marbling technique wherein 'drops of polish are swirled in water before being transferred onto the nail,' adds Pinto.
Marble Nail Designs To Screenshot For Your Next Appointment
Blue marble nails
Already thinking ahead to your holiday manicure? This aquatic set captures the serene vibe of cobbled streets, floral bikinis, and poolside cocktails.
Brown marble nails
For a marble take on the tortoiseshell nail trend, blend warm brown tones and encircle the nail with a smoky black haze for a cosy autumnal look.
Colourful marble nails
If a full marbled mani is too much for you, try adding marble accents to the tips or corners of your nails.
Pink marble nails
If you love a romantic, playful mani, these raspberry-pink nails will be an instant addition to your moodboard. Amp up your look with delicate foil hearts for the perfect Valentine's Day set.
Galaxy marble nails
A starry night meets dark dust clouds in this imaginative set of galaxy-inspired nails.
Dark blue marble nails
Amateur hour is up. The level of detail in a @heygreatnails set is insane.
Chrome marble nails
For those not over the chrome nail trend, this blazing amber set is a surefire eye-catcher.
Marble accent nails
A soft pink base creates the perfect marble canvas, leaving you free to run wild with your colour palette.
Light pink marble nails
Marble nails don’t have to be bold and bright. This subtle pink manicure will still turn heads, especially when the pearl accents catch the light.
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