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#ManicureMonday: The Best Nail Art of the Week

Stunning nail art ideas — from easy DIY to crazy design ideas — one week at a time
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Mani of the Week: A Moody Blue Fall Nail Design
Created by: @formulaxnail

There's nothing quite like nail art that's as effortless as it is chic. After all, most of us are not blessed with the dexterity of a professional manicurist. So when a striking, minimalist nail design, like this look from Formula X, pops up in our Instagram feed, we take note.

The neat swipes of polish create a put-together look, while the moody color scheme captures the melancholy-tinged transition from summer to fall. To copy this nail art, use Formula X Nail Polish #ColorCurators: Atlantic Pacific Edition in Atlantic Mist, Pacific Haze, and Taken by Storm. The post-summer blues never looked so good.

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Mani of the Week: Chevron Nails
Created by: @so_nailicious

Remember when we thought nail art was a passing trend? Each season, some beauty publication (ours, included) would proclaim that the fad was (finally!) over. Fast-forward a few years, and it's become clear that nail art is less a flash in the pan and more a question of choice -- like lipstick versus lip gloss. Some designs are way out there, while others are more minimalist. This bold chevron nail art, created by so_nailicious, falls somewhere in between.

To recreate the on-trend-for-fall maroon and rose gold design, try Say It With Polish Nail Polish in Birthday Suit, Late Night in the Office, and Wine and Shine (pictured here with a cheeky personalized message to all the haters out there).

Pro tip: Use nail art tape (we like Kiss Design Perfection Tip Guides) to get clean straight lines.

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Mani of the Week: Blue Nails
Created by: @chroma_nails

What typically completes your look? A statement necklace? A flashy handbag? Maybe slinky stilettos? While our closet has plenty to offer, we believe a killer manicure can also majorly upgrade an ensemble -- and these blue nails are the perfect fall-fashion accessory.

Chroma_nails created her Sunday morning manicure using Essie Nail Polish in Butler Please and Sand Tropez, and swiped on Essie Call It Even Top Coat to avoid chips.

The neutral polish combined with striking royal blue creates a nice, subtle contrast, and the clean moon-shaped design gives the impression you've got your sh*t together. If cobalt blue isn't your jam, switch out the shade for a color more prevalent in your closet. *Frantically searches for black nail polish.*

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Mani of the Week: Vampy Red Nails
Created by: @cassmariebeauty

You know those overly eager friends who go straight from Halloween to Christmas decor, and seem to forget the month in between? Sometimes nail art (and Starbucks cups) works the same way. While we're not usually one to jump the gun for Yuletide cheer, we'll make an exception for these subtly themed holiday nails. In our defense, the silver and deep red nails allude to the holidays without being overbearing about it. And they definitely work as an everyday fall and winter nail look, too.

Cassmariebeauty created these burgundy nails using Zoya Nail Polish in Trixie as a pretty substitute) -- just in case you want to play copy cat. If rocking these merlot digits instead of pumpkin orange in November is wrong, we don't want to be right.

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Mani of the Week: Dusty Rose Manicure
Created by: @redlipstickmonster

If there's one thing we learned from countless hours of watching "Project Runway," it's that every successful fashionista knows the meaning of balance. Whether it's dressing up a basic outfit with an eye-catching accessory, keeping bold prints in the same color family, or in this case, maintaining balance between cool and warm. Now, we may not be talking threads, but the rules still apply for this flower nail design. After all, nails make for some of the best outfit accessories.

Redlipstickmonster created this gorgeous 3D nail art, using a moody mauve and dusty rose polish that make the floral design completely wearable for winter. The rose-accented nail adds a touch of femininity, while the purple-grey polish keeps the overall look modern and cool. It's a nail design even the sassy Tim Gunn would approve of. Want to try the look at home? Pick up OPI Nail Polish, in Hello Hawaii Ya? and My Very First Knockwurst.

Nail art is one of those photogenic beauty trends that we could look at all day long. Somehow, scrolling through photos of nail art designs whipped up by nail art icons like Deborah Lippmann, Jin Soon and Paintbox is simply addictive — whether we plan to execute the nail design ideas or not.

That's why we're bringing you our #ManicureMonday series — where we show you the simple nail art, endless nail design ideas and other ridiculously pretty nails that we're finding and loving.

Keep clicking to get your weekly nail art inspiration fix.
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