From elevated petals to shiny decals, there are numerous methods to attain the desired appearance.
Kara Jillian Brown
Kara Jillian Brown is the Beauty Editor of InStyle. She began her career at Well+Good, where she spent five years evolving from Editorial Intern, to News Writer, to Beauty Writer. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English rhetoric from Binghamton University and a master’s degree in health and science journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY. She is also a certified fitness instructor and teaches barre in Brooklyn.
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Out of all the nail trends we’re seeing right now, 3D reigns supreme. It’s a type of moldable gel that pros use to create super elevated (both literally and figuratively) manicures. We’re especially loving 3D flower nail designs.
“I love 3D florals because they add this wow factor to your nails that will have strangers asking for a second look,” says celebrity manicurist Fleury Rose. “Floral nails can be modified through colors, and design to look cute for every season!”
From raised petals to metallic decals, there are lots of ways to achieve 3D floral looks. Scroll through the designs below to inspire your next mani.
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Orchids
Any time black is the base for a nail design, the look is sure to pop. This masterpiece features bright orchids and detailed orchids for a striking design.
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Coconut Girl
Rose created this super fun manicure featuring shades of peach, pink, and lime green.
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Tropical
This tropical design features a yellow base topped with green and pink flowers. At the center of each flower lies a small cluster of pearls for an added touch of glamour.
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Iridescent Sheer
A green-hued chrome makes this clear manicure pop. It features clear, square nails topped with clear flowers, pink 3D orbs, and pink and green stripes.
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Fresh Dew
This floral design is brought up a notch with big drops of dew on the pinky fingers.
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Golden
If 3D gel is out of your repertoire, add texture with floral metal appliqués. Paired with floral stick-on details and other metallic accents, this look is engaging yet easy to replicate.
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Orange Aura
This sunny design features orange auras atop a yellow base. One hand per nail has a little clear 3D flower to add texture and interest.
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Sunsets
Take sunset vibes everywhere you go with this gorgeous design. It features pink, orange, and green jelly polishes toped with 3D elements.
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Clear Tips
For a subtle 3D look, keep your flowers small and concentrated at the tip of your nails for a modern take on a French manicure.
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Toxic Garden
Although floral nail art tends to go the cutesy route, this design proves you can do it with an edgy vibe. This design features striking blends of bold colors to create a radioactive look.
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Multicolor
Go bold with one big flower per nail. A silver shimmer polish serves as a grounding base for this multicolored design.
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Dried Florals
Dried florals are the perfect addition to any 3D manicure. Once topped with gel, you won’t necessarily be able to feel their texture anymore but it still lends visual texture to your look.
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Beach Vibes
Whether you’re heading on a beach vacation or trying to manifest one, this nail look is for you. It combines purple, pink, orange, and yellow for a stunning final product.
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Pearl Center
Get the 3D effect on a 2D design by using raised decals in the center of each flower. This look features tiny pearls in each flower.
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Metallic Center
Add a touch of edge to your 3D flower nail design with metallic accents in the center of each flower.
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Pearlescent
This Hello Kitty design features pretty pearlescent florals for a playfully ethereal result.