At the 98th Annual Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrities showed up with nails that were just as attention-grabbing as a perfectly executed red lip or Old Hollywood hairstyle. Some stars went all out with statement manicures to match their black-tie ensembles.
The 2026 Grammys red carpet was a sight to behold. Musicians stepped out in dazzling sequined gowns, naked dresses, custom suits, and cut-out designs, with each 'fit more jaw-dropping than the next. Stars' beauty looks were just as fun - everything from mermaid waves to vampy glam, intricate updos, and 2016-era makeup was on full display, proving the "clean girl" aesthetic has officially been kicked to the dust.
Though it's merely a line, a stripe instantly takes a plain manicure into something more playful and experimental. On TikTok, a search for "striped nails" brings up thousands of colorful results, proving that even a simple design makes a big impact. Whether due to their graphic appeal or ability to make your fingertips pop without feeling overdone, the trend has won the hearts of countless nail art aficionados. Creator @sofia_linaresss showed off a set of horizontal lines and joked that she had a " bad case of the stripes," while @madysenclarke revealed a chic set of line-adorned French tips that sparked a flood of compliments in her comments section.
At first glance, the gown appeared to feature a foldover, off-the-shoulder neckline, similar to those popular in the 2000s. Upon closer inspection, however, the "folded" fabric wasn't an overlay at all; the dress was one continuous slab of fabric with no armholes whatsoever. It's a highly innovative look you'd expect from her sister Kim Kardashian, who loves pieces with similarly continuous construction. (Her pantaboots are a great example.)
When you think of glam, your mind likely automatically goes to masterful makeup looks and gorgeous hairstyles - but a beautiful manicure is just as important to a look. At the 2026 Golden Globes on Jan. 11, the stars proved exactly that. Classics, like a French manicure or a shimmer polish, are timeless for a reason. But other on-trend mani looks, like cat eye, vampy colors, jewel-toned hues, or soap nails, are also go-tos for A-listers.
If you're ever running out of nail ideas, just look to the night sky for inspo - or your FYP. On TikTok, everyone's obsessed with star-themed manicures - a cosmic craze filling your social media feeds with glittering galaxies and sparkly constellations. Whether you go bold with chrome and color or keep it soft and subtle, a few scattered stars are the perfect way to shine this season.
The photo collection also showed off her latest mani, which was decorated with a perfect replica of her fishnet-style tights. Painted over a milky sheer base, the nails were topped with graphic black arches that resembled both mesh and spiderwebs, giving the design a bold, dimensional effect. To create the look, artist Anna Hoang (who's based in Toronto) used a base coat of builder gel - specifically, Magicgel Nail Guard in the shade Cuteness
"I love art, and I enjoy the process. When I'm doing art, I'm painting something on the nail," said Armineh Keshishian, a nail technician who has been working at Blush for five years.
Whether you're actually going to Europe or simply daydreaming about Vespas and sea views, 'Italian summer' nails are currently going viral on TikTok, proving that everyone has the Mediterranean on their mind.
I view being a nail artist as a very intricate and pristine job, and I definitely try to capture beauty in my work. But, over time, I've really learned how to experiment more and to lean into the awkwardness of beauty.
