10 Fun Blue Nail Ideas to DIY at Home or Bring to Your Next Nail Appointment
The easy way to jump on the blue beauty bandwagon
According to the 2024 Pinterest Predicts report, everything in beauty is coming up blue as searches for everything from “blue eyeshadow aesthetic” to “light blue prom makeup” are way up. However, while you may have loved how the ’60s staple color helped your eyes pop back in high school, it may not be the most flattering for your complexion now. The good news? Since searches for “fun blue nails” are up 260% on Pinterest — and there’s no age limit when it comes to the shades that look good on your digits — there are tons of stunning shades and design options, from dainty baby blues to cobalt and even some sparkly shades. If you’re looking for some inspiration or want a step-by-step guide to achieving the most fun blue nails ever, continue below to learn all about the trend and how to get them yourself from home!
Why do fun blue nails work well for women over 50?
We tapped Jenny Linh, a luxury nail artist and a go-to gal for nail advice. “Blue nails are the ‘it’ shade right now,” she says. “The winter months tend to bring neutral or dull shades, but I’m a firm believer in color at any season! Blue can be lively with a sparkling electric shade or moody with a deep indigo.”
And if Jennifer Lopez can wear fun blue nails, we can too! The star has been seen on multiple occasions rocking the shade, proving that women over 50 can pull off any shade at any moment! “J.Lo recently revealed her cobalt blue nails, complete with a glittering finish,” says Linh. “I was pleasantly surprised, given that her usual look tends to lean into a classic neutral, but it seems the winter blues are touching everyone this season. Color psychology reveals that blue evokes emotions such as calmness, nostalgia and peace, and I believe we’re seeing a spike in blue nails because people are embracing these feelings!”
Plus, blue is a fun color but is also able to “complement a mature woman’s style,” according to Linh. Whether you’re looking to embrace your age or want to add a fun pop of color to your manicure, you truly can’t go wrong with any shade of blue. Linh adds, “Blue also represents freedom, imagination and open spaces — aspects that may not be as frequently celebrated for a mature woman, but should be fully embraced.”
And if you’re in the market for some new nail polishes, Linh has a few favorites she always keeps in her arsenal.
Blue My Mind by OPI (Buy from OPI, $11.99)
“She may be classic, but she packs a punch,” shares Linh. “I love a royal blue and OPI’s take applies just the right amount of sparkle to a tried-and-true shade.”
Blueberry Milk BP by Olive and June (Buy from Olive & June, $9)
“This creamy blue was a hot hit in the summer, and — thanks to its flattering-for-every-skin-tone shade — I anticipate it will carry us through the cooler months,” Linh tells us.
Whipped Blueberry by LondonTown (Buy from LondonTown, $16)
“Delivering just the right amount of winter shine, Whipped Blueberry is complete with LondonTown’s signature formula, meaning it’s only made with clean ingredients that strengthen your nails,” says Linh.
Step Out of Line by Essie (Buy from Essie, $10)
“For those who want to take a walk on the dark side, Step Out of Line’s indigo blue is the perfect moody shade with a flawless finish,” shares Linh.
10 fun blue nail looks to re-create yourself
Ready to give a pop of blue a try? Bring these to your next salon appointment or recreate them at home with these easy steps!
1. Cobalt blue nails
“This shade closely resembles OPI’s Blue My Mind,” says Linh. “It’s the right amount of sizzle to a classic pop of color!”
Get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat, like OPI’s Natural Nail Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $12).
- Paint each nail with two coats of a cobalt blue nail polish, like OPI’s Blue My Mind (Buy from OPI, $12).
- Finish with a top coat, like OPI’s Top Coat (Buy from OPI, $12).
2. Bedazzled blue nails
Linh created this beautiful bedazzled blue nail look, and it’s actually easier to achieve than you might think!
Get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat, like Aprés Base Coat X (Buy from Aprés, $12.99) and cure it under a UV lamp.
- On one side of each nail, paint on a blue gel nail polish, like Aprés Seas the Day (Buy from Aprés, $11.99) and cure it under a lamp.
- Top the same side that has the blue with some glitter, like Gaoy’s Glitter Gel Top Coat (Buy from Amazon, $6.99) and cure it under a lamp.
- On the other side of each nail, paint on a French tip in a lilac color, like Madam Glam’s Light Lilac (Buy from Madam Glam, $21.95) and cure it under a lamp.
- Finish with a top gel coat, like Aprés Top GelCoat X (Buy from Aprés, $12.99) and cure it under a lamp.
3. Ombre blue press-on nails
Press-on nails are a super easy way to get some fun blue nails, and this set from Chillhouse (Buy from Chillhouse, $16) is all too simple to use.
Get the look:
- Buff each nail and wipe off with an alcohol wipe.
- Choose a press-on for each nail, ensuring they’re all the perfect fit.
- Put on a light layer of the included glue to the back of the press-on nail.
- Put on a generous layer of the included glue onto your actual nails and wait three seconds to place on the press-on (make sure you do this one nail at a time!).
- Carefully place on each press-on nail and hold it firmly in place for 30 seconds.
- If any shaping is required, use a nail file to get them looking just perfect!
4. Periwinkle blue nails
Periwinkle is such a fun shade that deserves a spot in your nail polish collection! Linh says this look “sings femininity,” and we agree!
Get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat, like OPI Natural Nail Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $11.99).
- Paint each nail with two coats of a periwinkle blue nail polish, like China Glaze Boho Blues Nail Lacquer (Buy from Sally Beauty, $7.99).
- Finish with a top coat, like OPI Top Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $11.99).
5. Chrome blue nails
It doesn’t get better than chrome, and the best part is you don’t even need a lamp for this look by Linh!
Get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat, like OPI Natural Nail Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $11.99).
- Paint each nail with two coats of a light blue nail polish, like Olive and June Blueberry Milk (Buy from Olive and June, $9).
- Top off each nail with a pearly chrome nail polish, like China Glaze’s Rainbow Nail Lacquer (Buy from Sally Beauty, $7.99).
- Finish with a top coat, like OPI’s Top Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $11.99).
6. Dark blue nails
“Dark blue is so underrated,” shares Linh — and we wholeheartedly agree. We couldn’t be more obsessed with this dark blue nail look by @jessicawhitenailartist on TikTok
Get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat, like OPI Natural Nail Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $11.99).
- Paint each nail with two coats of a dark blue nail polish, like OPI CIA = Color Is Awesome (Buy from OPI, $11.99).
- Finish with a top coat, like OPI Top Coat (Buy from OPI, $11.99).
7. Pretty blue nails
For the easiest mani of your life, go for some pretty, shiny blue nails!
Get the look:
- Paint each nail with one coat of a blue nail polish, like Le Mini Macaron’s Blue Raspberry (Buy From Le Mini Macaron, $13), which acts as a base coat, color and top coat.
- Cure it under a lamp for 30 seconds!
- Repeat steps 1 and 2 for a more vibrant shade.
8. Blue flower nails
Flower power will never go out of style! Recreate this chic look by Linh.
Get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat, like Aprés Base Coat X (Buy from Aprés, $12.99) and cure it under a lamp.
- Apply one coat of a fun blue gel polish, like Aprés’ Posei-Donna (Buy from Aprés, $14.99) and cure it under a lamp; repeat.
- Paint on as many flowers as you would like, using whatever blue gel colors you have on hand, curing it under a lamp.
- Finish with a top gel coat, like Aprés Top GelCoat X (Buy from Aprés, $12.99) and cure it under a lamp.
9. Dusty blue nails
Call it what you want — dusty blue, baby blue — it’s perfect! Linh says it’s “so dreamy,” and all it takes to get this look by @heluviee on TikTok is a few coats of polish!
Get the look:
- Prep nails with one coat of a clear base coat, like OPI Natural Nail Base Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $11.99).
- Paint each nail with two coats of a dusty blue nail polish, like CND Chance Taker Shellac (Buy from Beyond Polish, $15.30).
- Finish with a top coat, like OPI Top Coat (Buy from Sally Beauty, $11.99).
10. Monochromatic blue press-on nails
For another press-on option, you can’t go wrong with this set from Dashing Diva (Buy from Dashing Diva, $7).
Get the look:
- Push back your cuticles and use the included prep pad.
- Choose a press-on for each nail, ensuring they’re all the perfect fit.
- Remove the protective pad on each press-on and press onto your nails, holding for 30 seconds.
- If any shaping is required, use a nail file to get them looking just perfect!
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